If we’re worried about our parents, it’s easy to concentrate on the things we know that they don’t know: maybe they are getting forgetful, or they don’t drive as well as they used to, or their health is more precarious than they realize.
It’s also easy to lose sight of the fact that they know many things that we don’t. And acknowledging that fact can go a long way toward building a sense of understanding and respect. As families move into the murky world of difficult elder care decisions – should we try to keep him from driving? should she move to be closer to family? – respect and understanding are crucial.
My mom knows how to do many, MANY things that I don’t know how to do – make quilts, sew clothes, create temari balls, and, apparently – pickle beets. I had no idea my mom knew how to pickle beets! We were in the grocery store together and I was looking for picked beets and she said “I can show you how to pickle beets.” Voila!
How many other things do our parents know that we don’t know? I challenge you to find out at least one thing the next time you visit them. Warning: if you’ve been nagging them about everything they don’t know, they may wonder if you have had a personality transplant. Let’s find out.
My mom showing me how to pickle beets.
Are you worried about an elderly loved one who lives in Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, or Staunton Virginia or in Overland Park Kansas? Care is There Geriatric Care Management can help. We work with clients to develop solutions that work for them, and since we live nearby we can check on your loved one in person.
For more information about our geriatric care management, lifestyle coordination, and the services of our Aging Life Care Management professionals, visit careisthere.com or contact us at 800.434.1633.
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