If you're a Boomer, you probably remember a PSA years ago-- I think it was Channel 5, in New York. Just before the 10:00PM news, it ran-- "It's 10 o'clock- Do you know where your children are?" I must have been just a kid, because I was home watching it!
How times have changed. Would anyone pay attention if it was broadcast today?!
But, now, as the Boomer generation, our focus has changed. We've become the Sandwich Generation. Sandwiched between caring for our children and our parents. We worry about all of them. Are they safe? Are they OK to drive? Are they eating? Similar concerns, just different generations.
I remember my Grandmother used to say that "one Mother can take care of 6 kids, but 6 kids can't take care of one Mother!"
What happens when our parents don't want our help? Typical of most of us, we don't want to accept our frailties and admit that we need help. And, if those parents are miles away, the challenge is even greater.
Fortunately, with Seniors living longer, and many aging in their own home, either because of financial necessity, or by choice, the services that are available to Seniors and their long-distance caregivers are much more accessible than in the past.
Everything from hairdressers to Physical Therapists will come to a Seniors home, so they don't have to worry about driving to appointments, or inclement weather. Services, such as Age in Place, assist with errands and household management, and offer families peace of mind that there is a local contact overseeing their parents.
There are so many options that can improve the quality of life for Seniors and their caregivers, whether local or long-distance. So, when someone says "Do you know where your parents are?" you can say confidently, "Yes, they're comfortably at home!"
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