Handle with care: Planning and patience prove essential as adults take care of their aging parents

Good articl. It is so true that with the advances in health care our lives are being extended and ultimately needing someone to help care for us or our parents. Being prepared is definately important when making life altering decisions.

We took care of my aging grandmother for several years. It can be a huge strain on the family if not all are willing to help. She was my father's mother, but my mom was the one who ended up taking care of her the most. Eventually it was decided that my grandmother move back to her own home and have someone come and live with her. Since she lived next door to my parents, we were able to visit every day until she died. This living situation helped ease the stress of taking care of an elderly person.

This article "hits home" for so many families in today's society. My grandfather was diagnosed with Bone Cancer a few months ago and has been staying with my parents. I personally feel that as hard as this is for her and my father, it is harder for him. He is losing his independence and ultimately, losing his life. I can only imagine the emotional toll that brings. However, I think the "answer" to these circumstances is situational. What works for some families may not work for others. I agree with the article in that patience and planning is the only thing that will help us in this growing trend.