Bonnie Reynolds' father, Arved passed away about three years ago.  When he died, Arved was living in his granddaughter's home and his family had come together to care for him in the way they believe he wanted. Bonnie says, "Even thought he couldn't talk to us, we knew he was comfortable. How do you know that? You see it in a person's face. Even when he couldn't talk back to us, we knew we had done the right thing."

Bonnie's family found peace in their decision. Now she works with others to get children talking with their parents about how they would like to be cared for. She's part of the Alliance for Caregiver Education. Several times a year organizations put on a seminar to make decision making easier for those who might "parent their parents". Bonnie says, "Just as childcare was so huge back in the 70's, elder care is really going to be the issue for this next generation."

The seminars focus on several key areas including how to talk to with your employer about your needs when caring for a parent, where to find support for yourself as a caregiver, and where to look for the services your parents need. There's also a focus on how to determine if your parents have their ducks in a row, financially.

Attorney Jeff Brekke says even if your parents want to keep their financial information private there's still a way to make sure they have things in order. He explains, "You'd say, Mom and Dad, I was just in to do my will and we did durable power of attorney for financial affairs and we did durable power of attorney for healthcare, how about you?"

Before Jeff meets with someone to write their will, he gives them the option of filling out this paperwork. It asks detailed questions about their family and it's aimed at making the entire process easier when they come to his law office to write their will. Jeff says you don't need to see your parents financial papers, you just have to know where to find them, if needed.

Even discussing your parents' final plans: how they want to be laid to rest, can take pressure off of children, and give Mom and Dad the peace of mind of knowing their final wishes will be carried out. Bonnie Reynolds says,  "They spent all that time raising us and loving us and taking care of us, just being able to help them get organized for the next segment of their lives, it's just sharing the love again."

The Alliance for Caregiver Education will host its next seminar March 27th at 6 p.m.  It will be held at the Great Hall of Trail Ridge Retirement Community, near 69th & Louise Avenue.  The seminar will feature the following sessions:

1. "Let's Make a D.E.A.L." - Assessing Your Needs at Work
2. Planning the "Days of Our Lives" - Assessing Your Parents' Needs
3. Getting Out of  "The Twilight Zone" - Finding Resources
4. "Follow the Document Road" - Financial & Legal Issues
5. Keeping It "All In The Family" - Talking About Sensitive Subjects
6. Because "You Deserve a Break Today!" - Taking Care of YOU

To RSVP for the seminar, call (605) 339-4847.

For information on other resources available, click here.