Beyond Family: Building a ‘Care Squad’ for Your Parents

 

Via Pexels

The truth is, caregiving isn’t a solo act. And it shouldn’t be. As ageing parents face increasing health and lifestyle challenges, the default assumption is that family members must absorb all responsibility. This thinking is outdated—and dangerous. It leads to burnout, resentment, and, worse, compromised care. Let’s discuss a helpful method - the Care Squad.

The Care Squad: A Smarter Model for Aging Support

Imagine your parent’s care like a complex project. Now imagine trying to run that project alone, without a team, a plan, or even proper rest. That’s what many adult children unknowingly attempt. The Care Squad model flips the script.

It’s not just about who’s available—it’s about who’s capable, reliable, and resourceful. This squad includes neighbors who notice small changes, faith groups who offer emotional grounding, professionals who track care plans, and yes, home care providers who anchor it all together. It takes a village, as they say. You’re building a team. And every team needs roles, boundaries, and trust.

Neighbours: The Silent Watchdogs

Never underestimate the neighbour who takes the trash out or notices the curtains haven’t moved. Local friends, the mail carrier, even the dog-walker—they form the front line of informal observation. Looping them into a basic communication channel (text thread, group chat) can mean the difference between catching a fall early or learning about it too late. Give them context. Let them know what matters. “If Mom doesn’t open her blinds by 10 AM, can you let me know?” Most people want to help—they just don’t know how.

Faith and Spiritual Communities: More Than Prayers

Church groups, synagogues, meditation circles—they do more than offer hope. They offer continuity. Emotional safety. A listening ear from someone who isn’t overwhelmed by logistics or guilt. These communities often organize meal trains, visits, or transportation.

If your parents have spiritual roots, don’t let them fray. Faith-based volunteers can provide grounding and connection in ways even family can’t replicate. Isolation erodes health—these bonds keep it stitched together.

The Professionals: Brains, Backbone, and Backup

Here’s where strategy counts. Social workers, geriatric care managers, physical therapists—they’re not just service providers. They’re system navigators. Get to know them early, not just in crisis.

Most overlooked are home care professionals. They often act as the quarterbacks of the Care Squad. Why? Because they’re in the home, day in and day out. They notice patterns. They sense mood shifts. They alert when something’s off. They coordinate with family, doctors, and other caregivers. If you find a good one—treat them as a partner, not staff.

Document the Plan—Then Revisit It

Your squad needs a playbook. A shared doc, app, or even a notebook in the kitchen. Emergency contacts. Meds. Who does what, and when. This isn’t just helpful—it’s essential when a crisis hits. And it will.

Build check-ins into the system. Not just about your parents—but about the squad itself. What’s working? Who’s overloaded? Did someone move or drop off the radar? Good teams evolve. So should your Care Squad.

Lead Without Being the Hero

You might be the lead organizer—but that doesn’t mean you have to wear the cape. Leadership in caregiving isn’t about doing it all. It’s about knowing who can best do what needs to be done—and trusting them to do it. It also means allowing space for imperfection. For fatigue. For real life. What matters is that the care continues. With dignity. With support. With eyes wider than your own.

The Care Squad model recognizes what’s already true: caregiving is too big for one person. It’s layered, shifting, and often thankless. But with the right network—neighbours who notice, communities who uplift, professionals who guide—it becomes not only manageable but humane. Finding more time is not the answer, but a Care Squad - now that is where a difference can truly be made.