Why do other people mainly siblings not look at caring for our aging parent as a REAL job?

WOW you have all said some powerful things. I guess when I close my eyes at night I just need to remind myself it is what it is and I ain't going to change their stinkin thinkin. Lol Thank you all for your thoughts. ;)

We have TV advertisements/marketing that show a family greeting grandma or grandpa who is coming to live with them... everyone is smiles... and grandma is dressed like she is ready for a round of golf looking healthier than most of us have in years :P

No wonder some people think that hands-on caregivers do is easy and not a real job. It took centuries to convince people that women who stayed home with children actually had a real job, wearing many different hats, and were putting in a 16 hour day if not more.

But then I had an ex-hubby who thought my career wasn't a real job compared to his, like I didn't have stress workplace issues?

I have to agree with both of the above. I was really lucky in that my brother would come to NY from Colo. for 1 week each month to help out and he really got to see how hard it was for my Dad and I to take care of my mom. So they think you are 'living free' - REALLY???? You no longer have the "Freedom" to do what you want to do....Most caregivers also are 'Free' to help out with expenses, are the siblings helping with the "Free" care needed? Are they 'Free' at any hour of the day to change diapers? Are they 'Free' to do the grocery shopping? Are they 'Free' to take them to doctors appointments and emergency hospital visits. Gosh, yes we are all so 'FREE' to do these things! Blessings to all of the caregivers, Lindaz.

They have no idea what they are saying. If they had to walk in your shoes for a couple of days......well..... they would understand. And if they had to walk in your shoes for a month or year! It's not easy to care for a disabled person or ailing senior around the clock for even a short period of time. If you've had to do it, then you get it. That's why I have enormous respect and admiration for those who do it. My limited experience has taught me a lot of respect and admiration for those who do this kind of thing.

I also suspect that money comes into play. Often family members don't want to pay anyone to provide care for an ailing or disabled parent. Many siblings are cheap and not generous with their time or resources. I'm not sure if it's a character flaw or the way they were raised, but it's hard to change. Make sure the Will is in order, because they will be the first around to get their share of the assets.

Because they are woefully uneducated.

They'll never understand unless they handle it themselves for a week....which, in my experience, they avoid like the plague. My Native American husband says "Let them think what they need to." .... So when a certain person in my family makes statements that indicate he thinks we are rolling in velvet & roses over here taking care of my father,,,,I just smile and feel pity in my heart for him. He sees things in dollars & cents only. He'll never fully understand the hardships & heartache,,,but then he'll never understand the joy, either.