Help Your Aging Parents The Most By Working As A Team

It is to be expected that as our parents age their need for our assistance will increase. Sometimes we recognize it. Sometimes we do not. From experience, I can say that the more frequently you check in on mom and dad (or grandma and grandpa) the more likely it will be that you will recognize when things have changed.

My mom was the first to decline. That was a surprise to all of us since she had been a “force to be reckoned with” in her younger years. She was the planner. She was our “life guard.” She was an in-charge kinda gal. When she was no longer able to care for herself,  Dad did most of it for her.

After mom passed away, Dad started losing ground.  Each of us took up parts of the job of taking care of him, according to what we were able to do. My brother and his wife did the lion’s share of the work in the beginning.

Happily, when dad needed us most,  there was so much more I could do. As a writer my work can travel with me, so I was able to spend lots of time with him. We went on fun outings to the zoo, the Erie Canal, the lake, ate many lunches together and one day we even went to the mall! I loved it and dad did, too.

When you step into the role of caregiver, planning is your best friend. As you divide up the work load among your team members remember that good communication is key. Get together over a cup of coffee and discuss who will do what.

1. Make a list of what needs to be done. Dependng on the person’s needs these things may include: household chores, shopping, paying bills, setting appointments, transportation to appointments, organizing medications, doing their laundry, help with meals. 
2. Decide which duties each one is able to perform and when.
3. Select a leader to be the point-person. (i.e. if you are unable to get things done on time or are running into other difficultes, that is the person who you will call.)
4. Keep in touch with each other. (ie. if you took grandpa to his dental appointment, call or email the team to let them know how it went and what the next step will be.)
5. Plan some fun times with your loved one and each other. Watch a movie together, play a game of cards, scrapbook or just visit and catch up on old times. 

Keep things as simple as possible and be sure to write things down. I love my smart phone but having had a few glitches with it has taught me that an old fashioned checklist can do a person a world of good!

Here are two lists that I have created that you can print out. One is a “Keeping On Top Of Things” list that is meant to help you remember things that will need to be done. The other is a shopping list that will help jog your memory to get things that  you are running low on.

1. Save yourself time and energy wherever possible. Don’t go get it if it can come to you.

2. If you do have to go, find a place that has everything you need!

That’s why one-stop shopping at Sam’s Club is a dream come true for caregivers. Your Sam’s Club membership opens the door to all kinds of help. Everything you need is right there in the club to conquer inco. Their adult care products, such as the Member’s Mark Total Protection Adult Adjustable Briefs, are top quality yet the price is so much better than the other highly advertised brands. I found the briefs on the aisle nearest their pharmacy.

These briefs with their super absorbency will give you confidence that your loved one will stay dry and comfortable wearing them. Member’s Mark Total Protection Adult Adjustable Briefs have all around breathable zones to keep the wearer dry as possible with cool comfort and adjustable side panels for secure fit. They feature odor-guard technology, too.

Now, you will love this for saving time and energy ⇒ Sam’s Club members can place their orders online by 5pm and pick it up at the club anytime the next day! Be sure to look into all the benefits of the various memberships. There are special member features and discounts including extra value drug list for hundreds of prescriptions for their plus members.

Do you refer to the online reviews before buying? Well, it will be a great help to the next person if, after you or your loved one has tried the Member’s Mark Total Protection products, you go to the Sam’s Club website and leave a review!