Today's adult children are more involved than ever with keeping an eye on their parents -what a role reversal.
The days of Mom and Dad waiting up for you to come home after a party are gone, and you now need to check in with them to make sure they have eaten properly and taken their medications on time.
Remember the taxi service (Mom's Taxi) you offered for your children and their friends for after school activities? Now you are driving your parents to their appointments, taking them to get groceries, shopping for clothes and getting their hair done.
Summer is almost here and you and your family is planning a well-earned family vacation to the cabin, but who will look after your parents and make sure they are safe and have everything they need?
Do you take them with you? Do you cancel the vacation? Is there another family member who can take over your responsibilities while you are away?
What do you do?
These questions and this scenario occur more frequently than you think and it is important to know what resources are in the community to assist you.
Agencies such as Living Well are in your community and can take over these responsibilities while you are away so you can have peace of mind and relax and enjoy your family vacation -you earned it!
Trained and trustworthy staff will come into your parent's home as frequently as you think is necessary to offer the support and assistance that your parents require.
This can all be arranged ahead of time but changes to the schedule can be made if things change and the agency supervisor feels more or less service is required.
The service times can be daily, twice daily or more frequently if needed. There is also the option of having someone stay with them 24 hours a day if that makes everyone feel better.
There are several ways to pay for the service including some government programs that can assist based on eligibility - the agency will guide you through the process and make sure that your parents get what they are entitled to.
Remember, the bottom line is that you will be a better caregiver if you have taken care of yourself - have a great vacation!
