Skip to content
I need help with...
 

Caregiving: A Week in Pictures

AARP’s Amy Goyer juggles work and family duties as a live-in caregiver for her parents

  • Chandler AZ, Sept 16 2013 Amy Goyer and her parents, sister and caretaker Kelly at their home with physical and massage therapist. (Beth Perkins Photography)
    Beth Perkins Photography

    En español | Mobile technology helps me to juggle my job with Mom's physical therapy session.

    1 of 16
  • Amy Goyer at her home in the morning, waking up early to work and spend time with parents, Juggling Work and Caregiving (Beth Perkins Photography)
    Beth Perkins Photography

    Pausing for a cup of coffee after a hectic morning getting my parents ready for the day; taking care of their dog, Jackson; and planning the evening meal.

    2 of 16
  • Amy Goyer and her father at Fry's grocery picking up a perscription, Juggling Work and Caregiving (Beth Perkins Photography)
    Beth Perkins Photography

    Dad needs to stay active. Because he enjoys getting out of the house, he often accompanies me on errands.

    3 of 16
  • Get connected, stay connected

    AARP Offer: Get and Stay Connected

    Explore Home & Family for tips on family, relationships, technology and more   Join AARP today for great ways to save and stay connected to family

    4 of 16
  • Amy Goyer in her office away from home, Juggling Work and Caregiving (Beth Perkins Photography)
    Beth Perkins Photography

    When my parents moved in with me, I rented an office to give me some quiet space to work.

    5 of 16
  • Chandler AZ, Sept 16 2013 Amy Goyer and her father Robert Goyer at the dentist office (Beth Perkins Photography)
    Beth Perkins Photography

    I manage to get some work done during Dad's dental examination.

    6 of 16
  • Amy refilling pills while working, Juggling Work and Caregiving (Beth Perkins Photography)
    Beth Perkins Photography

    I often keep up with work emails in between some time-consuming caregiving tasks, such as filling pill organizers.

    7 of 16
  • Amy Goyer watches as physical therapist Donna exercises with Amy's mother, Juggling Work and Caregiving (Beth Perkins Photography)
    Beth Perkins Photography

    Donna Adler, a fitness professional, leads Mom in exercises while I monitor her progress.

    8 of 16
  • Amy Goyer kisses her father's forehead, Juggling Work and Caregiving (Beth Perkins Photography)
    Beth Perkins Photography

    I take a quick break from work to help Dad get started on his stationary bike exercise.

    9 of 16
  • Amy Goyer and her father at Starbucks for a treat., Juggling Work and Caregiving (Beth Perkins Photography)
    Beth Perkins Photography

    A fun reward after a busy morning: sharing a cold drink with Dad and his service dog, Jackson.

    10 of 16
  • Amy Goyer at her home with her mother and her mother's new mobile doctor. Dr. Livi, Juggling Work and Caregiving (Beth Perkins Photography)
    Beth Perkins Photography

    Mom's new doctor makes a house call. I'm grateful. It means less time I spend away from work.

    11 of 16
  • Amy Goyer, her father and physical therapist Donna in the pool, Juggling Work and Caregiving (Beth Perkins Photography)
    Beth Perkins Photography

    I've found that working out with Dad in the water is an effective way to meet both of our exercise needs.

    12 of 16
  • Amy Goyer juggles work and caregiving
    Beth Perkins Photography

    It gives me a sense of fulfillment to help my parents with both simple and complex daily tasks.

    13 of 16
  • Amy Goyer with her parents and caretaker Kelly while saying grace at the dinner table, Juggling Work and Caregiving (Beth Perkins Photography)
    Beth Perkins Photography

    Dad still leads us in saying grace every evening.

    14 of 16
  • Amy Goyer at her home with her parents explaining to them that her sister will be having surgery the next day. Then calling her sister with her parents. (Beth Perkins Photography)
    Beth Perkins Photography

    My Mom revels in affections from Dad and me.

    15 of 16
  • Caregiver Amy Goyer embraces her mother Patricia Goyer, Juggling Work and Caregiving (Beth Perkins Photography)
    Beth Perkins Photography

    As this story went to press, Patricia Ann Stutz Goyer, 87, passed away. "I'm devastated at the loss of my beautiful mom," Amy said. "It was an honor and a privilege to care for her as she cared for me."

    16 of 16