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POD: Life Stages

Ageing parents

How can I help my ageing parents?

Ageing is a fact of life but caring for elderly parents is a role reversal that few people find particularly easy. As life spans lengthen, adult children in their 50’s and 60’s are increasingly caring for frail, older parents. In fact, 1 in 5 people in the UK are carers to an older family member. The resources in this Pod touch on the many issues you may face while caring for an ageing parent and offer plenty of helpful tips and advice.

Part of our Life Stages Collection.

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PODCASTS

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Ageing Parents and the Sandwich Generation

(34 mins )

We are never prepared for the reality of ageing parents and it can be a challenging and difficult road for many of us. Many of us are raising children, working outside the home, and becoming caregivers to our parents at the same time. Welcome to the Sandwich Generation! Real women. Real conversations. Served with a big dose of laughter!

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Coping with ageing parents (when life is already too busy)

(41 mins )

In the middle of bringing up children at one end and helping with ageing or sick parents at the other? Welcome to the sandwich generation. Lorraine and Trish talk to Jane Caldwell about the lessons she learned – and the advice she wished she’d had – while caring for her mother Olivia after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

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The “Sandwich” Generation

(22 mins)

Psychologist and author Maureen Gaffney takes a look at the so-called “sandwich” generation.

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AgeSpace Money: Power of Attorney

(13 mins)

Annabel James of the Age Space Podcast, and Jason Butler, financial well-being expert and author of Money Moments, talk financial organisation and offer practical advice on funding and elderly care. In this episode they talk about the details of and how to broach the subject of Power Of Attorney. They have plenty of other useful episodes on equity release, inheritance, wills  and much more.

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VIDEOS

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Looking After Elderly Parents at Home: 3 Danger Signs

(11 mins)

Looking After Elderly Parents can be one of the most fulfilling things that we are ever asked to do. Margaret Manning, founder of Sixty and Me, talks with a geriatrician Dr Leslie Kernisan, about 3 things that we can all do to help our elderly parents to stay safe at home.

Watch
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How to Relieve the Stress of Caring for an Ageing Parent

(14 mins )

In a world where growing older can mean entering into a complex and confusing maze of difficult choices, Amy O’Rourke stands out as a passionate advocate for the elderly and their families. She prioritizes quality of life and helps families and elders navigate the challenges of ageing while supporting vital lifestyle preferences.

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Taking care of an ageing parent

(6 mins )

Journalist Joan Lunden considers herself part of the sandwich generation as a working mother of seven and a former caregiver to her 94-year-old mother. Lunden offers advice on having the conversation with a parent or other relative about end of life care and the importance of living will and more. …

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How to best approach caring for an ageing parent

(6 mins )

Leadership and relationship expert Dr. Karyn Gordon discusses how to best care for an ageing parent. Talk early but make it casual. Make sure siblings are all involved. Assess needs. Ask them what they want but definitely don’t take over !

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ARTICLES

15 Ways to Stay Sane While Caring For an Elderly Parent

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One of the most emotionally complex and difficult things a person can experience is taking care of an elderly parent. Here are 15 tips from John Shore for the Huffington Post.

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Caring for an elderly mother: a daughter’s story

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A daughter shares her personal experiences of caring for her mother while juggling work and looking after her children. The article has useful links to pages with practical advice on accommodation options, care fees and care allowances.

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Introducing In-Home Care When Your Loved One Says ‘No’

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Many care recipients are resistant to strangers coming into their home to help. The help may be perceived as an invasion of privacy, a loss of independence, or a waste of money. Yet in-home assistance is often critical in offering caregivers a break and time to relax and rejuvenate. Here are some tips for making your loved one feel more comfortable with in-home help.

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XTRA

Age UK

Caring for Parents Podcast

Age Space

Minding Our Elders Blog

Alzheimer’s Society

The Essential Family Guide to Caring for Older People

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