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Why Caring for Aging Parents Doesn't Have to Suck the Life Out of You
Manage episode 498785166 series 3369208
Taking care of your aging parents can feel overwhelming, but why caring for aging parents doesn’t have to suck the life out of you is at the heart of this week’s Create the Best Me episode. I’m joined by Howard Miller, a bestselling author and seasoned caregiver who has navigated the path of balancing work, family, and the growing needs of elderly parents, all while finding moments of laughter and gratitude amidst the chaos.
In our conversation, Howard reveals how embracing levity transformed his own caregiving journey and why caring for aging parents doesn’t need to mean losing yourself to stress or burnout. You’ll hear about the real, relatable challenges of the “sandwich generation,” and learn how simple mindset shifts, clear communication with siblings, and prioritizing self-care can keep you grounded and even joyful while supporting your loved ones.
Whether you’re actively caring for aging parents or preparing for what’s ahead, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom and heartwarming stories to help you discover why caring for aging parents doesn’t have to suck the life out of you.
5 Key Lessons
- Levity Is a Power Tool: You don’t have to be a jokester to introduce lightness; shifting perspective and practicing gratitude can help prevent burnout.
- Self-Care Isn’t Optional: Maintaining your own health is essential. Regular exercise, healthy routines, and honest self-talk make you a better caregiver and a happier person.
- Start Family Dialogues Early: Navigating finances, living arrangements, and care options openly avoids conflict and creates a smoother caregiving experience.
- Sibling Teamwork Takes Intention: A division of duties, mutual respect, and a little humor make a huge difference in maintaining harmony and sanity.
- Find and Treasure Small Joys: Look for laughter in daily moments, honor and revisit favorite memories, and know that these will sustain you through difficult times.
Learn more:
Dive deeper into Howard Miller’s practical tips, find his book, and get extra support for caring for aging parents without losing yourself in the resources listed below.
📕 Resources:
https://createthebestme.com/ep128
https://www.fulcrumpointpartners.com/bestme
Purchase “Burdens & Blessings” https://a.co/d/1Y0UDK5
#AgingParents #Caregiving #WhyCaringForAgingParentsDoesntHaveToSuckTheLifeOutOfYou #FamilyCaregivers #SelfCare #SandwichGeneration #Levity #GriefSupport #CreateTheBestMe #HowardMiller
📨 Newsletter:
https://createthebestme.com/newsletter/
👀 Connect With Me:
Website: https://createthebestme.com
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carmenhecox/
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@carmenhecox
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@createthebestme
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-hecox
📽️ Video Request:
Chapters
1. Introduction (00:00:00)
2. Meet Howard Miller: Author and Caregiver (00:00:23)
3. The Inspiration Behind “Burdens and Blessings” (00:03:06)
4. Balancing Life and Caregiving (00:05:28)
5. The Importance of Levity in Caregiving (00:08:30)
6. Navigating Parental Care During the Pandemic (00:11:40)
7. Challenges and Strategies in Elder Care (00:17:09)
8. End-of-Life Care and Hospice (00:23:01)
9. Navigating Hospice Care (00:24:30)
10. Living Your Best Life with Limited Time (00:25:20)
11. The Power of Self-Talk and Levity (00:26:07)
12. Caring for a Loved One in Their Final Days (00:27:48)
13. Finding Humor in Difficult Times (00:28:17)
14. Sibling Dynamics in Caregiving (00:41:05)
15. Balancing Self-Care and Caregiving (00:43:36)
16. Final Reflections and Advice (00:46:02)
137 episodes
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