November 20, 2025
November is National Family Caregivers Month, but we think they deserve attention all year long. Caregivers support their loved ones with hands-on help, healthcare management, transportation, dementia care and more … all while trying to keep up with their jobs, family responsibilities, and other parts of their lives.
Despite all they do, many caregivers report feeling guilty for not doing more, or not living up to their own expectations. And guilt is an emotion that can affect our health and our emotional well-being. It can interfere with our ability to be a good caregiver, a good parent, a good spouse and a good employee—even as we might be trying to balance all of those roles. It’s important to break that cycle.
The first step in retaining some balance in your life and shedding your sense of guilt is to recognize that what you’re feeling is completely normal. Realizing your situation is one shared by millions of others who are experiencing the same emotions may help you cope. Here are some other tips to help you take back your life.
Treat yourself with compassion and kindness.You may harbor some anger and frustration toward the person you’re caring for. You may experience profound sadness if you feel that the person you once knew is slipping away from you. You sometimes may resent the time you spend with your loved one because it’s taking time away from your career or other family responsibilities. These feelings are completely normal. Give yourself permission to feel them.
Set boundaries. As far as it is possible, let your loved one know when there are specific times that you will be unavailable for routine assistance. If there’s an event you need to attend, tell your loved one and provide an alternate source of help, if possible. If you’re going to meet your loved one in person, call ahead and ask if they need anything, so you don’t have to turn around the minute you arrive to pick up a prescription or food. Explain to your family and boss what is going on with you. It’s better that they know why you might be late sometimes or can’t attend an event.
Make connections. Find a friend you can confide in or see a counselor to help you sort out your emotions. Support groups are also a great way to connect with others in the same situation. The simple act of telling your story to a receptive audience and listening to others can be very healing. Many long-term friendships have formed among caregiver family members.
Ask family members for help.Enlist support from other relatives. If they live far away, explain what’s going on and ask them if they would be willing to take a weekend or a week to help. Hold a family meeting, if possible. Explain the toll that bearing sole responsibility for caregiving is having on you. This includes the financial impact. If other family members can’t provide support in person, ask for financial help for your loved one’s expenses and for respite care.
Enlist the support of professional caregivers. Wellspring can provide a variety of support services, including helping your loved get dressed and bathed, grocery shopping, medication management and even light housekeeping. If your loved one has more clinical needs, we also provide home health care services, including acute care for people with complex conditions and needs.
Take care of yourself.When you’re caught up in a caregiving role, it’s easy to let other things slide – like going to the gym and grocery store or getting together with friends. But being a good caregiver means taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. It’s important to eat well, exercise, get enough sleep, socialize, and to continue to feed your spirit.