Do you have to take care of elderly parents who can't get around on their own?

Up until a year ago me and my younger sister had to help take care of our elderly parents. That went on for around 2 years. I was so relieved when a year ago they finally moved into an assisted living facility, our dad was driving both of us nuts.

No you don't have to, they can go into a nursing home or hired a caregiver.

This is such a touchy subject. Personally, I think it is a moral obligation for a child or children to care for their elderly parents. After all, they took care of you until you got out on your own. On the other hand, like in your case, is that you live far away & it is pretty difficult. Maybe you could help financially if you are able or give your younger brother a break now & then for a few days by staying with the folks so he can take a breather. There's always a solution to any situation. When you have a chance all of you should sit down together & try to figure out what all of you can do so your parents will be safe & happy.  After all, you are here on earth because I'm sure they did the best they could for all of you while you were growing up under their roof. You could also hire a caregiver now & then to give everyone a break even if it is only for a day or two. Good luck with this. simply MY opinion.

My younger brother took on the burden/chore/duty (of doing most things for our mother, simply because he lived the closest to her - just 2 miles away.) My older brother lived about 20 miles away and and visited her weekly, I lived hundreds of miles away and did not drive so had to use trains and buses and needed accommodation, so visited only when I could and when I had the train fare.  Being the only daughter many felt that I was the one who should do the most caring but much more has to fit into the equation than that.  We should all do what we can but it should not be expected to be equal responsibilities.

If this care were to be compulsory it would mean that adult children, who had been cruelly treated when young, by their parents, could be forced into CARING for those monsters.

That is a moral obligation only. I know of no law that exists that states that anyone has to take care of their parents.

my elderly parents are doing just fine at the moment, thank goodness.

My parents are long gone.  They both got around reasonably well until they died.  I helped them as much as possible when they were alive.  Fortunately, they didn't need much help.  I had to work then so it would have been difficult if not impossible  having to care for them too.  

Both my parents are in their 80's and both reasonably fit and strong and don't class themselves as elderly.  They care for themselves, though my father has considered the idea of moving into a flat, that's part of a complex for the over 50's.

No.....I don't.

it would help since they did take care of you