Caring for a loved one can bring daily stress, exhaustion and emotional strain. If you consistently put your own needs aside to focus on others, it can eventually lead to burnout. One simple but powerful tool for stress relief is exercise. Moving your body can also strengthen your emotional resilience. Want to kick-start your exercise…
The Mental Cost of Caregiver Stress: Maya’s Story Maya is only thirty, but most days she feels twice that age. Her six-year-old son, Daniel, was born with a disability that requires around-the-clock care. She loves him deeply, but the weight of being his full-time caregiver is starting to wear on her mind. Some nights, she…
What are some common nursing home issues? Three of the most common nursing home problems are: When my wife received a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2009, I stepped into the role of caregiver. For years, I cared for her at home until her needs grew too great, and she moved into a nursing home. She…
How can family caregivers learn about nutrition? You can learn about nutrition as a caregiver by consulting with medical professionals like registered dietitians. They can offer personalized dietary guidance and recommendations. Also, consider online resources like MyPlate.gov for general dietary guidelines and information on food groups. Why Nutrition Education Is Important One area that often…
How do family caregivers go on vacation? Family caregivers go on vacation one step at a time. It takes careful planning, good communication with everyone involved and commitment to the realities of vacationing while caregiving. The first time I took a long weekend trip with my dad, who had dementia, I wasn’t prepared. That first…
Why Self-Care Matters From June 24 to July 24, we observe Self-Care Month, culminating in International Self-Care Day on July 24. This special day was first established in 2011 by the International Self-Care Foundation to highlight the importance of taking care of our own mental, physical and emotional health. The date — 7/24 — reminds…
