Welcome! As we are in the planning stages for the 90th birthday celebration for Gayle’s mother, it brings up the experience that many people are having in assisting their aging parents. Caring for them and navigating through the available options can be challenging and emotional for all those involved. Join us for a conversation about these tough issues.

Natalie Chantal McGrady is helping her five sisters lovingly care for their 95-year-old mother while they hold jobs and other responsibilities. Chantal has worked in corporate America for over 25 years, currently focusing on supplier diversity at a large agricultural company. She’s been married for over 27 years and has three children who are almost out of the house. We met Chantal as college freshmen together, and we are fortunate to have maintained friendship with her. Join us to meet Chantal and hear her story!

Show Highlights:

• How Chantal’s dad passed away 23 years ago at age 74, and her mom has been living on her own since then
• How Chantal’s mom took classes through the Office of Aging with a group of friends to learn to “age in place” and navigate living on her own
• How a two-story house became too much for her in the past two years
• How a variety of resources are available for aging and related issues
• How Chantal and her sisters had to deal with the problem of getting their mom to move from her home of 50+ years to a more appropriate place
• Why planning ahead is key in understanding resources and options as you age
• How Chantal and her sisters are dividing up the responsibilities to make it work
• How the emotional piece of caring for their mother can lead to arguments and disagreements–but they have to work together
• Why they take a 30-day rotation to live with their mom full-time since her recent fall and femur break
• How organizations like Visiting Angels offer help and support–though it is expensive and somewhat unpredictable
• How Chantal and her sisters participate in activities and TV shows with their mom that she enjoys so she can keep her routine
• How to prepare aging parents to watch out for scams and telemarketers
• Chantal’s advice about preparing for your own “Golden Years”:
• Know your numbers (social security, 401K, retirement, insurance, etc.).
• See a financial planner and discuss goals.
• Why it is essential to get medical proxy and power of attorney in place
• Takeaways from Chantal about caring for aging parents: “Respect the parent’s need to be independent for as long as possible. Understand the safety issues. Don’t get into analysis paralysis. Explore the resources that are available in your area. Be flexible. Understand their physical and mental limitations with empathy. Be patient.”
• Why self-care is important when caring for an aging parent–along with keeping a sense of humor

Resources:

Connect with Chantal:  Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.