Episode 26: When caring for an aging parent is longer than you think with Paula Anderson

Marilyn and co-host Amy talk with Paula Anderson about how she cared for her mom much longer than she anticipated.  She shares what it was like and what she would do differently.

Paula grew up in Kansas and Missouri as the daughter of a minister. Attended BNC now, SNU and graduated with a early childhood degree. She stayed home with children until 1980 then returned to the classroom while pursuing a masters as a Reading Specialist. She taught Kindergarten for 18 years in the Mustang School district and continued for 9 more years as a reading specialist. She retired from teaching 15 years ago which has given her more time to enjoy her hobbies of gardening and traveling. 

She is married to Donald Anderson and a mom of 2 daughters and 2 bonus sons as well as a grandmother of 12.

In 2003 they built a home with a mother- in-law plan and began taking care of her then 85 year old mom.  After 12 years, she had some health problems that resulted in needing to move her then 96 year old mom into independent living. 

 

Episode referenced: The GIFT