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Your Aging Parents: Arriving at Shared Solutions for Housing, Health and Relationships

by Maureen Osis and Judy Worrell

177 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #06-2554; ISBN 1-4251-0796-6; US$19.09, C$21.95, EUR15.68, £10.98

A Canadian guide for busy adults in midlife facing competing demands of families, careers and other interests, with emerging concerns about their aging parents.

About the Book

Your concern about your parents is increasing as they age. You want to ensure their involvement in decision-making about their health and housing; and you want to maintain positive relationships with them. You wonder how to meet your obligations to aging parents and achieve balance with other demands in your life. How to manage the squeeze of being in the "sandwich generation". This book guides you through these difficulties to arrive at shared solutions through respectful communication within your family. It offers engaging interactive activities and practical information from a Canadian perspective, and will help you be proactive, sensitive and prepared for important decisions and actions.

Part I: Understand Aging. Ageism affects us all, but can have more negative impact on a senior. Stereotyping may lead to thinking that some symptoms are inevitable with aging. Knowing more helps you and your parents to adapt to common changes and seek effective treatment when needed.

Part II: Build Relationships. You and your parents can bridge the "new generation gap" by learning about differing values and expectations between the boomers and those in their 80's and 90's. Managing relationships also matters when your parents require health care. Get to know the various professionals that make up the health care team and how you can effectively interact with them.

Part III: Plan Ahead. Whether your concerns relate to health, housing, or finances, planning ahead can prevent crisis. Includes: personal health care directives; enduring power of attorney; finding appropriate services; and exploring whether your parents stay at home, move closer or seek seniors' housing. Checklists will help your family make shared decisions.

Part IV: Manage Health Concerns. Aging itself is not a disease; however, most seniors experience one or more chronic health problems. Learn practical strategies to help elders live productive lives, despite these problems.

If you have read our book and want to provide feedback, please contact us at Maureen@elderwise.ca. We value your input and will incorporate your suggestions in our next edition.

About the Authors

Maureen Osis is both a Registered Nurse, and a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist. As a gerontological professional she devoted her career to working with seniors and their families.

Maureen is a guest on television and radio programs that discuss aging and family dynamics, including "A New Look at Aging" on the Learning Channel.

Maureen is the co-founder of ElderWise Inc., a company dedicated to helping busy adults, seniors and professionals find information and support on practical matters - like healthcare and housing, as well as the more delicate challenge of relationships between the generations.

Visit the website www.elderwise.ca and sign up for our free e-newsletter, ElderWise Info

Judy Worrell is a Registered Nurse, and throughout her career she has had consulting and educational roles in organizations that provide care to older people. She has worked in acute care, community health, home care, continuing care, and nursing education where she has pursued excellence in gerontological nursing practice.

Judy is currently a Principal in Affinity Consulting, an Edmonton based consulting and training organization, and recently completed a Master of Nursing degree.

Excerpts