CARING FOR AGING PARENTS

This is a 4-week, 8-hour seminar designed to prepare you to cope with the demands of caregiving for an older parent. If you think you do not have time to take it, consider how much more crowded your schedule will be when you are providing care for your parent – Taking this seminar before you need it will save you hours!

The topics covered include: 

Normal physiological aging

    Aging is a normal physical process, not a disease! that has only recently begun to be studied.  Learn the facts about what occurs normally as the body ages. Changes include a smaller liver so that drugs are absorbed more slowly; the cornea of the eye yellows, so color perceptive is not as acute; the bladder shrinks; and more water is required to process food.  Some of the knowledge you acquire may suggest ways you can positively affect your own body as you age.

Medical Issues

     The seminar covers prescription and over-the-counter drugs, finding a physician, and comparison of Medicare and HMO’s.  Medicare Part D will also be discussed.

Guilt
   This is THE signature emotion for caregivers.  Learn to recognize the difference between being legitimately guilty, and taking responsibility for events beyond your control.  Guilt is an emotional response that can be changed into a more productive emotion.

Stress
   Stress is your physical reaction to trying to take responsibility for events you cannot control or predict, and for which there are no solutions.  People under stress heal more slowly, often have digestive problems, and are prone to misuse cigarettes, alcohol and drugs.  Lower your stress level by understanding the aging process, how to deal more effectively with age-related problems, and how to find solutions to some of the problems.

Communication
   This is a HUGE issue, mostly overlooked.  Your parents do not want to be a burden to you and yet they do not want to go outside the family for help. They tend to give physical symptoms to their hegative emotions. Their growing frailty reduces their self esteem.  To maintain their dignity they may refuse to recognize their problems which makes it more difficult for you to find solutions.  Unchecked, this situation may place you and your elder in an adversarial position, as you try to force unwanted changes.  By learning to listen with their ears, you can change your relationship.  You can become their advocate.

Resources
    You will be given as list of names and phone numbers of recognized providers of various types of eldercare.  We will discuss how to find providers in other areas, and how to evaluate care facilities.

Legalities
    You will learn the difference between Power of Attorney and Guardianship.  We will discuss making an effective living will and directive to physicians.

Elderspeak
    A dictionary of terms related to aging is included in the seminar.  You will learn to understand what medical providers are saying, and to ask meaningful questions.  Terms such as ADL's, artificial nutrition, prognosis, the differences between Medicare and Medicaid, and more will be defined.

End of Life issues
   Understand what comfort care means, what hospice does.  Discuss funeral arrangements with your parents.  Find out how and where they prefer to die - before it is too late to ask. 

This seminar is offered on thursday evenings in October. There is a minimum of 10 people enrolled and a class maximum of 20. To enroll, send an email from this site by clicking on the mailbox on the mailpage, or send a message to Kay at kay@kaypaggi.com, or call Kay at 972-839-0065.

 $75 (married couples are encouraged to take the class together; no charge for the spouse)