How to Help Aging Parents Program Series at SCLSNJ’s Warren Twp Library branch
(Somerset County, NJ: April 22, 2015) With more Americans living well beyond their 70s, an increased number of adult children are finding themselves in a position to be the primary caregiver for their aging parents. This means that baby-boomers, who are planning for their own future, also have to consider and make plans for their parents, including: managing finances, health care, living situation and more.
Somerset County Library System of New Jersey’s Warren Township Library branch will offer a three program series to address different topics of interest to those who are currently facing this parent-child role reversal.
“When taking care of an elderly parent, it is common to feel unprepared for the challenges that go with it,” said Marcela Dunham, adult programming coordinator for SCLSNJ’s Warren Township Library branch. “The library is a terrific resource to help get you informed, organized and prepared.”
Caregiving for the Elderly: Monday, April 27 at 7 pm. Sometimes an elder’s need for help is sudden and obvious. More often, though, it becomes apparent gradually. When the time comes to acquire assistance for your aging parent, there are many options to consider. Staff from the Somerset Hills Visiting Nurses Association will discuss caregiving options for your aging parents. They will offer advice and guidance to help you determine if and when your parents may need assistance and also the various caregiving options available, how to find caregivers and how to evaluate their services.
Organizing your Parents Vital Documents: Thursday, May 28 at 7 pm. Most adult children are unaware of their parents’ finances and investments, if they have a safe deposit box and, if so, where the key is kept. Professional organizer Deborah Gussoff, who presented a successful organizing program in January, will return to SCLSNJ’s Warren Township Library branch to talk about the various types of important documents to be aware of (assets, liabilities, personal documents and insurance) and how to organize them. She will also discuss the importance of knowing where these items are in the event of an emergency (hospital visit, fire, and flood) and ways to store them off-premises.
Decluttering your Parents’ Home: Thursday, June 18 at 7 pm. Professional organizer Deborah Gussoff will be back at the library, this time to focus on de-cluttering and paring down decades-worth of accumulation in preparation for downsizing to assisted living, a smaller and easier-to-maintain home, or moving in with an adult child. Even if a move isn’t in the plans, paring down is helpful both to the aging parent (less stuff to take care of, trip on, etc.) as well as the child who at some point will be responsible for emptying and clearing out the home. Deborah will provide resources for donating or selling items. She will also discuss the emotional aspects of parting with possessions.
Registration is required to attend these three programs. To register online, visit SCLSNJ.org. You may also register in person at the Reference Desk at the library, or by phone by calling 908-754-5554 extension 64. Somerset County Library System of New Jersey’s Warren Twp Library branch is located at 42 Mountain Boulevard, Warren, NJ 07059.
About Somerset County Library System of New Jersey
Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ) partners with you to connect, to explore, to share and to discover. Together we enrich lives, expand knowledge and strengthen communities. SCLSNJ branches can be found in Bridgewater, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, Manville, North Plainfield, Peapack & Gladstone, Rocky Hill at Mary Jacobs Memorial Library, Somerville, Warren Township and Watchung. Additionally, there are two SCLSNJ reading stations in Branchburg and Washington Valley. Visit SCLSNJ.org for further information about library services offered at SCLSNJ.
