The Reality of Family Caregiving

For many families, professional in-home care or senior living communities simply aren’t affordable. That often leaves the responsibility to family members, neighbors, or friends—people stepping in to provide care for parents, grandparents, or other loved ones.

Family caregiving comes with real challenges. Moving a parent into your home can mean leaving a spouse, a partner, or even kids temporarily behind. It can affect your job—sometimes forcing a reduction in hours or leaving a career altogether. The physical, mental, and financial impacts on caregivers are significant, and most people underestimate just how long care might be needed.

I’ve been there myself, caring for four parents in my own home. It’s rewarding, yes, but it’s also incredibly demanding.

Another reality is the financial burden. Often, the family becomes the “piggy bank” for paying care costs—sometimes entirely, sometimes partially. That’s why early planning is essential. Working with a financial planner and creating a plan as soon as you start earning income can make a huge difference. You never know when the call will come that a loved one needs help—and having a strategy in place can ease the stress on both the caregiver and the family.