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"You got to be very careful if you don't know where you're going, because you might not get there." Yogi Berra said that and everyone laughed. They still do. But, if you're among the estimated 16 million Americans struggling to care for an aging parent, you've probably heard sillier things...and it's just not funny anymore. You are burned out, or nearly so, and it's time to consider other assisted living options and resources for Mom or Dad (or both). You've done your best (and succeeded) in keeping your parent clean, well-fed, and safe at home for how long now...a year, two years, longer? There's no shame in that and there's no shame in admitting that you can't do it any longer, at least not without some help. Everyone needs a little help, eventually. Isn't that what you told your parent when you stepped in to help them?

You know, Yogi's advice isn't nearly as silly as it sounds. You do need to be very careful if you don't know where you're going. With that in mind, here are two avenues that may help get you where you need to go.

HOME HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

It should ease your mind to know that your next move in caring for your parent is not necessarily nursing home placement. There are many providers of home health care services who can offer as little or as much help as you need assisting your parent to remain living at home. Their staff can readily step into your role as primary in-home caregiver whether you need a few hours help each day, a full day or two per week to provide you with some respite, or someone to take over round the clock responsibility for your parent's care.

Even if your parent's needs have increased beyond assistance with daily living activities, continuing in-home care is the first option you should explore. Most providers draw on a large pool of skilled and experienced caregivers and nursing assistants who are capable of providing a high level of care, 24/7, if need be. Home health agencies can also provide visiting skilled nurses, social workers, and a host of therapists. They can facilitate acquiring any necessary equipment and supplies, too, including assistive devices like hearing aids, walkers, wheelchairs, commodes, and hospital beds. Some home health agencies, such as Hospice, offer a full team of professionals to offer in-home care specifically for clients approaching the end-of-life.

Cost of assisted living services and home health care is difficult to estimate. As a ballpark figure, you may expect to pay $20+ per hour for caregivers,

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