Caring for elderly parents may be the greatest responsibility you will have as an adult child.
It is often daunting and can be very hard for a family caregiver to know the best way to care for older people.
Even though it may be difficult to find the time and energy, though, it’s the right thing to do if your aging parent needs help.
Thankfully, many people have gone through this experience and have shared their wisdom in the form of quotes, like this one:
Offering care means being a companion, not a superior. It doesn’t matter whether the person we are caring for is experiencing cancer, the flu, dementia, or grief. If you are a doctor or surgeon, your expertise and knowledge comes from a superior position. But when our role is to be providers of care, we should be there as equals.
Judy Cornish
What Do You Say To Someone Caring For Elderly Parents?
Aging isn’t easy, but it’s a natural part of life.
My elderly patients always say, “If I had known I would live this long, I would have taken better care of myself!” (I think that might actually be a quote by Mickey Mantle.)
As our parents age, eventually they will start to need help with things they used to be able to do on their own.
But just because they need help doesn’t mean that they’re any less capable or valuable as human beings.
They still have a lot to offer their adult children and we can definitely learn a lot from them. So be patient with them!
When someone starts seeming more feeble or the time comes that they are relying on you when it used to be the other way around, remember that your elderly parents are still the same people they always were – just in a slower package.
They have the same hopes, dreams, and fears. They just need a little extra help and understanding at this time.
Sometimes, seeing a parent who has diminished mental or physical strength can make some people treat their parents as if they were children, but this is wrong!
After my mom was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor, my sister started talking to in a singsong, childlike voice and it drove my father up a wall. “She’s sick,” he would fume, “she’s not a child!”
So, be sure to treat your elderly with the same respect and compassion that you have in the past and that you would any other person.
I helped both my parents during their final years and I can tell you that, in so many ways, caring for elderly parents is a rewarding experience.
It’s an opportunity to show your parents the same love and care they showed you when you were growing up.
Spending time with them adds significant value to to your own life because it gives you a chance to learn from them and gain valuable insights into their lives.
You only have so much time to ask questions and compile memories, so make the most of it while you can!
Yes, caring for elderly parents can be challenging, but it won’t last forever.
When you are stressed and feeling impatient, try to take a step back. They may not be here tomorrow, so cherish the time you have with them.
By showing them that you care, you can make their golden years that much brighter.
In the next section, I’ve got some inspirational quotes ready for those times when you feel frustrated, sad, and your caregiving duties seem to have gotten the best of you.
Overwhelmed Caregiver Quotes
Here are some inspirational caregiver quotes that can help when you are overwhelmed with caring for a senior loved one:
1. “To care for those who have cared for us is one of the highest honors.” – Tia Walker
2. “The beauty of caring for others is that it heals our own wounds and validates our existence.” – Rueben Josh
3. “Caregiving often calls us to lean into love we didn’t know possible.” – Tia Walker
4. “Caring for our elders is not just a responsibility, it is a privilege.” – Kate Whittaker
5. “In caring for others, we care for ourselves.” – Unknown
6. “Caregiving gives life purpose and meaning.” – Dr. Dale Atkins
7. “Caregiving can be an act of tremendous love and hope.” – Rhonda Hull
8. “Caregiving is an opportunity to practice humility, patience, and unconditional love.” – Dalai Lama
9. “Caregiving brings out the best in us.” – Marianne Williamson
10. “The greatest gift you can give your parents is your time and attention.” – Unknown
11. “There is no substitute for love in the care of the elderly.” – Doris Day
12. “Caring for our parents is the highest expression of our humanity.” – Pope Francis
13. “The challenge of caring for aging parents is one so many of us face. It’s also one we face without a road map, without knowing what to expect.” – Rosalind Wiseman
14. “Taking care of aging parents can be one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives. It can also be one of the most challenging.” – Amy Goyer
15. “Caring for our aging parents is perhaps the ultimate act of filial love. It is certainly among the most challenging tasks we will ever undertake.” – Merril Silverstein, Stephen Shuchter, and Cary Siegel
16. “Caregiving often calls on us to mobilize resources within ourselves that we didn’t even know we had.” – Tia Walker
17. “The caregiver role is often thrust upon us unexpectedly, and it can be overwhelming. It’s important to remember that you are not alone.”– Caring.com
18. “Caring for aging parents can feel like a full-time job. You may have to juggle work, taking care of your own family, and helping your parents. It’s important to take care of yourself, too.”– AARP
19. “It is not easy being a caregiver. You need to take care of yourself, both physically and emotionally, in order to be able to take care of your parent.”– National Family Caregivers Association
20. “Old age is the most unexpected of all things that happen to a man.” – Leon Trotsky
21. “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” – Leo Buscaglia
22. “There are only four kinds of people in the world – those who have been caregivers, those who are caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers.” – Rosalyn Carter
23. “One person caring about another represents life’s greatest value.” – Jim Rohn
24. “Caring for our seniors is perhaps the greatest responsibility we have. Those who walked before us have given so much and made possible the life we all enjoy.” – Senator John Hoeven
25. “Physical strength is measured by what we can carry; spiritual by what we can bear.” – Unknown
That said, there is no question that some people are just plain difficult to deal with and aging doesn’t make them any more mellow.
These funny quotes might help you when you are gritting your teeth and counting to ten:
“Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.” – George Burns
“When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.” – Thomas Jefferson
“Whatever you do, always give 100 percent. Unless you’re donating blood.” – Bill Murray
“Every time you find some humor in a difficult situation, you win.” – Unknown
*NOTE: If simply reading quotes isn’t helping, sometimes activities such as gratitude journaling or working through transformational exercises can help to reduce stress.
What Are Some Caring Quotes?
It can be helpful to read quotes about caring for others because they can provide inspiration, motivation, and insight into the experience.
Reading these words of wisdom can also remind us why we decided to take on this responsibility.
They can help us to feel more connected to others who are going through similar experiences, and give us new perspectives on the challenges and rewards of caregiving.
Here are some caring quotes to help inspire you:
“The simple act of caring is heroic.” – Edward Albert
“Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping them up.” – Jesse Jackson
“Our elders are our teachers. We must learn from them and care for them.” – Dalai Lama XIV
“Always be a little kinder than necessary.” – J.M. Barrie
“We must all work together to build a better world for our children, and that starts with caring for our elders.” – Nelson Mandela
“If you can’t take care of your elderly parents, then who can you take care of?” – Unknown
“The biggest disease the world suffers from in this day and age is the disease of people feeling unloved.” – Princess Diana
“There is no greater gift than caring for another human being.” – Dalai Lama XIV
“The greatest gift you can give someone is your time.” – Unknown
“My caregiver mantra is to remember: the only control you have is over the changes you choose to make.” – Nancy L. Kriseman
What To Say To Encourage The Elderly
Your elderly loved ones might struggle in their later years for a number of reasons.
They could have health issues that make it difficult for them to get around or take care of themselves.
They may also be lonely or isolated, especially if they don’t have many friends or family members nearby.
Lastly, they may not have much money, which can make it hard to pay for things like food, housing, and medical care.
There are a few things you can say to encourage a senior.
First, let them know that you care about them and are there for them.
When someone we love is going through a tough time, it helps to know that we have support from our friends and family.
Just knowing that you’re there can make a big difference in an elderly love one’s day-to-day life.
Second, remind them that many people go through similar struggles as they get older.
Many older adults feel like they are all alone in the world. They may feel like no one understands what they’re going through.
That makes it all the more important that they know that many seniors are feeling the same way.
It can be helpful to try to connect your senior with other elderly people through a senior center, a place of worship, or even a senior day care, so they don’t feel all alone.
Finally, offer to help them with anything they may need,
A simple act of caring can include thins like running errands for the person, getting groceries, or just providing a listening ear.
What To Say To Someone Who Is Caring For Someone With Dementia
A caregiver of someone with dementia needs compassion and understanding because the person with dementia will go through a lot of stages and changes.
At times, they may be confused, agitated, and have trouble communicating, which can be frustrating for both the caregiver and the person with dementia.
Having compassion and understanding can help make the situation better for both parties.
“The disease might hide the person underneath, but there’s still a person in there who needs your love and attention.”
Jamie Calandriello
Some things you can say to a caregiver of someone with dementia could be:
“Thank you for all that you’re doing. It can’t be easy, and I know you’re probably feeling really overwhelmed right now. I just want you to know that I’m here for you and I support you.”
“I know it’s hard to see your loved one going through this, but you’re doing an amazing job. You’re so strong and patient, and I admire you so much.”
“It’s okay to feel angry, frustrated, or helpless sometimes. This isn’t easy for anyone, and it’s important that you give yourself space to feel those things.”
“If there’s anything I can do to help you, please let me know. I’m here for you, no matter what.”
“I know this journey is difficult, but you’re not alone. I’ll be with you every step of the way.”
“You are so brave and strong, and I know your loved one is lucky to have you.”
“This isn’t how anyone wants their life to go, but you’re handling it with so much grace. You’re an amazing person, and I’m proud of you.”
“It’s natural to feel scared or unsure sometimes, but you’re doing an incredible job. You’re facing this challenge with so much strength, and I admire you for that.”
“I can’t even imagine how hard this must be for you, but I want you to know that I’m here for you. I’ll support you however I can.”
“You’re carrying a huge burden right now, but you’re not alone. I’ll help you however I can, and we’ll get through this together.”
Final Thoughts
Caring people can make a huge difference in the loves of others. Although offering care and helping elderly parents can be difficult, it is also a rewarding experience. I hope these quotes inspire and encourage you as you care for your loved ones.
  |   |   |
