Health & Wellness
Caregiving is one of the most meaningful things a person can do. It can also be one of the most challenging.
Whether provided entirely by family members, shared with friends and neighbors, or supported through professional caregivers, it often involves balancing appointments, medications, household tasks, changing needs, and emotions. Some days everything seems to fall into place. Other days can feel overwhelming.
The number of people aged 65 and older is expected to more than double worldwide by 2050. Currently, more than 63 million individuals globally are caregivers; 67% are unpaid, primary carers for a household member. As populations age, more families will find themselves navigating caregiving in one form or another.
The good news? Successful caregiving isn't about one person doing everything. It's about building a partnership with people in your health circle where everyone works toward the same goals.
Start with shared priorities
When several people are involved in providing care, it's easy to focus on schedules and responsibilities first. Instead, begin with a different question: What matters most to the older adult?
Person-centered care is focusing on the needs of the person rather than the needs of the service (like caregiving). It is a collaborative process that respects each person's values, preferences, and goals. Because when everyone understands what matters most to the individual at the center, decisions become shared priorities rather than assumptions. They also become easier.
So, for some individuals staying independent at home will be the driver of decision-making. For others, it could be attending a weekly religious service, gardening, or simply enjoying breakfast without feeling rushed.
Talking about what matters the most doesn’t need to be a formal conversation – although it absolutely can be. Sometimes, it is easier when they happen around the kitchen table, during a walk, or over a cup of coffee.
Regardless, writing down shared expectations or desires can keep all caregivers clear and focused on goals. For example, noting:
- What does a good day look like?
- What routines are most important?
- Who is responsible for which tasks?
- How will everyone communicate if plans change?
A simple written plan can reduce misunderstandings and help everyone feel more confident.
Add in appreciation
Caregiving often involves countless small acts that may go unnoticed. Preparing meals. Picking up prescriptions. Driving to appointments. Folding laundry. Sitting together during a difficult afternoon. Always being available.
While these tasks may seem routine, taking a moment to recognize them can strengthen relationships and improve teamwork. Appreciation isn't only about saying "thank you." It can also mean:
- Asking for someone's opinion.
- Acknowledging effort, even when the day is difficult.
- Respecting each person's knowledge and experience.
- Including everyone in decisions.
- Giving someone an opportunity to take a well-deserved break.
- Celebrating small successes together.
Most importantly, appreciation is a two-way street. Research has found that caregivers who feel appreciated are less likely to experience depression or burnout. And the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing emphasizes that healthy aging includes recognizing older adults as active contributors to their families and communities – that includes offering advice, making decisions, and expressing preferences. When everyone feels seen, heard, and valued, caregiving becomes less about completing tasks and more about supporting one another.
Find a rhythm
Life doesn't always follow a schedule, but familiar rhythms can make each day more manageable and stable. Simple routines help reduce uncertainty and create a sense of comfort for everyone involved. These rhythms might include:
- Morning coffee together
- Taking medications at the same time each day
- Afternoon walks
- Weekly family video calls
- Favorite television programs
- Evening reading or music before bedtime
Predictability doesn't mean rigidity. It simply creates a dependable framework that makes daily life easier to navigate. Professional caregivers can become part of these familiar rhythms, helping create consistency while supporting the routines that matter most to each individual.
Sustain the care
Caregiving needs change over time. Small adjustments along the way can help everyone continue working together.
- Check in before problems grow. Set aside five or ten minutes each week to ask, "What's working well?" and "What could make this week easier?" Addressing concerns early often prevents larger problems later.
- Share responsibilities whenever possible. No contribution is too small. One person may prepare meals, another manages appointments, while a professional caregiver provides companionship or personal care. Sharing responsibilities helps prevent one person from carrying the entire load.
- Stay flexible. Health, energy, and circumstances naturally change. Revisit expectations regularly and adjust responsibilities as needed. Flexibility allows care to evolve alongside changing needs.
Work together
No one should have to provide care alone. When families, friends, neighbors, and professional caregivers work together with shared priorities, open communication, appreciation, and consistent routines, everyone benefits. At Home Care Assistance, we believe the best care is built through partnership. By working together, we can help older adults continue living with dignity, independence, and meaningful connection – one day at a time.
Better Together Worksheet
Take a few minutes with everyone involved in care to complete these simple prompts.
- Our shared goal is:
- What helps create a good day?
☐ Comfort
☐ Independence
☐ Favorite activities
☐ Time with family
☐ Staying active
☐ Good meals
☐ Quiet time
☐ Other: ______________________
- Who can help with…
Meals ______________________
Transportation ______________________
Appointments ______________________
Household tasks ______________________
Companionship ______________________
Medication reminders ______________________
- One thing we appreciate about each other (each person answers)
- One small thing we'll try this week
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Sources: WHO; Carers Worldwide; Skills for Health; Innovation in Aging; UN