By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
T
here is not a Baby Boomer living within the circulation of this magazine who has not already begun to confront the frightening reality of how to care for his or her aging parent. We were once their job. Now, they are ours. Too often, our obligation of caring for Mom or Dad falls somewhere in the cracks between the responsibilities of parenting, career, as well as managing a home and finances, while at the same time attempting to fashion some kind of life that aspires to happiness. And yet, the need to protect and provide for those people who helped raise us haunts our sleep with questions and fears -- all in the name of love -- and the options of what constitute ‘The Right Thing’ fly through our minds, in constant motion. Is it too early for a nursing home? Can we afford an assisted living facility? Would Mom or Dad be comfortable there? Would they make friends, after living on their own for so long, and so independent of needing anyone’s assistance? I can’t be a full-time caregiver, so who would we trust? Continued on Page 40
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
Volunteer Brad Lane keeps score during an activity.
www.newarklifemagazine.com | Fall/Winter 2016 | Newark Life
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