The Art of Caregiving As the saying goes, “Old age ain’t for sissies.” Living in advanced years is an act of vulnerability that includes a wide range of emotions and concerns, for both the aging individual and his or her loved ones. Our hearts may tell us one thing while our parents’ doctors and other healthcare providers may tell us something entirely different. What we know is it’s possible to learn from those who have been there, done that, and avoid some pitfalls. Growing Bolder’s aging and care management expert Amy O’Rourke shares some advice from her new book, The Fragile Years, Proven Strategies for the Care of Aging Loved Ones on how to avoid mistakes along the way.
with Amy O'Rourke
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America’s Advocate for Caregivers and Families
Life becomes much more complex as loved ones are drawn into the unfamiliar and complicated world of hospitals, surgeons, medical insurance, nursing homes, assisted living centers, memory impairment programs, and home care. They often receive conflicting advice from these sources and can feel that they’ve entered an alien universe where a different language is spoken. That is why I believe it is wise to be prepared on many levels for an aging family member to enter the fragile years. In most cases, family members and loved ones know that the time is running short, but they are hesitant to take action because they don’t want to upset the aging parent or face the reality themselves, and they don’t realize that help is available to them.
G R O W I N G B O L D E R / J A N UA R Y 2 0 2 2 D I G I TA L D I G E S T
