What to Expect: Watching Your Parents Age

 

older parents and their adult daughter at home. By Hong Zhang. The struggle of watching your parents age touches the depths of our emotions and shared history. In the second of her series, “What to Expect When Your Parents Are Aging,” Seniors Guide writer Terri L. Jones examines the challenges that aging adults and their children face.

The struggle of watching your parents age can touch the depths of your emotions and shared history. In the second of her series, “What to Expect When Your Parents Are Aging,” Seniors Guide writer Terri L. Jones examines the challenges that aging adults and their children face.

I remember the first time it dawned on me that my father was getting older. He was in his early 70s at the time and had fallen while climbing a tree stand. He broke his pelvis in several places, an extremely painful injury that the doctors at the hospital could do little about. They put him on a variety of new drugs that wreaked havoc on his brain, turning the nurses’ station into a McDonald’s counter and making him believe that the hospital staff was abusing him.

This accident happened before my father was diagnosed with white matter disease, before his stroke, and before we knew he had vascular dementia; however, in my memory, it marked a critical juncture. It was the point when my father transformed from a strong, capable, and reserved man into someone who walked more slowly, who began repeating things, and who expressed himself with shocking vulnerability. It was difficult for me to reconcile these two very different people.

Read the entire article HERE for more detailed information.

This information provided courtesy of  Seniors guide By Terri L. Jones.

 

What to Expect: Five Stages of Aging

two men at home laughing. By Monkey Business Images. The series “What to Expect When Your Parents Are Aging” begins with the stages of aging: foreknowledge better equips us for the road ahead.In her series, “What to Expect When Your Parents Are Aging,” Seniors Guide writer Terri L. Jones looks first at the stages of aging. After all, foreknowledge better equips us for the road ahead.

Until my 50s, my parents were relatively healthy and active, and so were my aunts and uncles. One of my grandmothers actually lived alone (with her cats) into her 90s.

However, as if overnight, the older generation of my family turned a devastating corner. My father was diagnosed with vascular dementia, and an aunt and uncle went to live in a nursing home, where they both lived out their days. My mother succumbed to her COPD. I was blindsided.

I don’t think I am the only one who wasn’t prepared for the dominos to fall for my family members – nor is my family the only one to be surprised. By knowing what to expect as your loved ones age – and understanding that others are going through the same challenges – you can better manage what’s ahead, practically and emotionally. You’re not alone on this stressful, yet important journey.

Part 1: The Stages of Aging

No two people age exactly the same. Some older people will experience a crisis situation and decline quickly, whereas others will age gradually and almost imperceptibly over many years. However, most people go through fairly predictable transitions as they get older. As a potential caregiver, it’s essential that you’re aware of the stages of aging. By knowing what may be ahead, you can be better prepared.

Read the entire article HERE for more detailed information.

This information provided courtesy of  Seniors guide By Terri L. Jones.