You can’t pour from an empty coffee mug. If you're caring for a parent, there's a good chance you've ignored your own needs this week. (Or this month. Or this year.) And we get it, when someone you love needs help, it feels like there's no time to stop and breathe, let alone check in with yourself.
But here's the truth: caring for a parent or loved one is a marathon, not a sprint. And the only way to stay upright is to give yourself tools and permission to rest, reset, and regroup.
So this week, we're talking about how to care for yourself and ways to make life easier while caring for someone else. From small daily rituals to bigger decisions about boundaries and burnout, we’ve pulled together suggestions and resources to remind you: your well-being isn’t optional. It’s essential.
ICYMI (in case you missed it)
🏀 NBA star Russell Westbrook has co-founded Eazewell, an AI-driven platform designed to simplify funeral planning. Inspired by personal experiences of loss, Eazewell aims to alleviate the logistical burdens families face during difficult times. The platform offers services such as coordinating funeral homes, managing paperwork, and canceling utilities and social media accounts of the deceased.
🧠 Researchers at Université Laval have identified a non-invasive eye test that detects early signs of Parkinson’s by analyzing retinal responses to light. This advancement could lead to earlier interventions, offering hope for improved management of the disease.
📈 Starting this year, those born in 1960 will need to wait until age 67 to receive full Social Security benefits. This change underscores the importance of strategic retirement planning for both caregivers and their aging parents.
👵 May 15th marked National Senior Fraud Awareness Day, emphasizing the growing threat of scams targeting older adults. With seniors losing over $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023, resources are being shared to help protect our loved ones from financial exploitation by spotting red flags.
🚙 Lyft Silver is offering 25,000 free rides to help older adults get where they need to go—safely, easily, and without calling you. Think door-to-door rides with real-time updates, so you know they got there without the “did you make it?” call. It’s peace of mind, minus the car shuffle.
How to Care for Aging Parents Without Losing Yourself
Caring for an aging parent can feel like being handed a puzzle with missing pieces and no picture on the box. Some caregiving journeys arrive suddenly, like a phone call in the night. Others unfold gradually, with subtle shifts that accumulate until you realize you're the one holding everything together. Either way, you're not alone and you don't have to do it all the hard way (and it will be hard).
Here’s how to set yourself up for success using smart tech, community support, and a few sanity-saving shortcuts.
💻 Tech That Works With You
Forget the clunky gadgets of the past. Today’s caregiving tech is sleek, intuitive, and surprisingly human.
Wearables like the Apple Watch offer fall detection and emergency alerts, providing peace of mind for both you and your parents.
AI-enabled tools are like the supportive sibling you wish you had. They’re helping family caregivers spot what’s coming, stay on top of meds and appointments, and keep the daily chaos in check.
Voice assistants like Alexa can manage reminders, play music, and even allow you to “drop in” for a video chat.
Remote monitoring systems track health data and send alerts for anomalies, allowing you to catch issues before they escalate.
👪 Build Your Care Squad
Caregiving isn’t a solo sport. It’s a team effort, even if you’re an offspring of one, your team can include more than just family. And it should.
Join caregiver support groups like the Caregiver Action Network or Working Daughter. These communities offer resources, peer support, and a place to vent without judgment.
People want to help. Accept it. Kick off a group chat for those willing to offer support to keep everyone in the loop on what you need and delegate responsibilities.
Explore respite care options to give yourself a much-needed break. Services range from a few hours a week to longer-term care.
⏱️ Time-Saving Hacks That Actually Help
Your time is precious. Here’s how to reclaim some of it.
Your job comes with perks, don’t leave them on the table. From backup care to resource support, your company might already hook you up with benefit services like care.com or homethrive. Use ’em.
Amazon’s not just for impulse buys. Lean on it for grocery runs, prescription refills, and those errands you do for Mom. Services like RxPass cover more drugs, and accept Medicare. Fewer trips, more breathing room.
You’re juggling Mom’s meds, meals, and now her bills too. Give your brain a break. Set up auto-pay and take one more thing off your plate.
Get the legal stuff lined up. It’s a take time to make time sort of play but it really helps.
🧘♀️ Taking Care of You, Too
It’s easy to push your own needs to the bottom of the list. But here’s the truth: your well-being is the foundation that makes caregiving sustainable.
Move your body regularly with short walks, stretching, or quick workouts that boost your energy and clear your mind. You're exhausted, we get it, but this really helps.
Protect your sleep. If you can’t get a full night’s rest, small naps or moments of mindfulness can help recharge your brain.
Check in with your emotions. Journaling, talking with a trusted friend, or seeking professional support can provide perspective and relief.
Spend quality time with family and friends. Moments of connection and laughter are powerful stress relievers.
Setting boundaries and saying no (or not right now) is a way of honoring your limits, not letting anyone down.
💬 Final Thought
Whether your caregiving role came on like a lightning strike or crept in like fog, remember: you’re doing something incredibly hard, and incredibly human. Lean on technology, tap into your community, and give yourself permission to rest. You don’t have to do it all. You just have to do your best.
And that’s more than enough.
What’s Good
Helpful care enablement products we’ve identified and researched so you don’t have to.
This week, we’re spotlighting a digital lifeline for caregivers: CaringBridge. This free, nonprofit platform provides a private space to share health updates, coordinate care, and receive messages of support from your community.
Whether you're managing appointments, updating loved ones, or simply needing a place to express your thoughts, CaringBridge simplifies communication and fosters connection. It's a gentle reminder that you're not alone on this journey.
