Caring for an Elderly Parent at Home: Comprehensive 2021 Caregiver Guide

Will You Be Caring for an Elderly Parent at Home?

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

It’s a classic good news/bad news scenario that millions of Baby Boomers face: I am so lucky to still have my parents, but I’m worried they’re in decline and will need a lot of care from me.

Maybe you’re already caring for an elderly parent in their home. You’re overwhelmed, frustrated that so much of your life is now dedicated to mom and/or dad. It was just a few years ago you got your kids launched, and you thought you were out — but now they’re pulling you back in.

Or maybe they’re still independent and capable, but you know you’ll be caring for your elderly parents soon. It’s inevitable. Their health will decline, their memory and mental acuity will fade. You’re concerned about what they’ll require, and what kind of costs will be involved. You feel the dread, and it’s only growing.

You don’t have to give up your life to care for an elderly parent at home… but it’s a commitment. Photo courtesy of author

I’m right there with you. After years of seeing it coming, my sister and I are now giving more and more care to our parents, 89 and 90, in their home. We’re extremely lucky — their health is relatively good, we all…