Knowing When and How to Step In

A Season of Caring Podcast

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on her interview last week with Carolyn Birrell (Episode 139). Carolyn is the author of Walking with Fay: A Mother’s Unchartered Path into Dementia. While describing her caregiving journey, she talked about how difficult it was to navigate knowing when and how to step in to offer support for her mother. Since most everyone will deal with this issue, Rayna continues with the topic offering the following suggestions:

• [1:10] There are eight areas to consider when determining whether or not parents need more support:
  • [2:00] Family Relationships
  • [4:13] Home Safety
  • [6:03] Medical Needs
  • [7:27] Cognitive Health
  • [10:33] Mobility
  • [12:19] Meals/Meal Prep
  • [13:02] Social Interaction
  • [13:48] Personal Hygiene
• [15:43] Use this free survey (www.aseasonofcaring.com/2022/10/20/knowing-when-and-how-to-step-in/) to assess and reassess the situation.
• [17:52] If you are concerned, there are people who can support you in having these conversations.
• [19:12] The more things you talk about with your parents, the more you know their immediate needs and also their desires for the future.
• [19:52] This episode is brought to you by the Encouragement Series which offers inspiration, encouragement, and hope during this season of your life. Enrollment is open now at www.EncouragementSeries.com for this free series that will help you take care of yourself while caring for them.