Caregivers
In last month’s column we addressed the importance that seniors place on being able to maintain a home living environment for as long as possible. However, such a strong determination is not without its challenges and potential pitfalls. As we observed, merely desiring to remain independent is no guarantee that a senior can maintain a [...]
Generally, elderly parents want to remain living in their own home. However, remaining in the home becomes a concern when children see their parents slowing down, perhaps even having trouble with handling stairs and doing general daily activities.
In the previous two columns dealing with this subject, I specifically addressed some of the practical actions and preparations a senior and their family can take to lessen the inevitable challenges “before” and “during” the death of a parent. In today’s column I want to focus on how to handle the actual death experience, and [...]
Continue reading about What Happens When Mom and Dad Are Gone? Part 3
While our experience of spending time with a dying loved one was brief, there are many today that have that process prolonged … even for weeks and months. Fortunately, our society has established one of the most caring, loving, and compassionate vehicles for those in the final stages of life … hospice care (which includes palliative care), and there isn’t any finer organization than our own Hospice of Kitsap County. For almost 30 years, they have been providing the families of our community with the highest quality and compassionate care and dignity to those at the end of life’s journey, regardless of their ability to pay. Because of them, families can face these “end-of-life” challenges with confidence and the knowledge that their loved one is being provided outstanding care.
Continue reading about What Happens When Mom and Dad Are Gone? Part 2
Everyone has mood swings and it is something caregivers have to deal with. We often run the gamut of emotions several times a day. Various triggers in our lives can evoke feelings of anger, sadness, and frustration – among others. Having a support system is important so that we may talk through our feelings. In [...]
Continue reading about Caregivers Taking Cues From A Client’s Moods
