I have 5 children one of whom has severe Cerebral Palsey (100% dependent) plus I am my mother's primary caretaker. My mother has had several strokes that left her unable to speak fluently and 3 heart attacks left her weak and at times immobile. I'm struggling in all categories. Due to these circumstances,I cannot work.
This question comes up so frequently that I made a copy of what one person normally posts in response to this.
Majority of grown children do not get paid for caring for their parent, unless the parent is financially able to pay from their own pocket. If a parent can afford to pay you, the parent might as well hire a certified trained caregiver… thus allowing you to keep a full-time job so that you can add to your own retirement.
If your parent qualifies for Medicaid, the State might allow a trained Caregiver from an Agency to come in to help a couple hours a day. Check to see if your State has “Cash and Counseling” program. Note that each State has their own rules, regulations, and programs. Some have waiting lists.
Also, check with your local Council on Aging to see what programs they offer, such as an Aide coming to the house.https://www.agingcare.com/local/Area-Agency-on-Aging
Here is one thing to think about if one is trying to decide whether to quit work to care for an aging parent.... on average if a working person quits work he/she will lose over the years between $285,000 and $325,000 which includes loss of salary, plus net worth loss of the health insurance, loss of money being put into social security/ Medicare, loss of other benefits such as matching 401(k), profit sharing, etc. [source: Reuters 5/30/12]