The first things that come to my mind are things you’ve probably already considered, but just in case, I’ll say them again.

Is your father a candidate for Hospice? If so, they will be of help not only to him, but to all of your family. Is your father ready for nursing home care? and perhaps your Mother, too.

And as for your being close by….that should not automatically mean you do the most care. So while you may be the closest to pop in when needed, how about asking your siblings to do other things, such as grocery shopping, meal planning, food for the freezer, changing beds, cleaning house, running errands. doctor visits, etc.

Perhaps there are people in your church or that of your parents who would be glad to occasionaly “sit” while you have some time off for self care.

Often we neglect to ask for help and people have no way of knowing unless we speak up.

It might help if you could find a support group or pay a few visits to a professional counselor.

And perhaps other readers who’ve been – or are – in your situation can add some other suggestions.

What we do know for certain that unless you take care of yourself, you will eventually be of no help to anyone else.