What do you do when caring for an aging parent feels overwhelming?

Why does caregiving feel so heavy?

• It often adds to an already full life of work and family.
• You may be the only one handling appointments and decisions.
• Watching a parent decline is its own kind of grief.

8 ways to lighten the load

• Make a list of tasks and ask family to take specific ones.
• Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for services.
• Look into respite care so you can take breaks.
• Schedule time for yourself and protect it.
• Join a caregiver support group.
• Set up regular social contact for your parent with others.
• Keep medical info organized in one place.
• Watch for burnout: exhaustion, irritability, or getting sick often.