Comments on: Parenting Your Parents: Taking Their Car Keys? Taking Your Own?

By: Innes Zavag

Innes Zavag — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 15:34:00 +0000

This is so true that
anyone is prepared for it when it comes…It is really hard to admit, that
our old relative can´t take care of yourself – especially with serious
desease like Alzheimer. We were fighting it for couple of months but then we
have to make the decision and we use service of this Los
Angeles Alzheimer care. It is a big relief when you know that your
relative has the best care and when something bad hapenns, there is always
somebody to help him. I only wish there is more places like this.

By: ccassara

ccassara — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 14:16:00 +0000

Joanna, that’s brave and right–and you’re very foresightful about your own plans. Kiki, your husband is a good example of a great attitude!

By: Kiki Dunigan

Kiki Dunigan — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 13:50:00 +0000

I have talked to my parents about my dad’s driving. He is 80, and makes many of the same mistakes while driving that you described in your dad. But also like your parents, mine deny there is a problem. I am really glad that my husband is looking forward to life in the excellent retirement community available in our area. He can’t wait to let others do the driving for him!

By: Joanna Jenkins

Joanna Jenkins — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 04:37:00 +0000

This is always a delicate issue to dance around with parents and I know how defeating it is to them when the “kids take over” the parenting. I’ve been down this road with my folks and it was painful but necessary. As a result, at age 54, I already have my senior living/nursing facility selected and plan to move there when I’m 70 so it’s ALL my choice and no one else’s responsibility. I yiyi– seeing it in type is scary but I’m determined to stick to it.

By: Emily

Emily — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 01:47:00 +0000

Yes, such a tough subject, but one so many of us have had or will have to deal with. My mother is currently battling cancer, and although my Dad is there to help her through the treatments, I still worry about how they are managing through this. I’ve been delivering home-made food/dinners to them once a week, because I know my dad is only capable of cooking so many things. I also have a friend whose mom was recently diagnosed with alzheimer’s…my friend is an only child so it’s all falling on her. (P.S. Found your blog via the GenFab group – I just joined.)

By: ccassara

ccassara — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 01:15:00 +0000

Thanks, everyone! There are so many of us and recognition only happens with sites like this one. I think our generation is a little different, in that we have seen this in action more than our parents did, and so perhaps many of us approach it more thoughtfully. I have a friend with cancer who is really fighting the limitations of her disease, and watching her is both a gift and painful. But, we never know how we’d be ’til we get there. I blog about aging (and other things) at a http://www.middle-aged-diva.blogspot.com. I hope you’ll visit there, and often! Thanks for reading!

By: Haralee

Haralee — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 23:50:00 +0000

It is so difficult to parent a parent but it happens. Once my sister and I realized this role reversal about our Mother we felt relief!

By: Susan Bonifant

Susan Bonifant — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 22:42:00 +0000

I too, am a student of life and as such, I read stories like yours and think ahead – put myself in the position before we fear a crisis. I’m sorry you’ve faced this – nobody wants to take away a person’s independence – but you’ve helped me at least think in advance about what the kindest approach may be. That will help, and I appreciate your post.