Photo credit Nickolas Nikolic

Dear Carol: I am a 75-year-old woman living at home with my 96-year-old mother. Mom has dementia and needs around-the-clock care. My younger brother, who lives 500 miles away and only visits twice a year, insists that Mom should be cared for by family for as long as possible. His contribution is doing the financial management online. I worry that I could fall or have a heart attack and Mom wouldn't be able to call for help. I’m in reasonable health, but I do have some risk factors. My doctor is concerned about my being a full-time caregiver at my age, but my brother insists on “the two of us” continuing to care for Mom, with me doing the on-site physical part. I’ve been grateful to be able to help but I can’t keep this up much longer. My brother says that I’m selfish for wanting to “give up on Mom.” Am I? – RT

Continue reading on Inforum for more about how many older caregivers are trying to cope with very old parental needs:

Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories. “I hold onto your book as a life preserver and am reading it slowly on purpose...I don't want it to end.” ...Craig William Dayton, Film Composer

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