Many caregivers are not adequatly prepared to take care of elderly parents.

According to Ruth Sanders, author of My Parent, My Child, that's because many skills are needed, including some medical experience. On top of that, many caregivers work outside the home which complicates repsonsibilibites. 

Are there ways we can prepare to be good caregivers?

Sanders advocates getting a plan.  Discuss issues with your parents now while they still have their minds.  We should also prepare financially since nursing home care is expensive, beginning at around $30,000 per year.

Caregiving experts like Sanders are also proposing innovative ideas to ease taxes on children who care for elderly parents. For example, caregiving advocates are working to convince congress to pass caregiving refunds similar to child refunds on taxes.

Read Author and Nurse Discusses the Journey to Becoming a Caregiver   

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