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| 4/23/2008 | Email this article  • Print this article  |
by Lorraine Gregus, Columnist lgregus@thealmanac.net It's safe to say we enjoy the best life has to offer during our 20s and 30s and even our 40s and 50s. We have plenty of energy and our children keep us busy with school and sports. And many are fortunate to have parents who are enjoying their empty nest. These mature adults reside in the family home, take vacations, care for grandchildren and drive just about anywhere. This newfound freedom gives our parents the right to live as they wish. For most, basically life is good. In little more than an instant, a fall, sickness or the dreaded death of a parent can happen. An entire family's existence can turn upside down in a blink of an eye. Health and life insurance problems begin to replace stress free evenings. Is nursing needed? Or therapy? Do prescriptions need to be picked up? Can the elderly parent cook? Is there a Living Will? Do we need an attorney? Should one or both parents still live alone? Is it time to sell the house? Maybe Mom or Dad needs to move to a strange city to be cared for by family. Rooms filled with memories must be sorted. It's mindboggling. I can relate to this situation entirely from experience. Not knowing whom to call first, I was overwhelmed and pulled in a dozen directions when my father needed to have constant care and my mother didn't drive.
My mother recently celebrated 95 years and I can honestly say I've dealt with many of the above concerns first hand. Not too long ago I took Mom shopping, to the doctor's, to church, provided balanced meals and clean clothes. Her grass needed to be cut and her sidewalks rid of snow. After years of disputes, she finally agreed to sell her house. I needed guidance but wasn't sure what direction to follow. Fortunate for South Hills residents, Life Service Providers offers an invaluable service, free-of-charge. This local nonprofit organization offers assistance with elder care decisions. Only a phone call away, a network of professionals experienced in many aspects of elder care will be provided. Adult children, grandchildren or other caregivers can breathe easier knowing this service is within reach. Life Service Providers focuses on many issues. They include geriatric care management; home care; hospice and palliative care; law; long-term care insurance; moving and organization; personal emergency response; independent living; assisted living and skilled nursing options; banking/financial planning; estate and funeral planning/memorials; grief support and real estate. Information, referrals and education, conducive to a family's specific needs, lessens the stress and time involved in caring for a loved one. It's a real blessing for busy family members to have access to valuable resources for life's countless challenges. To learn more about this worthwhile program, call 1-877-650-8144 or visit the Web site at www.lifeserviceproviders.org.
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