Caregivers often put their own needs last, and exhaustion can build quietly. Start by being clear about what your parent needs: medication reminders, transport to appointments, help with meals or simply regular check-ins. Write the tasks down, then share them among siblings, relatives or neighbours so the load does not fall on one person. Agree on who is the first contact for the doctor and who steps in when that person is unavailable.
Keep one up-to-date list of diagnoses, medicines, doses, allergies and doctors' numbers, and carry it to every appointment. Respect your parent's dignity and involve them in decisions wherever possible. Look for warning signs in yourself: constant tiredness, irritability, poor sleep or withdrawing from friends. Taking a few hours for rest is not selfish; it is what allows you to keep caring over months and years. Digital tools that share readings and missed-dose alerts can replace anxious daily phone calls.