Aging Is a Family Affair How to... | Buy

Summary

Collecting 33 unique family case studies derived directly from patient experiences, formally conducted interviews, and informal encounters and anecdotes, this resource illustrates several inevitable lessons that reinforce the pressing need for families to engage aging loved ones sooner, not later, about long-term elder care, loss, and end of life planning. Each narrative approaches aging from a unique perspective, exposing real families overcoming their own taboos, dysfunctional relationships, unhealed wounds, and other unforeseen challenges. Unique in its focus, extent, and narrative format, each study is complemented by clear, reassuring, and practical advice.

Author Biography

Mary Ann Massey, EdD, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and is currently a full-time clinician at the Williamsburg Centre for Therapy. She lives in Alexandria, Virginia.

Prelude: The Stories We All Face	p. 1
Family Speak: The Case for Talking with Aging Loved Ones Sooner Rather than Later	p. 5
Respecting Differences
Five Factors
Unfinished Business I
Unfinished Business II
Next-Door Grandma
So Many Choices: Honoring Differences and Expanding Options	p. 21
Exploring Options for Your Family
Long-Distance Daughter
No Longer Waiting for Dad to Die
Keeping a Spouse at Home-ôI Can't Do That to My Husbandö
The Freedom to Change Your Mind
Candid Conversations: Trusting Each Other with the Truth-Even When It Hurts	p. 39
Opening the Door-The First Conversation
ôI've Never Stood Up to Mom Before.ö
Asking for Details: ôMom, What Do You Want to Wear in the Coffin?ö
When the Door Slams Shut: ôI Won't Talk. Don't Ask Me.ö
Experiences With Professional Care: Parenting a Parent Who Can No Longer Live Independently	p. 57
After the Fall
Dealing with Guilt: ôPlease Tell Me It's Not My Faultö
When One Aging Parent Cares for Another: ôIf You Won't Go to the Nursing Home, I Must.ö
Where Will Dad (Or Mom) Live? Knowing Our Caregiving Strengths and Limitations	p. 74
The Challenges of Living under the Same Roof: ôWhose House Is This, Anyway?ö
Determined to Do It Alone
In-Town Caregivers
Doing the Right Thing (Whatever That Is): From Prescribed Scripts to the Wisdom of the Heart	p. 88
Too Much Help: ôDon't Treat Me Like an Invalid!ö
Small Town-Family Support
A Daughter's Long-Time Hone
Siblings: Shared Genes, Differing Values	p. 101
When Long-Distance Siblings Are Close and Local Ones Distant
Love in the Face of Dysfunction: ôMom Loved You More.ö
The Family Meeting: When A Parent Takes Charge
The Twins: A Story of Loyalty
Saying Goodbye Openly: Sharing the Sacred Journey	p. 120
Marie's Story
A Tale of Two Families
Misguided Loyalty-We Can Never Protect Ourselves From Death
Saying Goodbye Privately: Silence on the Sacred Journey	p. 132
Fred's Story
ôMommy, May I Climb in Bed with You?ö
Will You Pray over Me?
ôDaddy, Can You Hear Me? I'm Right Outside.ö
Now and at the Hour of Death: Stories from the Final Days of Life	p. 142
Samantha's Change Of Heart
Deathbed Reconciliation
ôA Vision of My Mom as God Intended Her to Beö
Final Recognition: ôI know who you are.ö
The Sum of All Stories: Connected Forever	p. 159
Embracing Our Own Future: Questions along Our Sacred Journey	p. 166
Closing Comment	p. 172
Notes	p. 173
About the Author	p. 177
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

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