Dec. 17, 2008 - Caring for Our Elders

Do you take care of an elderly family member? I've cared for my grandmother since 1993, and she's almost 96 now. LIfe is getting harder for her, but she tries to keep up with what she can. There are a couple of things learned about caregiving, and I thought I'd share them with you. If you have other thoughts, I'd like to hear them. Please feel free to leave a comment! Older people often value a visit far more than a token gift. Caregivers last longer if they share the load. Make caregiving a family affair, and let your husband and children help you as much as possible. Elders can be crochety at times, often due to frustration at their own loss of independence. Help children treat them with love and understanding at all times. If you lose patience or are unkind, don't assume the elder forgets. Their feelings can be hurt, and an apology helps to heal the breach. At the same time, don't be too hard on yourself when these times occur. Do your best to stay rested and focused so that these occasions will be few and far between. As memories fade, plan to enjoy the same stories over and over. It's not kind to remind the elder that he or she is getting forgetful-- they do the best they can, and you can afford to be gracious and patient. Most older people have plenty of "stuff," and prefer a homebaked treat, as long as their diet permits it. Remember that old people are just regular people in an old, worn-out body. They have feelings, and they don't enjoy being ignored, put down, or reminded that they are getting old. They already know that their life is almost over and most of their friends are gone. Please do what you can to make your elder feel loved during this difficult time. Kindness and patience create the best memories-- always. _______________________________________________________________ If you have a home or family business, it's important to keep good records. I've added some articles by CPA Carol Topp, to the home business pages of my website. I hope you find them helpful! Get Ready For Tax Time Keeping Business Records Organized Simple Bookkeeping System Using Software Working with an Accountant

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