How should I mentally and physically prepare for moving to my parents’ home to take care of them?

You sound like a very thoughtful and motivated person. I think that all caregivers have the same immediate reaction to wanting to help our parents. However, I would give serious consideration before making such a drastic change in your life. You are giving up your home and moving away from your freinds and all that is familiar to you. When you move into your parent's home, you wiil their primary source for everything and they will become very dependent on you. You are also giving up your privacy and will have to adjust your wishes according to the needs of your parents. Please read the many posts on this site about giving up your life when you become a full-time caregiver. If you are really prepared to do this, then I think it might work out just fine.
Have you considered moving into your own place that would be near them? I just moved my Mom to live near us about 4 years ago. We live a minute away from each other but have our own places. I have also hired a paid caregiver who comes in twice a week. It really gives us a moment of respite.
I cannot tell you how emotionally draining this job is....I am sure at one point I will find it rewarding as well. But for now I am just tired and have no life of my own.
I don't want to discourage you from doing this noble thing...just wanted to share my reality.
good luck to you....let us know how things turn out...and come here often. There are so many people here that are willing to share their knowledge.
Lilli

Thank you for your insightful answer. I discussed this with my husband and we will try to live with them first, if it becomes too unbearable, we will find our own place nearby. Its going to be difficult to make privacy rules with my parents, well, at least with my mom, but we will give it a shot.

YOU ARE VERY COURAGEOUS. HOPE EVERYTHING WORK OUT FOR YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND. MY FATHER HAS BEEN LIVING WITH ME FOR 3 THREE YEARS, DOING THAT TIME I HAVE VERY LITTLE CONTACT FROM MY OTHER SIBILING, MY FRIENDS HAVE QUIT COMING AROUND AND I HAVE FILED FOR DIVORCE. I AM DEPRESSED AND LONELY BUT, I LOOKED TO HEAVENS AND KNOW THAT THESE TIMES WILL NOT ALWAYS BE, I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE TIME I HAVE TO SPEND WITH HIM. I ATTEND A CHURCH CLOSE TO MY HOME AND THAT IS MY SUPPORT GROUP! BE BLESSED.

My mom has pulmonary fibrosis and my dad had what we consider an emotional breakdown because he was trying to take care of her on his own. My husband and I purchased a home and moved them in back in November. All I can say is you don't know how long you will have them and I won't have any regrets. My husband is also supportive and it is difficult at times. But they took care of us for 18 years.

Good Luck. I moved in three years ago to care for my father with dementia. It is very important to take care of yourself and tend to your relationship. Check with the oncology center to see what help they may be able to connect you to, the Department of Aging, and we have recently hired a geriatric care manager. I also have a copy of Passages for Caregivers which was extremely helpful in dealing with the feelings and situations that have arisen. I am not married and I do work full time. I can say enough, take care of yourself.

Hi, My husband and I retired early , sold our house, said good-bye to our married kids and went to Florida to care for my elderly parents. We bought a little house very close by although they wanted us to move in with them. We were at their house caring for them everyday but having the little house gave us a break to be together. My father died so we did end up moving in to take care of my mother. That was 8 years ago. We do have a cleaning lady come in every other week to clean. That give us a three hour break together. We try to find little blocks of time to be together. One stays while the other takes a break every other day. That keeps the marriage together and strong. My husband is very good about helping me care for the elderly parents. He brings flowers and treats home for them and takes them out to eat once a week. Letting them still feel in charge gives them a feeling of dignity and goes a long way to keep peace. I ask my mother what she wants to eat, wear, who she would like to talk to on the phone, where she would like to go, etc. It is hard to be a care taker at times, but it is even harder being old, sick, and feeling helpless, and afraid of dying. If you are interested in a few of my tricks for caring, I would be happy to share.