ALMetro360

When the Roles Reverse… Caring for Aging Parents STAFF REPORT O NE OF THE HARDEST EVENTS IN LIFE IS WATCHING A LOVED ONE GROW OLD , AND IN SOME CASES BECOME UNABLE TO CARE FOR THEMSELVES PROPERLY . F OR MANY ELDERLY FAMILY MEMBERS THE RISKS AND DIFFICULTIES OF LIVING AN EVERYDAY NORMAL LIFE BECOMES A STAGGERING REALITY . U NFORTUNATELY , A GREAT NUMBER OF PEOPLE GO WITHOUT HELP EITHER BECAUSE THEY ARE NERVOUS ABOUT CONSIDERING SENIOR LIVING OR SIMPLY DON ’ T KNOWWHATS OUT THERE . t’s perfectly natural to want to stay in the comfort of one’s own home as old age sets in, but sometimes the risk outweighs the benefit. No one likes to discuss aging. But as your parents get older, it’s important to talk about the future with them, so you can make sure they get the best assistance and care possible. Caring for an aging parent is a responsibility few people ever ex- pect or envision. We avoid thinking about our parents falling ill or growing weak. We don't feel equipped to handle the welfare of those who raised us. Confusion, sadness, helplessness jar us during this unsettling transition. As baby boomers live longer, healthier lives, any assistance that is required typically becomes the children's responsibility. For many families, the discussion about who will take care of Mom and Dad comes on the heels of a crisis. As a result, most families find themselves unprepared to handle their parents' increased de- pendency. Still, with the increase in number of older adults comes the in- crease of adult children caring for their parents. More than 20 million in the U.S. alone provide care for an aging parent or family member. What's more, families, rather than senior facilities, provide 80 percent of long-term care. So, how can adult children, siblings and parents deal with the inevitable challenges that accompany this life transition? Begin by openly discussing each person's role and responsibilities within the family structure. While caregiving can be extremely stressful, sharing duties is a guaranteed way to ease the tension. Whatever distance family members live from one another, devise a care plan so everyone can be involved. Addressing the sensitive topic of finances is also a necessity, as is compiling important personal and financial documents. Finally, take the time to evaluate how to build unity among siblings—be- cause there will be the potential for tension. There's no question that many caregivers only find frustration and exhaustion. But with solid support and communication, caring 44 AL/ Metro 360 www.almetro360.com I