Caring for Elderly Parents
It was 1989 when the above catch phrase was used in a television commercial to promote a medical alarm company. The actor playing the part of the elderly woman who had fallen was far from being a contender for an Academy Award. I remember slightly laughing whenever I saw the commercial. It was produced in a manner that would draw ridicule, but the message was important.
Fast forward thirty years and it was my own mother calling out for help to get up from a fall. Mom was of slight build and never really known for having any core strength, but I was surprised when I found out that she was unable to get up from the ground. Thankfully, Mom was not hurt too badly from the fall…just a few scrapes and a bruised ego. Yet, this fall really drove home the fact that Mom was getting old.
“Today, there are more than 46 million older adults age 65 and older living in the U.S.; by 2050, that number is expected to grow to almost 90 million. Between 2020 and 2030 alone, the time the last of the baby boom cohorts reach age 65, the number of older adults is projected to increase by almost 18 million. This means by 2030, 1 in 5 Americans is projected to be 65 years old and over.” (www.ruralhealthinfo.org/toolkits/aging/1/demographics).
Preparation is the key. There is much to consider when it comes to caring for an elderly parent. And in the very near future, it will be us who will be needing the care. There are not many elderly people who live independently without needing assistance. At some point, an elderly parent or relative will require assistance. Family members are by far the number one source of “long-term care supports and services” for older adults (www.aarp.org/ppi/info-2015/valuing-the-invaluable-2015-update.html).
We all want our parents to live a happy, independent life. And as difficult as it may be to admit, many of us boomers do not want the responsibility of caring for their parent full time. It is a huge commitment that can easily rob you of a life of your own.
Planning now can help. Talk with your parents to gauge their expectations. If you yourself are approaching your senior years, talk to your children. Ignoring the possibility of needing care in the future is setting everyone up for failure and heartache.
In my next article, I will explore the signs that your loved one needs additional help and can no longer fully care for themself.
Until then, be kind!
