06.12.08
Helping Aging Parents
HELPING AGING PARENTS
By Robert Lamoreaux
How can you help your parents? Aging and retirement are two of the most challenging experiences a person goes through. Unlike our younger years when we experiment, succeed, fail and recover, aging brings with it physical and mental challenges from which one cannot recover and to which one normally cannot return. Many who go through these phases do so without adequate finances, emotional support or physical assistance.
As children we have the great opportunity to assist our parents through these trying years. The following recommendation can create a foundation for strong support for whatever situations arise:
• Visit your parents often and for longer than just five minutes.
• Turn off the TV while visiting and spend more time communicating
• Get parents out of the house for visits and outings — concerts, plays, athletics, etc.
• Be aware of their financial conditions and needs.
• Be aware of their medical conditions and needs.
• Involve them in meaningful projects, such as writing their history, decorating the house, doing crafts, etc.
• Involve them in service to others, such as libraries, schools, youth groups, hospitals, food kitchens, church programs, etc.
• Get grandchildren involved in their grandparents lives.
• Arrange for them to continue participating in their religious services and activities.
• Listen! Listen to what they are saying and what they are really meaning. You must develop a relationship so they will confide in you their true feelings.
Robert Lamoreaux, a practicing attorney, is the author of the book Winning Or Losing the Financial & Retirement Race, which is currently found in book stores across the country.
