Which do you think is more expensive? Raising a child (without health issues) or having a live in parent (with health issues)?

My parents were actually able to improve our financial situation, even now mom helps out with bills.. But the emotional cost has been higher... I still seem to be running around to apts all the time , but now it is Drs and hairdresser and casino,, with DD it was sports and activities.. and I was much younger. In stead of a stroller I now have a rollator and instead of friends of DD I now have to entertain mom with no friends... And I can't hire the gal next door as someone said.. thank God for hubs so I can get out once in awhile

True, almost all older adults have at least some kind of income to help offset extra costs. And the cost of housing isn't significantly different. It is definitely easier to take time off work in your younger years when you are likely earning less and the potential of reentering the workplace after an absence is greater. And there are a whole lot more social supports available for parents of all income levels - from day care for the little ones at your place of worship to summer camps to the whole school system.

We had no financial expenses while caring for my FIL in our home as he was financially self sufficient, but having raised 4 healthy kids and all that entailed, the emotional and physical toll caring for a parent in your home definately takes the cake, plus you are generally older when doing so, so it is much more taxing!

I had no expense with my Mom. Her supplimental was supplied by Dads employer. Her prescription plan was State provided. And she had Medicare. Her SS paid for the upkeep on her house. Her sm pension was used for her personal care. Her living here did cost us to have a shower put in. But that will be a plus when we sell and something we had talked about doing.

People like to compare elder care and child care but to me they would only be equivalent if the child had special needs. You can't hire the neighbour's teen to babysit your parents. Kids diapers cost less than a dollar each, newborn sizes about a quarter each, and eventually they will be potty trained so no more diapers. Kids eat less, and breast fed babies eat free😉. Don't forget all those expensive drugs most older adults are taking or the medical appointments. New moms here (well, technically dads too) get 1 year employment insurance when they have a baby. And we haven't even mentioned the cost of long term care facilities yet. It's a no brainer.