There are some decisions in life where we’re able to take the easy way out. It may not be the best answer but it will suffice for now, it won’t hurt anyone, and when we have a full plate already it’s just easier. Then there are times when that’s not possible. We wish the right answer was the easy one, but it’s not. This is often the case when dealing with an aging parent.
We see mom or dad are no longer thriving in their current environment. We know they need a more supportive setting, yet their anxiety about a move combined with our own fast-paced life and personal obligations make it easier to put it off for a while. After all, it’s not a crisis yet. And therein lies the problem. No, it’s not a crisis today, but that’s exactly why now is the time to begin laying out the plan. Putting it off until it’s more convenient to address simply allows the situation to grow worse.
Having supported so many families through this transition over the years, I can vouch for the fact that the most difficult and least successful transitions are those that are prompted by a crisis. There’s no time to gain a family consensus, our loved one’s input is often not something we can solicit in those circumstances, and we have to make some quick decisions. Not exactly the formula for success.
Here’s the good news…you don’t have to do it alone. What you think is going to be impossible becomes manageable when you have the right resources to guide you. Laureate Cares is a free, no-obligation consultation to help people navigate the maze of senior services. Consultation is with someone who has extensive experience in senior services, understands the challenges of this life transition and can help you set a course to meet your needs. Whether you’re at the beginning of your search, in the midst of collecting information or feeling overwhelmed by all you’ve found, Laureate Cares can help. Many people have found it to be such a valuable resource. Here is one example:
Recently I had a call from a daughter who said her mom was in a nursing home in the midst of rehab after a fall and a hip replacement. Her mother was due to be discharged soon and she was at a loss of what to do next. The doctor said her mother shouldn’t go home because she was likely to fall again and if that happened she may not recover as well as she had this time. The daughter didn’t know where to start or what options she had. How do I decide what level of care she needs? What does it cost? Can she afford it? So many questions; it was simply overwhelming.
When our phone call began, she was almost hyperventilating, she was so anxious. As we ended the call twenty minutes later, she expressed great appreciation. Though she didn’t have “the” answer, she felt empowered because she knew she had options, she knew how to move forward to get the answers for her situation, and she knew she could call me again if she got lost in the process. She said, “I feel like you’ve just thrown me a lifeline.”
Everyone’s answer may be different, but when you don’t even know what questions to ask it can quickly become overwhelming and stop you in your tracks. Let Laureate Cares help you find the right solution for you and your family. It doesn’t have to be this hard. Please call 262-832-7113 for your free phone consultation.
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