Looking After Elderly Relatives

[Ric.ror]

Has anyone given up their jobs to look after an elderly relative?
If so could they list the pros and cons

[bednobs]

pros: you'll get your reward in heaven
cons: everything else

[ummmm]

How is their health and will you get any help?

[hc4361]

You need to consider:

Can you afford to give up work? Carers' Allowance is pitiful
What are the health problems of the relative?
What is your relationship like with the relative? Are you close enough to give intimate care?
Will you get support from other relatives?

It is is different kettle of fish caring for somebody with a physical disability to looking after somebody with dementia.

[RATTER15]

What will you need to do for them?

[woofgang]

I haven't given up a job to do it but have done it and have been involved professionally with many many carers. No two circumstances are the same but I think that the first thing to think about is whether its a practical possibility at all.
Can you afford it? how will it affect your return to the job market in the future? Will the care that you can give be enough? How long will it be enough for? Is it actually something that you will be able to do? Not everyone can.

[Ric.ror]

Thanks for your answers
You have pointed me in the right direction to the questions I need to ask myself before I decide
Again many thanks :-))

[sandyRoe]

Get help if you can and make time for yourself. Whatever you do, don't let it slip into becoming a 24-7 job.