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"SETTING UP A "FAMILY CALENDAR" |
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Happy National Caregiver's Month! Here is a picture of me speaking to the Transit Worker's Union Members Assistance Counselors - a great group of guys! It was a wonderful evening and continues to reaffirm that eldercare issues are a huge issue for so many people. Do you have a group, company, or organization that wants to provide their people the eldercare support they need? If so, please contact me by email at Barbara@AgeWiseLiving.com or calling toll-free (877) AGE-WISE (877-243-9473). Responses to my survey question are still coming in and right now I'm planning articles to address these issues for the coming year. And remember, if you haven't responded to the survey yet - or if you've thought of something else -- I would love to hear from you. Just go to http://tinyurl.com/agewise. As I mentioned last week, dementia is a big issue that many of you are struggling with. So my radio show this past week was part 2 about dementia. I shared lots and lots of practical information from my CD Is It Simple Forgetfulness or the Real Thing?, so I hope you'll go to Barbara's Radio Show on my website (www.AgeWiseLiving.com) or through the link below and listen to both parts. Great information. And because issues about organizing eldercare was a very big issue for so many people, this week's article is about how to coordinate and schedule the family so everyone can work together to help Mom and Dad -- and have a life!. Read on! Until next week, PS> Are you on Facebook or Twitter? If so, I'd love to have you 'friend' me and AgeWiseLiving. That way you can get the latest news and have lots to share with your followers about AgeWiseLiving, the AgeWiseLiving newsletter, my radio show, etc. A whole new world! For lots more information, Please click here for ARTICLE: SETTING UP A "FAMILY CALENDAR" Are you and your siblings helping your parents get to all of their appointments, get their home ready for the winter, shop for their groceries, pick up meds - all the while trying to keep your own lives straight? Or when it comes to visiting your parents, do you and your sibs either all visit the same day or no one does for weeks and weeks. ("I thought you were going to visit Mom this weekend." "No, I thought you were." "No I thought you were.") If this sounds like your situation, maybe it's time to set up a "family calendar." Siblings who are trying to get everyone on the same page schedule-wise, find that creating one central location where appointments, errands, and visits are coordinated is the answer. For that, I recommend going the electronic calendar route. The advantage is you can access from anywhere, making it easier for siblings and other family members, other caregivers, and if appropriate, your aging parent to view and/or add. There are a lot of web based calendars out there. If you Google "web based calendar free," you'll find all sorts of options. To set it up: Start by having each person block out any large non-reoccurring time commitments including:
Once that's done, each person will put in small, reoccurring commitments such as weekly staff meetings, kid's sports events, car pool commitments, etc. Then have someone add caregiving needs such as 1 dedicated day a week/month for doctor appointments, etc. and then have family members "sign up" for a slot that works best for them. (In addition to signing up for that particular responsibility, make sure they understand that they are also signing up for all the follow up phone calls with the doctors too.) Too often we get so wrapped up in caregiving that we see time with our elderly parent(s) only in terms of responsibilities so last, but definitely not least, block non-caregiving "dates" with Mom and Dad. If possible, try to make sure at least someone is visiting on a regular basis (daily, weekly, or monthly as needed). Electronic calendars can be a terrific way to coordinate family, paid caregivers, and your parents. However, they only work if everyone is committed to using the calendar as it's intended. That means checking it frequently and on a regular schedule (daily?). And if one type of calendar doesn't work for everyone, find one that does. A word of caution and a word of advice: Using an electronic calendar should not be instead of talking with your sibs. And not just if you add something that's coming up quickly, or have to change your schedule (when of course you will alert the other people using the calendar - preferably by phone). When caregiving, it's common to schedule all your visits around Mom & Dad. However, don't forget to visit your sibling, too. They are precious relationships now and in the future. Remember, if you're struggling to help your aging loved one, I urge you not to wait for a crisis to develop. Please call me toll-free at (877) AGE-WISE or email me at Barbara@AgeWiseLiving.com for a complimentary "get acquainted" conversation. I'm here to help!
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To discuss elder care issues, email or call us at (646) 521-0737.