When you’re caring for an aging loved one and juggling your other daily responsibilities, it can create uncertainty about how best to manage your schedule.

You're not alone. Every day, an estimated 10,000 members of the Baby Boom generation turn 65, and many still have aging parents who require care of some sort. Here are a few tips to help you provide the valuable care your loved one needs while still taking time to take care of yourself.

  1. Be an active participant in the parent’s plan of care. Some parents may need care from a health professional such as a home health nurse. As a family caregiver, it's important to be involved in the planning process too. That way, you can understand the plan of care and what role you may play in it.
  2. Listen to your parent’s needs and wishes. This sounds obvious, but what is required is listening with an open mind to completely understand your parent’s desires, whether they include aging in place at home or moving to senior community where they can have more interaction with other seniors.
  3. Set appropriate boundaries. Caring for an aging parent can seem overwhelming at times, and for women the stress can hit especially hard. It’s very important to take time for yourself – to “build in” times of rest and respite from your caregiving schedule and turn care over to another family member or hired professional.

Caring for an aging parent sometimes requires a balancing act between their needs and your own. Know that there is support. If you have questions about help caring for an aging parent, call 1-833-453-1107. We're here 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer any healthcare questions you may have.