Today more and more adult children are finding themselves taking care of aging parents. Often this need is unanticipated and comes as a shock to both aging adults and their children. Ideally, most parents would prefer to remain in their homes as long as possible even until the end. Many needs can be identified before a crisis is at hand. Logically, as we age we can expect to need assistance with physical care, i.e. household cleaning, personal hygiene, meal preparation and, eventually, medication management. At some point aging adults are better served by a Geriatric Physician, who can assist in anticipating when and how much outside help we need to be safe at home.

So how do we anticipate and plan for the best possible outcome for ourselves as aging adults? As adults we are entitled to make such decisions with dignity. By taking an active part in planning for our care in the future, specifying our desires, researching services anticipated and sources for these services, we maintain control. When we put our plan in writing and discuss it with our adult children we take enormous responsibility off of our children.

Some helpful resources include: family counselors/elder mediators, pastors,and geriatric case managers. The Sunflower House (Merritt Square Mall) is an excellent resource for elders and their caregivers, and Florida Department of Elder Care provides education and resources to citizens. The telephone help line at “211” is an excellent first call for more resources.

So why not plan now for those years when outside help is needed to stay in our homes and be safe as well as happy.  Best of all you won’t have to worry about what your kids will do with you!

Sherryl Vida, LMHC is located at at Beachside Mediation Services LLC, 476 Highway A1A, Satellite Beach. Vida is a Supreme Court Approved Parenting Plan Coordinator and holds a Florida Supreme Court Certification as a Family Court Mediator. Call 321-626-7855 or email [email protected]. MediateNotLitigate.net.