The Elderly....who should take care of them?

I don't think I could do that to my parents. They took care of me when I was young and in return, I must take care of them too when they grow old. There's no comparison for the love that the parents could give us so we must give them love in return.

It is sad that this has to happen to our elders. For some reason, a lot of older people are being sent to these places and they get few, if any visitors. I think some of the reasons children don't visit their parents are; 1. These places are depressing and gloomy. (nothing makes it a happy place to visit.) 2. Lack of privacy. Every where you go, there is someone else. 3. The older people there complain about things and the children tend to think that they are exaggerating. 4. The older ones beg to go home. Some of the reasons children put there parents there; 1. they don't have time between work and their own family to take care of their parents. 2. It's not safe for the parents to be alone and on their own. 3. dementia and Alzheimer patients are hard to deal with when there is only one or two caretakers. 4. taking care of family like this takes a toll on the caregivers. I don't like that older people are being put into homes like they are little kids in school but sometimes there are few options. I do think that family should take care of family but that is not always the reality.

Hi jenny. It is a sad situation what happens to the elderly. I think that most people forget that we are all on limited time when it comes to being at the age where we can work and care for ourselves. The economy certainly isn't making it any easier to be prepared for anything either. I would like to think that when I am older and if I am unable, that my children will be there for me. I don't really want them too because I don't want them to have to stop living for me, but I don't want to be forgotten either.

I could not imagine leaving my mom in a home for the aged. :( She took care of me and my brother and the least that I can do is to take care of her when she's elderly. Not only that. But also to give the best for her, make her comfortable in her twilight years, spoil her.

For me, I don't like and believe in the idea of home for aged program or institution.I believe that us children will take care of our parents when they get old.Even though we already have our our family, they are our responsibility to take care of.We should not complain about it cause they didn't complain and do their best to raise us well.

Its sad to see the fact but we should not forget one thing that old age would come to everybody one day & if we do not show respect & care to our elders what would our children learn from us. Now these days people are too self centered & doesn't even have time for their family but taking care of our elders is our responsibility which we should not forget.

My mother is 98 years old. We four sisters are taking care of her in turns, each for 5 months. Days are getter harder, both because of her physical status, and our aging year by year as well. We are doing our best in the hope of her happy ending. But when we are older, and with only one child, nobody knows how......

When it comes to my birth mother I would have to put her in a home; its sad to say but it would do neither of us any good for her to be living in my home.. I have tried helping her recently with her house and stuff.. But she expects way too much of me; and does not respect the fact that I am a single mother rasing two boys on my own.. Time and sleep are extremely valueable to me at this point in my life.. I would go and see her as often as I could in a good home.. Unless one of my brothers or my sister would take her in.. I just can not ever live with or near her again... Now my auntie.. She would have a room all set up in my house.. I would do everything that was necesary and beyond.. My aunt and I have more of a mother daughter relationship.. But at the same time we are good friends and we can talk about anything together without judgemental comments, put downs and other drama that my other family members tend to do.. I have and well help the elderly.. Even people that are not my family.. I love to help others when I can.. It is sad to see so many that are alone; and do not have any loves ones to visit or care.. Or they are a sole survior; everyone they knew and grew up with are gone..

In this called-to-be civilized society, humane is a thing of the past. There are things people do that are better be left out of discussion. More or less, not everybody has a good childhood and not every loved child turns a kind person. Many are so clouded in their own life that they forget those who cared for them. There is no answer whatsoever. Let us hope that not everyone turns into that.

I've made a promise to myself that when the time comes that my mother can no longer take care of herself due to old age or illness, I will take her in and care for her like she did when I, and my siblings, were still young and dependent of her. She was a great mother, and even until now, she helps me look after my kids when I need to be away. She's already at her 60's but still very active and healthy. I hope she'll still enjoy life longer with us and her friends. But, when her time comes to retire, I will be there for her. However, I don't feel as concerned for other old people. I'm really not very fond of grannies. I think its because I didn't grow up with good relationship with my grandparents.