Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
The answers to all the elder care questions that keep you up at night--from an expert who understands exactly what you're going through Author Laura Tamblyn Watts understands these late-night worries. Not only are her own parents in their eighties--she's also spent her career informing others about aging people's needs as the CEO of CanAge, a seniors' advocacy organization. Here, she transforms her experience into a handbook of practical advice on doing the right thing while caring for an older loved one.
Watts addresses every aspect of elder care, covering living situations (at home or in a retirement or nursing facility), mental changes like dementia, money management, complicated family relationships, and changes in physical ability. She has advice for everyone: whether they live far across the country from their parents or right nearby, whether they're involved in their parents' lives or haven't been in contact for years, whether they're an only child or one of 12 kids. Tough issues like mental health, addiction, abuse or neglect, estrangement, an "unsuccessful son in the basement," second or third marriages, divorces--these are all covered with grace and humor that make this tough stage of life seem a little easier. With Watts's help, getting informed and making a plan will stop 3 AM worry sessions for good.
Synopsis
Should my mom move into a retirement home? How do I know if my dad has dementia? And how on earth can I get my stepmom to give up the keys to her beloved Toyota Corolla if it isn't safe for her to drive anymore?
Worries like these can plague people with older loved ones, making it hard to figure out where to start when it comes to caring for an aging parent. Author Laura Tamblyn Watts understands this problem well: Not only are her own parents in their eighties, but she's also spent her career informing others about aging people's needs. So she knows that the best way to deal with the complexities of elder care is through informed, honest conversations.
Watts outfits readers with 30 prompts and conversational scripts for things they need to discuss with their older loved ones--or siblings, extended family, health care providers, and other professionals, depending on the topic. She covers a wide range of subjects, including:
- Does my parent need help around the house?
- What kind of medical issues should I be on the lookout for?
- Do I really need to help my parent if they're toxic?
- Is my parent in danger of being targeted by scammers?
- How can I share the caregiving load with siblings and other family members?
How to have the discussion is just as important as what needs to be discussed, so each chapter is full of tips for navigating complicated emotions, coming to an agreement when everyone has different ideas, and taking care of yourself even when stress is high. There's advice for everyone: Whether they live far across the country from their parents or right nearby. Whether they're involved in their parents' lives a lot now or haven't been in contact for years. Whether they're an only child or one of twelve kids.
Throughout, Watts uses stories from her own experiences and relatable humor to make this tough stage of life seem a little easier. With her help, readers will successfully get informed, have a productive discussion, and walk away with a plan--and then focus on making the most of their time with their aging loved one.
Synopsis
Should my mom move into a retirement home? Does my dad have dementia? And how on earth can I get my stepmom to give up her car keys?
Worries like these can plague people with older relatives. Author Laura Tamblyn Watts understands: Her own parents are in their eighties, and she's spent her career informing others about aging people's needs.
Tamblyn Watts outfits readers with 30 prompts and roadmaps for informed, honest conversations with their aging parent--or family members, health care providers, and other professionals. She covers questions like:
- Does my parent need help around the house?
- What kind of medical issues should we look out for?
- Do I really need to help my parent if they're toxic?
- How can my family share the caregiving load?
How to have the discussion is just as important as what needs to be discussed, so each chapter has tips for navigating complicated emotions and reaching an agreement when everyone has different ideas. Readers will get informed, have a productive conversation, and make a plan--then focus on making the most of their time with their aging relative.