What happens when an elderly loved one starts to depend on you or your spouse for every little thing after the passing of a loved one? It’s not uncommon for aging parents to suddenly appear “needy” – calling on you for help with finances, rides to appointments, help with yard work, assistance with reading labels, repairing electrical appliances, changing a light bulb, transportation to the nearest dialysis center, etc. Having once lived such an independent life, your parents or in-laws have now become a somewhat intrusive presence in your life. What began as a reasonable request for help every now and then has become a daily nuisance. Now, you or your spouse feels like a single parent managing a household of kids while the other partner is tending to the elderly loved one’s every need. What do you do now?
