Caregiver Guilt is Common and Stressful Caregivers often have very high (and frequently unfair) expectations for themselves. That can add significant stress and guilt to an already demanding job, reduce your quality of life, and make it harder to care for your loved one. Dr. Barry J. Jacobs, an AARP caregiving expert, has years of personal experience caring for his mother. In…
Journaling is an effective way to reduce caregiver stress Caregiver stress is no joke. Not only can it make you resentful or depressed, it can also cause serious health conditions. That’s why adding stress reduction and coping tips to your daily routine is so important. One effective stress reduction technique that’s perfect for caregivers is journaling. Writing in a journal is free,…
Don’t avoid getting help with caregiving “I can manage fine without a break.” “I can’t find affordable help.” “Nobody looks after her as well as I can.” Have you ever said these things to yourself? Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is a tough job that comes with a great deal of stress. So what’s the best way to lower…
Caregiver stress can cause restless nights. You may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or having good quality sleep. To get a good night’s rest, Alisa Paliano from Nestmaven.com recommends 5 relaxing guided meditations for deep sleep. Place your mobile device or laptop on your bedside table (ideally with a sleep timer set) and let the soothing sounds calm your racing mind…
Caregiver stress can cause anxiety or overwhelm When you’re caring for an older adult, you may feel overwhelmed by anxiety, worry, fear, or anger. Sometimes it can be difficult to interrupt the negative cycle and shake yourself free of those thoughts and feelings. We’ve rounded up 5 wonderful free mobile apps that instantly lower your blood pressure, help you focus on positive…
Stress reduction techniques make a big difference in health Caregiving is stressful, there’s no question about it. But using effective stress reduction and management techniques can make a big difference in your physical and mental health. They help you keep going without burning out. We found a helpful article from the American Heart Association that covers 3 essential techniques for reducing and…
Feeling unappreciated as a caregiver is an emotional burden that many struggle with silently. The long hours, constant sacrifices, and lack of recognition can leave you exhausted, resentful, or even questioning your efforts. But you’re not alone! These feelings are valid, and there are healthy ways to cope. In this article, we share 11 practical strategies to help you manage these emotions,…
You don’t deserve judgment from anyone, even yourself Most of us have run across unpleasant know-it-alls who question your caregiving decisions or criticize things you’ve done. That’s terrible, nobody should speak to you that way! But what’s worse is when we speak to ourselves that way. Many of us unfairly judge ourselves and focus on the few mistakes we’ve made rather than…
Caring for seniors is a group effort When an older adult needs care, it affects everyone in the family. That’s why caregiver family meetings are so important. Without participating in a meeting, people who aren’t directly involved in caregiving are less likely to help out or do their share. They might not understand the seriousness of the situation or realize how much…
Caregivers need regular breaks Taking regular breaks is essential for caregiver health. As people often say, caregiving is a marathon, so it’s essential to pace yourself for the long haul. One helpful habit is to take micro breaks during the day. Tiny breaks will fit into your busy schedule and still benefit your physical and emotional health. We explain how even a…
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