Love Meets the Reality of Aging in Place: Archelle’s Caregiving Story (Guest Host, Cathy Wurzer)

Speak Up For Your Health

Archelle shares her personal story about the journey as a caregiver for her mother, Tina, who recently passed away. Guest host Cathy Wurzer leads the conversation, where they discuss the tough decisions and emotional challenges that come with caring for aging loved ones. Archelle talks about navigating the balance between honoring a loved one’s wishes and ensuring their safety and highlighting the difficult but loving decision to sometimes say "no" for their well-being.

Key Takeaways

Look for early, subtle changes in personality and decision-making. Use this moment to quietly but actively put plans in place for your loved one and start checking in on them more frequently.

Make sure that healthcare power of attorney documents are signed and accessible. Instead of naming co-decision-makers, it's best to designate a one individual as primary with an alternate in case the primary is unavailable. This helps avoid delays and complexities in making urgent care decisions.

Use technology to help keep your loved one safe. Here's a list of ideas with links:

• Amazon's Echo Show: This has all the features of a traditional Alexa and has the added benefit of video. This let me "drop in" to see my mom and talk to her without requiring that she know how to use the technology.
• Blink Mini-Cameras: Buy multiple devices and put them in strategic locations. Make sure to buy the data storage plan so that you can review and store clips.
• Medical/Safety Alert systems can include a pendant or a smart watch.

Have realistic conversations about "aging in place". Discuss the medical, financial, physical and social implications for everyone who is impacted: the aging individual AND the caregiver(s) who assumes responsibility. Everyone's quality of life matters.

Process for identifying an assisted living:

• Week 1: Do online research to identify all the facilities in the area. Read independent reviews.
• Week 2: Create a list of important criteria and conduct phone interviews.
• Week 3: Visit 4-6 locations.
• Week 4: Schedule an extended visit and have a meal at 1-2 locations that seem like the best fit.

MANY thanks to Cathy Wurzer for guest hosting this interview. Cathy has a passion for aging and end of life issues. Learn more about her organization, End in Mind. You can also hear/see Cathy at:

• MPR's Morning Edition
• Minnesota Now, Cathy's own podcast on MPR
• TPT's Almanac

Share your story with Archelle

Newsletter: https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter

Email: [e-mail]

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