The Challenges of Family Caregiving: a Life-Juggling Act
- Ron Roel
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Each November, we celebrate national Family Caregivers Month, honoring the millions of unpaid family members who care for children, adults, and seniors with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or other complex needs. Organized by the Caregiver Action Network, this year’s observance emphasizes self-care, with the theme: "Take Care to Give Care."
Indeed, caring for an aging loved one or family member with special needs is one of the most generous gifts you can give—and probably one of the most challenging jobs you‘ll ever have. There ‘s no question that caregiving deepens our love between generations, but it often requires great sacrifice, placing overwhelming demands and an emotional toll on caregivers.
During my own 20-year caregiving saga, I faced many challenges, and along with my brothers, felt the daily stress that accelerated as Mom‘s health declined. It was hard to maintain my balance as my family faced difficult transition points in our mother's care needs.
We all need to remember the cardinal rule of caregiving: Take care of yourself, the caregiver. Many of us can recite the instructions given to airline passengers in case the cabin pressure drops: Put your own oxygen mask on first— before you try to help your children.
Perhaps the most important overall lesson of self-care is to recognize that caregiving is a collective responsibility, not a solitary task. Raise your hand if you need help, not only from other family members and friends, but from medical or financial professionals, patient advocates and other health care experts. Find your caregiving support community.
Here is a short list of self-care guidelines:
Be realistic. Recognize that you can't do everything—nobody can. Accept changes as they occur.
If you’re working, talk to your supervisor. Let your boss know about your situation; help them understand your desire to remain a conscientious employee while balancing work and family needs.
Take care of your own physical health. Make sure you consistently get a good night‘s sleep; eat properly; and get out and exercise regularly.
Stay mentally active and become "stress-hardy." Stress is among the leading causes of age-related disease, so your ability to adopt “stress busters”—activities like yoga or meditation—will not only help you do well as a caregiver but live longer.
Be open to using new technologies. Telehealth and new high-tech devices can help you care for your loved one.
Consider joining a caregiver support group (either in person or virtual) that can help you relieve stress and anxiety, exchange ideas, or provide useful tips.
Make Time to be Yourself. You can‘t be a good caregiver 24/7, so find time to be yourself, to remember who you are, and. to do things that you enjoy every day, even if only for a few minutes.
Ron Roel is a veteran writer, speaker and radio show host who specializes in “successful aging strategies,” providing useful information, pragmatic solutions, and compelling stories to help people explore rewarding experiences throughout life.
He hosts a weekly national podcast, “45 Forward,” exploring a wide range of topics and inspiring stories to help prepare people for their journey through the second half of life.
Ron also has developed a special expertise in family caregiving and is the author of the recently published Caregiving Navigator: How to Plan, What to Do, and Where to Turn When Caring for Your Aging Loved Ones…And Yourself, a comprehensive guide for family caregivers on Long Island.