It is a sad reality in our society that we have “places” for different age groups. Adults “work,” children go to “school,” and then we have various “elderly” programs. Traditionally, our different generations were not so segregated by these institutions. Often, elders lived with their adult children and helped the adults by helping with childcare and other tasks of the household or farm. In many cultures, people still live like this and family is the central social unit for all generations. 

So, you get the idea that something is wrong. Maybe there are worried phone calls from a sibling or you just don’t think mom sounds the same on the phone - and before you know it, you join millions of family caregivers in the US who live at least one hour away from an adult family member who needs your help.

Whether it comes on gradually, or suddenly with an unexpected stroke or health event, you have to rearrange life to accommodate your new role. How big of a role depends of course on your situation, how healthy and independent your loved one is, and whether you have siblings or other family members who are serving as a primary caregiver.