Caregiver Tips

Tips from Fellow Caregivers 

Caring for a loved one living with a serious illness can be both deeply rewarding and challenging. You’re not alone, and connecting with others who have shared similar experiences can make a big difference. Below, we share some practical tips from fellow caregivers that may help you navigate daily tasks, manage stress, and take care of yourself along the way. (The tips come from ElderCareLocator, an online service of the U.S. Health and Human Services.) Remember, your well-being is essential, too.

“Make a weekly action plan. If things can wait, let them. If they cannot, prioritize them. The caregiver needs care, too!” — Tiffany Matthews @HealthEBookLady

“The hardest thing is feeling guilty when you do get time for yourself because you are getting to do something that they cannot.” — Cindy @day_cj

“ I find that attending aerobic class a few days a week really helps me relax. I also enjoy joking with other members in the class. We have fun and I sometimes really need the break.” — Cheryl

“Neighbors can be life savers! Tell trusted neighbors when your loved one is alone so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.” — Cassy

“Don’t feel guilty if you need a break. Finding time for you is so so important.” — Andrew

“Having a good relationship with my mother’s doctor has been very helpful. Communication is key to ensuring mom gets what she needs.” — Margaret

“Try establishing a routine and keeping to a set schedule for as much as possible.” — Mildred

“Find out what services are available in your community through government, public, and private organizations.” — Anonymous

“Joining a support group has really been a life saver. I have learned so much from attending meetings and it is nice to know I am not alone. I have formed some lasting friendships with people who understand my need to cry.” — Delores

“Invite people over and get out of the house every day. I know getting an elderly person ready and out the door is a big challenge, but your life is important too and you can’t let everything that makes you happy go the wayside. Your sanity and feeling of well being is important too. ” — Cheryl P

“It’s been helpful for me to keep a journal. I know this may not be practical for some, but I do it on the computer. This exercise of physically typing the symptoms/emotions/frustrations, etc. has released some of the tension, and helps when I look back. Besides the not-so-pleasant things, I try to also include a humorous note, or inspirational, or even a prayer.” — Carole

“Take the knobs off the stove so that your loved one does not start to cook and then walk away and forget about it. ”— Lynn F.

“Modify the bathroom and most used entrance to the home as soon as possible after diagnosis. This will allow your loved one to stay at home longer.” — Pat S.

“Realize that balancing acceptance, along with desperation (over wanting to make your loved one’s situation better), and guilt (over not somehow being able to do more) is very difficult. Searching for that balance is one of the many jobs of the loving care giver.” — Mary

“Find and use appropriate technologies. Get your parents on the same video conferencing system you use. That way you can use the same product to talk to your own kids and grandkids that you use to talk to your parents. That’s especially important since these products don’t all talk to each other.” — Wayne C.

“Watch out for signs of depression, and don’t delay in getting professional help when you need it.” — Fred G.

If you have a tip or suggestion that isn’t covered here, please share it with us on X at @GetPalliative.

For more resources, which you can view based on disease type and topic, we recommend looking through the Helpful Resources and Links. There, you’ll find lots of trusted organizations and caregiver help.