Navigating the Challenges of Caring for Elderly Loved Ones

Caring for our elderly loved ones, especially our parents, is a topic that has garnered increasing attention in recent years. Many individuals in their forties and fifties find themselves in the middle of what’s commonly known as the “sandwich generation” phase. This term refers to people who are simultaneously taking care of their aging parents and raising their own children.

During this time in your life you’re often at the peak of your career, occupied with work and responsibilities. Leadership positions and demanding jobs can take up a significant portion of your time and energy. Balancing work, relationships, and your own children can be overwhelming enough, and suddenly, your parents need your care and attention as well.

In this episode of Living Fully Conversations John Christianson speaks with Lisa Mayfield, founder of Aging Wisdom, a provider of senior care services & management in the greater Seattle & Bellevue areas about the challenges this generation is facing and various aspects of caring for elderly family members. During the conversation John & Lisa explore:

1. Resistance to Help and Support: One common issue is dealing with relatives who are resistant to receiving assistance. This can create additional stress for those trying to care for their aging parents. Communicating and finding ways to provide support can be a delicate balance.

2. The Burden of Care Amidst Work and Family: Managing care responsibilities while juggling a career, children, and other obligations can be challenging. John and Lisa explore the options available to help you navigate this complex terrain.

3. Planning for Our Own Aging: It’s essential to consider our own aging and how we can prepare for it without burdening our own children. John and Lisa discuss the importance of legal documents, estate planning, and financial preparation.

4. The Role of Care Managers: Professional care managers can be invaluable resources for families in these situations. They can help you understand and navigate your family member’s most immediate needs, create a plan for increasing their quality of life, and help you manage the care process effectively. Their expertise can save you time and energy, ensuring the best care for your elderly family members.

5. The Cost of Care: Caregiving comes with a financial burden, as the costs of care continue to rise. John and Lisa address the financial considerations and advise on creating realistic care plans that align with your parents’ needs and your financial resources.

6. Preserving Relationships: Caregiving often consumes conversations, making it challenging to enjoy quality time with your elderly loved ones. Professional care managers can handle administrative tasks, allowing you to focus on building and maintaining meaningful relationships.

John and Lisa continue the discussion by highlighting the two essential steps to prepare for the journey of caring for aging loved ones: reviewing legal documents and consulting a financial advisor.

Be sure to visit agingwisdom.com for resources and insights on care management and aginglifecare.org to search for professional care managers.

About Lisa Mayfield

Lisa Mayfield founded Aging Wisdom® in 2003. She is trained and licensed as a mental health counselor, geriatric mental health specialist, and is a certified Aging Life Care Professional™. Lisa brings over two decades of experience supporting and finding hope for individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. She is a trained mediator and helps families find common ground when they might not agree on the best approach to supporting their aging parents. Lisa has a passion for helping baby boomers navigate unexpected health changes and proactively plan for their future.