The Elder Care Playbook

Maui resident Petra Weggel learned about caregiving the way most people do… the hard way, through the trial and error of first-hand experience.

“It is incredibly stressful to witness the decline of an aging loved one while at the same time thinking about your own mounting responsibilities,” Petra said in the introduction of The Elder Care Playbook. “You probably have your own job, a family or significant other, and bills that are piling up. To deal with all of that while also knowing your parent’s affairs are a mess can leave you feeling lost and hopeless. If you’re like I was, you won’t even know where to begin…” In her effort to help others deal with the challenges of caregiving — and especially for those who cannot become a full-time caregiver for their loved one due to distance or other factors — Petra wrote a well-organized, thorough guide, complete with checklists.

“It’s for everyone like me in the Sandwich Generation who can’t bring a parent home to live with them but still wants to ensure they’ll be cared for.” You don’t have to be physically present to do your part, she says. Petra suggests you contribute to the welfare of an aging loved one like she did, by becoming a care organizer, while still working and attending to your life.

Through personal anecdotes, Petra shares many aspects of organizing care, why you must put your own well-being first, along with coping methods to deal with frustration, guilt and helplessness.

“It is much easier to care for an aging loved one when you’re prepared,” says Petra. “However, you will always need to expect the unexpected.” She wants you to think of this book as not only a tool for planning,
but also, your inspirational support manual. She shares how you really can find time for yourself, avoid burnout and help the person you care about at the same time.

Petra discloses that the book is not a comprehensive text on the subject of senior care or caregiving, but she has broken the caregiving process into digestible, understandable chunks. Where you begin ultimately depends on your own circumstances, your loved one’s health issues, your relationship to each other and your own particular family situation.

The book is all about helping you adopt a positive mindset so you can spend each day in a way that feels meaningful instead of overwhelming, as Petra says, in order to “make every day a good day.” Disclaimer: This book is not intended to offer legal, financial or healthcare advice.

THE ELDER CARE PLAYBOOK
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