People who hope to complete a marathon don’t just wake up one day and decide to run the race. Instead, they start a training regiment and ease into it by gradually increasing the distances they run in order to build up strength and stamina. This same approach of “easing in” can be wise for a variety of life transitions, including retirement, caregiving and driving cessation.
Let’s briefly look at each of these.
Retirement – Life is often structured around work. Regardless of what shift people work, the hours they sleep, the times they eat, and the places they go are often determined by work schedules. It is quite common for people to find an abrupt transition into retirement filled with uncertainty. As they depart from a lifelong career to start a new chapter in life, what may initially sound glamorous often becomes dull. As
a result, retirees often turn to volunteering, mentoring, and pursuing passions to rediscover a sense of purpose their careers used to provide them. While many Americans follow a “work one day, retire the next” approach to retirement, many older European workers ease into retirement by gradually working shorter and fewer days. This approach has been found to help them become accustom to a new way of life and create a smooth transition for coworkers.
Caregiving – Instead of waiting until a catastrophic event occurs before pursuing changes to make life easier, often the best way for elder loved ones to embrace change is to ease in to it. Engaging the services of a caregiver to help around the house a few hours a week is often
a great way for people to grow accustom to having someone to help with daily activities. As life becomes increasingly difficult, caregiving services can be expanded upon.
“Medical conditions and the functional challenges they present often cause everyday activities associated with independent living and personal care to become increasingly difficult,” said Dr. Catherine Onuoha of Compassionate Home Care Partners Polk County Florida. “In addition, hospitalization is often the catalyst that forces people to make changes when they are discharged.” Knowing older adults place a high value on their independence, support from family and/or professional caregivers is a great way to extend independence and avoid isolation.
Driving Cessation – As a result of functional limitations, many people choose to self-regulate their driving by avoiding highways, rush hour traffic or driving at night. Driving signifies independence for many people, and seeking alternative forms of transportation can be uncomfortable for those who are used to driving. Again, ease in to it. Seek carpooling opportunities and rely on family, friends and/or professional caregivers to provide rides to appointments – chances are a person may enjoy the extra company these options provide. If public transportation is available and convenient, it may be worth exploring as an option to gain familiarity and reduce driving. If the time comes when driving become unsafe, the transition will likely be easier.
Is There Writing on the Wall?
Rarely do people face situations that are completely unexpected. Instead, as the saying goes, there is often writing on the wall that indicates a future situation or challenge. These subtle hints signal to us that we should anticipate a change. As you look ahead to 2010, is there writing on the wall indicating future changes or life transitions?
Based on your unique situation, what are some issues you are likely to encounter over the next year?
- Are you envisioning a career change that would compel you to increase your networking and update your resume?
- Do you anticipate downsizing your home now that your children are grown and a larger home is no longer practical?
- Could this be the year your loved one hangs up the car keys for his/her own safety and the safety of others?
- Is this the year increased assistance may be needed based on deteriorating health and difficulties with independent living and/or personal care?
If you see writing on the wall, take the time to proactively prepare for the inevitable. Likewise, if you see others struggling, express your concerns in a caring and gentle manner. They may have blind spots and not realize what could be obvious to you.
America’s population is aging at record rates. If you are not already providing care or support for a family member or friend, chances are you will soon. Caregiving has quickly become an expected life event, just like getting married, having children, working and retiring. Is there writing on the wall that might suggest it is appropriate to start taking a more active role in a loved one’s life?
Compassionate Home Care Partners of Polk County Florida offers a complete continuum of home healthcare services, similar to the care and support often provided by family members. Services include non-medical care, companionship, personal care* and medical services*. Our flexible care plans are tailored to fit our clients’ specific needs and budgets. To learn more about Compassionate Home Care Partners and get answers to your question call us at (863) 271-7776.
