how to have the difficult conversation: advanced care planning 101
There are difficult questions of life or death that most of us would prefer to avoid. However, we need to sit down with our loved ones to understand their preferences as they age.
No one like to think about death. We do not like to think about our own death nor the death of our loved ones. However, on this side of the return of Jesus Christ, death is a part of life. The scripture says that all men are appointed to die once and then face judgement.
As responsible adults, we must plan for this eventuality. Not only by having enough life insurance so that our dependents are cared for. Not only for fulfilling the scripture that says that a righteous man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children. But by having a plan and a vision of how you want the process of death to be handled by your loved one.
This is called an Advanced Care Plan.
Sandwich generation
Do you feel squeezed between the need to care for children and to give your aging parents the attention that they need? This is the challenge of the sandwich generation.
The sandwich generation is the generation that feels squeezed between two other generations. One that is being raised and the other that is growing older. This squeeze can be a major source of stress for many people.
We were created to live in multigenerational community and to support each other. However, society and families have become fractured.
What can you do when your parents are aging and may lose independence while children are at home needing daily consistent parenting?
Caregiver stress
It is hard to care for both parents and children. Caregiver stress can take a toll on of our physical and mental health
Taking care of our loved one is a privilege. However often times it may feel like a burden. Caring for infants and small children is challenging but it is full on new adventure and the future hope of raising thriving and productive adults.
On the other hand, watching parents age does not have the same hope of step by step progress. Often times it can seem like a slow decline.
We must change our mindset on aging and caring for parents as they age.
We must face the stress of caring for aging parents head on. Not with avoidance or denial but with honesty and patience. Patience not just for our parents, but patience with ourselves.