Caring for Aging Parents
August 23, 2011, By Jeff Waddle 2 comments
One of life’s great ironies is that as you and your parents age, the roles can reverse. The people who took care of you as a child now need your help in their golden years.
If you find yourself in this situation, you’re not alone. A recent poll conducted by USA Today/ABC News/Gallup revealed that 41% of baby boomers who have at least one living parent are helping provide care for them. Gen Xers, too, are beginning to help out their parents rather than the other way around.
Caring for an aging parent can be stressful, but being proactive can help ease the burden. Here’s how to get started on a plan to help you help your aging parents.
Assess the Situation
People age at different rates so every senior citizen’s situation is unique. Assessing your parent’s physical and mental state will dictate how you plan for his short- and long-term care.
Is he or she:
- driving safely
- getting in/out of bed without assistance
- keeping the house in order through basic chores
- suffering from memory loss or becoming confused
- staying reasonably groomed
- losing weight because he or she won’t eat regularly
Assessing how well your parent functions is necessary before you decide if:
- he or she can continue living at home, perhaps with help for certain things
- an assisted-living arrangement or a nursing home is the best option
- living with you or another family member is necessary for the time being
Of course, your parent’s financial situation will affect care decisions, so you need to assess that as you weigh your options.
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