You have always been the child, but now you are in the role of the caregiver. It may be a disconcerting and unfamiliar role, and there is no road map to guide you. You are on a journey of love, patience, and understanding, but you are facing many new financial, legal, and healthcare decisions as well.

Your new role will require a great deal from you, and you will be facing issues you have never faced before and searching for services with which you are entirely unfamiliar. Although you may feel overwhelmed, you are not alone. An increasing number of adult children are caring for aging parents today, and Decades, LLC of Albuquerque and Santa Fe is here to help you find your way.

Complex issues facing those who are caring for aging parents commonly include:

How to Take the Keys Away

Your parents’ vehicle may well represent their independence, but if their declining physical or cognitive ability is creating an unsafe condition, you will need to approach the topic of limiting driving with them. It may be enough to persuade them to give up night driving and long trips. If their driving issues are more serious, however, you will need to talk to them or their health care provider about medications and potential side effects or encourage them to surrender their keys. If your parent refuses to stop driving, an intervention may be necessary.

Finding Appropriate Long-Term Care

Many types of long-term care are available today. First, determine what your parents need. Take into consideration their health care status, preferences, finances, and proximity to family and friends. Once you have narrowed down your options, tour facilities with your parents, if possible, to find the best fit. If you need help with this, Decades, LLC can consult with you about the very best facilities in New Mexico and help you through the process of making this difficult decision.

Sibling Disagreements about Caring for Your Parents

Caring for aging parents can be extremely stressful for the primary caregiver or caregivers, and underlying family tensions often boil over. Deal directly with situations as they arise, but if you are unable to reach a solution, talk to one of our New Mexico Elder Care Managers about how a facilitated family meeting or mediation can help.

Adapting to Your New Life

Whether you had months to prepare or were dropped into it, the role of caregiver brings with it many changes. Adapting to your new life requires flexibility. Take breaks as you need them, and go easy on yourself when things don’t go as expected.

Decades, LLC provides Comprehensive Elder Care Consulting and Care Management services for the many complex issues you may be facing. Our multi-disciplinary licensed professionals take a holistic approach to elder care, and we provide supportive services not just to our clients, but also to their partners and their families.

For assistance or more information about how Decades, LLC can help those who are caring for aging parents, contact us in Albuquerque, NM at 505-345-5529 or in Santa Fe, NM at 505-983-7787.