"It's like a second job"

This is what one of my client's children said to me last month as she and I were leaving the nursing home after visiting her father.  It is indeed like a second job, although instead of getting paid, you are the one who is paying - in time away from your job, your spouse, your kids, in the emotional toll of having to parent your parent whose health and mental status may be declining, and in trying to navigate the maze of medical terminology, health insurance or public benefit requirements and coverage guidelines. 

There are places to turn for assistance when the stress of care giving gets to be too much.  Your local Aging Services Access Point has care giver support groups, and they can direct you to other groups in your area as well. 
Old Colony Elderly Services
South Shore Elder Services
800ageinfo.com  For all other towns in Massachusetts