Navigating the challenges of caring for an aging parent can feel overwhelming-but you don’t have to do it alone.
If you’ve ever found yourself trying to juggle doctor’s appointments, coordinate care, sort through insurance paperwork, and still be emotionally present for your aging parent, you know how overwhelming this season of life can be. Aging is complex, with a variety of possible scenarios:
- Limited mobility
- Rapid weight loss
- Poor hygiene
- Cognitive decline
- Difficulty performing household tasks
As a daughter walking this journey personally, and as the Director of a professional home care agency in Maine , I understand these challenges from both sides.
Common Signs Your Aging Parent May Need Additional Support
Aging can affect every aspect of daily life. If you’re noticing any of the following in your parent, it may be time to consider professional assistance:
- Sudden or rapid weight loss
- Difficulty performing household tasks (laundry, meal prep, etc.)
- Poor hygiene or changes in grooming habits
- Signs of memory loss or cognitive decline
- Missed medications or medical appointments
- Limited mobility or increased risk of falling
These signs can indicate a shift in independence—and may call for extra care, supervision, or even a full care plan tailored to your parent’s evolving needs.
My Personal Journey Caring for An Aging Parent
When my own parent began showing signs of cognitive decline, I was pulled into the caregiving role in a much more personal way. The demands were constant:
- Multiple weekly doctor visits
- Increased daily care needs
- Emotional support
- Oversight of medical, financial, and logistical concerns
At the same time, I was running a growing home care business and managing the needs of my own family. Like so many others, I felt the emotional tug of wanting to be everything for everyone.
What is an Aging Life Care Professional®?
In response to my personal caregiving journey, I became a certified Aging Life Care Professional® – also known as a geriatric care manager . These professionals are trained to provide families with:
- Holistic care assessments
- Care coordination and planning
- Navigation of legal and financial concerns
- Emotional support for caregivers
- Advocacy within the healthcare system
Whether you’re dealing with a sudden diagnosis or the slow progression of aging, an Aging Life Care Professional can help your family build a sustainable, personalized care plan for your loved one.
As certified members of the Aging Life Care Association® (ALCA) , both myself and my colleague Suzanne Merrill adhere to a strict Code of Ethics focused on:
- Integrity
- Loyalty and Responsibility
- Respect for Client Dignity
- Justice and Advocacy
- Promoting Benefit and Avoiding Harm
This means families who work with D&C Home Care can feel confident they’re working with experienced professionals who prioritize ethics, empathy, and excellence.
Home Care as a Mission – Not Just a Service
For me, this work is more than a career—it’s a calling. At D&C Home Care, our goal is to provide the same high-quality, compassionate care I’d want for my own parent. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all model. Every care plan is uniquely built around the needs, preferences, and lifestyle of each client.
When families choose D&C Home Care , they’re not just getting a caregiver—they’re gaining a partner. Someone who understands the emotional complexity of senior care. Someone who’s walked this road.
We walk alongside you, helping to:
- Ease the decision-making process
- Coordinate logistics and care needs
- Reduce caregiver burnout
- Ensure that your loved one receives the respect, dignity, and attention they deserve
You’re Not Alone—And You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Whether you’re just starting to notice changes in your parent, or you’re already deep into the caregiving journey, remember: support is available.
At D&C Home Care , we’re here to help you navigate this transition with grace, understanding, and professional expertise.
Need support or guidance? Contact us today for a free consultation.
Together, we can build a care plan that works- for your parent and for you.