SENIORS LOVE HOUSEWORK

SENIORS LOVE HOUSEWORK

 

In today’s economic climate, caring for your aging parents is tougher than ever.  Assisted living facilities (what used to be called “the home”) are expensive and really, how much bingo can one person play, especially when they’re hard of hearing and forgot what a “B” looks like?  That’s why, should your parents or “significant elders”, be unable to live on their own, we strongly recommend inviting them to live with you.

“Now hold on a minute,” you’re probably thinking.  “Gramps may be old but he still eats and Fixodent doesn’t grow on trees.”  Which is true, there may be some expense. But the benefits of having a senior citizen around the house will still prove to be a financial windfall.  Because seniors want to have a purpose.  And you’re going to give it to them.

Once Mom or Pop is settled in and stopped complaining about the two flights of stairs to their room in the attic, begin dropping hints that you’re having financial problems.  This can’t possibly be a lie, who isn’t?  Assure the “whatevergenarian” that it’s fine, things will work out, then drop the bomb.  We have, however, had to fire the housekeeper. (If that happens to be a lie, you should probably stop reading this blog now.  We’ve got nothing for you.)  So if you see a few dust balls on the living room floor, just try to ignore them. 

Two things can happen.  Mom or pop won’t care or understand and the dust balls will continue to multiply.  In which case, you’d better open a dialogue with your sibling about “sharing responsibility.”  More likely, the lovable senior will offer to help out, to once again be a contributing member of society, to… do the laundry.  Or clean the stove.  Or vacuum the kid’s bedroom.  If you’re lucky, that desire to earn their keep will extend to other areas.  Leaves need raking?  Kitchen door needs a coat of paint?  Who you gonna call, the local handyman at $55 an hour, or Grandpa Seymour, who’s sitting on the couch, chin on his chest, watching Lou Dobbs vent about immigration policies.  Gramps is going to get the nod every time, for his flat fee of $0.

The situation is clearly win win.  You’ll be saving dough on housekeeping, yard work, and minor home repairs; the senior will feel needed and get the kind of exercise you simply can’t get with water aerobics.  Plus, should the old guy or gal have a couple of bucks stashed away, you will probably be in line for it.  After all, no one lives forever, no matter how many picture windows they wash.