It can be difficult to watch a parent or loved one age, especially when they begin to need assistance. And it is even more of a challenge when you’re tasked with becoming their primary caregiver.
On a recent episode of LAist’s daily news program AirTalk, which airs on 89.3. FM, host Larry Mantle talked with gerontologist and director of the USC Family Caregiver Support Center Donna Benton about how to navigate the challenges of being a caregiver for a parent or parents — and got some tips from both Benton and AirTalk listeners on things they wish they’d known when taking on caregiving responsibilities.
Start a conversation early
When it comes to discussing your parents’ needs and wishes for elder care, Benton said it’s best to plan ahead and not wait until there’s a crisis.
“It’s a heavy conversation to have, but I know most parents want to lessen the burden of their kids if they can,” she said. “So having that conversation, thinking through those things, is really, really helpful.”
AirTalk listener Anne in Huntington Beach is a caregiver for both her parents and seconded Benton’s advice. She said one of the challenges she faced when first starting their care was trying to meet her parents’ needs and expectations for what at-home care looked like for them.
“That’s probably one of the biggest lessons I learned is to have a conversation with your parents early,” Anne said. “What do you want? Are you OK being in a home? Do you want to be in your own home? And what does that look like? What do we need to do now to make sure that that can happen?”
At-home care requires financial planning and may entail modifying the home to…
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