A joint study was conducted by Cornell and Purdue Universities, and supported by the National Institute of Aging,which showed that aging mothers expect their daughters to assume a caregiver role over their sons. These moms will also choose the child they have the closest bond with over other adult children. The generation of aging adults that is needing, or soon to need, long-term care is the same generation that tended to have very large families, so it is important mom and dad discuss their expectations and desires regarding long-term care to ensure their needs are met, and that their children know what to expect. It’s also a proud generation, so adult children may need to bring the subject up, especially if the aging parents are in immediate need of assistance.
While long-term care is a family issue, historically it tends to be a woman’s issue. For the “sandwhich generation” of women caring for both their own children as well as their aging parents, caregiving can be an emotionally draining experience. It’s important to be sure that plans are in place and those doing the caregiving are prepared for the physical, emotional and financial burden caregiving can place on them.
