By: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

With Americans getting better health care and living longer, more and more people are helping to care for their elderly parents. It seems however, that the brunt of this responsibility usually falls on one adult child, even if there are several other siblings who ‘could’ help. If one ‘Mama’ can take care of seven babies, why can’t seven babies take care of ‘one Mama?’

I personally think it is an honor and a privilege to help your Mom and Dad as they grow older and need some assistance. But it can become stressful, as their needs continue to grow, especially if you are also working and taking care of your family as well. I have heard this same complaint from so many of my friends, that “it would be so much easier if my siblings would pitch in and help, but they don’t.”

So how do you cope when you seem stretched to the limits, with your time and energy? How do you avoid feeling animosity towards your siblings who choose not to help with Mom & Dad? If putting your parents in an assisted living facility or nursing home is just not an option for you, then you basically have to ‘buck up’ and deal with it the best you can!

I can tell you from my own personal experience in caring for my Dad during his last year of life, that the stress & fatigue will pale in comparison to the ‘no regrets’ you will have once your parent is gone. Our parents made huge sacrifices in raising us, and now is the time we can give them that same love, care and dignity that they deserve! When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

Are you the only kid taking care of your elderly or ill parents?

I have HUGE respect for anyone who is taking care of their Mom or Dad and I think YOU are “Somebody’s Hero” too! I love this song by [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Jamie O’Neal[/lastfm] and I dedicate this to YOU!!!