You will start first with a growing concern about an aging loved one. At this point, the best thing you can do is gain information, ask questions of both the loved one and of the professional organizations, and prepare. The next phase of care giving will be to begin helping your loved one running errands, maybe paying bills and offering personal care. At this point you should find what resources are available to you and you r loved one. Begin asking for help where you need it and then accept whatever help is offered. You will gradually become more active in the care giving role. It is unrealistic and unhealthy for you to think you will be alone in caring for your loved one. Everyone has limitations; realize your limitations and live with them. Make it a point to always treat your loved one with dignity, respect, reassurance and love. This person may not act and think the way you remember he/she used to act and think, but it is important to realize that degenerative disease is hard on you as well as your loved one. At the times that it seems unbearable to you, take a break from your care giving duties. There are several organizations that will work with you to help you in your time of need.