I’m in my 60s, taking care of my 84-year-old mom, who lives with me. Caregiving is the hardest job I've ever had.

Carla Romagnano and her mom. Carla Romagnano Carla Romagnano's mom moved to Idaho so that Romagnano could take care of her. Romagnano said it feels like she has two full-time jobs — her bookkeeping job and caregiving. She makes sure her mom gets out of the house, such as having a weekly meal at a restaurant. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Carla Romagnano, who is in her 60s and lives in Idaho with her 84-year-old mom. The following has been edited for length and clarit...