Follow Paul on the Phoenix Home Care blog – he will keep you posted on his daily challenges, research he does on senior parent care topics, products and services that help his parents remain at home, health-related issues, support he gains both in the community and online, the knowledge gained, suggestions for others like him, and more!

Meet Paul, a primary caregiver for aging parents in Phoenix AZ. If you would ask Paul, he would say, “I’m a son, not a caregiver. It’s my duty as a son to take care of my parents and make sure they’re okay. When growing up, my Mom and Dad took care of my grandparents, so, it’s my turn. I am responsible for them.”

Family members like Paul often don’t see themselves as caregivers. They don’t relate to these titles and labels. Paul is a father of two adult children and when they were growing up, he did not consider himself a “caregiver” for them. He is adamant about being called a father and son. The language senior care providers use may be confusing to Paul when he goes online researching elder care topics. If you are new to caregiving, like Paul, please know that the online information, articles, and materials will target adult sons and daughters to be  “caregivers” for this term is used widely in the elder care or aging parent care industry.

Paul’s story: he has one sibling, David, moved far away from Phoenix, and can barely provide for himself and his new family. Paul, a middle-aged computer engineer, doesn’t mind taking the responsibility for his parent’s care. He loves them dearly and appreciates them. Paul is very close to his parents and chooses to be there for them – although now, as they grow older, the caretaking demands are becoming a burden.  He often considers asking his brother for help, but sincerely doesn’t want to bother him. He often tells himself, “I can handle this.”

Paul helps his aging parents, Sophia and Leo by:

* Doing the yard work and handy man chores
* Running errands
* Takes his Mom grocery shopping
* Grills for them every weekend
* Checking in daily to make sure they are okay

Sophia and Leo would like to hire outside help but they cannot afford it and would never dream to ask Paul for financial assistance on this. They, appreciate Paul’s time, effort and care, however, Sophia feels guilty that her son has to do all the work around the house and yard. Leo is not driving very much any longer, his eyesight and hearing are failing. Sophia is socially active but does not want to leave Leo at home alone. She is struggling with managing her active lifestyle and Leo’s “new” sedentary one.

His children, Lisa and Bradley, talk to him often and frequently volunteer to help their Dad. But Paul never helped his grandparents and could not imagine having grandchildren participate. He appreciates the concern his adult children displays.

Paul would like to consider retirement soon, but his parent’s need financial support.