How to avoid aging becoming a burden on close family
I was recently asked how to avoid aging becoming a burden on close family. When might the support we need from close family become too much for them?
While we can certainly look after our physical and mental health for as much and as long as possible, through keeping our bodies and minds fit and active, eventually we may need support with mobility and illness.
It’s not always easy to ask for help, and we generally don’t want to feel that we’re a burden to others, especially loved ones.
As with many other changes in life, exploring options and conversations can help us to navigate these challenges and to put a wider support structure in place.
Here are five ideas to get started:
Give yourself permission to ask for help. It may feel uncomfortable, but it may also reduce the stress both you and your loved ones experience further down the line.
Talk with family about both your and their concerns, needs and expectations so that you all know where you stand, what support is or will be possible, and where additional support may be needed.
Expand these conversations and distribution of support efforts to a wider circle of family and friends, neighbours, and community. Who might be able to offer lifts, help with gardening or shopping?
Find out what support is accessible from social services, charities, and community organisations, both free and paid for. Are there services you could be missing out on by not asking?
Put Powers of Attorney and a Living Will in place (or the equivalent outside of the UK) to help relieve the pressure of decision making on family members so they know what your wishes are if you are no longer able to be involved in this.
What else are you doing or would you suggest?
To talk through how I can support you to make plans based on your decisions, contact me for a free, no commitment conversation to learn how we might work together.
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