As an empowered generation, the baby boomers are known for having enjoyed the 1960's to their fullest extent and are often defined as trail-blazers of radical social change around the world. As the Baby Boomers age however, they are finding themselves faced with an entirely new struggle. As medical care has improved over the years and individuals are living significantly longer, this generation is finding themselves in a complex and demanding situation of trying to provide care for both aging parents and their own children. Due to the economy, many boomers are finding themselves having to provide housing for their post-college graduate children who have moved back home as they search for jobs, while at the same time many are being faced with the scenario of having to move elderly parents in with them to provide them with sufficient care. As these circumstances arise, the Baby Boomer generation has found themselves re-branded as the "Sandwich Generation", stuck in between their aging parents and children who both require a considerable amount of care, time and energy.
As this generation watches as their parents grow older and more frail, the difficult decision looms of whether or not to move aging parents into their own homes or to a care facility. This is probably one of the most difficult decisions any child will ever have to make. Many seniors unrealistically believe that they can successfully care for themselves for the rest of their lives, and understandably so as no one wants to willingly give up their independence after a long life of independence and self-sufficiency. For this reason, many children find it difficult to approach this sensitive subject and suggest that change is needed. This hesitancy can often have negative consequences for your loved ones however, and the last thing you want to do is to have to make this decision in a crisis situation.
This is why it is important that you open up the lines of communication with aging parents early on, before the need for immediate care is staring you directly in the face. Regular conversations with an elderly parent in regards to what will need to be done should they no longer be able to provide care for themselves will prepare the both of you and will lessen the sting of words like "nursing home" and "assisted living".
Many aging parents will be resistant to the idea of leaving their own home for an assisted care facility or nursing home. When approaching this topic you should make it your problem. Stress to your aging mom or dad that is worries you to see them like this and that you are concerned for their health and safety. Few elderly parents wish to burden their children, and will often be more open to the idea of moving if they know that you are seriously concerned. You need to have the support of other family members and siblings and everyone needs to be on the same page when this subject is addressed.
An alternative to moving seniors to a new a residence is to enlist the services of a professional senior caregiver. Most adult children are too busy with work and their own family lives to provide their aging parents with the adequate care they need. A senior caregiver can help lessen this burden by taking over many of the daily care responsibilities your elderly loved one needs, therefore allowing you to enjoy your free-time with your parent rather than be stressed out and exhausted from it. Hiring a senior home care agency will also allow your loved one to remain in their own home and will save you the stress of relocating your senior loved one. Elder Caregivers can provide their services anywhere from a couple hours a day to round the clock, depending on your aging parent's needs.
Many adult children who find themselves faced with making a decision regarding their senior parent's care will often find themselves overwhelmed with feelings of guilt. They must remember however that they are doing what is in the best interest of their parent's health and safety. Knowing your elderly loved one is safe and well cared for will provide you with great peace of mind.
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