Chapter 19
Ten (or So) Tips to Know about Caring for Your Aging Parents
IN THIS CHAPTER
Reaching out for help when caring for your parents
Prioritizing your to-do list to stay sane and keep everyone healthy and happy
As your parents age, they’ll need more of your assistance. If you’ve had an elderly parent with major medical problems, we don’t have to tell you this. We also hear about the so-called “sandwich generation,” which refers to folks who are caring for elderly parents while still raising their own families. The reality is that this isn’t a new situation; prior generations experienced it too. Actually, the fact that life expectancies have increased means that some people finish raising their children before their elderly parents need high levels of assistance. Although other people (such as singles and childless couples) don’t face this squeeze, they still have all the challenges that come with their parents becoming frail.
In this chapter, we highlight tips for what you can do before and during retirement while caring for aging parents. These tips ensure that you cope without your efforts becoming a depressing, full-time endeavor.
Leverage Off Others’ Experiences
If you find yourself in the situation of having to care for elderly parents, the good news is that you can ...
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