The Pew Research Center and California HealthCare Foundation found that 39% of adults in the U.S. are family caregivers. Almost two-thirds of these are grown children caring for their parents or in-laws. While there is often a financial strain on families caring for aging parents, there are emotional challenges as well.
Both the aging parent and grown child often feel a deep sense of loss or guilt at their changed relationship. While the child previously looked to the parent for support and guidance, this role is now reversed. Aging parents may find it difficult to adjust to being the one who needs support and may find it threatening to their independence.Often families face the most emotional stress when a parent has to be moved from their home to live with a grown child or move to an assisted living or long-term care facility.