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…
What is financial readiness for family caregivers? Financial readiness means handling your money so you can care for someone without extra stress. It’s about smart choices like setting a budget, saving often, and using programs or benefits that can ease caregiving costs. If you or a loved one served in the military, you are likely…
How does caregiving impact retirement? Family caregiving can cause both immediate and long-term financial stress. Many caregivers save less for retirement, use up their savings, and may have to retire early. This can lead to money struggles later in life. Others may be forced to delay retirement for continued income while they try to manage…
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…
