Friedman Elder Law Department’s Post

Caregiving isn’t a solo act—it’s a team sport. Trying to do it all alone isn’t sustainable, and here’s the truth: You don’t have to. A caregiver once shared how she felt burnt out trying to juggle everything for her aging mom. She finally asked her brother to take over grocery shopping. To her surprise, he was thrilled to help—he just hadn’t realized how much she needed it. That small shift gave her breathing room, and her brother got to feel more connected to their mom’s care. Start by making a list of what’s overwhelming you. Then, think about who in your circle can take on one or two things. Be specific in your ask: “Can you bring dinner on Tuesdays?” or “Would you mind sitting with Dad while I catch up on errands?” Most people are eager to help—they just need a nudge. Sharing the work also means sharing the moments. Let others experience the joy and connection caregiving brings. It’s not just a task; it’s an opportunity for love and growth. Today, think about one task you could hand off and one person who could take it. Caregiving isn’t about doing it all—it’s about building a circle of care. What’s your favorite way to involve others in caregiving? Share below. Your story might inspire someone else to lighten their load.

ＬＩＶＩＮＧ   ＷＩＤＥ! It was on American Ninja Warrior last night that I first heard this. “… You may lose control over the LENGTH of your life but you never lose control over its WIDTH.” What a visual! What a WOW statement! 𝙇𝙄𝙑𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙒𝙄𝘿𝙀 is a movement that helps people with critical illnesses enjoy life. To be present with families, who face an uncertain future. 𝙇𝙄𝙑𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙒𝙄𝘿𝙀 is about focusing on what we HAVE control over and maximizing our living. It’s NOT about how long your life may be. It’s about WHAT you do while you’re here. Five For Fighting penned the lyrics, “It’s not the breaths you take. It’s how you breathe!” This is what guides me as a family caregiver. Why we created Soaring Families. There are a million things that are NOT in my control. But service to others (to Ben) 𝙄𝙎! Some days, getting beyond the stresses of caregiving makes it impossible to live WIDE. But asking myself, “What’s the MOST I can do?”, always brings the focus back to serving. And life gets a little wider. If you’re in a caregiving situation, let us help you to live wider. What a great phrase. #caregiving #caregiversupport #livingwide #aginginplace

The Bittersweet Journey of Caregiving: Finding Joy Amidst Loss Caregiving is a rewarding experience filled with moments of laughter, shared memories, and connections that go beyond professional boundaries. I have been blessed with the opportunity to care for many wonderful clients, each of them leaving a mark on my heart. But nothing quite prepares you for the day when your favorite client is no longer there. I vividly remember working with one particular client. We quickly bonded over our mutual love for gardening. Every morning, we would tend to the flowers together, sharing stories of her childhood, her travels, and her family. She wasn't just a client to me; she was a companion and a friend. Her smile, her wit, and her endless wisdom made the long hours seem like a breeze. The connection we formed turned a simple job into a fulfilling journey. But then came the day I dreaded. She passed away peacefully, and with her, a piece of my heart went, too. The empty space she left behind was palpable. The garden no longer felt the same. The laughter that once filled the room was replaced with silence. Caregiving, which had once brought me so much joy, suddenly felt heavy with loss. 🌨️ Yet, amidst the grief, I realized something profound. Caregiving isn’t just about the fun moments—it’s about being present for someone in their final stages of life, providing comfort, dignity, and companionship when they need it most. While I miss her dearly, I find peace in knowing that I was able to make her last days brighter. Caregiving is a journey filled with ups and downs. It's a role that demands both heart and strength and while it brings moments of sorrow, it also leaves you with an unmatched sense of purpose. For anyone walking a similar path, remember this: it's okay to feel the pain of loss, but never forget the impact you had and the joy you brought into someone’s life. That, in itself, is the true reward of caregiving. 🫂 #Caregiving #HealthcareProfessionals #CompassionInCare #Gratitude #CaregiverJourney #HealthcareHeroes #EmotionalWellbeing

A Heartfelt Moment in Care: The Power of Listening and Reassurance Today, I experienced a profound reminder of why we do what we do in the caregiving profession. After conducting an assessment for her father, the mother gave me and Katie a heartfelt hug with tears in her eyes. This simple, yet powerful gesture was in response to how we listened to her traumatic experiences with a previous care company and the reassurance we provided about the care we can offer. The couple had been married for 55 years, always looking after each other until he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. She has been his primary caregiver, and now they need some additional support. Our assessment questionnaire, filled with many personal questions, often makes them reflect on their long and beautiful journey together. Each assessment allows us to revisit their cherished memories, sometimes bringing tears to their eyes. This encounter was a poignant reminder of the impact genuine empathy and attentive listening can have. It’s easy to get caught up in the routines and tasks that come with caregiving, but moments like these underscore the importance of human connection. Our clients and their families entrust us with their well-being, often during vulnerable times in their lives. It is our duty to honor that trust with compassion and understanding. Listening to their story allowed us to tailor our approach to meet their specific needs, alleviating their anxieties and building a foundation of trust. Reassuring them about our commitment to high-quality care was not just about outlining our services but about showing that we genuinely care about their well-being. In the caregiving field, success isn’t measured solely by the services we provide but by the comfort and peace of mind we bring to our clients and their families. Today’s tearful hug was a reminder that our work goes beyond physical care; it’s about emotional support and building trusting relationships. As caregivers, let's strive to always listen with empathy and reassure with sincerity. It’s these moments of connection that truly define the essence of our profession. . . . #Caregiving #Empathy #Compassion #Trust #HumanConnection #lifeatva #CarerCentric #careinthecommunity

🎄 Caregiving Tools for the Holidays & Simple Tips for Families 🎄 @Naborforce The holiday season can be overwhelming for families managing caregiving responsibilities, but with the right tools and support, it can also be a time for connection, celebration, and creating memories. We’ve teamed up with Naborforce to share a guide filled with practical tips to help you care for loved ones while reducing holiday stress. Here’s what you can do: ✨ Create a caregiving plan with your family ✨ Leverage caregiving tools like @Naborforce for extra support ✨ Manage shared expenses with ease using SupportPay ✨ Prioritize self-care and flexibility to avoid burnout Remember, caregiving doesn’t have to fall on just one person’s shoulders. By collaborating with your family and using helpful tools, you can focus on what matters most—time together. 🧡 Read the full guide for more holiday caregiving tips link in our bio #CaregivingTools #HolidayCaregiving #SupportPay #FamilyCaregivers #CaregiverCommunity #Naborforce #HolidayStress

"Whether you’re deep in the caregiving journey or just beginning, hold onto these "C’s" and know that you are doing an incredible, meaningful, and beautiful thing. You are not alone in this, and the love you give makes all the difference." Check out my latest blog: The 3 C's of Caregiving https://lnkd.in/eN_mn4hA #caregivertips #CaregiverSupport #caregivercoaching #caregiversmatter

🎄 Caregiving Tools for the Holidays & Simple Tips for Families 🎄 The holiday season can be overwhelming for families managing caregiving responsibilities, but with the right tools and support, it can also be a time for connection, celebration, and creating memories. We’ve teamed up with Naborforce to share a guide filled with practical tips to help you care for loved ones while reducing holiday stress. Here’s what you can do: ✨ Create a caregiving plan with your family ✨ Leverage caregiving tools like @Naborforce for extra support ✨ Manage shared expenses with ease using SupportPay ✨ Prioritize self-care and flexibility to avoid burnout Remember, caregiving doesn’t have to fall on just one person’s shoulders. By collaborating with your family and using helpful tools, you can focus on what matters most—time together. 🧡 Read the full guide for more holiday caregiving tips link in our bio #CaregivingTools #HolidayCaregiving #SupportPay #FamilyCaregivers #CaregiverCommunity #Naborforce #HolidayStress

Amidst the demands of caregiving, remember this: the moments we create with our loved ones are the true treasures of life. Each smile shared, each story told, becomes a cherished memory that lights our path long after they're gone. Yet, just as a candle cannot burn without fuel, caregivers cannot sustainably care for others without nurturing themselves. Self-care isn't selfish—it's a vital act of compassion that replenishes our spirit, enabling us to continue giving from a place of abundance. As we navigate the journey of caregiving, let us honor both the importance of creating beautiful moments and experiences with our loved ones along with awareness of tending to our own well-being. In doing so, we embrace the delicate balance of love and self-care, ensuring that our journey is not only one of caregiving but also of grace and resilience. I too have been in the role of caregiving and speak about the toll it takes on us and how we can not only help our loved ones but also care for ourselves. 💕 In the words of Rosalynn Carter- "There are 4 types of people- those who have been a caregiver, those who are a caregiver, those who will become a caregiver, those who will need a caregiver." #caregiving #eldercare #selfcare #caregiversupport #terryjwalker #bridgingthegaptraining

Caregiving can make the holidays feel like a balancing act. While you’re giving so much of yourself, it’s important to remember that YOU matter too. Setting boundaries isn't selfish—it's necessary. This holiday season, take time to decide what YOU need to stay healthy, both physically and emotionally. Whether it's asking for help, or creating quiet moments to recharge, your well-being should be a priority. Set those boundaries. You deserve to enjoy the holidays too. And if you need a little extra support to make that happen, we're just a call away. 301-246-8857 #Caregiving #SelfCare #HealthyBoundaries #HolidayWellness #CaregiverSupport #MentalHealthMatters #EmotionalWellbeing #CaregiverCommunity #HolidayBalance #YouMatter

Ever feel like you're just treading water in the endless ocean of caregiving? I've been there too, and so has Maria. Drowning in caregiving duties, her days were a blur of stress and overwhelm. But then, we started working together. I asked Maria the question that changed everything: "What do YOU need?" Together, we navigated the choppy waters, finding space for 'me' time amidst the chaos, transforming overwhelm into control. Maria's story isn't just about resilience; it's about thriving, of understanding that self-care isn't selfish—it's essential. If you're paddling against the current, remember: your needs matter. Let's find your path to calm together. 💬 Send me a message, and let's start your journey. ID: purple background with beige circle and my headshot. With text : Drowning in the sea of caregiving, my days blurred, stress and overwhelm were my constant companions. Then, Nicole happened. For the first time, someone asked, {What do YOU need?} With Nicole's guidance, I carved out 'me' time and, unbelievably, regained control over my chaos. She showed me that my needs weren't just important; they were essential. My transformation is a testament to Nicole's magic. #caregiversupport #caregiverstress #caregivercoach #caregiving