My mom was very self sufficient until her late 80s when she exhibited symptoms of dementia. It was Alzheimer's. Took her car from her when she was 87, she had a bunch of fender benders. She was pissed. Over the next two years she got progressively worse. For the last three years of her life, I moved in with her. I cooked, cleaned, bathed and dressed her. My only regret is not spending more time with her before she became a phantom. At the end We had to put her in home hospice. I changed diapers and bed chucks. Administered meds to keep her calm. One morning I got up and she was gone. I have held both my dead parents in my arms, 24 years apart. I urge anyone who's parents are still around. Cherish them and spend as much time with them as you can. Be nice to them. You'll be glad you did.