People who hope to complete a marathon don't just wake up one day and decide to run the race. Instead, they start a training regiment and ease into it by gradually increasing the distance they run to build strength and stamina. This same approach of "easing in" can be wise for a variety of life transitions, including retirement and home care. For example:

Retirement - Life is often structured around work. Regardless of what shift people work, the hours they sleep, the times they eat and the places they go are often determined by work schedules. It is quite common for people to find an abrupt transition into retirement filled with uncertainty. As they depart from a lifelong career to start a new chapter in life, what may initially sound glamorous often becomes dull. As a result, retirees often turn to volunteering, mentoring and pursuing passions to rediscover a sense of purpose their careers used to provide them. Gradually working shorter and fewer days has been found to help people become accustom to a new way of life and create a smooth transition to retirement.

In-Home Care - Instead of waiting until a catastrophic event occurs before pursuing changes to make life easier, often the best way for loved ones to embrace change is to ease in to it. Engaging the services of a caregiver to help around the house a few hours a week is often a great way for people to grow accustom to having someone to help with daily activities. As life becomes increasingly difficult, in-home care services can be expanded upon.

Medical conditions often cause everyday activities to become difficult. In addition, hospitalization is often the catalyst that forces people to make life changes. Knowing that older adults place a high value on their independence, in-home care is a great way to extend independence and avoid isolation.

So before the marathon begins, start thinking about what you can do to prepare yourself for possible challenges in the future.

For questions regarding home care, contact Home Helpers at (208) 769-9560 or go to www.CoeurdAleneHomeCare.com.

Listen to Connie Clark this Saturday at 4 p.m. on KYMS 89.9 FM when she speaks with Barbara Smalley with St. Vincent de Paul.

Connie Clark is a Certified Senior Advisor at Home Helpers/Direct Link. She can be reached at (208) 769-9560 - North Idaho, (509) 999-8440 - Spokane.