March 16, 2001, Newsletter Issue #9: Special Moments to Cherish -- More Springtime Enjoyment

Tip of the Week

Your kids are grown, living independently away from home, or at college. You deserve a break for the accomplishments of raising your children to be responsible adults. Now is the time for you and your loved one to enjoy some quality time together…

Without warning, a dark cloud creeps over you. Suddenly you discover your elderly relatives, parents, or someone important in your life, needs assistance. What do you do? This situation happens to many baby boomers. It happened to me. The term for this scenario is “role reversal.”

Role reversal is a situation that occurs when we unexpectedly reverse our roles – becoming the parents to our parent. If you arrive in this lifestyle situation:

*Evaluate the situation – are you the only relative able, or willing, to assist?
*Speak with the elderly person, to determine the needs.
*For example:
*Do you find yourself reminding the person to eat, dress, or bathe?
*Does the person repeat the same questions asked only moments ago?
*Does the person act withdrawn?
*Is the person able to remain independent?
*Is the person distracted, or appear to be confused?

If you recognize any of these scenarios, get someone to help you, or be courageous and make the decision to get medical or professional assistance for your elderly loved one. If you choose to serve as the caregiver, it can be rewarding at times, nevertheless, caring for someone elderly will have a powerful effect on you, for the rest of your lifetime.


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