Aging Parents?

Talk to Your Parents

Once you and your siblings have agreed about who does what and when, it’s time to talk to your parents. You must, however, let your parents voice their wishes first to see if their desires coincide with the plans you’re about to set in motion. If they don’t, find a compromise. Remember to be very tactful when discussing this particular topic with your parents; one wrong word and your parents might think you’re looking for a way to get rid of them!

Personal Care or Hired Services?

Seeing to your obligations to your parents doesn’t necessarily mean that all of you might have to disorganize your lives to personally tend to your parents’ care. If you don’t think your parents would be hurt with such a decision, you could consider hiring a caregiver or relocate your parents to a nursing home. Keep in mind, however, that some parents feel they’re being abandoned and neglected when their children choose to send them to nursing homes.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Hiring a Caregiver

Pros – You can employ a live-in caregiver for your parents and ensure that all their needs are fully met at whatever time of the day. A caregiver is also equipped to handle a lot of medical and nursing tasks that you may not be presently capable of.

Cons – Having a caregiver can be costly, depending on the wages being asked. Entrusting the lives of your parents to a total stranger is also a big decision to make, especially when it turns out that the caregiver you’ve hired is irresponsible or negligent.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Sending Your Parents to a Nursing Home

Pros – You’ll feel doubly safe with your parents installed in a nursing home because a whole crew of medical professionals is present 24/7, ready to serve all the needs of their patients. Living in a nursing home isn’t always sad; it might even be fun once your parents find companions their age to hang out with.

Cons – Besides the expected costs, sending your parents to a nursing home may be perceived as an act of abandonment and betrayal in their eyes.

It’s What They Want that Counts the Most

Always remember that. No matter how strong, healthy, or rich your parents are make it your personal obligation to ensure that they’ll retire in utmost comfort and contentment.