Are you too uncomfortable to discuss long term care with your parents? Get over it! Plan ahead and explore all the available options. The best way to help your parents age in place is to help them evaluate things. Aging in place, in my opinion, is the best option available for a quality independent life. It simply means that you help them to find available resources so they can stay at home in their comfort zone with their memories longer. This is a blessing. As your parents age, you might notice some changes in their day-to-day habits. Your mom might be hesitant to leave the house when it's rainy for fear of slipping and falling. Maybe her arthritis makes it painful to prepare food, so she buys pre-made meals. Your dad might not be able to fix the sink or make other similar repairs to the house like he once could. Maybe he can't drive the car because of numbness in his feet. These are common problems our parents and the ones we love face daily. These problems are normal and everyday for many seniors. Before you find yourself worried whether your mother or father can take care of themselves in their home, start thinking about the small long term care options you can support. Long term care can range from the simple to the complex. It can be as easy as some scheduled help around the house before something complex happens that requires an intensive care nursing facility. Maybe they need help getting to doctors appointments, weekly grocery shopping, or bathing and dressing. Long term care offers assistance for the things your parents can't do for themselves anymore. Knowing someone is there to help can take stress off of them...and you. Don't wait to discuss these issues with your parents. If one of your parents is suddenly injured or sick, you might find yourself under extreme pressure to make a quick decision. Rushing to accomplish this, you may make a wrong decision that everyone may later regret. Planning now and understanding your parents' preferences will help you be ready when it comes time to make these decisions. Talk to your parents. Listen to their fears and find out what they want. Make suggestions...but, listen to their wishes. Caregiving is a loving helping hand. | 
