Long-term Caregiving Will ChangeYour Life

Most caregivers go into caregiving mode with full hearts and wonderful intentions. They rarely stop to think, "Hmm, this could go on for years. I'd better plan it out. If I move to part-time at work, have more child care and spend mornings caring for my parents' needs, it will be difficult, but possible. If I continue to work full time, I'll have more for retirement, but I can't do it all. I have to plan this out." No. We just jump in. Dad has a stroke, so of course we are there to help. He survives but needs a great deal of care. Mom can't handle the hard physical work of caring for Dad. And she's getting forgetful. So, it's up to us. We make sure our folks get in-home help and make adjustments in our own lives so we can give them maximum help. Sometimes, we quit jobs or go to part-time work in order to care for our parents. Read full article on Agingcare about how caregiving will change your life in ways that you may never have thought: Support a caregiver or jump start discussion in support groups with real stories - for bulk orders of Minding Our Elders e-mail Carol                 Related StoriesHelping in an Emergency Shouldn’t Tag Neighbor as Full-tme CaregiverDementia Death: Conflicting Emotions Are Normal for Caregivers After a Loved One Dies5 Tips for Maintaining Relationships with Friends when Dementia Takes a Seat 
Source: Minding Our Elders - Category: Geriatrics Authors: Source Type: blogs