Great points, Adrian. I especially like the objective "Why adapting the home isn’t about removing risk — it’s about preserving independence, confidence, and the life someone still wants to live." This also speaks to a bigger theme - what's the purpose of caregiving, to make us feel more comfortable and at ease, or to enable the quality of life, comfort and safety they want? It's a continuous shifting dynamic, discussion and set of priorities.
I'll never stop learning new tips - thanks for yours!
Glad that they’ve given you some food for thought! I’ve found that as soon as I take a ‘protective' mindset in caring for Mum, she pushes back and scolds me for being over-bearing and suffocating. And that’s fair - she has fought hard to live her life to its truest, and has a much better sense of what she is capable of and the risks she is willing to accept. My role should be about elevating her, not wrapping her in bubble wrap.
First, yes - but I've been doing it for 15 years so it doesn't feel that way. It is more of a reflection that acting on the impulse to protect isn't always productive. And that nothing stays the same so we all have to adjust as situations change.. especially when a global pandemic sweeps the world among other things lol
Great points, Adrian. I especially like the objective "Why adapting the home isn’t about removing risk — it’s about preserving independence, confidence, and the life someone still wants to live." This also speaks to a bigger theme - what's the purpose of caregiving, to make us feel more comfortable and at ease, or to enable the quality of life, comfort and safety they want? It's a continuous shifting dynamic, discussion and set of priorities.
I'll never stop learning new tips - thanks for yours!
Glad that they’ve given you some food for thought! I’ve found that as soon as I take a ‘protective' mindset in caring for Mum, she pushes back and scolds me for being over-bearing and suffocating. And that’s fair - she has fought hard to live her life to its truest, and has a much better sense of what she is capable of and the risks she is willing to accept. My role should be about elevating her, not wrapping her in bubble wrap.
I hear you....and I also hear the hesitation/uncertainty between the lines. Is this the first time you're caring for an older person, parent?
Sorry to say, but it's a continuous shifting discussion of preferences, wishes, needs, risks and safety. No bubble wrap but a continuous calibration.
First, yes - but I've been doing it for 15 years so it doesn't feel that way. It is more of a reflection that acting on the impulse to protect isn't always productive. And that nothing stays the same so we all have to adjust as situations change.. especially when a global pandemic sweeps the world among other things lol
Agree!
Such wise insights! Thanks for sharing.
My dad and I spent a wonderful several days in Hong Kong together 25 years ago! Thanks for bringing up those memories!
Sure - glad you enjoyed your time in Hong Kong! Things have changed a lot but it still has a fantastic energy!