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Every day, millions of caregivers pour their hearts into supporting others—offering comfort, companionship, and unwavering dedication. But how often do we pause to ask: Who takes care of the caregivers?

On National Caregivers Day 2025, we turn the spotlight on these selfless individuals, recognizing their sacrifices and the profound impact they have on the lives of those they serve. Whether they are family caregivers or professional aides, their compassion is the backbone of home care, ensuring that aging loved ones receive the support they need to thrive.

This year, let’s go beyond gratitude. Let’s explore ways to uplift caregivers, prioritize their well-being, and provide them with the resources and appreciation they truly deserve. Because when we care for caregivers, we strengthen the entire circle of care.

When engaging with family caregivers, lead with empathy, understanding, and compassion. You might host or sponsor appreciation events, provide resources and support, bring support groups into the limelight, offer respite care programs, educational materials, and opportunities for community involvement.

Further, post information, articles, etc., important to them on your agency’s website. Post on social media platforms and drive education initiatives for family caregivers.

• Engage clients to foster recommendations

  Caregivers must ask clients thoughtful, specific questions that show genuine interest in their caregiving experience. Understanding their needs and challenges builds rapport and increases the likelihood of recommendations.

• Role-play scenarios with staff

  Prepare staff for authentic, meaningful interactions by role-playing scenarios where they can express appreciation to family caregivers. This practice equips them to show empathy and support in a personalized way.

• Develop a targeted marketing program

  Create a dedicated marketing initiative that celebrates family caregivers, showcasing their contributions and offering them resources that resonate with their needs.

• Implement flexible scheduling

  Offer a flexible schedule that recognizes family caregivers’ time constraints and responsibilities. This adaptability can make a significant difference in their experience with your agency.

• Educate staff on home care technologies

  Empower family caregivers by educating them and your team on the latest home care technologies and resources that can improve care quality and convenience.

Whether it’s offering a Minimum Value plan or any ancillary benefits, it goes a long way in showing your aides that you care about them. 

Also, many, if not most home health aides are on Medicaid. They don’t need dental and vision, they have it covered through Medicaid. 

There are ancillary benefits that are attractive, those that aren’t covered by their Medicaid. For example, clients can provide their aides with Aflac Critical Illness benefits, or a discount benefits package. 

Family caregivers of people with dementia often face the challenge of prioritizing their own well-being, a vital step often overlooked. In my 35 years of experience, I’ve seen too many caregivers pass away before their loved ones due to neglecting their own needs. 

Home care agencies can support these caregivers by actively lightening their load year-round. Also, be open to the ongoing new normals—acknowledge and validate, don’t impose “shoulds” on caregivers.

Caregivers must utilize the resources available to them when caring for someone with dementia. Today, numerous virtual activities can engage your loved one, relieving you of the pressure to entertain them all day long.

Further, day programs can provide a wonderful opportunity for your loved one to enjoy their day and interact with like-minded individuals. Home care agencies also offer services that include activities and companionship, which can be a great support.

Above all, be kind to yourself. Caregiving is an incredibly challenging, often thankless job, and it’s vital to acknowledge the grief you may be experiencing. Taking small breaks, even just for 10 or 15 minutes, is crucial for your well-being.

Tune in as we welcome Simon T. Bailey, recognized as the World’s Leading Expert in Brilliance. Named a Top 25 Thought Leader by Success magazine and featured on prestigious power lists, Simon has left an indelible mark on over 2,400 organizations worldwide through his work at the Disney Institute. 

He captivates audiences, inspiring them to lead better, stay curious, and embrace a growth mindset.

Some ways you can support and recognize family caregivers include:

1. Recognizing caregivers on your social media channels or in your agency newsletter, applauding them for the critical role they play.

1. Provide recognition certificates or personalized thank-you messages to acknowledge each family caregiver’s contributions.

1. Make efforts to involve family caregivers in care planning discussions. Open dialogues on goal setting, treatment, and specific care needs can enhance mutual understanding and foster a deeper partnership.

1. Launch a peer support group, either virtually or in person, where caregivers can share experiences and advice. Home care agencies can facilitate these meetings and invite professionals to answer questions, enhancing a supportive community.

1. Family caregivers often face burnout and stress. By providing resource kits with guides, tips, and access to local resources, designed to address common caregiver challenges, including information on mental health and well-being, you can provide support for the holistic well-being of those who give so much of themselves day in and day out.

Also, during the holiday season, while meeting client needs is essential, it’s equally important to give staff the chance to recharge and enjoy the holidays with their loved ones. Here are some best practices to help agencies navigate this challenging time effectively:

1. Start holiday scheduling as early as possible. Survey staff for their holiday availability and preferences and identify potential coverage gaps early.

1. Consider implementing flexible staffing options, like part-time holiday shifts, staggered scheduling, or “on-call” rotations, to give team members more options while maintaining coverage.

1. Recognize the effort of staff working during the holidays by offering incentives, such as holiday pay, meal vouchers, or even small gift cards. Acknowledging their dedication can boost morale and help staff feel valued during this busy time.

1. Inform clients and families of any temporary adjustments, such as different caregivers. Clear communication can help avoid misunderstandings and foster trust, making transitions smoother for everyone involved.

There are several ways to support family caregivers:  

1. Encourage open communication

   Families must discuss caregiving responsibilities early to avoid misunderstandings, resentment, and emotional strain.  

2. Share responsibilities fairly

   Caregiving should not fall solely on one person. Families should collaborate and assign roles to prevent burnout.

3. Understand the care recipient’s wishes

   Having conversations about preferences for care and end-of-life decisions can prevent uncertainty and conflicts later.  

4. Build a support network

   Caregivers need both emotional and practical support from family, friends, and professionals. 

5. Seek professional guidance

   Financial advisors and estate attorneys can help navigate legal and financial challenges, ensuring caregiving doesn’t become an overwhelming burden.  

6. Plan for financial strain

   The costs of caregiving can be substantial, so financial planning is crucial to protecting the family’s stability.  

Overall, Michael’s experience underscores the importance of preparation, teamwork, and professional support to prevent caregiving from becoming a source of division and hardship.

Natalie emphasizes that caregivers should put on the ‘oxygen mask’ before caring for others:

1. Acknowledge the emotional toll

   Caregiving comes with complex emotions—depression, guilt, shame, frustration—and it’s important to recognize and validate these feelings without judgment.

1. Normalize the challenges

   It’s okay to admit that caregiving is hard. Accepting that the experience is challenging doesn’t diminish the love for those being cared for; it simply acknowledges the human reality of the role.

1. Prioritize self-care

   Just like the airplane oxygen mask analogy, caregivers must take care of themselves first. Their well-being is crucial not only for their own sake but also for their ability to support their loved ones.

1. Utilize available resources

   There are resources and services (such as counseling, support groups, or professional help) that can provide practical and emotional support. Using these resources is a sign of strength, not weakness.

1. Foster a supportive community

   Knowing that you’re not alone—connecting with others who understand and share the caregiving journey—can be incredibly reassuring and helpful.

Join us as author and entrepreneur Anne Grady shares her insights on the science behind resilience and practical strategies for combating burnout in home care. 

Drawing from her latest book, “Mind Over Moment: Harness the Power of Resilience,” Anne outlines a research-based approach to cultivating a resilient mindset and skillset, empowering caregivers to better navigate the challenges they face. Tune in now!

Recognize that taking care of yourself is essential to being an effective caregiver. By prioritizing your well-being, you not only improve your own quality of life but also enhance your ability to care for others.

Understand that the caregiving journey can be overwhelming, terrifying, and exhausting. Accepting these feelings is an important step toward managing them.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Recognizing that support is available—and reaching out for it—can make a significant difference. Also, be mindful of your feelings and needs throughout the caregiving process. Self-awareness can guide you in making decisions that honor both your well-being and that of the person you’re caring for.

Moreover, treat yourself with kindness, generosity, and love. Understand that while caregiving is an honor, you also deserve to care for and honor yourself. Lastly, by sharing your experiences, strength, and hope, you can empower and support others on their caregiving journey. Also, consider using available resources to get practical tips and guidance.

Hear what strategies expert Colleen DelVecchio has to share to prevent burnout in home care. Get to know the difference between caregiver stress, depression, and compassion fatigue, and how home care leaders can foster a sense of connection and community among geographically dispersed caregivers. 

Also learn how open communication can be established between caregivers and agencies to prevent burnout before it happens, and much more.

The pandemic has intensified caregiver burnout to epidemic levels, with some cases proving fatal. Acknowledging the severity of burnout is the first step toward addressing it. There’s a need for a caregiving model that considers both the caregiver’s and the senior’s needs as a single unit, rather than focusing solely on the care recipient.

Ongoing education and resource-sharing is key. To combat burnout, I have created a comprehensive 4-week training program designed specifically to help caregivers relieve burnout and sustain their well-being. This program serves as a practical tool to provide the necessary support.

Recognizing and naming the negative emotions—like feeling overwhelmed or down—is crucial. By understanding these feelings, caregivers can prevent them from derailing their focus and energy. Besides, keeping sight of the larger goal—the well-being of the loved one—helps caregivers push through the hard moments and find meaning in their efforts.

Next, cherishing everyday experiences, like a drive or a surprise in a store, not only brings joy but also strengthens the bond between the caregiver and the care recipient. Further, engaging with family and friends—whether through small gatherings or shared activities—can create a support network that provides both emotional uplift and practical help.

Embracing the caregiving journey, despite its challenges, can lead to personal empowerment. 

Nurturing those who nurture

On National Caregivers Day 2025, we honor the silent heroes who nurture, support, and uplift those in need. We shine a light on caregivers who balance selflessness with sacrifice, reminding them that their well-being matters. As we celebrate their unwavering compassion, let us commit to building supportive networks, sharing resources, and encouraging self-care.

Every kind gesture, every moment of respite, makes a difference. By caring for caregivers, we strengthen the entire circle of care. Together, let us inspire hope, foster resilience, and ensure that every caregiver feels appreciated, understood, and empowered on their lifelong journey with genuine, heartfelt support.