Family caregiving can often be hard. And too often, family caregivers like you carry that weight alone. That’s why we created something to help: a 30-day YouTube Shorts video series filled with daily encouragement.
Over the past month, we’ve shared a short video with a kind word, a calming tip, or a gentle reminder that you matter too. And the feedback has been heartwarming.
Short videos may seem like little things, but when you’re caring for others and running on empty, a little support goes a long way.
We know time is tight. That’s why these daily videos are about 60 seconds long. They’re easy to watch while you’re making coffee or folding laundry. Just one minute can lift your spirits.
Here’s how short videos can make a big difference for you:
They remind you that you’re not alone. Seeing a friendly face and hearing kind words daily can ease isolation.
They encourage quick self-care. We share simple tips like: “Take a deep breath,” or “Step outside for a quick break” to help you build tiny moments of rest.
They help reframe your day. Sometimes, one positive word can shift your mindset from “I can’t do this” to “I can keep going.”
And you can rewatch them anytime. Save your favorites. Play them on the hardest days. This is your support, on your timetable.
Just be sure to watch each video to the end for the most benefit.
Don’t Miss This Heartwarming Series
Our 30-day caregiver encouragement series wraps up soon. If you haven’t tuned in yet, there’s still time to catch these videos on our Caregiver Burden Spot YouTube Channel.
Here are some of the most popular shorts in the series:
You don’t have to do everything alone. Support doesn’t have to take hours. Even one minute of care for yourself counts.
Let us know in the comments how you manage caregiver stress.
Short Videos That Are Long on Support
We created this series for caregivers like you who give so much and ask for so little. Watching one short video a day may not change your circumstances, but it can change how you feel about them.
It can also remind you that your well-being matters. As a family caregiver, you’re doing sacred work and you deserve support every day.
Caregiver Support YouTube Shorts FAQ
What is the 30 Days of Family Caregiver Support series?
It’s our YouTube Shorts video series that shares daily encouragement for family caregivers. Each video is about 60 seconds long.
How can short videos really help with caregiver stress?
They provide quick emotional support, help with your mindset and remind you to care for yourself, even if just for a few minutes.
The financial realities of family caregiving can hit hard.
Just a year ago, Carla’s semi-retired husband Mike was still working part-time at the local hardware store. But his diabetes got worse. Then came the stroke.
Now, Mike needs help with almost everything. Carla helps him bathe, eat and get to his doctor appointments.
The bills are adding up fast. Between Mike’s new wheelchair, home care supplies and gas expenses for all the doctor visits, their nonretirement savings are almost gone.
She tried cutting back on nonessential expenses, but that hasn’t eased her financial burden very much. Groceries and Mike’s meds are essential expenses that just don’t wait.
Carla doesn’t complain. “He’d do it for me,” she says. Still, the worry keeps her up some nights. She prays quietly, asking God for strength …
Navigating Financial Stress While Providing Care
Many caregivers pay out of pocket for medical supplies, travel and daily needs with little help. Over time, these costs add up and can cause stress, fear and even guilt.
Millions of caregivers are walking the same path. This post offers encouragement, practical tips and a few gentle reminders that your well-being matters too.
Let’s look at the cost of caregiving and how to ease the financial pressure while still providing the care your loved one needs.
Caregiving often starts slowly. At first, you may just need to run a few errands for a loved one who doesn’t live with you. Then, it escalates cooking and delivering meals, helping with doctor visits and more.
Over time, the associated costs grow. It’s not a matter of if this will happen, it’s when.
Here are some common out-of-pocket expenses many family caregivers face:
Prescription medications
Home safety equipment, like grab bars or walkers
Incontinence products and medical supplies
Transportation to and from appointments
Meal prep or grocery delivery
Lost income from reducing work hours or quitting a job
These expenses don’t always feel big at first. But when you add them up over weeks and months, they can create serious financial stress.
Pro Tip: Start tracking your caregiving-related expenses. Even a simple notebook or phone app can help. Knowing where your money goes is the first step to taking back your financial control.
Find financial help you may have missed.
Many caregivers don’t know there are programs that can help. It’s worth the time to explore available resources. Some could cover costs you’re paying for now.
Here are a few places to start:
BenefitsCheckUp.org – Helps you find federal, state, and local programs like Medicaid, SNAP (food assistance), and utility help.
Veterans Affairs (VA) – If your loved one is a veteran, the VA may offer caregiver support, respite care, or a monthly stipend.
Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) – These local offices can connect you with free or low-cost services in your area.
State Family Caregiver Support Programs – Some states provide training, counseling and small grants to help cover caregiving costs.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Contact your local senior center or social services organization. They’re equipped to help you find what’s available.
When you love someone, it’s hard to say no. You may feel guilty for not doing or giving more. But you have to take care of yourself too.
Creating a caregiving budget can help you continue giving care without burning out or going broke.
Here’s how to get started.
List all caregiving costs for the month.
Set a spending limit based on your income.
Look for expenses you can cut or find alternatives. For example, can you access free transportation services or buy medical supplies in bulk to reduce their overall costs?
Revisit your budget monthly.
Also, be honest with family members. Let them know when the increasing expenses become too much for you to handle alone. Ask if they can help, even in small ways.
Could someone pitch in for groceries once a month? Could another family member cover one medication cost?
Pro Tip: Use “I” statements when you talk to family. For example, “I’m finding it hard to keep up with some of the costs. Could we talk about ways to share the expenses?”
You don’t need to overhaul your whole life to ease financial stress. Small changes can lead to big relief over time.
Here are some budget-friendly ideas:
Buy generic items. Store-brand medications and products are often much cheaper than name brands.
Use community services. Some churches or nonprofits offer free meals, transport, or help with chores.
Plan meals well in advance. Weekly meal planning can save on food waste and last-minute takeout.
Set up auto-refill prescriptions. This prevents missed doses and extra trips to the pharmacy.
Ask about senior discounts. Many stores offer discounts, even on medical supplies.
You’re doing your best. Finding ways to save on caregiving costs doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality or your loved one’s safety. Saving is a way to care for yourself as much as you care for others.
Start managing the financial stress of caregiving today.
Caring for someone you love can feel like a full-time job on top of everything else you already have going on in your life. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed by the cost of caregiving. That’s human.
Start with a phone call, a budget plan or a conversation with your family. Each step moves you closer to relief.
Managing the Stress of Caregiving Costs FAQ
What are the average costs of family caregiving?
Many caregivers spend around $7,000 to $10,000 per year out of pocket. Costs vary based on medical needs, supplies and any lost wages.
Can caregivers get paid for their work?
In some cases, yes. Some Medicaid programs and the VA offer payments to family caregivers. Check your state’s programs or talk to a social services organization.
How can I ask my family for financial help without feeling guilty?
Use open, honest communication. Focus on the shared goal of caring for your loved one. Start with small asks and build from there.
Are there free resources for family caregivers?
Yes. Local area agencies on aging, nonprofits and faith-based groups often offer free support, classes or supplies.
What’s one thing I can do today to reduce financial stress?
Start tracking your caregiving expenses. Awareness is the first step toward taking back control and asking for help.
Managing stress is a recurring theme in many online caregiver forums these days — and for good reason.
Caring for a loved one can be a beautiful gift. But it also brings emotional, physical and mental strain. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Family caregiver stress is real, and acknowledging it is the first step toward managing it.
Caregiver stress happens when the demands of caregiving start to take a toll. This kind of stress can affect your body, your emotions and your relationships.
Common causes of caregiver stress include:
Constant responsibility with little or no time off
Emotional weight like guilt, sadness or frustration
Lack of support from family, friends or professional caregivers
Financial strain from medical bills, missed work or the costs of caregiver-friendly home changes
Signs you may be experiencing caregiver stress include:
Feeling tired all the time
Getting irritated easily
Trouble sleeping or eating
Feeling sad or hopeless
Withdrawing from others
If left unaddressed, stress can lead to burnout. Caregiver burnout a deep sense of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion.
Your mental health matters just as much as your loved one’s well-being. One of the most powerful steps you can take is permitting yourself to feel. It’s okay to feel frustrated, worried or even angry. Suppressing these emotions only increases stress.
Talking to a therapist, counselor, or pastor can help you work through hard feelings. Even journaling for a few minutes each day can help you process what you’re going through. Set healthy emotional boundaries: Say no when you need to and don’t feel guilty for needing rest.
Protecting your peace is necessary. When you care for your mind, you can care better for others, too.
Every morning before sunrise, Rachel brews a pot of coffee and gently wakes her father, Frank. At 78 years old, Frank is still charming, but slowly fading into the fog of dementia. Once a school principal who never forgot a name, Frank now struggles to remember Rachel’s. She helps him bathe, eat and stay calm during his bouts of confusion.
Rachel does this all while raising two teens and working part-time from home.
One day, her dad wandered away from home and couldn’t find his way back. Rachel sat on the porch in tears. She realized that just her love for her dad wasn’t enough. She needed real tools, support and knowledge to carry on her caregiving without breaking.
Later that evening, she found a government website with step-by-step tips for caring for someone with dementia. She felt a wave of relief. For the first time in weeks, she slept through the night.
If you’re a caregiver like Rachel, ask yourself: Where do you turn for reliable, calming guidance when the stress feels too heavy?
Caregiver Resources Spotlight: National Institute on Aging
Caring for an aging loved one is a big job. Between doctor’s appointments, meals, medications and emotional support, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and experience burnout. But you’re not alone. The National Institute on Aging, or NIA, offers trusted, free resources to guide and support caregivers like you.
Let’s look at five simple ways you can use the NIA website to ease your caregiver burden and keep helping your loved one age with dignity.
1. Get started with confidence.
Starting your caregiving journey can be confusing. The NIA’s Getting Started with Caregiving section is a great first step. It explains what caregiving is, what tasks may be involved and how to prepare yourself for the role.
You’ll find guidance on:
What to expect when caring for a parent or spouse.
How to manage medical appointments and medications.
Setting up a care plan.
Using this page can help you build a strong foundation and feel more prepared.
2. Learn how to take care of yourself too.
Caregivers often forget to care for themselves. The NIA reminds us that your well-being matters too. Their self-care advice includes tips on managing stress, getting rest and staying connected with others.
Whether your loved one has diabetes, dementia or just needs help staying active, the NIA covers it all. Their AgePage fact sheets are short and easy to read. Topics include:
Alzheimer’s disease
Falls and safety at home
Planning for future care
There’s also a special section on healthy aging, which encourages:
Exercise and movement
Healthy eating
Staying social and independent
You can print or bookmark the pages you need. Most are available in Spanish too.
This resource is a must for caregivers navigating memory loss.
5. Order free NIA publications for home delivery.
Many of the NIA’s helpful online guides are also available to order in print — for free! You can order booklets, tip sheets and DVDs to keep on hand or share with others. They even offer materials in Spanish and formats that are easy for older adults to read .
The NIA is a trusted partner for caregivers. From beginner tips to disease-specific help, they offer real support backed by science and heart. And it’s all free.
Let the NIA lighten your caregiving load — one resource at a time.
National Institute on Aging Resources FAQ
1. What is the National Institute on Aging, NIA?
It’s a government agency that shares research and resources on aging and caregiving. Their website is full of free tools for families.
2. How do I start caregiving for a loved one?
Start by reading the NIA’s “Getting Started with Caregiving” section to understand the basics and create a care plan.
3. Does the NIA website offer help for caregivers dealing with Alzheimer’s?
Yes. The NIA’s ADEAR Center offers advice, guides and direct support for Alzheimer’s caregivers.
4. Can I get printed materials from the NIA?
Yes. You can order booklets and tip sheets online or by phone, and they ship for free in the U.S.
5. Are these resources available in Spanish?
Many are available in Spanish. To explore Spanish-language materials, just visit www.nia.nih.gov/espanol.
I think some people just give great hugs. You know the kind: the ones that make you feel safe enough to cry when you need to. Those kinds of hugs don’t just comfort us. They help us feel seen and supported.
I’ve also met people who didn’t like hugs much at first. But over time, even they became more open to hugs and being close. That shows that hugs can be powerful, even healing.
As caregivers, giving a warm, safe hug can be a simple but powerful way to show someone you care. Here’s how to give hugs that really matter.
Why Hugs Matter
A good hug can lower stress, reduce anxiety and even help with feelings of sadness. Research shows that hugs lasting 20 seconds or more can trigger the release of oxytocin, often called the “love hormone” or “bonding chemical.” This helps people feel calm, cared for and connected. That’s something we all need, especially during tough times.
A study in Psychological Science found that people who received more hugs were less likely to get sick from stress-related illnesses.
Step 1: Ask first.
Before hugging someone, check their body language. Do they seem open to it? Are their arms reaching out? If you’re unsure, just ask them:
“Would you like a hug?”
This might feel a little awkward at first, but it shows respect and makes the other person feel safe. Some people — especially those who’ve experienced trauma — may not want to be touched. And that’s totally okay.
Step 2: Be genuine.
A hug only works if it feels real. Don’t rush in or do it just because you feel like you should. Make eye contact. Smile. Be calm. Let your body language show that you truly care.
Step 3: Hug in a comfortable way.
Hugs don’t need to be perfect, but comfort matters. A good method is the “diagonal hug”:
This feels more natural and gives a feeling of balance and safety. If the person is shorter, taller, or has mobility issues, adjust to what works best for them.
Step 4: Use the right pressure.
Hug too tight and it can feel overwhelming. Hug too loosely and it may seem like you don’t care. Try to give a soft but steady squeeze — just enough to say, “I’m here with you.”
Step 5: Be present in the moment.
When you’re hugging someone, really be there. Don’t check your phone, look around or pat their back too much. Take a deep breath and let the hug speak for itself. This moment of connection is more powerful when you’re focused and calm.
Step 6: Keep it going, but not too long.
About 20 seconds is the sweet spot. That’s how long it takes for oxytocin to kick in. But always pay attention to the other person’s comfort. If they start to pull away, don’t force the hug to go longer.
Step 7: End the hug with kindness.
Let go slowly. Give a warm smile. Maybe say a kind word like, “You’ve got this,” or “I’m here for you.”
Little actions like these can help the other person feel even more supported.
Final Thoughts on Better Caregiver Hugs
On the surface, hugs might seem like a small thing. But for caregivers, they can be one of the most loving tools you have. They don’t take much time, but the impact can be huge for both you and the person you’re caring for.
It’s true: not all hugs are created equal. A meaningful embrace combines awareness, technique and empathy.
These seven steps can help you master the art of the caregiver hug. Just keep making each one safe, sincere and soothing.
Quick reference for hug and touch types and related results.
