Are you an only child? What do you think the advantages and disadvantages are in relation to caregiving?
I'm an only child. I mostly see this as a disadvantage when it comes to caring for my parents because there is no one else to share the worries, decisions, and overall responsibility with. I do acknowledge that it IS nice to not have anyone to potentially argue about those same decisions and responsibilites, though 
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If you're an only child, how are you handling having the sole responbility? Do you have any other relatives or friends that help? I often find myself wishing there was a sibling around to at least be able to help with all the various errands and other day-to-day tasks. Especially making phone calls- for some reason, I just dread making phone calls!
I'm not officially an only child, but in some ways I am...my sister is totally out of the picture, caregiving-wise. So I know exactly what you mean about feeling alone. I'm not actively caring for either of my parents right now, but I am so stressed out about the future. How do you manage it?
Oh, and I hate making phone calls, too. What is up with that?
Hi Stephanie, I'm glad you've found us. As for how I manage it, sometimes I wonder that myself, lol. Luckily, for right now they are still pretty young and independent but like you, I stress about what the future might bring. My mom is WAY less independent than my dad and last year, due to various circumstances, she ended up living with us for about 18 months. It was so stressful to suddenly become a member of the "sandwich generation".
My saving grace was my husband. He stepped up and helped a great deal (well, except for making phone calls, he hates doing that too, LOL). However that added quite a bit of stress to his life as well. And then I would become more stressed worrying about his stress!
I did start seeing a counselor who was/is very helpful in helping me manage my stress level as well as the many logistics of caregiving. I am hopeful that in the future, as my parents become less independent, that I will be able to financially afford some kind of hired help from a caregiving agency so that I don't become completely over-burdened.
Hang in there and stop by anytime to chat or vent!
I am an only child helping with my parents. Sometimes I feel its better to be an only child because I don't resent a sibling for not helping. There is usually only one child that does most of the caregiving anyway. I'm it ,take it or leave! My parents can't complain that I'm not as good as my brother or sister. It took a dozen caretakers to find the right one for them. I've just had to grit my teeth and do the phone calling, my husband hates it more than any one! I make calling a challenge for me! People are very understanding over the phone if you tell them your situation. Good luck!
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