[user104658]

Originally Posted by Livia

Families used to take care of their own, but now everyone lives miles away from each other and let's face it, some families just don't want to take care of an elderly relative. It's a worry. It's off-topic... but it's still a worry.

I think changed circumstances with work are a huge factor as well... my grandparents-in-law are all over 80 now and one of her grandads needs full time care, but her parents both work full time as does her uncle who lives nearby so there's no one who even COULD be a full time carer if they wanted to. And the quality of care varies so widely from home to home it's bewildering, and doesn't even seem usually related to cost. Some NHS homes are great some are shameful. Some private places are top notch, others put on a good facade when there are eyes on them but then are just as bad as anywhere else when there's no one watching. And the costs per week are just mind-boggling.

Thankfully(...? I guess that sounds bad ) the only relative I have that's older than my sister (36) is my dad (64)... and his new wife is 39 so he's her problem! She knew what she was getting into . I do find it an odd choice really. I mean, I know you can't choose who you fall in love with, and he's not "old" for 64 or anything... but realistically, she's got like 5 - 10 years of a normal marriage and then 10+ of being a carer?

**** I hope my dad doesn't secretly read TiBB. Haaa...