Are You Caring For An Elderly Parent? 34 Quotes To Inspire And Sustain You

People who care for elderly family members are everyday heroes.

In many ways, it’s a thankless job, and folks in the saddle benefit from support in any way it comes, including kind words.

That’s where inspirational quotes about caring for elderly parents come in.

Sometimes, all it takes to feel better and forge on is sitting with an encouraging saying for a few minutes.

So, we’ve curated a list of elderly caregiver quotes that fit the bill. 

What Do You Say to Someone Caring for An Elderly Parent?

Adult diapers. Drastic mood swings. Complex medication distribution. Basic hygiene assistance.

Deteriorating mobility and mental faculties. Constant repetition thanks to extreme memory loss. 

Welcome to the everyday worries, obstacles, and responsibilities of someone caring for an elderly family member.

It’s a lot to handle. So the question becomes: What compliments and encouragements do caregivers value? They usually fall into a few categories. Let’s take a look.

  • Praise: People who work hard in service of others appreciate when their efforts are noticed. A little recognition goes a long way when it comes to lifting their spirits. 
  • Understanding and Compassion: Being the caretaker for an elderly family member is both psychologically and physically exhausting. Letting them know you see the daily challenges they face is comforting.
  • Grace: Sometimes, it’s not what you say but what you don’t. If the caretaker in your life is a little more forgetful or moody, cut them slack.   

34 Caring for Elderly Parents Quotes to Inspire and Sustain You 

Are you caring for an elderly parent and could use a pick-me-up? Or do you want to send some love to a friend doing the hard work?

Either way, we’ve collected a list of appropriate quotes below. 

1. “Caregiving often calls us to lean into love we didn’t know possible.” – Tia Walker 

2. “By loving you more, you love the person you are caring for more.” – Peggi Speers

3. “People don’t like getting older, but they do like changing.” – Tommy Wallach 

caring for elderly parents quotes
4. “The closest thing to being cared for is to care for someone else.” – Carson McCullers 

 5. “Caregiving leaves its mark on us. No matter what we do to prepare ourselves, the hole left behind looms large.” – Dale L. Baker 

6. “We must not just be recipients but givers! We must not just be keepers but donors! Giving brings relief, and sharing enlightens the heart. Caring joins and showing love is life.” ― Ernest Agyemang Yeboah

7. “The simple act of caring is heroic.” – Edward Albert

caring for elderly parents quotes
8. “The beauty of caring for others is that it heals our own wounds and validates our existence.” – Rueben Josh

9. “Caregiving gives life purpose and meaning.” – Dr. Dale Atkins

10. “There is no substitute for love in the care of the elderly.” – Doris Day

11. “Caring for our parents is the highest expression of our humanity.” – Pope Francis

12. “The challenge of caring for aging parents is one so many of us face. It’s also one we face without a road map, without knowing what to expect.” – Rosalind Wiseman

13. “Taking care of aging parents can be one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives. It can also be one of the most challenging.” – Amy Goyer

14. “Caring for our aging parents is perhaps the ultimate act of filial love. It is certainly among the most challenging tasks we will ever undertake.” – Merril Silverstein, Stephen Shuchter, and Cary Siegel

15. “Caring for aging parents can feel like a full-time job. You may have to juggle work, taking care of your own family, and helping your parents. It’s important to take care of yourself, too.”– AARP

16. “The love and care we give our elderly parents today will be the foundation for the love and care we receive tomorrow.” – Unknown

caring for elderly parents quotes
17. “Caring for aging parents is not easy, but it is a testament to our humanity and compassion.” – Charles W. Sidoti

18. “The simple act of caring is heroic.” – Edward Albert


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19. “Caring for elderly parents can be a beautiful experience that brings us closer together as a family.” – Carol Bradley Bursack

20. “The care of human life and happiness is the first and only legitimate object of good government.” – Thomas Jefferson

21. “Taking care of our parents is a way of saying ‘thank you’ for everything they have done for us.” – Mychal Wynn

22. “The best inheritance a parent can give to his children is a few minutes of their time each day.” – O. A. Battista

23. “Caring for elderly parents is not a burden, it’s an honor and a privilege.” – Unknown

24. “To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors.” – Tia Walker

25. “Caring for aging parents is like a dance, a delicate balance between supporting and guiding them, while also respecting their independence and autonomy.” – Wendy Lustbader

26. “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” – Leo Buscaglia

27. “There are only four kinds of people in the world – those who have been caregivers, those who are caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers.” – Rosalyn Carter

28. “Caring for our seniors is perhaps the greatest responsibility we have. Those who walked before us have given so much and made possible the life we all enjoy.” – Senator John Hoeven

caring for elderly parents quotes
29. “It is not how much you do but how much love you put in the doing.” – Mother Teresa

30. “Being a caregiver means taking care of someone’s most basic needs and loving them unconditionally.” – Dana Reeve

31. “Caring for elderly parents isn’t just about doing what’s necessary, it’s about doing it with love and compassion.” – Unknown

32. “Caregiving is a selfless act, and the person doing the caregiving is often the unsung hero.” – Jamie Lee Curtis

33. “Caring for elderly parents is not a burden, it is a gift. It is an opportunity to show love, kindness, and respect to those who raised us.” – Unknown

34. “Caring for elderly parents is a journey that requires patience, empathy, and resilience. But it is also one that can be incredibly rewarding.” – Unknown

How To Use These Quotes About Taking Care of Your Parents 

Reading a helpful quote is great and temporarily soothing. But there are several ways to use sayings.

Some are creative, and others help you internalize the messages, allowing for better recall when you need to remember them most.

  • Journal Prompts: Journaling is an effective way to destress, vent, and analyze thoughts. Use these quotes about taking care of your parents in old age as prompts for your sessions. For best results, use one per journaling session. 
  • Meditation Subject: Meditating can be about clearing your mind or thinking deeply about a single subject. Try sitting for a few minutes contemplating a quote that resonates with you. You may be surprised at the calming and destressing effects just five minutes affords.
  • Create Graphics To Share: Seeing a quote on social media that perfectly fits your situation can feel like spotting a fertile oasis during a torturous desert trek. So why not make a graphic of your favorite ones and share it on social media? You could brighten the day of someone in a similar situation, and making the image will help you internalize the message.
  • Create Art for Yourself: Tap into your creative side and make a piece representing your favorite quote. It doesn’t need to be good or show-off-able; instead, the mere act of creating can be helpful when processing emotions.

Tending to the needs of an elderly family member can be a quiet struggle for which few people offer understanding or sympathy.

So make sure you care for yourself, emotionally and physically. Moreover, pat yourself on the back — because your compassion, care, and grace are worthy of every commendation.

If you ever feel tired and worn out from taking care of your elderly parents, here are some caring for elderly parents quotes you can read anytime.