My 94-year-old parents had things to tell me this week.

[MineralMan]

30. Thanks. I'm heartened by all of the posts in reply to this thread.

A lot of us are facing issues with our aging parents. The roles are reversing, and we're having to become the parents for them, in many cases. Sadly, many people do not want to take responsibility for them and make sure the people involved with their care are doing right by them.

I was impressed with the staff at the assisted living facility where my parents are living now. I made a point of introducing myself to as many of them as possible during the week I was there. I was able to give them some insights into how to best interact with them, since both have profound hearing issues. I was glad to see my suggestions put into action right away, with people leaning down and speaking into their ears so they could be easily understood.

Overall, I think they are in a good place, care-wise. I ate all my meals in their dining room for a week, just to make sure the food was OK and the service, as well. It was, although the diet there would be far too bland for me. Still, they seem to anticipate the residents' needs and adapt to their individual likes and dislikes. For example, my father will not eat fried eggs with runny yolks. He told them that the first day, so the cook breaks the yolks so they are fully cooked, just as he likes them. Every day I had breakfast there, his eggs were cooked exactly the way he prefers. I liked that, and thanked the cook personally for being so attentive.

The children of seniors in such facilities will do well if they hang around long enough to observe and offer suggestions to the staff, who may not be aware of such needs. It takes time and close attention, but has great benefits.