Most family caregivers did not volunteer for the job.  I don’t know too many caregivers jumping up and down screaming “pick me, pick me!”   Typically the role of family caregiver falls onto the shoulders of one main family member.  It could be the spouse, who lives with their aging loved one, or an adult child, who lives nearby, or a niece or nephew who steps in to manage things.  It is one of the hardest jobs around and often a… Read the rest

As a family caregiver it can feel strange to have to ask others for help.  However, in order to be a successful caregiver, it is required you find help so you do not experience caregiver burnout. Surprisingly though…most people who are approached to help are often very pleased to be asked.  Typically friends, family and neighbors do want to help, but they do not know what is needed and do not want to interfere.  Once you ask for help, you… Read the rest

As a family caregiver you probably spend countless hours helping support your aging loved one.  You arrange for doctor appointments, help them with their daily medications, make sure they are well-nourished, coordinate all their paperwork and manage all the details of their life in addition to balancing all the details of your own life.   You probably try to do this with a good heart most of the time.  You work hard to not show resentment or frustration.  At Sarahcare, adult… Read the rest

Being a family caregiver is a tough job.  Especially during the holidays when we are expected to not only care for our aging loved one who may have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, but also to care for the rest of the family.  There is extra shopping, cleaning, cooking and entertaining to do throughout the season.  Caregivers rarely get a chance to look at their own needs.  For January though, we want all family caregivers to slow down and take a… Read the rest

As the holiday season approaches, family caregivers who are responsible for managing the care of an aging loved one, often find themselves under additional pressure to create a family atmosphere of holiday peace and joy. At Sarahcare, we know that keeping peace and joy in the house during family gatherings with an aging loved one who may have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can be near impossible.  One of the biggest challenges is finding family activities that are appealing to… Read the rest

Even Heroes need a Break: How to avoid caregiver burnout
Being a family caregiver is not a job anyone signs up for intentionally, usually it is one that is acquired due to circumstance.  Not many people enjoy getting up in the evening to help guide their wandering mother back to her room, while also talking her out of making scrambled eggs in the middle of the night.  Pretty sure no-one is signing up for that job voluntarily.  It is a… Read the rest

Stress. Anger. Frustration. Caring for an aging parent or spouse can be overwhelming. Every family caregiver needs and deserves a break at some point but there can be guilt and fear when sharing this responsibility and seeking outside help.

In the US, there are over 65 million family caregivers who deal with the same challenges. Unfortunately, their health has suffered while enduring this burden, often experiencing what is called caregiver burnout. Even when a family caregiver wants professional help, caregivers… Read the rest