As we grow older so does our parents. And we become their keepers. Mom came to live with us and all was fine. She helped around the house and she even felt needed. Which I think we all need to feel sometime.

But as time goes on her health has begun to fail. Choosing the right doctors, assisted living and now nursing facilities are concerns I thought I would never have to deal with. But, here I am now making decision for her. 

Cost of nursing facilities continues to rise. Medicare and Medicaid isn't always enough. Do I wish my mom had bought long term care insurance. The answer to this is "YES".  

Now I face trying to provide quality of life over quantity. Making sure she's eating, drinking and just personal hygiene are part of my daily routine while visiting her at the facility. Do I think she gets better care because I show up each day?I hope so. But, then I wonder about all the other residence, where's their families? Have they forgotten them? I hope not.

I would love to hear your stories, how do you cope with your parents as they grow older? With parents losing their independence, how do you explain their finances? What to say when they ask how much money they have?