{"id":8181,"date":"2026-03-25T15:09:11","date_gmt":"2026-03-25T19:09:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.coto.org\/?post_type=resource&#038;p=8181"},"modified":"2026-03-25T15:45:38","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T19:45:38","slug":"3-things-to-consider-if-youre-caring-for-your-parent","status":"publish","type":"resource","link":"https:\/\/www.coto.org\/resources\/3-things-to-consider-if-youre-caring-for-your-parent\/","title":{"rendered":"3 things to consider if you&#8217;re caring for your parent"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>Published March 2026 with NewsCanada\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:16px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>A parent\u2019s aging can prompt difficult conversations around their independence and living situation. Through planning or just circumstance, you may also find yourself taking care of the person who used to take care of you. Here are a few things to consider as you take on this new role:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:16px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>This will be an adjustment for both of you.<\/strong>&nbsp;It may be difficult for you and your parent to adjust to this role reversal. Even if you\u2019ve been independent for years, being your caregiver is still likely a significant part of your parent\u2019s life experience. Becoming their caregiver is a major life change and a rearrangement of your priorities. It\u2019s a sacrifice, and it\u2019s alright to acknowledge that to yourself.<br><br>For parents, adjusting to a loss of mobility or independence may not be easy. Everyday actions and activities that never used to take any thought might now be difficult. Some parents may feel embarrassed at needing help with things they\u2019re used to doing on their own.<br><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>There\u2019s help for you and your parent.<\/strong>&nbsp;You don\u2019t have to do this alone. One option for support is engaging with an occupational therapist. They\u2019re health care professionals who work with you to help you and your parent develop new skills and ways of adapting to your environments and circumstances. In this province, they have professional standards they\u2019re held to and must be licensed by the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario, a public resource that\u2019s there for you and the one you\u2019re caring for.<br><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>It\u2019s important to practice self-care, too.<\/strong>&nbsp;Many people in the \u201csandwich generation,\u201d caring for both their children and parents, are under tremendous stress. Even if you don\u2019t have children, caregiving still takes a great deal of time and effort, and can cause stress.<br><br>That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to look after yourself. By making time for self-care, you\u2019re able to better show up for your parent. Consider taking advantage of available community and health resources to support your mental health and help you build strategies to manage your multiple roles.<br><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:24px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important to remember that this stage of life is a transition, not a decline. Feeling supported can make the transition easier. With some help to adapt their living space to their needs and develop new skills, your parent can keep doing the things they love. You can learn more about how a licensed occupational therapist can help at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coto.org\/public\/working-with-an-occupational-therapist\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">coto.org\/ot<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Published March 2026 with NewsCanada\u00a0 A parent\u2019s aging can prompt difficult conversations around their independence and living situation. Through planning or just circumstance, you may also find yourself taking care of the person who used to take care of you. Here are a few things to consider as you take on this new role: It\u2019s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"advanced_seo_description":"You may find yourself taking care of the person who used to take care of you as a parent ages. 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