{"id":248084,"date":"2025-06-13T23:06:59","date_gmt":"2025-06-14T03:06:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/?p=248084"},"modified":"2025-07-01T23:08:44","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T03:08:44","slug":"how-to-maintain-relationships-when-youre-a-caregiver","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/how-to-maintain-relationships-when-youre-a-caregiver\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Maintain Relationships When You&#8217;re a Caregiver"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Taking on the role of caregiver for a spouse or aging parent can be both rewarding and overwhelming. Many people who find themselves in this position struggle to maintain a balance between caring for a loved one and nurturing their personal relationships. It\u2019s easy to understand why. From managing physician appointments to assisting with personal care and medications, being a family caregiver can be all-consuming.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">But staying connected to your friends and social network is important. There\u2019s growing research that shows the demands of caring for a family member and the isolation that often results can have a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC2791523\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">negative impact on a caregiver\u2019s health<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. It increases the likelihood of a variety of conditions, ranging from depression to back injuries and other medical problems.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">While it may be tough to accomplish, maintaining relationships with friends and family is important to a caregiver\u2019s own wellness. The key lies in careful planning and a willingness to let others help.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 data-ccp-border-bottom=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-bottom=\"0px\" data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Staying Connected<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335572071&quot;:0,&quot;335572072&quot;:0,&quot;335572073&quot;:0,&quot;335572075&quot;:0,&quot;335572076&quot;:0,&quot;335572077&quot;:0,&quot;335572079&quot;:0,&quot;335572080&quot;:0,&quot;335572081&quot;:0,&quot;335572083&quot;:0,&quot;335572084&quot;:0,&quot;335572085&quot;:0,&quot;335572087&quot;:0,&quot;335572088&quot;:0,&quot;335572089&quot;:0,&quot;469789798&quot;:&quot;nil&quot;,&quot;469789802&quot;:&quot;nil&quot;,&quot;469789806&quot;:&quot;nil&quot;,&quot;469789810&quot;:&quot;nil&quot;,&quot;469789814&quot;:&quot;nil&quot;}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Here are some tips to help you balance your health and wellness with a loved one\u2019s needs:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335572071&quot;:0,&quot;335572072&quot;:0,&quot;335572073&quot;:0,&quot;335572075&quot;:0,&quot;335572076&quot;:0,&quot;335572077&quot;:0,&quot;335572079&quot;:0,&quot;335572080&quot;:0,&quot;335572081&quot;:0,&quot;335572083&quot;:0,&quot;335572084&quot;:0,&quot;335572085&quot;:0,&quot;335572087&quot;:0,&quot;335572088&quot;:0,&quot;335572089&quot;:0,&quot;469789798&quot;:&quot;nil&quot;,&quot;469789802&quot;:&quot;nil&quot;,&quot;469789806&quot;:&quot;nil&quot;,&quot;469789810&quot;:&quot;nil&quot;,&quot;469789814&quot;:&quot;nil&quot;}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"19\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Have realistic expectations: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A good first step is to admit you can\u2019t do everything like you always have. Although it may be difficult, tell your friends you need a break or won\u2019t be able to attend every outing and event you used to, but you appreciate their efforts to still include you. Then give yourself permission to join your friends when it\u2019s possible.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"19\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Prioritize self-care: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">One of the best ways to maintain relationships is to make your own wellness a priority. It\u2019s essential to remember that if you experience burnout or a health crisis, you won\u2019t be able to care for your loved one at all. But if you find ways to take care of yourself, you\u2019ll be a better caregiver. Carve out time for yourself, even if it\u2019s just a few minutes in the morning to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.today.com\/health\/diet-fitness\/walking-pad-review-rcna134124\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">log some time on a walking pad<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> or practice a few minutes of chair yoga.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"19\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Share with friends: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Share your victories, emotions and struggles with people who are close to you. Your true friends will genuinely want to know how you\u2019re doing, and they&#8217;ll feel more valued if you ask them for help when you need it. By talking about your successes and challenges, you\u2019ll provide them with opportunities to assist you, even if it\u2019s simply by sending a daily text message.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/wordpress-1356161-4987865.cloudwaysapps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/iStock-1662912416.jpg\" width=\"486\" height=\"324\" \/><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"19\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Schedule time with loved ones: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When you are in the thick of caring for a love<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">d one, time can easily get away from you. That\u2019s why it\u2019s crucial to mark time on the calendar for those who matter most. These family and friend appointments are just as important as any other appointment you can schedule. Set up a coffee break or lunch or another personal connection, if possible. But if that\u2019s not feasible, take advantage of video chat platforms like Zoom or FaceTime. Consistency helps foster a sense of connection, even if you can\u2019t meet in person.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Enlist help: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Family caregivers often feel as if they need to handle everything on their own. It\u2019s often because they believe no one else can do as good a job as they do or they&#8217;re reluctant to ask for help. In reality, not accepting help often leads to a crisis for the caregiver and can even hurt the feelings of friends and family who genuinely want to help. If you don\u2019t have anyone in the family who is available to help on a regular basis, explore local <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/wordpress-1356161-4987865.cloudwaysapps.com\/service\/al-respite-care\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">respite services at a senior living community<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. These are designed to give caregivers a break. If finances are an issue, your local agency on aging might have financial programs that can help.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Remember, you&#8217;re not alone: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Broadly speaking, approximately 100 million US adults are functioning as caregivers for a child, parent, or other relative.\u00a0 In 2020, it was estimated that 53 million in-home caregivers were providing care to senior adults, and that number continues to grow. There are online support groups that provide a way to find others experiencing the same challenges. <a href=\"https:\/\/visitcaregiverway.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Caregiver Way<\/a> provides a safe place for thoughtfulness about caregiving topics provided by experts, valuable time-saving tips, as well as connection with others who are walking a similar path.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335572071&quot;:0,&quot;335572072&quot;:0,&quot;335572073&quot;:0,&quot;335572075&quot;:0,&quot;335572076&quot;:0,&quot;335572077&quot;:0,&quot;335572079&quot;:0,&quot;335572080&quot;:0,&quot;335572081&quot;:0,&quot;335572083&quot;:0,&quot;335572084&quot;:0,&quot;335572085&quot;:0,&quot;335572087&quot;:0,&quot;335572088&quot;:0,&quot;335572089&quot;:0,&quot;469789798&quot;:&quot;nil&quot;,&quot;469789802&quot;:&quot;nil&quot;,&quot;469789806&quot;:&quot;nil&quot;,&quot;469789810&quot;:&quot;nil&quot;,&quot;469789814&quot;:&quot;nil&quot;}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-ccp-border-bottom=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-bottom=\"0px\" data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\"><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335572071&quot;:0,&quot;335572072&quot;:0,&quot;335572073&quot;:0,&quot;335572075&quot;:0,&quot;335572076&quot;:0,&quot;335572077&quot;:0,&quot;335572079&quot;:0,&quot;335572080&quot;:0,&quot;335572081&quot;:0,&quot;335572083&quot;:0,&quot;335572084&quot;:0,&quot;335572085&quot;:0,&quot;335572087&quot;:0,&quot;335572088&quot;:0,&quot;335572089&quot;:0,&quot;469789798&quot;:&quot;nil&quot;,&quot;469789802&quot;:&quot;nil&quot;,&quot;469789806&quot;:&quot;nil&quot;,&quot;469789810&quot;:&quot;nil&quot;,&quot;469789814&quot;:&quot;nil&quot;}\">\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There&#8217;s help when you need it.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p data-ccp-border-between=\"0px none #000000\" data-ccp-padding-between=\"0px\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you are an at-home caregiver struggling to find time to care for your own health and well-being, we invite you to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/wordpress-1356161-4987865.cloudwaysapps.com\/communities\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">contact an ASC location near you<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. One of our experienced team members will be happy to help you explore options ranging from <a href=\"https:\/\/wordpress-1356161-4987865.cloudwaysapps.com\/importance-respite-care\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">respite<\/a> to assisted living and memory care. We welcome in-person visits to talk about your loved one and welcome you any time.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335572071&quot;:0,&quot;335572072&quot;:0,&quot;335572073&quot;:0,&quot;335572075&quot;:0,&quot;335572076&quot;:0,&quot;335572077&quot;:0,&quot;335572079&quot;:0,&quot;335572080&quot;:0,&quot;335572081&quot;:0,&quot;335572083&quot;:0,&quot;335572084&quot;:0,&quot;335572085&quot;:0,&quot;335572087&quot;:0,&quot;335572088&quot;:0,&quot;335572089&quot;:0,&quot;469789798&quot;:&quot;nil&quot;,&quot;469789802&quot;:&quot;nil&quot;,&quot;469789806&quot;:&quot;nil&quot;,&quot;469789810&quot;:&quot;nil&quot;,&quot;469789814&quot;:&quot;nil&quot;}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Taking on the role of caregiver for a spouse or aging parent can be both rewarding and overwhelming. Many people who find themselves in this position struggle to maintain a balance between caring for a loved one and nurturing their personal relationships. It\u2019s easy to understand why. From managing physician appointments to assisting with personal [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":248085,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[555,1079,550],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-248084","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-caregiving-2","category-mental-health","category-respite-care"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/248084","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=248084"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/248084\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/248085"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=248084"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=248084"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.asccare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=248084"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}