It is well- known in the field of aging, that too often, caregivers of persons with Dementia,  Alzheimer’s,  Stroke,  Parkinson’s Disease, for example, overlook their own health and wellness while taking on the care of a family member.  “You can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself” is a common reminder that you will burn out if you don’t improve your life balance, and expand your supports and resources, so you are able to continue for the duration.

A simple to question to answer:

Are you being driven by your caregiving responsibilities, or are you at the wheel??

• “There’s nothing I can do about it….”
• “It’s just the way it is…”
• “I have no time for my own needs…..”

If these sound like your response to that question, its time to get back in the driver’s seat!!

Have you overlooked increasing the following activities, which will help you maintain your health and strength for the long run?

• Exercise
• Nutrition
• Sleep
• Friends, social support
• Enjoyable activity
• Family cooperation and collaboration
• Updated resource information

Getting a handle on these areas will help you maintain your own  health, and sense of balance and well-being.

Coaching to improve YOUR health and wellness while caring for an older family member is critical if you want to be the best you can be.

Telephonic coaching is a great way to start because it doesn’t require leaving the house to start taking care of your own well-being!!



If nothing else,  spouses and/or their adult children of older adults should make note of these three most critical areas which, if changes are noticed, next steps need to be planned.

Safety...have there been fires in the kitchen, calls from a parent who has gotten lost in their car, unreported accidents or more than one fall in the bathroom??

Mood..have you seen your older family withdrawing from previously enjoyed activities, or increasingly isolating themselves?  Are they blue, eating less, sleeping poorly,   and appear to feel  hopeless?

Cognition…have they shown signs of losing skills they once were capable of (washing the clothes, setting the security alarm, setting up and/or taking  their medications as prescribed?)

These are examples within the top 3 most important changes that should alert you to call a family meeting, observe these changes more closely and see if professional assistance…geriatric social worker, geriatrician, neurologist…might be needed to do a preliminary evaluation.

Waiting will only narrow your options….act now!