Post #819882

2026-03-27 21:54 UTC

Argh… When a friend of mine assumed the main responsibility of caring for her aged parents, I became uncomfortably aware of the fact that I wasn’t having to perform this role. My friend is the youngest of 4 children, but never had children if her own, so I guess it made sense that she took on the main role of… administrator &amp; advocate really. And while I’ve grown very close to partner’s parents, the fact that we live in another country… Of course he has guilt issues, which means that he returns like the prodigal son &amp; spends money on them &amp; probably pisses off people back there. The idea of 12 years or so of existence, highly dependent on the care of others, even if I’m in aged care… https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/mar/28/burden-of-extended-care-for-aged-parents-new-phenomenon?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Replies (3)

@feather1952@aus.social 2026-03-27 22:03

@Susan60 This is second similar article I’ve read this morning. This isn’t what I want for my children to do. I don’t want them to have to care for me when I no longer can. If I’m lucky enough to be in an aged care home eventually & a public one at that, I hope they’ll visit & take me for an outing occasionally but that’s it.

Open ##1359678
@Maker_of_Things@cupoftea.social 2026-03-28 08:47

@Susan60 I moved my parents into a granny flat in my home 26 years ago and have been their carer ever since. Initially it was just providing a home for them with all costs covered. Then it was doing their admin, and driving for them after Dad gave up his driving licence. The level of care rose over the years, and took a steep jump after we had Covid in the house. My wife of 12 years, supports me in supporting my parents, the extra pair of hands, the driver when we can't park at the hospital, etc. I did the dirty end of hands on care when Dad went downhill (due to a brain tumour we didn't know about) that put him in respite care while I rearranged their home to suit. Dad died before he could come home. Mum had a Strep A infection, so we had a wet room and wheelchair ramp installed. My wife and I are planning a retirement move to Wales, hopefully next year, to a small holding, and Mum is coming with us.

Open ##1359703
@cy@fedicy.us.to 2026-03-28 23:55

Ah, theguardian.com, engaging in historical revisionism rewriting history to ignore all the extended care for aged parents we've been doing since humanity came into existence, so that they can justify mass extermination of the weak and elderly. Classy.

Open ##1359733