My parents moved from their forever home to an assisted living center in the Minnesota town where I live 6 years ago. I have financial/medical POA and my only sibling does not live close enough to be of help. They get meals & housekeeping, but rely on me for everything else. I do their laundry, refill their meds, handle all their finances, take them to all their medical appointments, etc... Mom is 92 with progressing dementia. Dad 89 feels like he cant leave her alone for more than a couple hours. I am there 1-2 times a week and my dad constantly remarks that he doesn't know what he would do without me. Now my husband & I are ready to retire and would like to live out our dream of moving to Florida, but I am devastated & guilt ridden with the idea of leaving them. How do I enjoy my own senior life when I am responsible for my parents'?
If you want to have your folks live you, then do it. If not, then don't.
Ive been a caregiver since my single digits, at 55 I realize no ones going to let go of me from being their forever caregiver. I have to assert myself to have a bit of freedom to live out my days as I would choose. It’s very hard and uncomfortable but so very worth it.
Good luck. You'll have to make a different plan of action without yourself at the helm.