- 1). Ask for help. You can't do it alone. Don't kid yourself, as everyone has limits. Find out about the community resources available. Realize that you are not in this alone. Most communities have offices of agencies on aging. Refer to the government pages of your local telephone directory for listings. Above all else, realize that the reward of caring for aging parents is both giving and receiving love.
- 2). Develop a strong network of support. Rest assured that there are many geriatric professionals who are trained in helping families deal with just these kinds of circumstances. Take advantage of the availability of health-care professionals, clergy, family counselors and members of caregiver-support groups and senior-outreach programs in your area who are willing to listen and assist
- 3). Be grateful for the time you have with your parents, and don't worry that you aren't doing enough for them. If the time comes when you are faced with the necessity of placing one or both of your elder parents into residential care, don't allow yourself to feel guilty. You may try to keep them at home as long as possible, but the situation often reaches a practical point where aging parents are no longer able to live on their own.
- 4). Consider how your parents must be feeling. Don't be surprised if tempers flare. Everyone's lives are changing, so it's only to be expected. Try putting yourself in your parents' shoes. Imagine how hard it must be for them to have to ask you for help. Losing one's independence can be a traumatic event. When things get rough, remember the sacrifices your parents have made for you throughout the years. That should be reason enough to treat them with as much love and respect as they have treated you.
- 5). Make time for yourself. Caregiving, whether on a full-time or part-time basis, puts a tremendous stress on both body and mind. You need to stay healthy. As important as your parents are to you, you shouldn't neglect your own family, your job or your friends.
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