Additional Coverage:
- I’m in my 60s, taking care of my 84-year-old mom, who lives with me. Caregiving is the hardest job I’ve ever had. (businessinsider.com)
Caring for Mom: One Woman’s Journey Balancing Work and Full-Time Caregiving
Carla Romagnano, a woman in her 60s living in Idaho, has taken on the challenging role of caring for her 84-year-old mother while maintaining a full-time job. This personal account highlights the realities many face when supporting aging loved ones with health issues.
In 2022, Romagnano’s mother suffered a serious fall that resulted in a broken femur, compounding an existing dementia diagnosis. Following the injury, her mother required round-the-clock care.
Recognizing that her father couldn’t manage this alone, they hired an in-home caregiver initially. To better manage care and reduce expenses, Romagnano’s father suggested moving closer to her, so both could share caregiving duties.
However, tragedy struck when her father unexpectedly passed away from sepsis shortly after their plans began.
The loss left Romagnano responsible for packing up her parents’ home while continuing to support her mother’s needs. “It was overwhelming,” she recalls, “but I promised my dad I wouldn’t put her in a home unless absolutely necessary-and it’s not yet.” Balancing a bookkeeping job and caregiving, Romagnano describes it as “two full-time jobs,” saying, “Caregiving is the hardest job I’ve ever had.”
In October 2023, Romagnano’s mother moved in with her for safety and support. To accommodate her mother’s needs-such as mobility challenges and a risk of falls-caregivers provide consistent assistance. Romagnano sleeps on the couch outside her mother’s bedroom to respond quickly during the night, prioritizing her mother’s safety.
Despite the demands at home, Romagnano continues her 45-year career in the grocery business as a bookkeeper and hiring assistant. She drives hundreds of miles annually to attend her mother’s medical appointments and manages a packed schedule balancing work, caregiving, and personal time.
To sustain her well-being, Romagnano attends a caregiving support group twice a month, where she connects with others facing similar challenges. She emphasizes the importance of self-care to maintain the strength needed for caregiving.
Romagnano also makes a point to keep her mother engaged and active. They enjoy weekly outings to a favorite Chinese restaurant, ice cream stops, thrift shopping, and family gatherings. Though her mother can no longer cook or do laundry due to safety concerns, they involve her in other activities to preserve a sense of purpose and joy.
Through unwavering dedication, Romagnano exemplifies the complexities and emotional weight of caregiving, underscoring the profound commitment required to support aging family members while navigating life’s unexpected turns.