Caring for your parents
It's hard to help a relative or a friend age successfully, especially if they resist. And most do.
Growing up at a time when life expectancy was much shorter, we have no role models - no mentors - to show us what to do.
Liz's parents refused to plan ahead as they got older. Her mom had Alzheimer's disease; her dad was blind, deaf and very frail. Neither would consider thinking about their changing needs, despite her pleas. One day, at age 78, Liz's dad broke his pelvis raking leaves. "This finally put me in the driver's seat," says Liz. Over the next eight years, she was able to help them make decisions that improved their lives significantly.
Knowing what to do as our parents age doesn't come naturally. Even in the absence of a crisis, it's tough. The right answers require experience and knowledge, but eldercare is a topic few of us think about until we need it.
For over 35 years, Liz has worked with thousands of older adults and their families to figure
out how to maximize their independence while making them safer - and make their lives better.
She's an expert at assessing an individual's needs and understanding what's going on (both good and bad),
then recommending the best options. She knows the reputations and track records of the services
she recommends and can save money and anxiety by helping families make the right choices from the beginning.
Liz believes it is honorable and right for adult children and others to step in and help older people age with dignity, even when they resist. In fact, she says, it's our responsibility.
All organizations that work with older adults need to help families
understand the value of working with geriatric
care managers. Over the
years, I have worked closely with Liz in the delivery of these services.
She is one of
the top geriatric care managers in the field.
- Nick Newcombe, founder, Senior Bridge
I was totally confused about what I should do to help my parents live
independently -- but with help. Liz broke it down into manageable pieces,
then steered us to the best services. Almost immediately, my mom's health improved.
- Vicky Lehigh, Bothell, WA
Thank you for giving me the "push" to get my husband the care he needed. After six years of caring for him nonstop at home, I was on the verge of a breakdown. I think he's happier now, too. - Lenora Helms, Seattle, WA