After reading a recent news article about how caregiver lives often get rerouted, I began to think about my own parents.
I feel as though they are both still relatively young. Or at least they are in my eyes.
My dad is in his early 60s and my mom is in her mid-50s.
Yet, I have already gone through a caregiving role with my mom.
Caregiving for Parents
Being the oldest in my family, I assume the responsible role. The day my dad brought me his insurance papers, will, and DNR to sign, I did so willingly but cried myself to sleep.
Thinking of getting to that point with either of my parents is not something I ever want to think about.
But, in some practical way, I know I have to. They are aging and will need my help someday.
When my mom was battling cancer, I was on call 24/7.
There were at least 2 instances where I had to run out of the house, go to her house, almost physically carry her to the car, and take her to the emergency room.
There were chemo treatments a couple of times a week and other appointments in between.
Prescriptions to be filled. Things to be bought and picked up.
My brother and sister both work, so I willingly accepted that role. Being able to search local care providers and resources would have been a great asset during that time.
In the article I mentioned above, there were 2 different emotional states mentioned by the caregivers.
As I read each one, I thought about myself and which one I would be.
Knowing what I have gone through before — and the way I love and cherish my parents — I am sure I would have to agree with the woman who felt as though she was the luckiest daughter alive.
Are you currently a caregiver?
Do you feel as though you will willingly accept that role when the time comes?
