You definitely need to listen to this episode!!
If you're parent hasn't already been in the hospital, they most likely will at some point.

Maybe it will be a planned surgery or maybe it'll be an urgent 911 call. Either way, you need to be as prepared as possible and Nurse Lana walks us through the whole dang process!

This episode is chock full of our stories and lots of helpful and important information to make the process less scary.

Going to the Hospital for a planned procedure:

• Getting yourself, the house and both of your parents prepared for a planned visit to the hospital
• Discussions with the surgeon and nursing staff about what to expect and what care and equipment you will need when they come home
• Getting to and from the hospital
• What do you need to make sure to take with you to the hospital?

The 911 call:

• Like a fire drill, making sure you know what you need to do when you have to make that call is the key.
  What can you have in place so you're not running around the house freaking out? It's an overwhelming moment while caring for your parent.

The Hospital Stay:

• Be your parents advocate. What does that mean? What does that look like?
• Follow your intuition and know your rights
• Who do you contact when things go wrong or you have concerns on your parents care?
• Who is the Nurse Care Manager? (also known as the Social Worker/Discharge nurse) When do you reach out to them and why are they so important in your parents care?

Navigating the tricky process of getting your parents discharged and home

• What is the hospital's process? And why does it take sooo long?
• Managing your parents expectations
• Managing your own expectations
• Discharge paperwork, referrals, prescriptions, and waiting! (Usually with parents who aren't feeling well and are very impatient and frustrated. ) It's a lot!

Expectations for when they come home:

• Home Care - How is it set up? When will you hear from them?
• Understanding the responsibilities and time table of the Home Care Team: Nurse, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Speech therapist, and Aid
• What is your parents state both mentally and physically and making sure their recovery goes a smooth as possible.

This episode will truly make a difference in your caregiving journey!!

Podcast theme written and sung by Lisa Grady
Theme music produced by Ricardo Giarratana

All graphics and characters created by Nan Creamer

Follow us on Instagram @TakingCareofOurParents

We caregivers take on a lot of roles as we go through the various stages of caring for our parents.

Sometimes it's just too much.
Sometimes it's not sustainable for our own health.

If you're anything like us, stating your own needs, and letting go of some of these roles and responsibilities feels almost impossible.

How do we learn to ask for help? ... when we really hate
asking for help.



Podcast theme written and sung by Lisa Grady
Theme music produced by Ricardo Giarratana

All graphics and characters created by Nan Creamer

Follow us on Instagram @TakingCareofOurParents

We're finishing up our conversation on "Home for the Holidays" and a quick focus on the family dynamics - specifically the siblings.

You might be the sibling who lives at home and cares for your parents there.
You might be the sibling who cares about your parents from afar.

The holidays are time when everyone gets together and often these two perspectives can collide.

In today's episode we share some insights in what each of these groups might be feeling and give some suggestions in how better to handle these tricky days.

Follow us on Instagram @TakingCareofOurParents