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This post is sponsored by Depend, Poise, Ensure, and Glucerna but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
It’s hard to believe that in just a couple of short weeks I will be turning 34. It’s weird because if I can nearly be considered ‘middle aged’ then what does that make our parents? As much as I hate to believe it, my parents and my husband’s parents are getting older. And since we are pretty much the only family around, I’m certain that their care will eventually fall to us. Whether or not we care to admit this, this day is coming. That’s why we are preparing now.
1. Clearing space.
Our home is not big by any means. In fact, I’ve prided myself on the fact that we do not have more space than we need. We are content in our cozy home. I grew up in a home that was ‘cozy’ and so did my husband. But, as our parents’ age, the idea of additional space is a necessity.
2. Using Sam’s Club Caregiver program to understand what we will need.
I am the kind of person who likes to make a plan rather than being blindsided. And with the help of resources, like the Caregiver program at Sam’s Club, I can feel ready for when that day comes. Their focus is on family caregiving and they provide resources and solutions for every situation.
We recently did a big haul to make sure we are prepared for when that day comes. We purchased Glucerna shakes, Ensure shakes, Poise liners, and Depend underwear.
3. Making legal decisions now.
One of my biggest fears is that something will happen to our loved ones and we won’t have any legal authority to make decisions, whether it be financially or medically. So we took steps to make sure that we would not be in the dark.
4. Keep lines of communication open.
This may be the most difficult of all of the important line items. Communication needs to be open between all parties. Do you have siblings to keep in the loop? Discuss important things now, like who will ultimately make decisions and how those decisions will be made.
This is so important. I’ve witnessed my mother in the caregiver role a few times and it’s a very tough job!
These are helpful tips for caring for an adult. Definitely, something to file away for late use!!
Great post. It is is tough to think about but important to be prepared
Very helpful. It very important.
It’s quite hard to think about these things but surely the need to be done.
These are really great tips adult care is quite often forgotten
This is a great informative post! I had no idea that Sam’s Club was so supportive of adult care-giving. That’s awesome!
My mom is the rockstar caregiver for my grandfather, she’s my hero.
No matter what age, it’s so important to have that legal plan in place for the big “what if’s”! I think it’s awesome that Sam’s Club allows these purchases to be discreet, as well!
I was not aware of Sam’s care give program. It is so awesome, I am going to check it out, as I love to give back and help others especially during the holidays.
I totally agree that it’s so important to make plans so that you’re not blindsided by things. Kudos to you for having these important conversations now!
I need to send this to my mom, i wasn’t aware of this program
I had no idea about this program at all. It really is great
these are great tips! I’ll definitely be saving this post to read again down the road
These are really great tips!
These are really helpful tips that can be hard but you make it so approachable.
Great post and such an important topic! As my parents age this has definitely been on my mind.
Being prepared is so smart! We know that someday soon we’ll be responsible for helping arrange caretaking for my sister when my parents can no longer do it, and it’s so stressful at times.
This is such an important topic – and one that I also think about. My parents were great examples to me of taking care of their own parents. I really appreciated the practical advice. But I also think what you said about making space is SO important – space in your home, but also your time, calendar, emotions, etc. This is so necessary!