Caring for an elderly parent is a journey filled with love, responsibility, and—let’s be honest—no small amount of challenge. As more families in the UK find themselves supporting ageing relatives, the emotional and practical demands can feel overwhelming. Christine Bell’s story, recently featured by the BBC, resonates with many: “I slowly realised I was running two households”. Like Christine, many of us want to remain a daughter or son first. We want not just to be a carer while caring for elderly parents.
But you don’t have to do it alone. At Forelight, we’re here to help you navigate the maze of support, services, and resources available. Thus, you can focus on what matters most: your relationship with your loved one.
The realities of family care
Coordinating healthcare, managing appointments, and handling daily living needs for older people can quickly become a full-time job. Many carers, dedicated to caring for elderly parents, are now calling for better healthcare coordination and more flexible appointments. Many of them also seek opportunities for respite care. These breaks allow carers to recharge and look after their own wellbeing.
Government support is evolving, with increases in Carer’s Allowance and ongoing reviews of social care. But finding the right help, at the right time, remains a challenge for many families.
In December 2024, the Care Forum Wales told the BBC that social care in Wales is in crisis. It will only get worse without proper funding. Representing over 450 care homes across Wales, Mario Kreft, the Chair of the Care Forum, explained that over 40 care homes have closed in the last five years. Consequently, a number of care homes now have waiting lists for people seeking a bed. This adds pressure on those caring for elderly parents.
Jennifer Owen explained how caring for her elderly parents for the past five years has made her feel overwhelmed with the daily routine of medications, providing food, and bathing her parents. Significantly, she had asked for carers support but was still waiting to receive the help and support that they needed.
“I’ve been absolutely floored by this experience,” she said. “It’s hugely impacted my own mental health to a very worrying degree.”
Jennifer Owen – BBC News
A growing challenge
The challenge of caring for your parents is not new. In some ways, it felt like we are moving full circle back to a more localised, historic way of living. Historically, the roles and responsibilities within our family groups change with the stages of childhood, adulthood, and parenting. Eventually, we move into the zone where we need more assistance and support for daily lives and activities.
Over ten years ago, in 2014, it was recognised by the Office for National Statistics that over half a million UK households had three generations living together. This was a 30% increase over the preceding ten years. For some households, caring for elderly parents could be through the use of a dedicated space or ‘granny annexe’. However, many households do not have spare rooms or self-contained spaces. Therefore, they are repurposing existing family rooms or adapting garages or garden rooms. This allows them to provide the in-house support and care that their elderly parents increasingly need.
Help caring for elderly parents
Forelight is designed to make this journey less daunting. We don’t provide care directly, but we do offer:
- A Directory of Support Services: Easily search for local and national organisations offering everything from home care to mental health support, respite services, and advice for carers. Whether you’re looking for practical help or someone to talk to, our directory of community support services is a great place to start.
- Toolkits and Resources: Access our family, relationships, and care guidance and resources to help you understand your options and make informed decisions for your family.
- Guided Pathways: Our articles and insights offer practical advice and personal stories to help you feel less alone on this journey.
Looking after yourself
Remember, your wellbeing matters too. The emotional toll of caring for a parent can be significant, and it’s okay to seek support for yourself. Use our resources to find local respite care, peer support groups, and mental health services. This ensures you can continue to care for elderly parents with compassion and resilience.
You’re not lone caring for elderly parents
“I want to prioritise being a daughter above all else.”
Christine Bell, BBC News
Every family’s story is unique, but the need for support to care for elderly parents is universal. At Forelight, we believe everyone deserves a clear path to help. This applies to whatever their circumstances. Explore our resources and directory today. Let us help you find the guidance and community you need. Find out more about Forelight. Learn how we can help guide your pathway, so you can focus on what truly matters.