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Vice President's Family Faces Same Decision as Millions: How to Care for Mom?

SUNRISE, Fla., Jan. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- While Michelle Obama's mother, Marian Robinson, moves into the White House to help with childcare, Joe Biden's sprightly mother, Jean, is in for some life changes of her own. Ms. Biden, who is in her early nineties, has lived with her son and his family at their Delaware home for years. With Joe Biden moving to Washington, D.C. to take on the demanding job of Vice President, the family has decided that Ms. Biden will remain in Delaware. They will face additional transition as they determine how to continue providing her with care that meets her needs.

The Bidens are the most visible example of a life-changing decision that millions of families must make each year. For many, the sensitive topic of how to care for an aging parent can be daunting, with no clear roadmap on how to make the best decision.

One thing is clear: the worst thing to do is to deny the need or avoid the discussion. "If you wait until your parent is having a health crisis, you are forced to make crucial decisions without the benefit of research or interviews with prospective caregivers - maybe not even reliable information about your parent's health conditions or medications," says Kathleen Gilmartin, RN, President and CEO of Interim HealthCare (www.interimhealthcare.com), a leading provider of health care personnel at all skill levels in all settings. "The sooner you open dialogue with your parent, the easier the transition will be for them and for you."

Gilmartin has personal experience providing care for seniors: she cared for her grandmother in her home, and also used home health services to help provide long-distance care for her father and mother. She offers some advice for families who want to provide the best possible c
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