Today we are exploring when we find ourselves in the caregiver role of aging parents. I’m there as so many of you are, or will be. Honestly, I used to dread this whole thing, but I'm moving into seeing this as a beautiful time, though not easy. Even if you aren’t currently caregiving for aging parents, chances are you know a friend who is. So, listen for a few nuggets to encourage and support them. Trust me, it will mean so much!
To help guide us through this change, I am talking with gal pal, Pam Reynolds. Pam is the author of Caregiving with Confidence: Taking the Guesswork Out of Caregiving. In which, Pam draws upon her extensive experience both personally and professionally. She is a Certified Aging Life Care Manager, Certified Professional Gerontologist, and Certified Dementia Practitioner. She has a diverse vocational background that includes assisted living facility and nursing home management, as well as owning a company that helped people age in place at home.
In this episode, we talk about:
Here’s a glance:
[5:01] Pam is an evolving Solid Sister who recognizes she needs other Solid Sisters around her. Her go-to color is light pink or a neutral color.
[9:01] Pam describes the slippery slope of caregiving.
[16:14] Pam became a caregiver for her grandmother when she was just a teen. She shares her life’s journey.
[20:50] Why Pam wrote Caregiving with Confidence and five tips for those beginning their caregiving journeys.
[34:36] Financial demands vary but it is essential to consider the cost of long-term care.
[41:44] Pam explains how having the perfect plan is not always perfect.
[45:40] How much consideration should be given to the social needs of our aging parents?
[49:17] After 20 years in the Elder Care industry, Pam is pursuing Elder Care Law to advocate for those who deserve the best treatment.
[52:44] The importance of self-care when providing care for others.
[57:10] Perfectly Imperfect is the nail color Pam created to remind caregivers that it all starts with caring.
[101:50] In the Flip the Chip segment, Mary highlights Pamela’s top five tips (GUESS) for caregivers.
“Identifying as a caregiver is the first step. It is one of the first hurdles we have to overcome.” — Pam Reynolds on @livelikeyournailcolor
“We shouldn't expect ourselves to become experts overnight in all these different areas.” — Pam Reynolds on @livelikeyournailcolor
“The long-term care funding sources that are government funded ... they don't favor aging in place. They favor the facility model.” — Pam Reynolds on @livelikeyournailcolor
“As caregivers we are so used to being yes-men and doing what everyone needs us to do, sometimes you are going to have to turn down an offer to hold your time sacred.” — Pam Reynolds on @livelikeyournailcolor
Caring with Confidence: Taking the Guesswork Out of Caregiving
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