Caring for an Elderly Parent: A Guide for Family Caregivers

Estimated Read Time: ~7 minutes

Reviewed by: Sadie Dooley, MA, LMHC, NCC
Licensed Mental Health Practitioner, Work-Life Program Consultant at Mutual of Omaha

Summary: Caring for an elderly parent can be both demanding and rewarding. This guide offers practical insights, including caregiver self-care tips and strategies for caring for elderly parents at home.

Caring for an elderly parent may feel overwhelming at times. You could be balancing doctor visits, medication, household tasks, emotional support and your own work and home routine.

Many take on the responsibility without realizing exactly how demanding it can be. If you’re currently caring for elderly parents at home or planning to do so in the future, here are some self-care tips and resources for caregivers that may make the journey seem more manageable.

The emotional and financial impact of caregiving

Taking care of aging parents at home often requires shifting between tasks, making tough decisions and ensuring their well-being. Even the most confident caregivers can experience stress, isolation or burnout.

Finances are another area where caregiving can take a toll. Handling finances effectively can become a constant source of stress. Costs for medications, home modifications, personal care or in-home help can quickly accumulate. Some caregivers find themselves adjusting budgets, tapping into savings or taking on extra work, which can disrupt their work-life balance.

Caregivers face some common challenges, such as:

• Reduced work hours or career interruptions
• Higher healthcare or medication expenses
• Emotional and physical stress from ongoing responsibilities
• Tension in family dynamics over caregiving roles and decisions

Celebrating the rewards and challenges of caregiving

Caregiving can be exhausting, unpredictable and full of unexpected challenges, with some days filled with hard decisions and moments that test your patience.

At the same time, caring for an elderly parent often brings meaningful rewards. In addition to helping your loved one maintain independence, sharing a laugh over old memories or offering a sense of safety can create moments of connection that make the tough days worthwhile.

Accepting that you’ll face both challenges and moments of fulfillment can help you manage stress and maintain perspective. Recognizing your effort and celebrating small victories is important.

Essential resources for family caregivers

Caring for a family member or loved one in their later years requires managing their complex set of needs, a task that few people can handle alone.

The following resources offer information to help caregivers access assistance, connect with others for support and learn self-care strategies to stay mentally, emotionally and physically fit for the challenges of caregiving.

National support organizations for aging and caregiving

American Society on Aging
This organization provides various sources of information, support and services to caregivers, including podcasts, webcasts and more.

Family Caregiver Alliance
In addition to contact information for resources and services for caregivers, the Family Caregiver Alliance site features a brief questionnaire to help caregivers identify the type of help and support that best suits their personal circumstances.

Harvard Health Publishing: Self-Care for the Caregiver
This brief article provides five practical tips for caregivers to manage physical and emotional stress.

Self-care strategies for caregivers

You’ll struggle to care for someone else if you’re not taking care of yourself. Even small self-care habits can make a significant difference in maintaining healthy energy levels and reducing stress.

Here are some practical caregiver self-care tips:

• Schedule regular breaks or time for hobbies
• Keep connected socially with friends or support groups
• Prioritize sleep, exercise and proper nutrition, including clean eating for long-term health, to support overall well-being.
• Use respite care or professional services when needed
• Practice stress management through mindful exercises, journaling or meditation

Empowering caregivers with resources and support for senior care

Caring for an elderly parent can be both challenging and rewarding. Using resources for caregivers, applying caregiver self-care tips and understanding how to take care of elderly parents at home can make the process more manageable.

Seeking help with aging parents through support organizations, professional services or family collaboration can reduce stress and improve outcomes. While each day may bring difficulties, it can also offer moments of connection and satisfaction that make caregiving a meaningful experience.

At Mutual of Omaha, we recognize the demands of caring for an elderly parent, and we’re here to help. With professional guidance and wellness resources, we support you in balancing your caregiving duties while prioritizing your own health and finances.

Use our life insurance calculator to determine how much coverage makes sense for you, your family and your caregiving responsibilities.

Determine your Need

Frequently asked questions

Should I look into financial planning when caring for a parent?

Reviewing finances and planning ahead can help manage long-term costs. A financial professional could help clarify options, help you understand insurance or Medicare coverage and balance personal finances with caregiving responsibilities.

How do I start conversations about caregiving with my family?

Open, empathetic communication is key. Discuss shared responsibilities, financial contributions or care preferences to prevent misunderstandings and create a clearer plan.

How do I get Medicare to pay for home care?

Medicare covers certain home care services for individuals who are homebound and require skilled care. Checking eligibility and documentation requirements with a Medicare representative or healthcare provider can help determine what services may be covered.

Reviewed by: Sadie Dooley, MA, LMHC, NCC
Licensed Mental Health Practitioner, Work-Life Program Consultant at Mutual of Omaha

Sadie Dooley is a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner and Nationally Certified Counselor currently serving as a Work-Life Program Consultant at Mutual of Omaha. In her role, she supports employees in navigating personal and professional challenges, accessing meaningful resources, and untangling complex systems that can impact well-being and performance. Sadie is deeply committed to education, connection, and creating opportunities that empower individuals to reach their full potential.

Sources:

1. Population Reference Bureau, Fact Sheet: Trends in Family Care for Older Americans | PRB, March 2025

Disclosures:

Registered Representatives offer securities through Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisor Representatives offer advisory services through Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. Not all Mutual of Omaha representatives are financial advisors.

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