CARE FOR AGING PARENTS Talking Points • 10 Survival Tips: Assess, Organize, Plan, Care for Self, Get Help, Communicate, Respect, Dump the Guilt, Prepare for the End, Be Spontaneous • Have the Critical Conversations even when you are reluctant but rested. • Careful to not dismiss your parent’s concerns by offering quick solutions. • Be open about realities of health concerns, finances, housing options, etc. • Be gentle, but don’t lie or hide information to protect your parent. • End conversations before either party becomes tires or overwhelmed. • Leave the conversation open – initial conversation breaks the ice. • What Not To Do: Make Decisions for Him, Arrive Armed with Paperwork, Treat Parent Like a Child, Talk During Holidays or Family Celebrations • Talk About: Needs, Goals, Daily Activities, Housing, Legal Issues, Medical Care • Avoid Making Promises • Critical Documents include but not limited to: Update & Validate Will, Durable Power of Attorney, Advance Directives • Pray Boldly for God’s presence and provision in regards to your parents. Scriptures Exodus 20:12 Deuteronomy 7:1-9 Isaiah 6:8
Proverbs 1:8-9 Ephesians 6:1-4
Deuteronomy 5:16 Proverbs 4:3-4
Prayer Dear Heavenly Father, help me today, to always touch with love and respect those who are in my care. And, please touch me. When I am weary or down, when I am feeling alone or inadequate to the tasks I have ahead of me, let me know that you will feel compassion for me and stretch out your hand and touch me. Be with my aging parents. Provide resources to care in ways beyond my own strength. Remind me to love beyond the daily tasks and simply be present to care. Nurture all of our souls in this journey. Amen. Suggested Reading • How to Care for Aging Parents, A One Stop Resource, Virginia Morris • On Death & Dying, Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, M.D. Online Resources • www.eldercare.gov 800-677-1116 • www.ltcombudsman.org 202-332-2275 • www.aarp.org 888-687-2277 • www.caregiver.org 800-445-8106 800-963-5337 • www.floridashine.org • https://www.benefitscheckup.org • www.medicaid.gov • www.medicare.gov 800-633-4227 • www.alz.org 800-272-3900 • www.caringinfo.org 800-658-8898 • www.thiscaringhome.org • www.homeinstead.com • www.griswoldhomecare.com 343-2228
Local Counselors Glenda Beach, L.M.F.T., P.A. 300 Scarlet Blvd. Oldsmar, FL 34677 727.787.0646 Contact Sherrie Leatherwood for an updated list of resources for caregivers.
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Bay Hope Church - 17030 - Lakeshore Road - Lutz, Fl 33558 www.bayhope.com
