We know that caring for an ill or aging parent is a labor of love, but it can be very difficult.

Feelings of guilt or abandonment often lead family members to attempt to bear the burden of a parent's care long past the point when it is safe to do so.

In many cases, particularly when dealing with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, it may take a crisis or serious near-miss incident for families to realize that love alone is not enough and they require help in order to provide their parents with the care they deserve.