| It all depends.... if we were having a private conversation I would be asking about all of the following. But I wouldn't really recommend getting too specific about some of these on a public forum. > How old? > Current health status? Chronic illnesses? Cognitive health? > Current level of independence or dependence for daily living? > Recognition of need for assistance? > Level of wealth, property, investments and liquid cash? > Level of income - degree still dependent on parents working FT, PT or now on pension, social security or other retirement monthly income? > Level of debts needing to be paid off or serviced? > Presence of non-family social support? > Living proximity to you? > How much time monthly can you devout to helping? > What is your own financial strength and ability / willingness to help financially? > What level of trust do your parents have in you? > How comfortable are your parents with technology? > Do your parents have access to high speed internet? > Availability of assisted living and/or nursing home facilities > And more I personally have walked a pretty long road of being the lead caregiver, guardian during 20 years of declining health and increased dependence from my own parents with each eventually dying in their mid-80s. It feels like the only generic advice is something like the following. > Spend regular time with them and pay attention to changes > Keep their dignity in mind - no one likes the process of becoming more dependent on others > Be willing to calmly but firmly advocate for them with doctors and institutional caregivers > Technology may not help nearly as much as you imagine > Effective assistance will be more expensive in time and money than you currently envision |
> Effective assistance will be more expensive in time and money than you currently envision.
Yea