Caring for a parent

In many Indian homes, caring for elders falls quietly on one person, often a daughter or daughter-in-law, who is also running a home, a job and children. It is meaningful work, and it can be exhausting.

What can ease the load

• Share tasks. Ask siblings, even those far away, to help with calls, money, medicines or paperwork.
• Make a simple daily routine for medicines, food and rest.
• Accept that you cannot do everything. Good enough is enough.
• Keep one thing of your own: a walk, a bhajan group, a phone call with a friend.
• Involve your parent in decisions. Dignity matters.

Forgetfulness, anger and low mood in older parents

Memory changes, sadness or irritability are not simply 'old age'. A doctor can check for treatable causes such as infection, medicine side effects, vitamin deficiency or depression. Ask at the district hospital or a government geriatric clinic.

Your own wellbeing

Feeling tired, trapped or resentful at times is normal. It does not mean you do not love your parent. Talk to someone about it. See the caregiver wellbeing guide for more.