Is it Time for a Family Pow-Wow?

Part 1 of 3 - I recently visited my widowed mother and found some things that are of a concern to me and my siblings. We saw her bills were piling up and not getting paid. There were numerous burned-out light bulbs and dishes piled up on the sink. Her refrigerator held more outdated foods than fresh. Most concerning was her lack of hygiene. These things are the complete opposite of our mom, and we aren’t sure how to approach her and respect her privacy and dignity. Help!

Approaching our elderly parents about these personal issues, especially when they are recently widowed, is almost always a case of “walking on eggshells.”

Consider approaching your parent about a "help Mom day"

Ask her what she needs to be fixed around the house; such as, clean out gutters, minor house repairs, getting items out of the attic, car inspections, clean out the fridge/pantry, setting up holiday decorations. Mom might simply be overwhelmed since the passing of her husband and she doesn’t know where to begin.

Suggest things that you can do together and with her approval. This is a wonderful way to provide the help she most likely needs but is hesitant to ask because she knows that you are “busy.” And I guarantee she will welcome the visit.

Continue with Part 2 in this series "Is it Time for a Family Pow-Wow?"