Maybe you’ve noticed that mom or dad is “starting to slip.” Or maybe they’ve had a health scare: a fall that didn’t break a hip, or flu that didn’t become pneumonia. Take a moment to breathe a sigh of relief. Then get ready to start planning for the future.
Spend a little extra time this season to show your appreciation with a thoughtful gift to thank your caregiver for all they’ve done for you or your parents or your child.
Realizing that your parent has become incapable of caring for herself or making reasonable decisions about her property is a heart-wrenching discovery. And if you postponed getting legal documents in place -- a power of attorney and living will -- your only option may be guardianship.
Although we shouldn't need a holiday to remind us, this time of year is one of giving and of thanks. At LeanOnWe, we are grateful for so many things -- a truly dedicated staff, committed and caring caregivers, wonderful customers, good friends and family, and so much more.
My dad died three years ago today and this anniversary has me re-thinking a lot about what he might have wanted me to embrace. His love of learning? His "never give up" attitude? His endless spirit for life?
Doctors are trained to help people extend life as long as possible, but the question some people are now raising is, “What kind of life are they prolonging?” More questions need to be asked about whether this is really what all people want. And we need a greater emphasis on palliative care to mitigate pain and other symptoms.