You and Your Aging Parents – Part 2

Apr 30, 2013 | 8:47 AM

Contributed by Stephanie Staples at Your Life Unlimited


Following the recent post about enriching the relationships with your aging parents, I decided this important topic needed to go deeper and so it was the topic of our April 26, 2013 radio show.  (http://www.cjob.com/Shows/Episodes.aspx?PID=2553)

We broke the show into three parts; the healthy senior, the senior who needs more help and the end of life stage.

For part one, I invited Derrick Frederick who did something really special for his Dad.  After creating a list of 100 things Derrick wanted to do in his life and prioritizing them, he realized taking his Dad on a big excursion was at the top of the list. He saved and planned and took his Dad on a once in a lifetime guided adventure. Imagine Derricks thrill when his Dad said, “You were my son, but now you’re my son and my best friend.”

Part two was a discussion with Comforts of Home Care Inc. CEO Katherine Peters. This private company prides itself on matching specially trained and caring personnel to the client who can benefit from extra care when the family is unavailable. They offer free online courses for caregivers who may be feeling overwhelmed and in need of some support themselves.

Of special interest, if you are in Winnipeg, is the Self & Family Managed Care Program that Katherine told us about, where you can have the hours you (or your loved one) is allocated for home care directed to your caregiver of choice. More information is available here.

The final portion of the show I spoke with Eleanore Verplaetse, educator for Hospice and Palliative Care of Manitoba. Eleanore spoke of the many resources that are available to help with end of life issues for both the caregiver and the patient. All services from this not-for-profit group are complimentary.

The essence of what we want you to know is that you are not in this alone, there are plenty of ideas, help and resources available to you.  You don’t have to sign a huge contract, just pick up the phone, ask some questions and try something that you think might be a fit. If it is great, if it’s not – no problem, you can start looking elsewhere.

The rich and important relationships you nurture with your aging loved ones will help you (and them) feel fulfilled and happy.

You can listen to our entire April 26, 2013 CJOB radio interview here as  a podcast: http://www.cjob.com/Shows/Episodes.aspx?PID=2553

Here’s to building strong relationships and as always, I welcome your ideas and feedback.

Steph 

Stephanie Staples is the author of When Enlightening Strikes – Creating a Mindset for Uncommon Success and an internationally acclaimed motivational speaker. She empowers audiences & clients across North America to bring their ‘A’ game to work and to life. Stephanie has a special interest in working with and empowering nurses and healthcare providers. She happily calls Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada home.  You can get loads of complimentary resources to help with issues such as work/life balance, wellness, stress management and happiness in general, as well as find out more information about her coaching and speaking services at http://www.YourLifeUnlimited.ca.

The post You and Your Aging Parents – Part 2 first appeared on Your Life Unlimited.

Contributed by Stephanie Staples at Your Life Unlimited