Caring for the Caregiver

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According to the Mayo Clinic, approximately 1 in 3 adults in the United States care for a loved one who is elderly, sick, and/or with special needs. As the population ages, more people find themselves serving as a caregiver.*

This has resulted in a number of issues that caregivers themselves face. Studies show that between 40-70% of family caregivers experience clinical symptoms of depression, often because of feelings of isolation and loneliness associated with caregiving responsibilities. In fact, 17% of caregivers reported their health has worsened due to their obligations which can progress over time.**

Signs of caregiver stress can present in many ways, including:

  • Alcohol and/or drug misuse/abuse.
  • Constant feeling of worry, depression, and/or anxiety.
  • Feeling tired, sleeping too much, or not enough.
  • Weight gain or loss.
  • Irritability.
  • Loss of interest in activities you may have previously enjoyed.
  • Having frequent headaches, or other pains, and/ or health problems.
  • Missing medical appointments.

Strategies for Staying Well

It can be hard to trust someone else with your loved one's care, but taking time for self-care is important for both you and them. Self-care helps you stay balanced, focused, and effective as a caregiver. Make sure to set aside time in your routine to focus on yourself. This will help you feel more connected and content.

Available resources for caregivers include:

  • Respite care services – provides short-term relief, allowing time for rest, travel, or to spend time with others. For example, caregivers of CenterLight Healthcare PACE participants can rely on us to provide care while you are on vacation or have other matters that need your attention. While you are away, you'll have peace of mind that your loved one is receiving the care and services they need.
  • Support groups are available in the community and online, providing opportunities to connect with others with the same experiences.
  • Educational resources are also available at your local library or online. Find helpful information regarding caregiving from trustworthy sources. Learning about what you're facing can help reduce anxiety and give you confidence as you navigate your role as a caregiver. Some organizations that have a wealth of caregiver information include MedlinePlus, Medicare.gov, and the National Institute on Aging.

You may also find the following tips helpful:

  • Find an activity/hobby that interests you. Participate in yoga, go on walks, see a movie, have dinner with friends and family, and other activities that can help keep you in touch with others.
  • Eat healthy, exercise, and see your own medical provider regularly. As a caregiver, you might not get enough sleep, or physical activity, or you might not eat a balanced diet. Lack of sleep, exercise, and poor eating habits can increase your risk for health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. Additionally, stress over time can harm your health. Be mindful of your own health and see your own medical provider for regular check-ups and preventative care.
  • Meditate. One of the simplest relaxation techniques is breath awareness. Meditation reduces stress and anxiety, improves mood, enhances focus, and helps lower blood pressure.
  • Ask for help. As a caregiver, you may be juggling many responsibilities -- and knowing when to seek assistance, whether from friends, other members of your family, community organizations, or programs like CenterLight Healthcare PACE means that you have your loved one's best interest in mind.

We hope that you find this article helpful. More importantly, remember that you are not alone. There are resources available that offer caregiver support.

CenterLight Healthcare PACE is committed to providing accurate health-related information to help individuals live well, stay healthy and make well-informed healthcare decisions. Information in this material is strictly educational. We recommend that users consult with their medical provider regarding their care.

This blog post is written by:

Jocelyn Pappalardo, BSN, RN, Director of Quality at CenterLight PACE

Meghan Little, MSN, RN, Quality Management Specialist at CenterLight PACE


Sources:

* Mayo Clinic

** Family Caregiver Alliance

https://www.caregiver.org/news/caregiver-isolation-and-loneliness/

https://www.caregiver.org/resource/caregiver-statistics-health-technology-and-caregiving-resources/

H3329 CaregiverTips_Web Approved 02202025
Updated December 26, 2024

CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State Department of Health (NYSDOH). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYSDOH. Participants may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services. Upon enrollment, the PACE program will be the participant’s sole service provider. Participants will have access to all services needed as identified by the Interdisciplinary Team, but not to a specific provider of these services. Please contact us for more information.

H3329 CLPACEWebsite Approved 10222024

Last Updated on March 13, 2025
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