b'1 2 3KNOW YOUR LOVEDDISCUSS LIVINGREACH OUT ONES WISHES ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUPPORTNo one wants to imagine a time whenIt is never too early to discuss futureOften, spouses feel they must care for a loved one is ill or incapacitated.living arrangements for you or yourtheir loved one at home. Sometimes, All too often, aging adults and theirloved one. Would your parent orthey even promise never to put each families avoid planning for the future.relative thrive in a senior living facilityother in a care facility. Yet, admitting to But procrastinating makes the situationor does she prefer to age in her ownyourself and your spouse if caregiving more difficult. Familiarizing yourselfhome? You wont know unless youhas become too much to manage with your loved ones healthcarediscuss this. Should you move closer on your own may be the most loving preferences, financial situation andto a loved one now, so that you canthing you can do.end-of-life wishes is an importantcare for him or her later? If movingTake advantage of support groups aspect of caregiving that will make isnt an option, consider how you willfor caregivers, including specific ones life easier when the time comes. manage your loved ones care from afar.dedicated to caregivers of loved ones If you have siblings, be sure towith dementia and Parkinsons disease discuss caregiving responsibilitiesthat the community offers. 4 ahead of time so that everyone hasAnd explore AgeWell Baltimore,a role to play and the work doesnta collaboration between The Associated DONT NEGLECT YOURfall on just one person. If youre anand its agencies, CHAI, CHANA and OWN WELL-BEINGonly child, recognize that your parentJCS. It provides resources, guidance or relative will rely on you. Considerand support to help you or your loved what you will need to meet caregivingone age with confidence and dignity. It may sound like a clich but its true.responsibilities.A dedicated specialist will provide You cant take care of others if youolder adults and their caregivers dont take care of yourself. Dont put the resources they needfrom off medical appointments, meals, sleep5 mental health supports and financial or exercise. If you become depressedguidance to community activities and or overly stressed, seek professionalhousing options that help individuals help immediately. STRENGTHENlive independent and safe lives. This Self-care also includes keeping RELATIONS WITHAssociated Centennial initiative is up with relationships besides the oneYOUR LOVED ONE supported by the Irene and Robert you have with the person you care for.Russel and Family and the Leonard Spend time with friends and familyLets face it. Family relationships can beand Helen R. Stulman Charitable members who bring you joy. Be kindcomplicated and not every parent andFoundation.to yourself. Caregiving is not for thechild get on famously. Caregiving can faint of heart. Though it is one of theoffer a unique opportunity to repair orGo to agewellbaltimore.org to learn more.most gratifying activities you can do,revitalize a relationship with a parent it is also one of the most challenging.or relative. This is a chance to spend Give yourself credit for doing the bestextra hours together; a time for deep you can. conversation, the airing of grievances, reminiscing and a chance to bring healing to a relationship.associated.org 43'