Naomi Holbrook is the sole caretaker for her 92-year-old father. Courtesy of Naomi Holbrook

Naomi Holbrook's 92-year-old dad is one of the biggest priorities in her life.

He has dementia and had a stroke last year, and she's his sole caretaker.

She says it's been difficult to maintain friendships and a work-life balance.

This as-told-to-essay is based on a conversation with Naomi Holbrook, 51 who is based in Sussex, UK . It has been edited for length and clarity.

Being 51, single, and child-free, I've stopped counting the number of times people have commented on how easy it must be to take care of my 92-year-old dad , because to them, I have no other commitments and therefore all the time in the world to dedicate to him.

Other people I know who are juggling caring for older parents with raising children often comment on how they believe my situation is far easier than theirs.…