There's an easy way to keep our family from wanting to wring our necks once we get old and can't
take care of ourselves or we die. One or the other is going to happen so deal with it now.
What to do? Clean-up our mess before we can't do it anymore.
Most important, create a folder or binder with important information and keep it updated.
Finding out who your doctor is, what medications you take, and who, what, where you
owe bills can be so time consuming to the family in an emergency or case of death.
Those birthday cards you received and kept in boxes for 30 years...toss them.
Trust me, your family won't sit around reading them when you are gone.
Old bills and statements. Anything over seven years old...shred/toss them.
Clothes and shoes you haven't worn in years...donate them now.
Make notes on the back of old photos. Your family may have no idea that a photo
is of your gr-gr-gr-grandfather who was famous. It may end up in the trash.
Share your photos with family now so they don't have to decide what to do with
that huge crate of photos you've got stashed in the garage or closet.
Those knick-knacks on the shelf may have value but the family might think they are
something you won at a carnival. Make sure you let someone know what is valuable
in your house. Better yet, write it down and leave the list with other important papers.
If you have jewelry or valuables that you want to pass on to someone, think about giving
it to them when you are alive. It will have so much more meaning to them knowing you
wanted them to have it then to receive it after you are gone. At least write a note indicating
what you want someone to have if you don't want to part with it just yet.
If you have to give up your independence, try not to complain about everything.
Life is hard during any transition, so give your family a break if they are doing their best.
Try not be stubborn and to listen when it comes time that family starts telling us we
can't live alone anymore. It's hard to let go of independence,
but it's harder on the family when they are forced to make the decision for you.
I can imagine most of you can add lots of other ideas to this list so feel free to add
what-to-do and what-not-to-do in the comments.
Thanks to all of you who wrote supportive comments about caring for elderly parents/grandparents.
It's been a rough few months for my mother-in-law (and us), but she's slowly improving.
She feels bad that her broken hip has thrown our life into a whirlwind of chaos and change, though
there really isn't anything either of us can do to fix that. She needs us so we are there for her.
She's been a wonderful mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother throughout her 90 years!
My hubby and I alternate and travel back-and-forth to help her. He spends way more time
with her than me and is doing a good job of it. It's been amazing to see all that he's had to do.
She's totally moved into assisted living and we've been working hard to get her condo
painted, and windows, flooring, countertops, and sinks replaced. We were lucky it wasn't
dirty...it just needed some extra tender loving care to get it more up-to-date.
Even the Monkey Boys helped get her moved in to her new apartment.
Even the Monkey Boys helped get her moved in to her new apartment.
As for sewing, it feels good to sew a little as time permits. It's such great therapy!
Here's to growing old or dying with dignity and grace!
Here's to growing old or dying with dignity and grace!
