Reaching Out ...
By Cindie Hubiak, CPA
My mom was recently diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s disease. It wasn’t really a surprise, but hearing those words confirmed a future neither of us wanted to face. Whether it’s this disease or some other situation, more and more people are facing the need to help older members of their family transition to a new phase in their lives. This brings many challenges to the workplace.
There’s no one right answer, and everyone and every workplace deals with each situation differently. However, I’d like to share two of the many lessons I recently learned.
Your Society can help.
Yes, this may sound odd, but we offer many resources that can assist. CPE classes, list serves, networking events and other membership benefits can make your life easier, whether you’re in need of help or work with someone who asks for your support.
Before my mom’s diagnosis, I signed up for a CPE class with Larry Stein, one of our advanced tax and personal financial planning instructors. I like to take one of Larry’s classes every year, as I leave with a number of projects to help the Society and more than a page of notes to help me personally.
As with most people, the day of class arrived, and I looked at my schedule wondering how I would attend the class and get all my work done. Then I looked at the title of the class, and it included the words “Elder Care.”
Needless to say, I attended class. I don’t think any of the participants noticed me softly crying in the beginning, overcome with emotion as we talked about issues involved with caring for others as they age. We then reviewed the Planning Guide for Families booklet from the AARP, talked about long-term care insurance and learned about Web sites that could help.
Once again, I left class full of ideas to help the Society, me and my family. Larry and other Society instructors will be teaching more classes this year that can benefit every CPA, both professionally and personally.
Co-workers and professional
networks as resources.
While family matters are personal, it’s not possible to separate them from the workplace. Learning to be vulnerable by sharing my situation and asking for help wasn’t easy for me, but by doing so, I gained more than I imagined. If you’re in a similar circumstance, please reach out to the right people in your professional world, even if it’s difficult.
The last several months have been the most challenging ones in my life. I can’t describe my feelings of pain and tortured helplessness. However, the concern, support and advice from Society staff and members kept me going.
People listened, understanding the tears, even though they sometimes flowed in business situations. They provided resources in the most helpful ways. And they understood when I just couldn’t talk.
I thank these people from the bottom of my heart. Each of them made an incredible difference for me and my family.
Based on my experience, I’m now even more inspired to help others in need. Please join me by reaching out to those in your professional circle. Something as simple as asking about my mom made a great difference to me.
There will be many changes in my mom’s life and mine in the future. However, I know I can count on the Society, my co-workers and professional network to help me through these new experiences. Thanks to all of you in advance, and please let me know how I can support you.
Cindie Hubiak, CPA, is president and CEO of the Arizona Society of CPAs. She can be reached at (602) 324-2888; AZ toll free at (888) 237-0700, ext. 203; chubiak@ascpa.com.
AZCPA – September 2008
