Originally published August 19 2005
Tips for caring for older parents
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
With the baby boomer generation getting older, more and more people are having to take care of their parents into old age. Follow these tips to make the job a little easier.
Are you a member of the "sandwich" generation?
You are if you're caring for young children as well as one or more aging parents.
Today, 44 percent of Americans between the ages of 45 and 55 have both living parents and children under 21 years old.
In fact, 22 million Americans are caring for parents or older relatives, according to the American Association of Retired People.
And nearly two-thirds of primary caregivers are women, a Kaiser Family Foundation study shows.
Most of these caregivers are also either working full- or part-time.
Taking care of children, performing on the job and keeping up with the household chores are just some of life's daily stresses.
Use the tips provided below to help you cope.
Having fun, laughing and focusing on things other than your own problems helps you keep your emotional balance and makes you a much better caregiver.
# Ask for help when you need it.
There will be times when you can't do everything that needs to be done, so call on friends and family members for help with different tasks.
# Use community resources, such as adult day services, meal or shopping services, and caregiver support groups to help lighten your load.
Also look to see what programs are offered through your place of worship.
# Do not drink excessively or use drugs to cope with the stress.
If the feelings continue, talk to a trusted friend, relative, clergy or health professional.
Ask your employer if there is an employee assistance program you can use.
# Talk to your supervisor at work about your caregiving responsibilities, so he or she knows what difficulties you may experience.
Offer to help them with heavy family responsibilities.
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