Coping with elderly parents

While parent focus has always been on how to deal with toddlers to teenagers, it is also important to know how to cope with elderly parents. The "Upfront" article in The Straits Times today on "Caring for the lonely as they grow old" sparkle some deep thoughts for me.

My own dad had just passed away on 12 May 2006. My mum is 73 and not copying well. Though my youngest sister is staying with her, she is still lonely during the day. The rest of us have tried to understand her needs and cope with her wants.

After some fact finding, we found some basic needs and wants that many old people yearn to have.

BASIC NEEDS AND WANTS OF THE AGED POPULATION

• Basic bread and butter issues to fill their stomachs
• Some pocket money to spend (it doesn't have to be a lot)
• Affordable medical expenses (for those who are in ill health)
• Care and concern (especially those with children)
• Some activities to keep themselves occupied
• Social gatherings (with friends, children/grandchildren)
• Someone to talk to when they are lonely
• Financial independence (the elders do not want to be a burden to their children)

Besides being a burden, many elders also want to avoid conflict with their daughters-in-law or sons-in-law. So, couples while caring for their toddlers and teenagers, do spare some time for your aged parents.