It’s 3 am. For the third time tonight, you hear the steps coming down the hall, the pause, and the confused look on grandpa’s face. Only this time, it is getting more and more difficult to get his needs taken care of in the bathroom and get him tucked back into bed. The house isn’t really set up for a wheelchair, and you know it’s only a matter of time till walking will no longer be a possibility. The kids will be needing to get ready for school soon and the house is in disarray. As much as everyone loves grandpa, the toll of 24/7 care, heavy lifting and trying to keep him oriented and entertained is becoming bleaker every day.

It’s a reality many families face. No one wants to be selfish. But is there a better option? There is no need to feel guilt. In the aging process, some seniors are actually receiving suboptimal care by tired family members who lack resources and experience.