What should you consider before becoming a caregiver for a parent?

Before you become a caregiver, some thoughts to consider include:

• Do not rush in to taking control of your parent's life. It is important to for your parent to retain his or her dignity.
• You will have to learn a different set of skills such as finding community resources, handling caregiving stress and tackling insurance and legal questions.
• The amount of care you should give is dependent on relationships, family history, communication, your own work and family demands and fears and expectations.
• Keep in mind that your parent has been independent and in a parenting role to you.
• Needing to be useful can result in unnecessary interference.
• Anger, denial or resentment can cause you to ignore warning signs of stress and put your parent at risk of neglect.
• Utilize support groups or professional therapy to deal with negative feelings (resentment, guilt, anger) so that you can remain focused on your parent and his or her needs.
• Remember that parents do not want to become burdens to their children and may deny problems to protect you.