Caring for Mom: Resources & Support for Caregivers

When elderly parents can no longer care for themselves, adult children often transition into the role of caring for Mom or Dad. As much as aging parents desire to remain independent, there comes a time when health or cognitive issues interfere with their ability to function without assistance and an adult child needs to step in to help.

Aging often highlights the complexities of the relationship between a mother and a child. The traditional definition of mothering is characterized by providing care, so the shift in role to becoming a care recipient is often a challenge to long-standing family dynamics.

When an elderly parent shows signs of needing assistance with activities of daily living, it’s important to consider their needs as compared to what you are willing and capable of providing. Whether providing hands-on care or making long-term care plans for Mom, there are some tough questions that should be given careful consideration.

7 Questions to ask when considering caring for Mom:

1. What is the history of my relationship with Mom?
2. How much care is needed?
3. How much care can I personally provide; am I capable of providing hands-on day to day care, or could I best serve Mom by managing her care decisions?
4. Is there anyone with whom I could share the caregiving responsibility?
5. What impact will caring for Mom have on my own relationships- spouse, children and friendships?
6. Where does our family stand on hiring in-home care or placing Mom in a long-term care facility?
7. Does mom have the resources to pay for care; am I willing to invest my own resources?

To answer these questions and navigate through the emotional, financial and physical challenges of caring for your Mom, use AgingCare’s resources for information, advice and support. Explore articles written by experts to help plan this new stage of life and find the support of other caregivers with experience in the challenges of caring for Mom in our online Caregiver Forum. AgingCare is here to help through every step of the caregiving journey.