Caregiving often requires you to learn, adapt and problem-solve on the fly — all while managing your own emotions and energy. These HopeHealth blogs offer tips and advice to help you along the way.
You don’t have to read all of them at once: Take what you need, when you need it.
For additional support — from virtual classes to support groups and more — check out HopeHealth’s caregiver support services.
Coping strategies for caregivers
Caregiving can take a quiet toll on your body and nervous system. These resources offer simple, realistic ways to release tension, reset your energy and care for yourself — even in short moments.
- A quick reset: 10-minute stress-busters for caregivers: Think: music, a muscle relaxation exercise, and a soothing breathing technique.
- B.U.R.N. I.T.: Simple reminders to stop caregiver burnout: The causes of caregiver burnout — and what to do before you reach a breaking point.
- Tips for self-care, from a fellow caregiver: Advice for the long haul: Crucial mental shifts, what to say when someone offers help, and more.
- 10 ways to manage stress in winter: Cold, dark months can intensify caregiver stress. These practical tips focus on protecting your mood, energy and routines.
- Mindfulness techniques for caregivers: How to release from difficult days and events, and bring yourself back into a present mindset.
- From a caregiver: 3 lessons that changed everything: Acceptance. Education. Asking for help. Here’s what this looked like for one caregiver, and why it mattered.
Practical advice for caregivers & families
One of the hardest parts of caregiving is not knowing what lies ahead. Thoughtful planning can help ease that uncertainty, offering clarity and support when important decisions feel overwhelming.
- Plan ahead for healthcare decisions: Free tips & resources for families: If your loved one were suddenly at a health crossroads and unable to communicate, would you know exactly what care they want? Here are resources to make these conversations easier.
- Caregiving & family dynamics: 4 strategies from a social worker: Illness has a way of amplifying both the strengths and strains in family relationships. These strategies can help your family navigate caregiving with less conflict, and more connection.
Tips for friends & family
Supporting a caregiver doesn’t always mean doing something big. If you know someone who’s a family caregiver, here’s how you can help take care of them while they care for their loved one.
- 25 ways to support a family caregiver: Caregivers don’t always ask for help — but often, they dearly need it. Here are 25 ideas, from errands to quick mood-boosters.
- Caring for the caregiver: 10 signs of caregiver burnout: When stress turns into burnout, it becomes a much bigger problem. Here are warning signs, and what to do next.
Dementia education & support
Understanding what’s happening can make caregiving feel less overwhelming. These resources explain common dementia-related challenges, along with expert advice for how to respond.
- 5 stages of dementia: What to expect & how to connect: An overview of how dementia progresses, with practical tips for communication and connection at each phase.
- What is sundowning? A dementia expert explains: Late-day confusion and agitation can be distressing for everyone involved. Here’s why sundowning happens, and how to respond with calm and structure.
- For dementia caregivers: 4 tips for responding to repetitive behaviors: Repetition can be frustrating, but it’s often a form of communication. Learn compassionate strategies for responding in ways that reduce stress for both you and your loved one.
- How to plan meaningful activities for someone living with dementia: Meaningful activities don’t need to be complicated. This guide offers simple ideas that support dignity, connection and enjoyment at every stage.
- 6 tips for communicating with a person with dementia: From turning off background noise to using simpler words, small changes in how you speak and listen can make a big difference.
- 12 music activities & tips for someone with dementia: Music can bring a person living with dementia out of their shell. Here’s how to find the right music, and where to build it into your loved one’s routine.
- Support for the dementia journey: 4 programs for patients and caregivers: Whether your loved one has been living with dementia for years or has just been diagnosed, these free programs are here to support them — and you.
Caregiver support group information
Research shows that caregiver support groups reduce stress and loneliness, and improve emotional well-being. Learn how different caregiver support groups work, who they’re for, and why many caregivers find them so helpful.
- “It’s a lifeline”: The surprising power of caregiver support groups: One caregiver’s personal experience of support groups — from both sides, as a facilitator and a member.
- For families of veterans: 5 ways a caregiver support group can help: Veterans often have unique needs at the end of life. A new group offers their caregivers community, education and healing.
- Advice & support from Parkinson’s caregivers: Caregivers share tips especially for caring for someone with Parkinson’s disease, including specific exercises and equipment.
- LGBTQ+ caregivers, a new support group is here for you: The group exists to help with the highs and lows of caregiving, in a specifically LGBTQ+ gathering.