This New York Times article dated 9/26/2009 discusses the value of a private case worker, known as a Geriatric Care Manager, to help you determine how best to help your elders as they age.  Managing Partner Merrell Bailey knows this from personal experience; her parents, each of whom was operating at about 60% capacity, together formed a cohesive whole unit in their home.  Having been married for 60 years, they were accustomed to accommodating each other's weaknesses.  When Merrell's Mom suffered a medical crisis and was hospitalized for an extensive period of time, Merrell's Dad, even with full-time in-home support, went into free-fall.  "My siblings and I were mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted," Merrell says.  "We were so close to the situation that we couldn't see a path to bringing our parents together again, and safe. Our Geriatric Care Manager was a calming, knowledgeable voice of reason."  Merrell believes that adult children are three years behind in assessing the true state of their aged parents' abilities.  She strongly recommends that you consider consulting with a Geriatric Care Manager your beloved elders face a crisis.  Bailey Zobel Pilcher works with many local Geriatric Care Managers, and would be happy to help you find the right one for your family.