Caregivers Can’t Fix Aging, but We Can Listen and Validate Distress
Dear Carol: My mom’s blessed with relatively good health for someone in her early 80s. She has enough money to live nicely, if not in luxury. She has attentive adult children and nice grandchildren. So, what’s my question? She’s constantly complaining. I’ll add that she’s always been negative, so this isn’t completely new, it’s just worse than it used to be. I try to adjust what I can to see if that helps, but if I fix one thing, she’ll find something else to complain about. I know aging isn’t fun, but really, this is wearing. How do I help her become happier or at least capable of enjoying a few things about her last years? – AY
Dear AY: Like so many caregivers, your heart is in the right place, but you’re trying to do the impossible. We can’t fix aging, and we can’t make others happy. If your mom’s always been negative, she’s unlikely to change now. Don’t discount that she could have legitimate complaints. With that in mind…
Geriatrician Opens Support Group to New Members Year-Around: This is a unique caregiver opportunity that includes bi-monthly live phone sessions with a geriatrician where you can discuss your caregiving concerns, bi-monthly live sessions with a geriatric care manager, and an ongoing support forum within a wonderful community facilitated by Carol Bradley Bursack of Minding Our Elders. Check out Dr. Leslie Kernisan’s free training webinar How to Help Resistant Aging Parents and consider joining this amazingly supportive group! Better Health While Aging presents Helping Our Older Parents:
Discover the Difference. EGOSAN: The premium incontinence brand caregivers love – Now Available on Amazon. Trial packs
Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories. “For anyone having to walk the last segments of life with a loved one, read this.” …Delores
