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Support Groups for Caring for Parents

Caring for an aging parent can be overwhelming, stressful and a drain on your emotional and physical health. Caregivers with responsibility for the health, legal and financial welfare of their parents should pay attention to their own needs, too. Seek out help from friends, family members, your church, hospital or a number of social service providers who can assist you with questions and lend emotional support when you need it.

  1. Signs That You Need Support

    • Loneliness, irritability, distraction, anger and illness are all signs of stress. Caregivers often have difficulty making decisions, have trouble sleeping or are more prone to illness. If you are experiencing any of these signs of stress, seek help.

    Healthcare Support

    • Maintaining a good quality of life for both parent and caregiver can be challenging. From filling out medical forms to taking steps to make sure a parent suffering from Alzheimer's stays safe, to making sure an incontinent parent maintains cleanliness with dignity, a caregiver must be the coordinator of all health care needs. Resources and support can be found at your local hospital, or you call the U.S. Administration on Aging to locate resources in your area.

    Legal Support

    • Managing the paperwork and legal issues associated with becoming a legal guardian, locating housing and securing a parent's income can be frustrating. Parents often have difficulty letting go of their independence. According to the American Association of Retired Persons, the best resource for locating information and support is by connecting with others through the National Council on Aging or the National Legal Resource Center.

    Financial Support

    • While caregivers manage the health and legal issues their parents face, they may also encounter problems with how to pay for their parents' care. Planning ahead for how to pay for housing and health care expenses later in life is best for both parent and caregiver. However, putting those plans into action may be difficult. The National Council on Aging and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services can assist caregivers and their parents.

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