Aging Parents and the Hidden Mess
When a flood hits, it doesn’t just bring water, it brings debris. Caring for aging parents is much the same. It disrupts your life, your routine, and everything you thought was stable. When you’re in the thick of it, it’s hard to explain just how overwhelming it can be.
Are you ready for the mess that comes with caring for aging parents? Beyond the daily challenges, there are emotional upheavals, physical tasks, and difficult conversations. The key takeaway is being ready for the chaos means being prepared for everything it brings.
Are you ready for the mess that comes with caring for aging parents? Beyond the daily challenges, there are emotional upheavals, physical tasks, and difficult conversations. The key takeaway is being ready for the chaos means being prepared for everything it brings.
As the shock of your situation calms and you are able to re-engage your thinking brain, you begin to wonder what’s next. It is easy to be distracted by all the noise and honestly, the overwhelm of tasks. This is where People in the Squeeze can be immensely helpful. If you can get your hands around just a few first steps, you’ll start to feel like you have a foothold again.
Here are the first three steps we encourage you to take after the “flood” hits:
1. Ground yourself before you move.
Take a breath. Your nervous system has just been through a shock. Whether it’s a fall, a sudden diagnosis, or the realization that independence is slipping away, your mind and body need a moment to recalibrate. A grounded human caring for aging parents makes steadier decisions.
2. Identify what’s urgent vs. what’s important.
Not everything needs to be done today. Sorting medication might be urgent. Planning for future housing is important—but not urgent. Writing these out in two separate columns can immediately relieve pressure and help you move forward without spinning.
3. Practice asking for help.
Caring for aging parents was never meant to be a solo sport. This is the moment to ask: Who can help? Sometimes it’s family, sometimes it’s friends, sometimes it’s professional support. Even naming the people in your circle can remind you that you are not alone.
From there, you’ll begin to find rhythm in the chaos. The floodwaters may not recede overnight, but by anchoring yourself, focusing on the next right thing, and reaching for support, you’ll find the ground beneath your feet.
If you’ve been through this, how did you handle the disruptions in your life? Share your thoughts with me!
Looking for more support while navigating the squeeze? Grab a copy of our book Thriving in Chaos: Navigating the Challenges of Aging Parents on Amazon. You can find us on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube @peopleinthesqueeze. Looking for some company? Tune into the People in the Squeeze podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
