Every day I speak with families across America who are being forced to make decisions that affect the lives of their parents and grand parents. Most are ill equipped to make these calls on their own (which is why the call me) often requiring an understanding of complex issues like dementia, depression and loss of independent living.
With my new the Elder Life Series, I am going to give you a birds eye view into the lives of adult sons and daughters, elderly moms and dads, who have been gracious enough to share their stories with the public.
Why am I producing this series?
The answer is, we are all in this aging process together. Eventually, if we live long enough, each of us will be in a position where we have to depend on others because we can’t do everything for ourselves.
I want this on-going video series to show you what the future may look like for you or your loved ones so you develop an understanding about what some of the initial symptoms are of dementia; what it feels like to lose the privilege to drive and the independence that goes along with it. On a broader scale, I am hopeful that this will create greater feelings of empathy and respect for elders in this country of ours.
I also want educate the public on the many options available for caring for the elderly, from assisted living facilities to in-home care. The vital importance of purchasing long term care insurance as protection from ending up in a nursing home instead of remaining in your own home.
Be forewarned, this series can be emotionally difficult to watch. Seeing and hearing others stories can be quite sad and distressing, even as a viewer.
Seeing other families being thrust into unfamiliar territory and suddenly working side by side other family members to come up with workable, loving solutions for their elderly can instantly turn good intentions into a powder keg!
