CARING FOR CAREGIVERS-HAVE WE BECOME OUR PARENTS?

I am an Elder Law attorney but I have also been a caregiver for family and friends over the years. Being a caregiver can be a thankless and relentless task, but also can be one of the most caring and loving things a person can do for another. The "pay" may be lousy and the thanks may not be much, but it truly has its own rewards.

Caregivers are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, sometimes there is little rest and no appreciation. So what alternatives does a caregiver have? How do you keep your sanity and emotions intact and how do you cope with what you are dealing with? There are local services, both charitable and government, that may provide services to caregivers. A number of organizations provide "RESPITE" services that allow for the caregiver to take some time off and do things for themselves, such as hair appointments, shopping, meeting with family and friends. Some of these organizations may charge minimal amounts for said services.

A caregiver can also seek the services of an elder case management company to provide services, this is obviously a more expensive way to proceed, but the free time that the caregiver receives can be priceless. Asking others to help out is another way to get some time for themselves. The caregiver can also contact day-care facilities for part-time relief.

I have been involved in elder law for over 30 years and have been a caregiver as well. This experience gives me a much greater understanding of what both elderly clients, caregivers, their families and their friends go through during the aging process. Those of us who have dealt with these elder law issues sometimes feel like we become the parents and that the parents become the children. Suddenly, we who were their children, have to make difficult parental decisions. It is not an easy situation to have to deal with. Please consider allowing me to help you with the decision making and the many legal issues that are involved with elder law issues.

Please feel free to contact me for a consultation, whether by phone or in my office, concerning any questions or issues involving elder law, guardianships, trusts, estates and estate planning documents.