Month / March 2024

by Coach Wendy

10 Ways to Prevent Burnout: While You Ensure Your Loved One’s Safety.

“You have to make sure your parent is safe and then you can help yourself” – this sentiment captures the essence of our caregiving journey. As you prioritize the safety and well-being of your aging parent, it’s crucial to remember your own needs. This is where I step in to support you.

I assist you in caring for your aging parent while also beginning yourjourney of self-care and ensuring your own well-being. Once your parent is secure, it’s your turn to focus on yourself because if you’re overwhelmed and burnt out, who will be there for your aging parent?

While our discussions have centered around your aging parent’s safety, it’s equally important to turn the spotlight on yourself. I believe it’s a ‘both-and’ situation.

I have crafted an article that highlights 10 effective ways to prevent burnout while ensuring your loved one’s safety:

“10 Ways to Prevent Burnout: While you Ensure Your Loved One’s Safety”

If concerns about burnout have been weighing on your mind, this article will provide you with strategies to maintain your well-being and emotional health while caring for your loved one.

I trust that you will find this information valuable and empowering.

Warm regards,

🩷Coach Wendy

#CaregivingJourney

#SelfCareForCaregivers

#PreventBurnout

#WellBeing Matters

#CaregiverWellness

by Coach Wendy

Join the Aging Parents Q & A Session for Expert Guidance

I appreciate the responses I’ve received from many of you regarding your questions about caring for aging parents.

Some common concerns include:

– How to handle a parent wanting to change or stop medical care.

– How to prepare for when parents cannot be independent.

– Navigating situations when divorced parents disagree on caregiving decisions.

In response to these pressing issues, I’m excited to announce a free online Q&A session scheduled for this Thursday, April 4th, at 4 p.m. CST / 5 p.m. EST / 2 p.m. PST. 

During this session, myself and a geriatric care manger will address these common topics and provide valuable insights.

We will be addressing live questions and those shared earlier this week.

If you are unable to join live, a replay will be available afterward. To access the replay, please ensure you register by Wednesday, April 3rd.

Click here to register for the Aging Parents Q&A.

Thank you for sharing your questions and showing interest in the Q&A session. Your engagement is truly appreciated.

I look forward to providing assistance and valuable insights during the upcoming session.

🩷Coach Wendy

#AgingParentsQandA

#CaregivingInsights

#QandASession
by Coach Wendy

🍃Your Aging Parent Questions Needed!🍃

I’m deeply committed to supporting individuals like you who are navigating the complexities of caring for aging parents. Unexpected questions and concerns often arise on this journey.

I’m reaching out to hear from you: Is there something specific weighing on your mind lately regarding your aging parent and family? Your insights are invaluable in shaping the resources at Confident Caregiver Connection: A Supportive Resource Hub to better serve your needs.

To share your thoughts, simply click this link: Aging Parents: Your Questions.

Your input is highly valued, and I will carefully review all responses. In fact, with enough feedback, I’m considering hosting a free Q&A session to address the common questions raised.

Please take a moment to share your thoughts. Your well-being is at the core of this initiative, and I’m eager to provide additional support where needed.

🩷Coach Wendy

#AgingParentSupport

#QandASession

#CaregiverCommunity

by Coach Wendy

🐘The Elephant in the Room……..Your Aging Parents

It’s a topic that can make us feel uneasy, but avoidance won’t make it disappear.

Embracing these conversations is essential as we navigate the journey of caregiving together.

I’m not sure how else I can say it – in a nicer way- so I’ll just say it:

Get over the discomfort. It’s a reality we all face at some point. 💬💕

📌 Join the conversation and share your thoughts on caring for aging parents.

Let’s support each other through this journey.

Comment below or send a message to connect!

#CaregivingCommunity
#AgingParents
#CaregivingJourney

by Coach Wendy

10 Signs to Know When It’s Time to Care for Your Aging Parent

It’s not easy to know when it’s time to begin to take care of your aging parent.  I get that.

Take a look at this chart and if you notice 5 or more signs, I encourage you to reach out for guidance on your next steps.  

I’m here for you and I’ve been walking this journey myself taking care of my 88 year old mother for 12 years now.  

And I’ve helped others just like you to take this journey step by step with my support and arsenal of contacts, resources and referrals for you, all to make your journey easier.

Click here to schedule your Complimentary Consultation so that together we can create your next best steps.

🩷Coach Wendy

by Coach Wendy

Aging Parent Q & A

This is a free online Q&A session.

During this session, myself and a geriatric care manager will answer as many questions about aging parents as we are able to.

If you are unable to join live, a replay will be available afterward.

If you think you MIGHT have to navigate taking care of an aging parent…………

OR you already ARE taking care of an aging parent………..

This is for you.

Join us!

To access the replay, please register by Wednesday, April 3rd.

Click here to register.

Hosted by Coach Wendy, expert at Her Aging Parents, Her Thriving Business http://www.Coach-Wendy.com

by Coach Wendy

How to Have Difficult Conversations with Your Aging Parent

Have you noticed any signs of memory loss, unsteady balance, or unpaid bills with your aging parent? 

It can be challenging to address these issues, but it’s crucial to have these conversations. If you’ve observed anything concerning, it’s important to be proactive and support your aging parent.

If you notice something ‘off’ with your aging parent, here is my advice on how to approach the conversation:

How to Talk to Your Aging Parent about What You Are Noticing

Remember, having these discussions is essential for their well-being. Your support makes a difference.

🩷Coach Wendy 

#AgingParents

#Caregiving

#Support

by Coach Wendy

Self-Care Strategies: Balancing Responsibilities and Well-Being

Everyone is entitled to ‘getaway’.  And getting away can look different for everyone. 

To help you getaway, I’ve listed some ideas and resources that can contribute to your self-care and well-being while caring for an aging parent. These suggestions can help you to find balance, relaxation, and support in your caregiving journey. 

1. Set up respite care: Utilize resources such as United Way, Area Agency on Aging, or senior daycare to arrange for respite care, allowing you to take a break and recharge.

2. Engage in a Hobby: Dedicate time to a hobby or activity that brings you joy and relaxation, providing a healthy outlet for stress relief.  Going to the beach to search for beach glass, photography, pickleball……….what sounds good to you?

3. Reading: Immerse yourself in the world of books to unwind, learn, and escape into different narratives.  Sometimes losing yourself in a book is the best mental getaway.

4. Do something you enjoy: Make time for activities that you personally enjoy, whether it’s crafting, gardening, exercising, or any other interest that brings you happiness.

5. Lunch dates – once a month:  Schedule regular lunch dates or outings to socialize and connect with friends or loved ones outside of your caregiving responsibilities.

6. Essential oils for a calm environment: Incorporate the use of essential oils to create a soothing and calming atmosphere, promoting relaxation and well-being.

7. Spiritual support system:  Seek support from your church or spiritual community for guidance, emotional support, and a sense of belonging during challenging times.

By incorporating these activities and resources into your routine, you can enhance your self-care practices, reduce stress, and maintain a healthy balance while caring for your aging parent. Remember to prioritize your well-being and seek support when needed.  You deserve it.

by Coach Wendy

3 Tips if your parent wanders

There are three things that I’ve heard that you may find helpful:

1. Insert an Apple Air Tag into your parent’s shoes. This way if they wander, you can track them. https://amzn.to/3wN12sr

2. Write your phone number and your parent’s name and address in the tonge of their shoe. This way if they wander, and if the person that finds them knows to look, they will see your contact information and their name and call you.

3. Contact your local Alzheimer’s & Dementia services to get your parents a CARES bracelet. https://alzni.org/caregivers/cares/

#CaregiverTips #ElderlySafety #AlzheimersAwareness #DementiaSupport #WanderingPrevention #SeniorCare #SafetyMeasures #CaregiverResources

by Coach Wendy

Why Your Understanding of Caregiving is Wrong

I’ve seen this so many times……..

When faced with a challenging situation involving an aging parent, it’s common for us to turn inward, especially when we encounter something we don’t fully understand. This instinct to internalize our struggles can inadvertently lead to isolation, making it even more difficult to navigate through the hurdles that caregiving presents.

The word ‘caregiving’ or ‘caregiver’ even presents its own challenges for those of you who are in the beginning stages.

Isolation can magnify the challenges we face, hindering our ability to seek support, guidance, and solutions from others who may have valuable insights or experiences to share. By isolating ourselves, we limit our perspective and resources, making the journey of caregiving even more overwhelming and isolating.

To overcome this barrier, it’s essential to recognize the tendency to turn inward and actively seek connection and support within the caregiving community. Engaging with others who understand or have faced similar challenges can provide empathy, perspective, and practical advice that can help us navigate through uncertainties and complexities more effectively.

By reaching out, sharing our experiences, and seeking understanding from a supportive community, we can break free from isolation, gain new insights, and move through caregiving challenges with resilience and strength. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and together, we can support each other in overcoming obstacles and finding solutions that benefit both our loved ones and ourselves.

Ready to connect with a supportive community of like-minded individuals balancing the responsibilities of life, work and taking care of aging parents? Click here and join our vibrant Facebook Community – Taking Care of Business and Aging Parents today! Share experiences, gain valuable insights, and receive support from others on a similar journey. Together, let’s navigate the challenges and triumphs of caregiving while managing our professional & personal lives. Click the link to join now and start building a network that understands and empowers you!

I’ll see you on the inside!

🩷Coach Wendy

#CaregivingCommunity

#WorkLifeBalance

#SupportNetwork