You’ve poured from an empty cup for so long, you’ve forgotten what it feels like to be refilled. The to-do list is endless, the needs are constant, and the idea of a “break” feels like a distant fantasy reserved for other people. But what if taking a moment for yourself wasn’t a reward for finishing everything – what if it was the…
Caregivers Can Be 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 utterly uncalled for. But how often…
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 challenging and rewarding. As a caregiver, you play a critical role in the lives of those you…
If the constant demands of caregiving have left you feeling like you’re running on empty, you’re not alone, and relief might be closer than you think, right on your smartphone! Caregiver stress can feel overwhelming and isolating, but managing it doesn’t require a major life overhaul. Imagine having a portable, personal toolkit for peace, filled with calming exercises, positive distractions, and uplifting…
The holidays often bring added stress along with the joy of the season. To help caregivers cope, FirstLight Home Care shares seven ways to reduce and manage holiday stress while still caring for an older adult. The holiday season is upon us, and this time of year often brings with it the joy of holiday decorating, the giving and receiving of gifts,…
The demanding role of caregiving often places immense physical, emotional, and mental strain on those who selflessly support others, leading to a state of chronic stress that can feel overwhelming and isolating. This relentless pressure not only affects your well-being but can also impact the quality of care you provide. This article offers 14 practical, actionable strategies to help caregivers find relief…
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 role, reduce your quality of life, and make it harder to care for your older adult. Dr. Barry J. Jacobs, an AARP caregiving expert, has years of personal experience caring for his mother. In…
Caregiver stress can be a silent, gradual burden, often building unnoticed until it begins to affect your health, emotional well-being, and ability to provide adequate care. Recognizing the signs of this strain is a crucial first step toward maintaining your resilience and ensuring the sustainability of your caregiving journey. This simple yet insightful caregiver stress test offers a valuable tool for honest…
For caregivers, time is one of the most precious yet elusive resources, often slipping away in a blur of urgent tasks, emotional demands, and personal sacrifices. The constant juggling act between caregiving responsibilities, personal obligations, and self-care can leave even the most organized individuals feeling overwhelmed and depleted. This article distills the wisdom of a true expert into 10 practical time-management tips…
This past year has intensified anxiety, stress, and isolation for seniors and family caregivers alike. We asked experts Dr. Robin Smith, from The Oprah Winfrey Show, and Lisa Marsh Ryerson, AARP Foundation President, to answer 7 top questions about managing anxiety, stress, isolation, and depression as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. 1. How can seniors and family caregivers manage anxiety…
