Noticing what you’re grateful for reduces stress A quick and simple way to reduce caregiving stress is to keep a brief daily gratitude journal in a calendar format. Gratitude reduces caregiver stress because it reminds you to look for the positives in life, even when things are really tough. That simple act helps you get a different perspective and trains your brain…
These past years, veteran and military caregivers have taken on more responsibilities along with increased isolation, stress, and anxiety. Caregiver support systems are returning, but these hidden heroes are still dealing with the strain brought on by the extra challenges. Amy Goyer from AARP and Kathy Roth-Douquet from Blue Star Families share five free resources that support veteran caregivers in self-care, making…
Don’t let undeserved caregiver guilt add to your stress There are many common misconceptions about what caregivers should do or how they should feel that can cause guilt that isn’t deserved. Unfortunately, these misguided beliefs and unrealistic expectations about caregiving can also hurt you by causing burnout, compassion fatigue, or serious health conditions caused by chronic stress. Caregiver guilt might also influence…
Caring for an aging parent can be one of life’s most rewarding journeys, but it can also place immense strain on family relationships. When siblings are involved, old dynamics can resurface, and disagreements about care can create painful rifts. You are not alone in this challenge. Learning how to navigate these complex family dynamics is crucial for your parents’ well-being and your…
Celebrating accomplishments reduces caregiver stress Caring for an older adult can be exhausting, overwhelming, frustrating, lonely, and often thankless. It’s no wonder so many caregivers struggle with stress-related health conditions. That’s why it’s important to find a variety of ways to reduce stress. It’s not realistic to eliminate all the worries and frustrations that come with caregiving. And it’s natural to focus…
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…
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,…
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