SCH 025 Four Self-Care Hacks for When You Care for an Aging Parent

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At some point in our lives, we’ll probably be called on to care for an aging parent. And no matter how much our parent may plan ahead, caregiving will still take a toll on us. Guest Mary Geisen share what she learned from her experience on today’s podcast episode.

November marks another National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize, support, and listen to family caregivers. Everyone talks about a cancer journey, or the toll the aging process takes on our nation. But this month we want to celebrate, listen to, and find new ways to celebrate the family caregivers in our midst. Each Sunday of November you’ll heart from a different family caregiver on ways to avoid burnout, care for oneself, or make crucial decisions. You can also listen to the Self-Care Hacks podcast for interviews with family caregivers.

No Matter How Well Our Aging Parent Plans…

Mary Geisen, an author, blogger, retired teacher, a family caregiver, has insight for those of us who find ourselves providing extra support and care for an aging parent. Mary’s father planned far in advance, but as the one living closest to him, Mary took on the extra duties of caring for her parents.

Mary discovered the importance of allowing her parents to continue with their important routines, as well as the importance of taking care of herself while taking care of her aging parents. Her experience helped her grow in unexpected ways, including the desire to write a book about living an advent life. Her book, The Advent Narrative: The Life You Didn’t Know You Were Already Living, comes out on November 10, 2020.

Caregivers will appreciate how Mary’s caregiving journey helped shape the message of The Advent Narrative.

Show Notes

The National Council on Aging has resources (webinars and articles) for older people and those caring for an aging parent.

If you want online group support, you can find more information at the Family Caregiver Alliance website.

Don’t miss Self-Care Hacks episodes 023 and 024 for informative and actionable interviews with other family caregivers.

Come Back Next Week

You won’t want to miss my interview with Dr. Michelle Bengtson, a neuropsychiatrist and award-winning author who was been both a family caregiver and the recipient of family care.