by Peggy Lindgren

Created on: September 19, 2010   Last Updated: December 12, 2011

In a perfect world, our parents would age with good health and maintain their independence until the day they leave this world. However, for most of our parents this will not be the reality.  There will be many different health issues to deal with, mental and physical.  The concern for our parents is to be able to maintain their independence for as long as possible and have the assurance that we will be there for them if and when necessary.

In reality, by the time in their lives when our parents need our care, they are most likely widowed and living alone.  They have reached the age where many of their close friends have passed away.  Where once they had a life full of social activities, travel and relaxation; now they feel alone, un-needed and often afraid of what their future holds.

Reaching the stage of realization in which they can no longer take proper care of themselves is one of the most difficult moments in their life.  There is the possibility of depression when this happens.   They no longer take proper care of their personal hygiene; they are not eating properly and often forget to take their medication. 

Our parents gave us many opportunities.  They sacrificed, worried and gave us their unconditional love.  They worked hard to provide and nurture us.  They did this because that is what families do for one another.   It is time for us to step up and offer to do for them what they have done for us.  It is time to show that unconditional love, sacrifice and worry about them.  It is an opportunity to give back.  It will not be easy and it will take patience for both of you to work out the best care program you can. 

If we are fortunate enough to have our parents live to a ripe old age, we should have the attitude that we will gladly care for them if the need arises.  Treating our parent/parents with care and compassion is what they taught us.  At the time when our parents taught us to treat others with respect and compassion they were doing so because, they wanted us to grow into caring adults. 

The reasons we should care for our parents are simple.  Because they are, our parents and we love them.  We want to give them the opportunity to live out their life with respect and dignity.  It is now our turn to worry, sacrifice and give them unconditional love. We want what is best for them, which is exactly what they have always wanted for us. 

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