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And This Unto You
My mom says I was born tense. Tense and intense. When she tells the story of how I was born, amidst the drama and gesticulation, I feel a little sad to know that I am this child she speaks of. I was taken from the womb dead asleep, a planned caesarean ...

Arthritis, The Pain And The Reasons
Copyright 2005 Yvonne Loubet Many fear the pain of arthritis as they age. But, it can attack anyone at any time. For those who it does strike, the pain is unbearable. It is a group of diseases of the bone joints. Each time a person moves, joints move ...

Toy Dog Breeds
Toy dog breeds include greyhounds, terriers, pinschers, pugs, chihuahuas, pekingese, spaniels--the official list of the AKC is quite extensive. Regardless of breed, toy dogs are desired for their cuteness and cuddle-ability. Many retain the ...


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Home For The Holidays: Start That Conversation
 
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Annie waited too long to have that talk with her parents. It was too late to have it now as they were both beyond comprehending the seriousness of their situation. As a result, she had to break the bad news to a long lost brother, and deal with her resistant parents who had convinced themselves that they were independent in their own home, while she had to make some very difficult decisions for them.

It’s never too soon to begin the discussion of aging. But if you have put it off, ease into that conversation as soon as the first, what may seem minor event occurs which indicate a loved one’s independence may be in jeopardy. Since it is difficult to begin such a talk, here are some suggestions which may help:

-use another family’s situation or news story as an example or starting point.
-cut out an article or an ad as a reference point.
-ask questions at a family gathering, but keep it light.
-plan a family meeting with the agenda known by all beforehand.

Starting the conversation with “I” statements ensure that you will not sound accusatory


and lets your feelings come through. For example:
-I am worried…
-I feel…
-I am concerned…
-I have noticed…

Engage in a conversation, taking turns, instead of talking at others. Use questions:
-What things concern you?
-What do you want to do about…
-What do you want to do when…

Conveying love and concern is important. Sometimes an outside person can have more influence than those in the immediate family. Be patient. If the first attempt doesn’t go well, keep your sense of humor and try again at a later time.

Linda LaPointe, MRA is an ElderLife Matters Coach who was a long term care administrator. She is the author of several products to help families, including the educational board game, In My Shoes: An Aging Family. See them and get free articles and information at www.SOSpueblo.com



About the Author
Linda LaPointe, MRA is an ElderLife Matters Coach who was a long term care administrator. She is the author of several products to help families, including the educational board game, In My Shoes: An Aging Family. See them and get free articles and information at www.SOSpueblo.com


News



Jamaica Plain Gazette

'Eldercare block' celebrates unity
Jamaica Plain Gazette
By Peter Shanley (Courtesy Photo) Joining in the Eldercare Block visit were (from left, front row): Goddard House's Jim Stamatopoulos and Carmen Wornum; Mount Pleasant's Gwen James; Boston Commissioner on Elderly Affairs Emily Shea; (back row) Goddard ...


Kirkland nonprofit's nationwide tour stops in Bellevue to educate on elder ...
Kirkland Reporter
We have an elder-care tsunami heading this way,” she said. “We need to individually, collectively, as family, as a community, deal with the elder-care issue.” She is concerned that many people don't realize that long-term care planning needs to start ...


3 Reasons Why Card-Carrying Capitalists Should Support Paid Family Leave
Forbes
Employee child care and eldercare responsibilities are not only two major external business challenges, but they become internal issues the minute an employee walks in the door or signs onto his or her computer. In the US, we pride ourselves on our ...

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Nurses recognized at SAGE Eldercare in Summit during National Nurses Week
Independent Press - NJ.com
By Independent Press Last week, nurses at SAGE Eldercare were recognized for their loving care during the twenty-first year of National Nurses Week. This annual event, according to American Nurses Association, is an opportunity for the public to ...


kjrh.com

Elder care business owner arrested for theft
kjrh.com
A 73-year old Owasso woman who ran an in-home elder care business is accused of using her ex-con son to steal thousands of dollars from an elderly client. The investigation began last fall when a clerk at a drive-through bank in Owasso became concerned ...

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