When providing care for a friend, neighbor, or loved one, understanding the diverse and often unfamiliar terminology can be as essential as understanding the intricacies of the care journey itself. I’ll never forget the first time a Home Health Aide asked to see my Dad’s care plan. We were standing in my parents’ kitchen and I was bleary-eyed, still in shock, and blinked at her as if she had just spoken to me in Klingon. A care plan? “No one at the hospital said anything about that – I’ll need your help.” Thankfully, she was one of those gentle souls who patiently guided me as I came up with a rudimentary rough draft on a piece of peach-colored paper.

As family caregivers, we often find ourselves in the delicate position of broaching challenging and embarrasing discussions with our loved ones. Whether it's tackling health concerns, navigating financial matters, or delving into personal issues, these conversations can feel like tiptoeing through a minefield. Shifting family dynamics are rarely easy but with a thoughtful approach and some practical strategies, we can transform these talks from nerve-wracking to nurturing.

Community involvement is part of being human. From a sense of contribution to the success and happiness of others to knowing you also have support if ever needed, there is a reason humans are social by nature. Family caregivers live this. We can accomplish a lot when we work together so it's critical especially to remember that you can cultivate that sense of community in many areas of your life.

Caregiving, whether for a family member, friend, or neighbor, is a journey fraught with emotional complexities. Alongside feelings of love and duty, family caregivers often grapple with frustration, resentment, and even anger – directed at the situation, the system, and sometimes themselves. It’s the perfect storm to generate overwhelm. However, within these challenges lies an opportunity for personal growth, learning, and resilience. Let's explore how caregivers can navigate this journey while prioritizing their own wellness and discovering inner strength they never knew they had.

When you're caregiving at home, receiving effective support from others can make the difference between a bad day and an okay day. Whether you are already part of a support group, or looking to create one, social support comes in various forms with varying benefits. Let's explore four key types of social support and uncover how they can boost your resilience.

I'm lucky - I have a younger sister and we have spent the past 44 years as best friends. We can talk about anything and rarely argue, except when it comes to what constitutes a good movie. We are caring for our aging parent together and this is what I have learned.

Boxing Day is a time for family and friends to gather, often for a meal, using up leftovers from Christmas Day feasts. It's a public holiday in many countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, giving people a chance to relax and enjoy the festive season. This special day brings extra importance to my family, as this was the day my parents met, over 53 years ago and this is also the first Boxing Day without my Dad.

Had I understood this sooner, I would have realized the better way to care would be to say, “these are my needs and for me to continue to show up for you, I need you to take these needs seriously.”  But that is the benefit of hindsight.