As your parents age, try to establish a regular communications process. Have them check in every couple of days, even if it’s just to leave an “everything’s okay” message on your phone service or answering machine. If you don’t get that regular call, some emergency may have come up-you can’t assume that things are all right just because you haven’t heard from your parents.
Emergencies will be more difficult to address if you don’t live near your parents. Don’t be afraid to ask for help: someone who lives nearby might look in on your parents regularly. If your parents belong to a church group, say, or a social organization, someone they know in that manner may be willing to help.
If you live nearby, you may be able to help your parents more actively, such as taking them to doctors’ appointments. That doesn’t mean, though, that your role should be limited to that of a chauffeur. Your parents may need assistance with their medical and legal affairs. As they grow older, they may simply lack the energy to deal with bureaucracies.
