aging parents Archives - Page 8 of 21 - Aging, caregiving and the journey through the second half of life

Finding the whole person disguised as a patient

March 8, 2018

Over the last twenty years, a new approach to healthcare called integrative medicine has focused attention on understanding and treating the “whole person.” This means that psychological and spiritual factors as well as physical bodies needed to be included in…

The Peace of Wild Things

February 27, 2018

I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought or grief. I come into the presence of still water. And I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting with their light. For a…

When Someone Deeply Listens To You

February 21, 2018

We are all so busy with the perpetual motion of our obligations and mega to-do lists that the thought of slowing down and deeply listening to someone, anyone, is down right painful. “I don’t have time for this” we…

Getting Back On Track

February 18, 2018

It’s easy to get off track with aging parents. Complicated decisions, intense conversations and setbacks on issues that you thought were taken care of are just a few of the “uncouplers” that come with caregiving. The good news is that…

Breathing Underwater

February 14, 2018

We adult children look at aging and say no thanks, not for me, best to keep a safe distance. But aging is patient, biding its time, confident of its purpose. From seemingly nowhere, our safe distance collapses and a new…

Aging In Place Inventory

February 11, 2018

This five-factor inventory is designed to help families and advisors better understand the sustainability issues of older adults who are aging in place. Each factor of the inventory is assessed as either green, orange or red based on an estimation…

When the Bottom Falls Out

February 7, 2018

Long term care planning is another “hot spot” for aging parents. Attempts by family members to pressure, warn, or scare an older adults into planning decisions usually fail. That’s why we created the When The Bottom Falls Out Mind Map.…

Moving Control Options Beyond A Zero Sum Context

February 1, 2018

In their struggle to preserve control, aging parents may see their choices as primarily all or nothing decisions, a zero sum battle of wills with only winners and losers. Unfortunately, this narrow perspective misses what appears to be a more…

Find The Path…

January 28, 2018

There are three critical aspects to building a partnership with aging parents:Conversation, Collaboration and Accommodation. 1. You have to find a voice that “resonates” with their need to be acknowledged as well as preserve some semblance of dignity amid the…

Sometimes winning is no solution…

January 24, 2018

It’s a long game filled with constant temptations to prove you are right. The real art of caring for aging parents may be having the insight and discipline to know what to ignore. Looking back, these will be the moments…