As we grow older, many of us rely more on our adult children for help — with transportation, medical appointments, household tasks or managing health concerns. While this support is often given with love, it can also place a heavy responsibility on family caregivers.
Adult children who care for aging parents may balance many roles: employee, parent, spouse, caregiver. The emotional and physical demands can be significant.
Kūpuna can acknowledge that caregiving may be stressful by asking, “How are you doing?” which can open the door to honest conversation.
Seniors can also support caregivers by sharing responsibilities, when possible, keeping medical information organized, communicating preferences clearly and discussing future care wishes before a crisis arises. Small actions, like preparing a list of important phone numbers and medications, can ease the daily burden.
Just as importantly, encourage your adult children to take breaks and accept help from others. Caring for a loved one shouldn’t be left to one person.
Caregiving is an expression of aloha across generations. By supporting those who support you, families can stay stronger, healthier and more connected through every stage of life.
NAVIAN HAWAII
Jody Shiroma, Chief Growth Officer
808-302-4144 | jshiroma@navianhawaii.org
NavianHawaii.org
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