Coping with an aging parent

Adapted from an article in the Newark Examiner

There is a lot of talk about coping with or caring for an aging parent. If you are like the rest of us, there are many emotions and thoughts running through your head. The roles between parent and child tend to change places.

Are you asking yourself questions like: "Should I have my parent move in with me?" " Am I a bad child if I don't want my parents to move in with me?"  "Should I move them into an assisted living facility or senior apartment?"

Now ask yourself questions like this: "Are they able to take care of themselves?"  "Can they make their own meals?" "Can they clean their home?" "Can they bathe or shower with ease?"  "What kind of health risks do they face?" "Do they remember to take all medication?" After assessing the situation then look into all the options that there are for you.

It is always best to let your aging parent live as independently and in their own home as long as they are able.

When that no longer is possible, you may want to consider an assisted living facility or in-home care. In all of these scenarios you can and should remain active in their lives. Instead of ruining, it might actually save your relationship with your parents.

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