A New Year’s Resolution: Support Each Other Better on the Journey of Care

The New Year brings a chance to start fresh, and for families caring for a loved one, it’s the perfect time to focus on strengthening support within your caregiving team. Caring for someone with dementia is a shared journey, and when families work together, the experience becomes more manageable and meaningful for everyone involved.

Share the Load

Caregiving can be overwhelming when one person shoulders most of the responsibilities. This year, resolve to:

• Delegate tasks among family members based on their strengths and availability.
• Communicate openly about what help is needed, whether it’s grocery shopping, attending medical appointments, or providing companionship.
• Regularly check in with each other to reassess and adjust responsibilities as needed.

Resolution: “We will work as a team to share caregiving tasks and support one another.”

Support Each Other Emotionally

Emotional support is just as important as practical help. Caring for a loved one can take a toll on everyone involved, so make a commitment to:

• Create a safe space where family members can share their feelings without judgment.
• Offer words of encouragement and validation to one another.
• Recognize and celebrate the contributions of every family member, no matter how big or small.

Resolution: “We will uplift and support each other emotionally throughout this journey.”

Stay Connected

Amid the busyness of caregiving, it’s easy to lose sight of the importance of family time. This year, prioritize moments to strengthen your family bond:

• Schedule regular family meetings to discuss caregiving plans and share updates.
• Spend quality time together outside of caregiving duties, whether it’s sharing a meal, playing a game, or simply reminiscing.
• Create rituals or traditions that bring joy and connection to the family.

Resolution: “We will stay connected and make time to nurture our family relationships.”

Ask for Help When Needed

It’s okay to acknowledge when you need additional support. This year, consider:

• Seeking help from professional services, like adult day programs or respite care.
• Reaching out to community resources or support groups for guidance and assistance.
• Encouraging each other to take breaks and practice self-care.

Resolution: “We will ask for help and lean on available resources to ease the caregiving load.”

Embrace the New Year Together

The caregiving journey is full of challenges, but it’s also an opportunity to strengthen family bonds and create meaningful moments together. By resolving to support one another better, you can approach the new year with renewed energy and hope.

At Elder-Well^®, we believe in the power of family and community to make caregiving a more positive experience. Let’s make this year a time of growth, connection, and shared purpose as we navigate the journey of care together.