Overwhelmed by Caregiving? 10 Ways to Reduce Stress and Avoid Caregiver Burnout
- Marty Stevens-Heebner
- Mar 18
- 5 min read
Caregiving is a full-time job—on top of your career and other family obligations. With so many people depending on you, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stretched too thin. However, with the right strategies and resources, you can maintain your well-being and support your loved ones.
In this blog, we’ll explore practical tips to help you balance work, family, and caregiving responsibilities. Plus, we’ll show you how AgeWise Alliance connects you with trusted professionals to make finding support for your aging loved one more manageable.
Tips for Balancing Work, Family, and Caregiving
Here’s how to keep your sanity while caring for an aging loved one—without running yourself into the ground.
1. Set Yourself Up For Success
This seems obvious, but it happens so often. We set huge goals for ourselves that we can’t meet, then fall short and allow guilt to creep in. Be honest with yourself about what you can reasonably accomplish. Recognize that you can’t do everything by yourself, and it’s okay to ask for help - or say no to additional responsibilities. Setting boundaries with your time and energy will allow you to focus on what matters most.
2. Speak Up and Communicate Openly
Don’t expect people to be mind readers. Keep an open line of communication with your employer, family, and loved ones. Whether it’s asking to adjust your work schedule or splitting responsibilities with siblings, open communication is key. You’ll be surprised how much others are willing to help when they understand your needs, so don’t be afraid to ask for and accept assistance.
3. Organize and Prioritize
Your to-do list is never-ending, so focus on the essentials. Use tools like calendars, to-do lists, and apps to manage your time effectively. Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. Urgent doctor’s appointment? Top of the list. Folding laundry? That can wait. Setting up a shared Google Calendar can help you coordinate tasks, appointments, and responsibilities with family members, ensuring everyone stays informed and involved. There are also great project management apps like Asana, Trello, and Monday.com - because managing your parents' well-being is definitely a project!
AgeWise Alliance connects you with trusted professionals, including Professional Organizers and Aging Life Care Specialists to ensure that your aging loved one receives the home assistance they need.
4. Take Advantage of Resources
You're not in this alone! Seek out local and online resources that can help lighten your caregiving burden. This might include meal delivery services (see below) or home care providers. AgeWise Alliance connects you with trusted professionals who can assist with caregiving, legal, financial, support and options for senior housing.
Meal Delivery Services to Get You Started:
Nat’l - Meals on Wheels America
5. Prioritize Self-Care
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of your own health and well-being, by making time to take a long walk, enjoy a delicious meal, or simply spend a quiet evening with a good book. Taking care of your physical and mental health will enable you to be a better caregiver for your loved ones.
“Caregiver burnout” can sap your motivation and leave you exhausted, overwhelmed, and unsure where to turn next. You need to prioritize getting adequate sleep, eating healthy food, and finding time for activities you enjoy. These practices are the best way to maintain your energy, reduce stress, and provide the best support for your loved one.
6. Get the Kids Involved
If you’re also raising kids, include them in age-appropriate caregiving tasks. This lightens your load while teaching them valuable life skills and fostering a sense of responsibility. Plus, this builds empathy and a strong family bond between all generations.
7. Explore Financial Assistance Options
Caring for a loved one can be costly, but there are programs and benefits that may help. Research options like Medicaid waivers, veterans’ benefits, or nonprofit organizations that provide financial assistance for caregiving expenses. Reverse mortgages have become another popular option for families needing to access home equity to cover care costs. There’s help out there—you just need to know where to look. AgeWise Alliance helps you find trusted professionals to assist you with financial planning needs. For more resources on senior finances, visit our article, Financial Planning for a Vibrant Later Life.
8. Call in the Caregiving Experts
If this is unfamiliar territory to you, you might not even know that daily money managers or aging life care specialists exist. That’s why we created a Glossary of Professions dedicated to supporting family caregivers like you. From aging-in-place specialists and financial planners to legal advisors, these specialists can help you develop a comprehensive caregiving plan.
Why struggle through this alone when professionals can simplify the process? AgeWise Alliance connects you with vetted caregiver support pros in your area to give you peace of mind.
9. Build Your Support Network
Connect with other caregivers who understand what you’re going through. Join a caregiver support group or online community where you can share experiences, exchange tips, and find encouragement. Remember, you’re not in this alone.
Support Networks to Get You Started:
10. Plan for Emergencies
Life can be unpredictable. Make sure you have an emergency plan in place for sudden hospital stays, unexpected illnesses, or natural disasters. Keep important documents, such as medical contacts, home inventory, insurance details, and Power of Attorney easily accessible, and have a trusted friend, neighbor, or family member ready to step in when needed. Additionally, pack a go-bag with essential items. Preparing in advance can make all the difference during an emergency.
How AgeWise Alliance Can Help
Balancing work, family, and caregiving can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. AgeWise Alliance is here to help you find the trusted professionals and resources you need to support your loved one and reduce your stress.
Sign up for a free account today and access:
A network of vetted professionals specializing in caregiving, elder law, financial planning, and healthcare.
Tools and resources to help you manage caregiving responsibilities more effectively.
Support and guidance to make informed decisions about your loved one’s care.
With AgeWise Alliance, you can take the worry out of searching for solutions and focus on what truly matters: spending quality time with your loved ones.
Take the Next Step
Because caregiving is challenging, we've compiled resources and professionals to help ease your responsibilities, build a confident care plan, and provide the support you need for peace of mind. Sign up for a free account on AgeWise Alliance today.
Let us help you take the guesswork out of caregiving so you can focus on building a better future for yourself and your loved ones.
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About AgeWise Alliance
AgeWise Alliance is an online platform dedicated to helping older adults and their families navigate the challenges of later life. From finding trusted professionals in caregiving, legal, and financial planning to offering practical resources and expert advice, we make life’s transitions easier. Visit agewisealliance.com or follow us on Instagram at @agewisealliance to learn more about how we can support you and your loved ones.
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