Dating and Caregiving: An Impossible Mix?
Back when you were in high school, you likely found that bringing your new love home to meet your parents was a nerve-wracking experience. Mom and Dad were bound to embarrass you in some way, but you got through the awkwardness because you had to.
Now fast forward a couple of decades. Who knew that you’d be facing that same scenario all over again? This time, however, you and your parents are both much older, and yet the complications have somehow multiplied when it comes to introducing Mom and Dad to new people – specially a new love interest.
Perhaps your parents have dementia and have lost their filter and all concepts of social graces. Maybe they are argumentative and controlling and demand 100 percent of your time and attention. Many seniors struggle to accept change, so the thought of you, their primary caregiver, pursuing other interests and relationships may be a deeply troubling possibility. In an attempt to maintain the status quo, they might remind you of your past failed relationships and advise that you should leave well enough alone at your age. The list of challenges that caregivers face when trying to reenter the dating scene goes on and on…
On top of your parents’ protests, your time is so limited that you can hardly squeeze your own doctor’s appointments into your schedule or enjoy a nice bath without interruption. How does one date under these circumstances? And if you are successful in meeting someone special, how do you find the time and energy to nurture a new relationship while caring for your parents and avoiding their wrath? A few simple tips can help you mentally prepare for this undertaking.
Introducing Your Date to Your Aging Parents
I rarely compare elder care to child care because I find that comparison demeaning to older adults, but I can’t help but liken handling these types of introductions to the way a single mother…
Continue reading on Agingcare for more about dating and caregiving or if it’s even possible:
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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:
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
