Suddenly having to care for your elderly parents isn’t easy. Now you’re dealing with helping them with medical issues, taking care of a home, trying to determine what services are there to assist them as well as caring for your own family. Caring for your aging parent is almost as stressful as having teenagers, you never know what to expect next. Don’t try to be a super hero not asking for help. I’ve seen countless caregivers jeopordize their own health to provide care for their loved one. People often offer to do something but we commonly just say “oh that’s necessary”. For once in your life take up every offer you get. Whether it’s running errands, going to the grocery, cooking or doing the laundry don’t be proud. You will kill yourself well before your time. As women we think we have to do everything for everyone and forget about our needs. This is the perfect time to teach your family how to do things for themselves. My college aged son actually thanked me for making him do his laundry, cook and clean. He’s living with a roomate who’s mother did it and doesn’t know how so he ends up doing it all.Caring for your aging parents or in-laws can put a tremendous strain on your marriage as well. You will feel like there is no more of you to go around. You have to eat so meet for lunch, get your husband to give you a massage to relax at night, who knows where that might lead, or just take a walk together and share all your feelings. Post them here just to get them off your chest. Seek help through resources on-line like http://www.agingavenues.com/, our your local senior center or Area Agency on Aging. Take a deep breath and hang in there.
317-731-4337