Being a Parent to a Parent

How do you deal with the words…, “that’s why we have you” when looking at your frail father in hospital when you try and convince him he needs help.

This is what I was faced with yesterday. My dad is currently in hospital with a biliary infection which requires him to be on a drip. He has always been poorly for as long as I can remember and uses a wheelchair.

Growing up I helped my mum care for my dad until I left home. The life of a young carer can be incredibly lonely you don’t have the same freedoms of other people your age. You can’t stay out you have to be back to help your parents. I did everything from cooking to dressing. My sister was older but had her own life and she was living it. My parents relied on me to support them.

I have never resented my parents for my life because they are my parents. I just wish they would accept outside help now I have my own family. But I still want ti help them its just my nature but I wouldn’t want my children to be young carers for me should I ever require caring for. I wouldn’t want them to experience the loneliness and isolation I felt.

So mum and dad please accept.