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…
Caregiving is a profound act of love, but it can also be deeply draining. If you’re feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or like you’re running on empty, you’re not alone. Many caregivers experience burnout. That’s a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that can affect your health and well-being. Recognizing the signs and taking steps to…
While perusing a Reddit caregiving forum recently, I searched for the word “resentment.” The volume of results from that search tells me that a lot of caregivers deal with feelings of resentment in their role. One antidote to resentment can be building our appreciation for those we care for. Think about it: It’s hard to…
Minds Under Fire: Jacey’s Story At 22, Jacey was thrust into caregiving when her 43-year-old father suffered a massive stroke. As his only child, she had no experience and little support. She found herself in a hospital room, trying to make sense of medical jargon and life-changing decisions. For days on end, she sat by…
