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Caring for Aging Parents Who Weren't There for You

Writer's picture: AmorycareAmorycare

Years ago, a journalist (referred to as ENGA) approached me for an interview about common caregiving challenges. During our discussion, ENGA shared her personal struggles while navigating her parents' aging process. Besides the daunting task of making crucial care decisions—like whether her father should stop driving or if her mother required more in-home assistance—ENGA also grappled with a complex family history marked by neglect and abuse.


Initially, ENGA felt isolated in her experience. Mainstream narratives often celebrate selfless caregivers balancing careers, families, and caregiving duties. However, what ENGA discovered—and what many others in similar situations realize—is that numerous adult children face the dilemma of caring for parents who were emotionally distant, neglectful, or even abusive.


A Daughter’s Journey to Reconcile with a History of Neglect



During our conversation, ENGA shared the internal conflict she felt as her parents aged. Raised in an environment with an emotionally distant and sometimes abusive mother, and a father who was frequently absent due to work obligations, ENGA had to confront deep-nseated childhood wounds. Through therapy and personal growth, she found a path to forgiveness for her father's absence and acknowledged that he may not have fully understood the extent of her mother's behavior.


Despite forgiving her father, ENGA's relationship with her mother remained strained. Her mother denied any wrongdoing, complicating efforts to heal their relationship through family counseling. This unresolved tension left ENGA questioning her role as her mother's caregiver as she aged.

Caring for Elderly Parents with Complex Relationships


ENGA grappled with the challenge of providing care to parents who hadn't fulfilled their parental responsibilities. Many adult children in similar situations face societal pressure to honor their parents despite past trauma. However, they struggle with the emotional and practical challenges of caregiving for parents who didn't prioritize their well-being in the past.


As a columnist and experienced caregiver, I often receive inquiries from individuals raised in difficult family environments seeking advice on navigating their parents' aging process. Here are some recommendations I often provide:


  • Begin Therapy: Discussing past trauma with a therapist can help process emotions and facilitate healthier caregiving decisions.


  • Read ‘The Four Things That Matter Most: A Book About Living’: This book offers practical advice on managing difficult relationships with dignity.


  • Consider Hiring Help: Professional caregivers can provide essential support, allowing adult children to maintain boundaries while ensuring their parent's needs are met.


  • Explore Guardianship Options: If caregiving isn't feasible, legal guardianship can ensure a parent's well-being is managed effectively.



Each person has the right to set boundaries in caregiving relationships. It's crucial to prioritize mental and physical health and recognize that forgiveness does not equate to obligation. Society's expectations should not dictate personal decisions regarding elderly care. By understanding and respecting personal limits, adult children can navigate caregiving responsibilities while preserving their well-being.


For more caregiving resources and support, please visit AmoryCare or contact us:




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