How to Approach an Aging Friend About Driving Red Flags
Dear Carol: I’m friends with a group of mature women who eat out together at least once a week. We’ve always taken turns driving, but lately, one of my friends has been getting lost on her way to pick up the other two women. No one has moved in years. I’ve suggested that she let others pick her up, but she says that she gets “a little rattled these days,” but is fine with driving and wants to contribute. I’m afraid to push too hard, or I’ll possibly lose her friendship and ruin the group. I’m not sure what more I can do. She has no close family to intervene, just a distant nephew who is her Power of Attorney. I love her dearly and want to help. Where do I start? – HM
Dear HM: You’re a kind friend to be concerned about this woman’s welfare as well as her feelings. Of course, you don’t want to lose her friendship, but it does sound as if someone needs to convince her to see a doctor. I’d first approach her when it’s just the two of you to save embarrassment. You could say that you notice that as you’ve aged, nearly anything from poor sleep…
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Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories: “An inspiring read for caregivers! Minding Our Elders is a series of stories about caregiving. But it is much more than that. It’s a book that helps us view aging and community through the lens of someone well versed in eldercare. Author Carol Bradley Bursack has been a caregiver for a neighbor and six elderly members of her family. These experiences made her the perfect person to interview and share the stories of friends and acquaintances. Through crisp writing and a sharp focus, we enter the lives of those struggling to care for loved ones with dementia and other age-related illnesses. As I read Minding Our Elders, I felt myself filling up with both appreciation and admiration for those who adopt the caregiving role. In addition, I was struck with the inherent value Carol sees in our elders. This is a well-written book that will stir your heart!” …Ann C
