I never expected to take care of my mother; after all, she had always cared for me. The thought of her giving up her independence — and, to some degree, her spirit — was unthinkable to both of us. Yet, in 2017, at the age of 90, she moved into my home. I had become one of the about 40 million Americans who provide unpaid care to older adults and adults with disabilities. Almost as stressful was the process leading up to this decision. As November is National Caregivers Month, I hope my story can help others who are facing this transition.
