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This week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Leslie McLeod.  Leslie is a writer, artist, mom, and co-owner of a technology company.  From her experience with her siblings caring for their parents, she has developed a passion for building relationships among families with aging parents.  She is currently writing a book to help families survive their season of caring without the added burden of preventable relationship damage.  She shares the following insights and some tips from her “Do and Don’t” List:

• For most, there is no precedent or preparation for the caring season.
• There will be a resurgence of unresolved family-of-origin issues.
• Grief impacts the process, not just at the end.
• Communication is key.  Check for meaning and understanding.  Use body language as clues.
• DO – Appoint a gatekeeper to disseminate medical information to everyone.
• DO – Give your parent the last word whenever possible.
• DO – Have one person manage the inheritance treasures process.
• DO – Be proactive in assigning responsibilities.
• DON'T – Exclude siblings completely.
• DON’T - Divide into teams.
• DON’T – Resist creative ideas from siblings.
• DO – Self-care!
• DO – Laugh through this sad, challenging season.
• DON’T – Pass up a hug.
• DO – Capture memories.
• DO – Allow grace for all team members.
• Keep updated regarding Leslie’s book on this topic at her site: www.lamcleod.com