Mar 10, 2019
Today we’re talking about elder care and caregivers.
Where are the senior parents of approximately 74 million baby boomers (that's about 22.9% of the U.S. population) going to live when they are struck with health challenges, financial issues, or the death of a spouse? What can we do to help an elderly loved one that's dealing with issues like Alzheimer's disease, Dementia, heart problems, or a myriad of other ailments that place them into a position of requiring care?
Freelance Content Writer, Deb Hipp, joins me to share her expertise both personally and professionally in this area. With over 20 years of experience as a journalist and writer, Deb began writing about elder care, aging, and caregiving issues after her own father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and hopes that her writing can help others who are going through these heartbreaking situations as well. Today she discusses the progression of Alzheimer's, the stress and overwhelm that comes with being a caregiver, and the importance of asking for help.
We Discuss:
- Saying The Right Thing When You Don't Know What to Say - Handling difficult conversations
- The importance of being consciously present when having a conversation with someone
- What led Deb Hipp to start writing about elder care, aging, caregiving, and Alzheimer's disease
- Progression of diseases like Alzheimers and Dementia and common safety precautions
- The progressive grieving process of losing a declining parent or loved one in stages
- The impact that taking on a caregiving role has on a spouse or other close loved one
- The importance of a caregiver making their mental and physical health a priority
- Hiring a respite volunteer from a local community organization that deals with seniors
For the full show notes visit: www.ChangeItUpRadio.com