Caregivers are too hard on themselves How can you be so stupid? Why didn’t you think that through? How could you not expect this to happen? Would you talk this way to a friend? Or even a stranger? Would you let a friend talk to you this way? Of course not! It’s rude, mean, and completely uncalled for. But how often do…
Many caregivers are used to putting others before themselves and have a tough time saying no to additional requests for their time and energy. FirstLight Home Care shares four tips that help caregivers consider their own needs and well-being before saying yes out of habit. Caregiver burnout is real. Something that contributes to the stress is that many caregivers have a hard…
Mobile apps are useful caregiver coping tools We aren’t born knowing how to handle the tough situations and emotions that come with caring for an older adult. Daily challenges plus strong emotions like anger, sadness, resentment, or depression raise stress levels and worsen overall health. A convenient way to get fast caregiver stress relief is to use supportive mobile apps. They’re always…
We all know how challenging and stressful caregiving can be. That’s why it’s helpful to have plenty of self-care options in mind. All Home Care Matters shares eight practical caregiver self-care tips to help you support your own well-being. Caregiving for loved ones is both a challenging and rewarding experience. As a caregiver, you play a critical role in the lives of…
Caregiving can be extra stressful when siblings aren’t supportive When caring for aging parents, the last thing you need is more stress or resentment because of issues with your siblings. But getting siblings to help with parents can bring up old family arguments, cause sibling rivalries to flare up, and generally add to your burden. We found helpful advice in an article…
Manage caregiver resentment to reduce stress When put into a situation that we didn’t choose, it’s not uncommon to feel negative and resentful. And when you spend so much time and energy caring for your older adult, it’s natural to experience caregiver resentment – no matter how much you love or care about them. For example, you might resent the overall situation,…
Have plenty of caregiver stress relief options at hand When you’re caring for an older adult, caregiver stress is part of the job. To combat feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, and frustration, it helps to have a long list of ways to cope and get relief. You’ll always be able to find something that works for the situation you’re in at the moment.…
Conflicted relationships make caregiving more difficult Some parents may have been neglectful, mean, absent, or abusive. When they need care, it can put you in a difficult situation. If you’re struggling with making decisions about caring for parents who didn’t care for you, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Many adult children have complicated relationships with their aging parents, especially…
Worrying hurts caregiver health and relationships One thing all caregivers do is worry. What if dad doesn’t take his heart medication? What if mom falls and gets seriously injured? What if my spouse has another stroke? These concerns are legitimate and serious, but constant worry is stressful and will wear you down. Too much worry can create anxiety, paralyze problem solving, and cause…
When family doesn’t believe seniors need help You might be frustrated by family members who are in denial about your older adult’s declining health and increasing care needs. Whether it’s about Alzheimer’s, dementia, fall risk, stroke recovery, or another health condition, their denial can make you feel angry, stressed, and frustrated. We explain why someone might be in denial and share 3…
