I was recently talking with a friend about aging, she thinks I would be ok since I have two children who would take care of me when I am older.  The thing that is causing me to write this blog is her statement about herself.  She does not have children and does not think her nieces and nephews would have time for her.  So, she says, I will have to “rent me somebody”.  We laughed.

But if you think about it, there are many people in nursing homes and assisted living facilities because there is no family member to care for them.  That is a sad commentary on the state of the elderly.  Being a baby boomer, it is said we are living longer than any other generation. When we are young, never do we give thoughts to what it will be like when we are older.  We never consider that someone will need to take care of us if we should live long.

“Honor widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.”  1 Timothy 5:3-4 ESV.  Wow, a widow is truly a widow if she is all alone and has no children or relatives to care for her.

How did some family members care for elderly parents in Bible times?

Joseph lived far from his aging father, Jacob. Once Joseph was in contact with his family, he asked his brothers to bring Jacob to him. Joseph then housed, fed, and protected his father in Egypt.

Genesis 45:9-11; 47:11, 12.

Ruth said: “Do not plead with me to abandon you, to turn back from accompanying you; for where you go I will go, and where you spend the night, I will spend the night. Your people will be my people, and your God my God,” Ruth 1:16.   Ruth worked tirelessly to care for her mother-in-law.  Ruth 2:2, 17, 18, 23.

Jesus, shortly before he died, designated a caregiver for his mother, Mary. “So, when Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother: “Woman, see! Your son!”   Next he said to the disciple: “See! Your mother!” And from that hour on, the disciple took her into his own home. John 19:26, 27.

What is the best method for caring for the elderly?

I have not found any specific direction as to how adult children must care for aging parents.  Should it be at home?  Some families keep their aging parents at home for as long as they can.  But we know, at some point, it may be necessary for the parent to be in a facility where they can receive 24/7 care.  We are living longer!  Will I need a care giver?  “Will I need to rent me somebody?”