Check On Your Parents This Holiday Season

The holidays are often the only time of year when the extended family gets together, and those occasions offer you and your siblings an opportunity to check on your parents well-being and discuss your observations together. Do they seem more forgetful or confused? Are they frailer than the last time you saw them? Have they lost too much weight? If you’ve noticed significant changes in their behavior and appearance, it’s time to discuss these concerns with your siblings and then, with all of you together, with your parents as well.

With the exception of sudden and unforeseen medical events, such as a fall or stroke, the need for assistance in aging parents rarely happens over night. However, most families wait until a medical crisis forces major decisions before acting. I’ve observed firsthand that those families who have been prepared end up with better quality care and much less stress — for your parents as well as you, the caregiver.

What does being prepared mean? Here are links to several articles I’ve written on what you can do to get ready and be prepared. It begins with a conversation with your parents. And there’s no time like the present for that first step. 

• The Time To Talk Is Now
• A Step-By-Step Guide On Giving Power Of Attorney For Healthcare
• The First Step In Getting Help For Your Parent
• Does Your Parent's Doctor Still Make The Grade?
• How To Start Helping Aging Relatives: Ten Questions You Should Know The Answers To 
• What I Wish I Knew: The Importance Of Having A Trusted Resource

• Ask Nancy: The Importance Of Keeping Estate Documents Up-To-Date
• Ask Nancy: How Do You Know If Your Parents Need Help?
• Ask Nancy: Being Prepared Will Put Your Mind At Ease
• Ask Nancy: You Can't Be Too Prepared
• Ask Nancy: Advice On Choosing A Health Care Surrogate
• Ask Nancy: How To Activate A Long Term Care Policy

This is a repost and update from the 2020 Holiday Season. 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS. Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy 2023.