Caregivers. First thing’s first. Take a moment to be proud. You’ve taken on the most difficult job you’ve likely ever had, and you deserve recognition. Second, it’s time to talk about self-care. What are you doing for yourself? Are you taking time for self-care?
According to a 2017 survey conducted by AARP, four in ten caregivers say they were not prepared to take on the family caregiver role. Caregivers providing round the clock care are a vulnerable population, more likely to feel emotional stress, and physical and financial strain. They are also more likely to be in fair or poor health and are at risk of their health getting worse.
Caregivers have reported feelings of depression, sleep troubles, weight loss or gain, and lack of time to exercise because of caregiving. The statistics about caregiver health is staggering:
Actor Rob Lowe says it best, “From my own experience, I can assure you: The person you’re caring for needs you to be at your best. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t have the energy or the means to provide the reliable care that your loved ones need. “
Set realistic expectations. Being a caregiver is a 24/7 job, you don’t need to take on additional projects because you feel obligated. If you’ve been asked to do something, even by the person you’re caring for, that you can’t realistically fit into your schedule, don’t do it.
Prioritize your time. You don’t have to try to be Martha Stewart! If you’re feeling up to having the whole family over to enjoy a meal, you do not (I repeat, DO NOT) have to prepare a 5-course meal, with a perfectly set table and hand lettered table settings. Keep meals simple. You can enjoy time together with takeout or pizza delivery. If you also have kids in the house, don’t be star PTA mom/soccer coach/primary kid shuttler. What little downtime you have is important, make sure it stays open.
Stop Feeling Guilty. It might feel selfish to preserve a little time for yourself, but guess what? It’s not. The person you’re caring for needs you to be healthy. You can’t be at your best if you’re overexerting yourself. Do you have a trusted friend you can vent to? Share your guilty feelings and then give yourself permission to get over your guilt. Caregiver support groups are also great for sharing your feelings. And in return you’ll get great tips from other caregivers going through similar emotions.
Ask for help. You don’t have to do this by yourself! If you have older children in the home, it’s a great opportunity to bond with their grandparent. If you have extended family in the area (brothers, sisters, etc.) ask them to help you with tasks like taking your parent to doctor’s appointments or entertaining them for the afternoon. For those taking care of spouses, asking your children (if they’re in the area) is not a burden. Don’t be afraid to ask them for help. If you don’t have children, or they’re not in the area, it’s more than likely your close friends are willing to help.
If you are a caregiver in need of a well-deserved break, Aegis Living communities offer respite care and day stay programs. Your loved one will take part in our extensive Life Enrichment program, enjoy delicious meals from our superb chefs, and receive the best care from our loving care staff so that you can take time for yourself and trust that they’re in the best hands.
Respite Stays & Day Stays give family caregivers a real break—hours, days, or a few weeks—while your loved one enjoys a safe, enriching short‑term home at Aegis Living. Guests settle into a beautifully furnished private apartment and have 24/7 care staff and onsite nurses, medication management, and discreet safety technology (motion sensors, medical‑alert pendants, visitor check‑in) for peace of mind. Each day feels purposeful with chef‑prepared, all‑day dining and 200+ monthly activities—from book clubs and fitness classes to movie nights—plus full use of the community. We coordinate with your loved one’s physicians to mirror their routines and care, so the stay feels familiar. It’s also a smart trial run for senior living: meet neighbors, test services, and see what supported independence looks like—without a long‑term commitment. Choose a Respite Stay when you’re traveling or need time to recharge, when your loved one would benefit from structure, social connection, and great meals, or when you both want peace of mind while keeping options open.
Hospice & End‑of‑Life Care at Aegis Living is comfort‑first support for the final stage of life, delivered in your loved one’s private apartment by our 24/7 care team in coordination with a trusted local hospice provider you choose (or we can recommend). Together, we create a coordinated care plan that manages pain and other symptoms, oversees medications, and provides calm, dignified help with daily needs, while offering compassionate emotional support for both resident and family. Discreet safety measures and a reliable medical‑alert system bring help quickly; chef‑prepared, in‑apartment meals adapt to changing appetites. Families are guided through decisions and moments of closure so they can focus on being present in a peaceful, home‑like setting. If your loved one already lives at Aegis, they can remain in the comfort of their home, avoiding disruptive moves. Choose this level of care when curative treatment is no longer the goal and you want expert symptom control, hands‑on daily support, and a setting that protects dignity and prioritizes comfort, meaning, and time together.
Memory Care is specialized, secure support for people living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias who benefit from a calm, structured environment and round‑the‑clock expertise. At Aegis Living, that care happens in Life’s Neighborhood—an intimate, thoughtfully designed setting where 24/7 dementia‑trained caregivers and a nursing team on site seven days a week deliver personalized help with daily living, medication management, and mobility (including Hoyer lifts and two‑person transfers), while gently redirecting agitation and confusion. Days are purpose‑filled with science‑based cognitive programming, certified music therapy, and social activities; chef‑prepared meals are easy to enjoy and dining spaces and cues are designed for memory support. Discreet safety features like secured entrances, emergency pendants with fall detection, and optional motion sensors, prevent wandering and bring peace of mind, and visiting physicians and wellness professionals reduce trips off‑site. Families receive education and ongoing support. If your loved one is unsafe alone, missing medications, wandering, needs frequent cueing or hands‑on help with bathing or dressing, or thrives with a predictable routine, Memory Care offers the right level of care. For milder needs, our transitional Assisted Living can be a first step; for advancing symptoms, secured Memory Care provides the specialized, heartfelt support to help them feel calm, connected, and at home.