We have an aging population: there’s no denying it. A 2017 Profile of Older Americans suggests that one in seven of all Americans are seniors. Many Blue Springs residents either fall into that category or have parents who fit into that category. With longevity comes the concomitant issue of juggling the needs of growing children/young adults along with the changing needs of aging parents.

As we look at the waning years of our seniors, keeping them safe and happy and loved requires some foresight and a gentle dab of wisdom. I was in my thirties with growing children when my mother,  suffering from crippling rheumatoid arthritis, required more care than I could give. Forty years ago life looked different:  only a cruel daughter put her mother into a home for care, but it proved the perfect option for my mom. She enjoyed many of the social activities and over the next eight years, there were people who turned her every two hours and provided for her every need. My visits were fun. We both looked forward to them. I was never tired or frazzled. Here’s what I learned: There is no stigma in soliciting help when it’s needed, and resources exist for every stage of eldercare.

Skilled care versus custodial care. The most expensive and largest need is when a parent requires skilled medical services as opposed to help with activities of daily living. Custodial care is perfect for parents suffering from Alzheimer’s or who have grown frail with age. These needs may be met in the home, in residential facilities, in an assisted living community or in adult foster care.

Assisted living versus memory care. These care facilities offer 24-hour care with meals, social activities and various amenities. Memory care is more expensive than assisted living, because more on-site activities are planned for parental safety.

Home care versus home health care. These seniors receive care within the home, but the first is assistance with custodial care. The second includes such things as monitoring vital signs and assistance with medical procedures or special equipment.

Adult day social care versus adult day health care. As imagined, one provides recreation and social experiences, while the other includes some medical oversight. These services are ideal when a parent lives within the home but spends days alone while family members go to work and/or school.

Blue Springs offers every level of care. This is not an ad for any one facility, so rather than offering a possibly incomplete listing, you are encouraged to visit the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce website, chat with physicians and seek out the options you need. Paying for senior care is a challenge, and this article provides links for state and local assistance.

I am now an aging parent and feel very much as my mother felt—I don’t want to be a burden to my children. Frank conversations with grown children ahead of time make this transition easier if it is required.