Kev Kennedy's Blog

Squeeeeze

Over the past few months I’ve seen a lot less of my parents. They have gradually taken on more of a caring role for my grandma and as a result have a lot less time. It’s a squeeze on time that’s affecting more and more people, even those of us in our 30s or younger.

One friend who’s a year younger than me recently reduced her work hours so she can care more for her dad who has early-onset Alzheimer’s. Another couple recently got a second granny flat built onto the side of their house. And one of my friends has been doing a 100-mile commute to see her mum in hospital twice a week for eleven months now.

I think we’re all going to face this if our parents live long enough – and more of them are living into their 80s, 90s and beyond. I’m beginning to wonder if I need to have a talk now with my folks about what we’re going to do if they need regular care and support. What are they expecting from me as their son? And what concessions are they going to have to make as well?

They’re tough questions, but ones it’s probably best to sort now than before they become pressingly urgent.
 

Created on Mon 27th April 2009 15:50