Baby boomers ‘not ready’ to care for parents

CHILDREN of ageing parents are not planning properly so they can look after the key needs of their loved one.

A Home Instead Senior Care survey shows an alarming number of Irish “baby boomers” would not be ready if their parent suddenly needed their help.

Of those surveyed, 31% do not know the amount of medications their parents are taking.

A majority of baby boomers say they are likely to become caregivers for their parents, but only half can name the medication their parents take, the survey shows.

The survey of 600 people aged 45-65 revealed that almost 34% admit they do not know whether their parents have a safe deposit box, while 36% said they do not know where their parents’ financial information is located.

Home Instead Senior Care said adult children in their 30s and 40s need to start talking and planning in advance of a health crisis, especially for parents over 65 who are in need of a health care plan.

Managing director and owner of Home Instead Senior Care in Cork Noeleen Cronin said if a situation occurs carers should know the medical condition, the medication needed and the financial decisions made by their parents.

Ms Cronin said adult children need to alleviate any worries a parent might have such as collecting their pension.

“We need to empower the older person to make a decision with the information they wish to share with their carers should an emergency arise,” said Ms Cronin.

Managing director and founder of Home Instead Senior Care in Ireland, Ed Murphy said the majority of carers they work with have no advanced planning for their families.

Mr Murphy warned, “Lack of planning can lead to serious complications when decisions need to be made quickly.”

“It’s vitally important to plan ahead and have these conversations with parents, or families can act out of fear and make mistakes when emergencies arise,” said Mr Murphy.