As some of you know, and for those that don't, I take care of my folks. I moved in after my Dad's stroke to help him to recover. My mom has early onset dementia and since he was the primary care giver, they needed assistance. Their home is in a place in the country that experiences constant power outages. They have a mobile generator that is for select things in the house to get them by and can be moved out of the garage to the drive; then the cable to the gen trans/power hook up is 30 feet away through a raised flower bed.

This was a fine set up when they were well but I have concerns that I am the only one that can run it or connect it now given their impaiments and the location. That is even given that there is not 3-5 feet of snow or ice on the ground. It is even hard for me sometimes and I am not getting any younger either with my own impairments.

I have looked into a permanent generator, whole house. It is expensive. Because of going to a home show, there is a special: free installation, 5 year warranty, 2 year service plan and surge protector; it is a significant savings. It is still a huge, expensive purchase.

I have said I would pay for it. The one credit card is offering 0% interest for a year and I can have it paid of in 8 mos. They are objecting that it is not needed and too costly. It is costly but I so worry about when I am not home and stuck at work, what will they do, which is:1.nothing and freezing or 2. trying to do it themselves then hurting themselves or 3. was a disaster last time in having to have the generator serviced for not working it correctly or killing it all together.

I have their permission to install it and all that is necessary for it, but they are not happy with objections to the cost. I am not happy about it either but I think it is necessary, will be a huge convenience, and peace of mind for me and I would hope for them too in the long run. They want to stay in this home as long as possible, and this will help them to do that. I understand the objection that they do not know how long they will be here, as we say, life happens but I think it would be good for resale even if we do sell the house.

Am I off base here in my thinking? Any thoughts, for or against going ahead with this? How can I help them or what am I missing?

Thanks in advance for your input.