Last Updated on August 15, 2020 by Ellen Christian
My parents were always there for me when I was growing up. I had a fairly wonderful childhood and I knew that no matter how much trouble I managed to get into (and I did), my parents would always be there for me. They didn’t give me everything I asked for but they did give me what I needed. Most of all, they were there to support me as best they could. I know there were many, many times that my parents looked at the things I had done and shook their heads. I know they weren’t impressed with the day I came home with pink hair or the day I crashed the car into a telephone poll. They were, however, always there for me.
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When We Become the Caregivers
What happens when we need to take care of our parents? I am watching my parents go through this right now as they are caring for my Grandmother who is in her 90s. I know that there will come a day when my parents need me. There will be a time when taking care of the yard work or housework is too much for them to handle. There will be a time when they are ill and need a caregiver. What happens when we become the caregivers? I know that I’m going to need a resource for information when that happens because I have no idea how to handle all of the things they’ll need help with.
Thankfully, AARP has a Caregiving Resource Center that has a lot of information for people who are going through this right now. There are a lot of different topics including hiring in home help, dealing with finances and legal matters, and where to find support.
Across the country 42 million people, primarily women, between the ages 40 – 60 are faced with the challenge of providing care to their older loved ones each and every day. They may not know it, but they are caregivers, and they play an extraordinary role in supporting those we love. New research from AARP suggests that caregiving can take a tremendous toll on a caregiver’s personal health and general wellbeing. And yet, many caregivers do not self-identify as such and can be reluctant to ask for help. The campaign aims to connect caregivers to resources, tools and experts at aarp.org/caregiving.
This Father’s Day, vist The Thanks Project, an online platform that enables caregivers to publicly recognize the parents whom they care for. Each individual ‘thanks’ will be integrated into the interactive tapestry, representing the 42 million caregivers in the US. Caregivers everywhere deserve to be recognized for the important work that they do, and Father’s Day remind us why it’s worth it.
I received nothing for sharing this information with you. It’s a topic that is close to my heart.
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Ellen is a busy mom of a 24-year-old son and 29-year-old daughter. She owns six blogs and is addicted to social media. She believes that it doesn’t have to be difficult to lead a healthy life. She shares simple healthy living tips to show busy women how to lead fulfilling lives. If you’d like to work together, email info@confessionsofanover-workedmom.com to chat.
I helped my mother when she got cancer. She died so fast within a month after they told her she had cancer. It was in her liver and they never did find out where it came from. It is so hard to see the ones we love get old. I can see my husband and I getting older now. Not much good about getting old either. I took care of my son for years after a near drowning until he died at 18. We as Moms are caregivers in so many ways too. I think family should take care of family as much as we possibly can.
That must have been such a hard thing to go through. Aging is such a challenge for so many people. I admit that I am really not looking forward to it at all.
There is this old saying….PUN Intended…… One mom can take care of five kids but five kids can’t take care of one mom. Its who we are as a culture. We don’t respect or care for our elders. I am currently taking a gerontology class for nursing school and its so upsetting. For me personally if my parents needed me or to live with me no questions asked I would move their bags that day
I totally agree. That’s the way I feel as well.
I work in a skilled nursing facility. I can understand what families go through everyday as caregivers. It is not easy and can be very stressful. Take a little time to yourselves is always the best advice we can give a caregiver. You need it!
That is so true, Maria, but it’s hard to do sometimes as well.
My parents cared for my grandparents and now my siblings and I take turns helping our parents. Yes, it can be a struggle yet fulfilling and rewarding as well. Knowing I’ve given of myself even in a small amount in comparison to the care and nurturing I received.
That is a wonderful way to look at it!
I am glad that AARP has resources for caregivers of parents. I saw my mom go through this a while ago and I know we could have to care for either my parents or my in-laws at any time.
It really is a great resource, Maggie. So glad I can turn to it.
I think about this from time to time. At least once a week. My dad is sick and even though he’s 60 & my moms 55 that doesn’t stop me from thinking. Either way, I’ll be there for them too. I wish them the best with taking care of your grandmother.
Thanks so much, Leslie. It’s something we all think about some day.
My Mom is 91 and in pretty good shape-she still lives along in her own apartment. Of course now I drive over every Saturday to take her food shopping and for other errands (of which she has a written list). I also take her to doctors appts if they are not in the same town she lives-yup-she still drives!! I myself am 63 and thankfully semi retired so I can help her. I belong to AARP-and think I better go to that website for some suggestions!
There’s lots of great information there, Michele!