[NavyVet]

I am just going to guess that you are in your 50's or 60's. That would make the 2 sets of parents possibly in their 80's? I have experienced taking care of elderly parents who were declining both in physical health and cognitively. As they become more needy, their care will take over your lives; it is too much for one person or even 2 people to manage full time w/o professional help. I can't imagine that independent or assisted living would cost that much more than buying and maintaining TWO homes plus hiring housekeepers and home health aides for cooking and helping with ADLs. There are several very good facilities in the area with beautiful apartments, restaurant style meals, and activities and staff who monitor medication, check on them, render assistance, housekeeping, laundry and linen service, transport them to appointments, etc. Caregiving is a huge undertaking for 1 parent let alone 4. It is something to carefully consider. Are you prepared to be on call 24/7? What if one of them falls? Here is some info that could help to determine what level of care is needed.

THE 6 ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING:
1. Eating Able to feed oneself
2. Bathing Able to bath/shower, brush teeth, and groom
3. Getting Dressed Able to dress and undress
4. Mobility Able to sit, stand, and walk
5. Continence Able to control bladder and bowel functions
6. Toileting Able to get to and from the toilet and clean oneself

Hope this helps! Time to do some research. Best of luck.