What to Know About Caregiving by 50, 60 and 70

 

If you are taking care of a loved one, you know that your challenges change as their health changes. You may also be anticipating your own needs for care as you grow older. Here are some tips to help you get prepared: 

 

 

You may already be involved in caregiving for a spouse or parent. We want to provide care out of love and loyalty, but practical matters arise quickly and come to the fore. 

  

You’ve probably heard about what caregiving costs and pondered whether you will need to or be able to help your parents financially. Here are a few more things you may want to know about caregiving by the time you are 50.  

  

1. Have the difficult conversations. How do your parents want to live as they become more frail, and what plan do they have to make that happen? Finding out is key to your ability to help them.  

 

2. Get involved. Advocate for your parents and work for changes you want to see. For 

instance, would a change in social policy allow for a better nursing home experience for your 

mom or dad? Should workplaces better support caregivers?  

 

3. Provide support. Know how much care costs, and also consider other kinds of support. 

Think about housing, emotional support and companionship. 

  

1. Consider new ways of living. Knowing what your parents went through can provide 

motivation for planning ahead for how you want to live, whether that’s aging in place or finding 

like-minded people with whom to form a community.  

 

2. Care for yourself. Caregivers need support, too. It’s critical to find ways to take breaks and 

rejuvenate, especially in situations where you’ve been a caregiver for a long period of time.  

  

3. Be protective. Elder fraud and abuse is on the rise. Educate yourself about what could 

happen and keep a watchful eye out for problems. 

  

 

1. Have another conversation. This time, with your own children or those who will provide 

care for you in your older years. Think of the relief you felt when your parents expressed their 

wishes. Give that gift to your children.

 

2. Learn from elders. The number of centenarians is growing, and if your parents are among 

them, take lessons from the longest-lived among us. 

 

3. Use your resources. Find support to ensure your parents have dignity and independence. 

Use what you’ve learned from caring for them as you make choices about your own situation 

in the coming decades. 

 

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