1 of 11

Yes

Write now Article Tools

It might be a few years off before I need to be worrying about this , but I believe whole-heartedly in the concept of caring for your parents when they are no longer able to care for themselves. I can't believe it would even be a question in anyone's mind. Well, I can't say that. I imagine it would be a cut and dry decision if you had a horrible childhood, your parents were negligent, you were beaten, etc. Then maybe it wouldn't be to hard to figure out which direction to go in. Or maybe not. You really never can tell. But on the whole, caring for your parents, to me, is the only option. At least until it isn't feasible for you to take care of their medical needs. And sometimes even then it's possible to continue care at your home, or even their home, if you're given the proper training or showed the proper techniques by a nurse.

Think about it this way: you wouldn't be where you are today if it weren't for your parents. Namely, alive. They bathed, changed, fed, clothed, and provided anything you needed. Thy expected nothing from you. Well, maybe respect and that you follow a rule or two. But aside from that, all they gave they gave out of love. Because you couldn't take care of yourself. So why would it be any different when the tables are turned? Just as you needed them, they will need you. No one will care for your family the way you can. Sure, you'd be paying a bunch of money to a bunch of people who have a bunch of other people paying them a bunch of money to take care of their parents, too. How much personal care do you really think is being given there?

I worked at a retirement community for a few years, and I can say from firsthand experience that, yes, your parents and grandparents are being cared for on a physical level. There may even be enough time for the nurses and aides to visit. But ultimately all of the people in there are lonely. Their emotional needs aren't being met. It was very rare that any one resident recieved daily visitors. If they did it was short lived. On average each resident had someone visit once or twice a month.

It's not such a hardship to take over the care of your parents. If anything it's something you should want to do. The time you spend with your folks will live in your heart for the rest of your life, and it will set the example to your own children. Believe it not, this sort of decision will have to be by your children someday. What do you want them to do?

Learn more about this author, Samantha T..
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Should adult children be responsible for the care of their elderly parents??
We want to hear your view. Write now!