Are you a baby boomer caring for parents who are having difficulty dealing with day-to day activities? Many boomers find themselves preparing for their retirement while caring for parents who, due to physical restrictions or mental impairment, are no longer able to maintain the independent life.
As our parents age it will be necessary to discuss with them the possibility that due to illness or injury they may no longer be able to live as independently as they had in the past. In the past, care was usually provided by a family member or if the care required skilled caregivers, a nursing home. Now, families are busier and more spread out geographically than in the past and the parent requiring the skill may not feel comfortable depending on their children for help.
Depending on the level of care needed many options for care are available, some of the more familiar options are:
1) Home Care, can be provided by a skilled care provider. This type of care can provide meals, transportation, assist with bathing and other daily functions. Trained professionals, nurses and therapists, can also provide home services as needed.
2) Adult Day Care can benefit those who are able to get around by providing daily social and health services in a supervised environment.
3) Assisted living facilities provide personal care, housekeeping and assistance with daily functions. Continuing Care Retirement Communities are communities that provide different levels of care from independent living to full-time care.
4) Nursing homes provide skilled nursing care, therapy, and personal care and assistance.
Make sure your parents are involved in the “due diligence” process, give them the opportunity to voice their concerns and pay attention to what they are saying. Remember, they are facing the realization that after spending a lifetime of caring for themselves and others they are the ones that need care.
