The challenges and blessings of sharing your home with an aging parent Leslie Kouba

CLEVELAND, Ohio – When my mom turned 70, her life expectancy suddenly shrank. “You know — I might not be around much longer,” she’d say rather often. In hindsight, this is the most ridiculous thing she ever said, but I understand the feeling. My dad had died eight years earlier, and she had lots more she wanted to do. As Mom approached 80, we began to talk about what her next chapter might look like – the “someday” most families must face, when aging parents need changes and help. These talks were in direct contrast to the trips she took…