By Laura Hipshire
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

According to a recent poll conducted by CBS News, one in five Americans has had the responsibility of caring for an aging parent—by taking them into their homes or paying for their care.

But many more are concerned about having to do so. Providing this care can be stressful: four in ten of those who have had the experience of caring for aging parents say issues involving that care have often led to disputes among family members.

Many retirees are giving their children a peace of mind gift by planning their retirement years so their children won’t have to.

Don’t wait until it’s too late
Robert and Carol Davis of Troy gave their three children such a gift ten years ago when they decided to move to Henry Ford Village in Dearborn.

“We wanted to move while we were still young,” Robert Davis says. “A lot of people wait too long to move. Our own parents didn’t have an opportunity like this.”

Now the couple can enjoy their freedom years while spending time with their children and grandchildren.

“Our children realize that we made the right decision,” he adds. “They think it’s great.”

Peace of mind and convenience
Maria Rabago gave her three daughters peace of mind when she made the move from her Dearborn Heights home to Henry Ford Village.

“They told me, ‘Mom, we’re always here for you, but we know now that you’re not alone,’” she says.

Since moving to the community, Rabago has traveled to seven continents without worrying about needing her children to watch over her home.

“If I had still lived in my home, I know I wouldn’t have been able to do that. My daughters would have had to do yard work and check on my house a lot,” she says.

Eliminating the guesswork
Whether caring for parents now or not, most Americans—64%—are concerned about having to do so, including four in ten who are very concerned, the CBS News survey reveals.