Caring for Aging Parents

Caring for Aging Parents

More and more middle aged families are finding themselves caring for their aging parents, struggling with the best ways to handle challenging situations.

Some people are not only caring for their parents, but raising their children as well. The “sandwich” generation is faced with enormous stressors managing all the additional responsibilities as they search for affordable, trustworthy and compassionate resources and options for their parents.

Add to that the stress of the cost of a helping pay for nursing home, assisted living or hiring home health care services and it can be overwhelming.

Does this sound familiar?

• you have a mother or father coping with Alzheimer’s or dementia
• you have a parent that lives alone and it’s getting to the point where you must consider safer options
• your parent fell and broke a hip or other fracture and needs to be in a rehab center
• your parent(s) are depressed, isolated and alone
• you feel “stuck” caring for a parent and feel like it’s a burden
• you need local help since you don’t live near your aging parent
• you feel depressed about the stress of caring for parents and raising your children (the sandwich generation)

For many, it’s hard coping with and caring for aging parents. Finding the right resources in your area is important.  Here are some local NJ resources to help you with your parents:

Sage Elder Care in Summit New Jersey

The State of New Jersey Senior Services

You also need to take care of yourself during this stressful time.  Here are some support groups and GPS (Guidance, Planning and Support) services for you. Therapy may also help you manage your stress and cope with your own depression.