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Introduction: A Resounding YES
At a recent women’s conference, I asked, “Do you feel like you’re caring for everyone but yourself?” The room erupted in agreement.
It hit me because I’ve been there—not just as someone who ran a successful homecare company, but as a daughter caring for my own mother. Ironically, while I was helping other families navigate the overwhelming maze of caregiving, I was in it myself, juggling work, family, and my mom’s care.
Laura Lynn Morrissey here, founder of SilverSavvy. Caregiving isn’t just a role—it’s an emotional and physical journey. And for so many daughters and daughters-in-law, it’s a lonely one. Over the years, I’ve seen burnout, self-doubt, and exhaustion unfold right before my eyes. But I’ve also seen the resilience and power that can emerge when caregivers find support and reclaim their well-being.
Here’s what I’ve learned—and the truths no one talks about.
1. Caregiving Is Not Just a Physical Role—It’s an Emotional Marathon
Caregiving doesn’t just exhaust your body; it wears on your emotions. The guilt of “not doing enough,” the grief of seeing your loved one struggle, and the constant pressure to make the right decisions can weigh more heavily on you than the physical tasks.
- Insight: Studies show that caregivers are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and chronic stress than the general population. Knowing this is key to taking steps to protect your mental health.
- Practical Tip: Schedule regular emotional check-ins with yourself and a trusted confidant. Recognizing your feelings—without judgment—is the first step to easing the burden.
2. Caregiving Burnout Doesn’t Announce Itself—it Creeps In
When I ran my homecare company, I saw it time and again: caregivers didn’t realize they were burning out until they hit a breaking point. The slow creep of burnout is insidious, disguising itself as “just being busy.”
- Insight: Burnout often begins as small sacrifices—skipping meals, losing sleep, or pushing off doctor appointments for yourself. These “small” choices add up to major consequences.
- Practical Tip: Treat your self-care like an essential task, not a luxury. Prioritize daily habits like eating nourishing meals, moving your body, and finding 10 minutes of quiet reflection.
3. You’re Not Alone—But It Can Feel Like You Are
One of the most heartbreaking truths I’ve seen is how isolated caregivers feel, even when they’re surrounded by people. The responsibility feels uniquely yours, and it’s hard to reach out when you don’t know what to ask for.
- Insight: While 53 million Americans provide unpaid care1, most caregivers feel they must navigate the journey alone.
- Practical Tip: Join caregiver support groups, either locally or online. Sharing your experiences with others who understand can provide a sense of connection and practical advice.
4. It’s Okay to Let Go of Perfection (In fact, you MUST let go of perfection)
I’ve been that daughter who tried to do it all, perfectly. But caregiving is messy. There are no perfect choices—only the best ones you can make with the information you have.
- Insight: Research shows that self-compassion reduces stress and increases resilience in caregivers. The next time you feel like you’re “failing,” remind yourself: good enough is good enough.
- Practical Tip: Create a mantra for those tough moments. Mine is, “I’m doing my best, and that’s enough.”
5. Caring for Yourself Is Caring for Your Loved One (This needs to become your mantra)
I learned this the hard way. When I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and drained, I couldn’t give my mother the care she deserved. The better I cared for myself, the better I was for her.
- AHA Insight: Caregivers who prioritize their well-being provide more effective and compassionate care.
- Practical Tip: Visualize putting on your oxygen mask first—it’s not selfish, it’s survival. Block time for activities that recharge you, whether it’s walking, journaling, or simply sitting in silence.
4 Tools to Reclaim Your Energy (These are my favorite tools)
To help you find balance, here are four tools I recommend to my clients:
- Fitness Ball or Resistance Bands:
Quick, low-impact exercises can improve strength and release stress. Shop My Favorite Fitness Ball. Shop My Favorite Resistance Bands. - Gratitude Journal (e.g., “The Five-Minute Journal”):
Reflecting on small wins daily and outlining self-care commitments to yourself can shift your mindset from overwhelmed to grateful. Shop My Favorite Journal. - Sleep Support (e.g., White Noise Machine or Weighted Blanket):
Quality sleep is the foundation of resilience. Shop My Favorite Noise Machine. Shop My Weighted Blanket. - Meditation App (e.g., Calm or Insight Timer):
Just 5-10 minutes of mindfulness daily can help you reset emotionally. Over time, build on that 5-10 mins. I use Calm every day and absolutely love it. Check out the Sleep Stories!
Conclusion: You Deserve Care Too
If you’re feeling alone, overwhelmed, or burned out, know this: you’re not failing. You’re human.
Caregiving is one of the hardest, most selfless roles you’ll ever take on. But it’s not one you have to navigate alone. Let’s make 2025 the year you reclaim balance, resilience, and joy.
Reach out today at www.silversavvy.com or [email protected] if you need support or resources—whether it’s guidance, curated products, or a listening ear, SilverSavvy is here to help.
To Aging Well,
Laura Lynn Morrissey
Sources:
- AARP. (2020). Caregiving in the United States. AARP Public Policy Institute. (https://www.aarp.org/ppi/info-2020/caregiving-in-the-united-states.html) ↩︎