Driving Home

According to AAA, nearly 80 million Americans travel over the Thanksgiving holiday. It is the busiest travel week of the year – more than Christmas or the Fourth of July. The vast majority of us travel by car. The good news is that gas prices are lower. The bad news is that there are more people on the road. That drive to Grandma’s might take twice as long as it does on a normal weekend. Lots of us will repeat that trip again in December.

Travel, that trip home to spend time with family, is part of my holiday memories. Reconnecting with family, camping out in the basement with cousins, maybe spending a night in your old room. Favorite foods. A marathon game of Monopoly. As time passes, I have experienced those trips as a child, a parent and now as a grandparent. I’ve been host and guest. “Home” is more about the people than the place. But it is where I want to be for the holiday.

Those trips home can be challenging, too. For loved ones who live far apart, that holiday visit might also be a time of reckoning. Things may have changed since the last time you saw one another. Maybe that house isn’t as tidy as you remember. Or a peek in the pantry or the refrigerator has you wondering about what Mom is eating. That voice on the phone is still strong and confident, but you see someone who seems more tired, or forgetful or lonely. That holiday trip may include a frank conversation about what to do next.

One of the difficulties of these “challenging” conversations is that we avoid having them. We don’t want to think about growing older. Most Americans want to age-in-place, but few of us have the meaningful conversations with friends and family about how to make that happen. Thinking, and talking, about what we want and expect, and making a plan are essential for aging with dignity, grace and independence.

The days after a holiday are often a time in increases in call volume for Benjamin Rose and other agencies serving older adults. Families reach out to get information, find local resources and explore options for care. Our trained counsellors and evidence-based programs can help guide older adults and their families through conversations about finding quality services, planning for long-term care, financial and legal considerations, housing, and health and wellness. We can even help you find ways to engage family and friends in those important conversations. Find out more about how we can support you on the aging journey by visiting our website.

Whether you’re hosting family and friends, travelling across town, or across the country, may you arrive safely at your destination, and enjoy your times together.

Thank you for your support of Benjamin Rose. And, Happy Holidays!