As of 2023, over 37 million Americans are caring for an elderly family member, friend, or neighbor. This support is often unpaid, time-consuming, and mentally draining. To honor these caregivers and the sacrifices they make, February 21 is National Caregivers Day.

Many caregivers have their own jobs and lives, and experience conflicts between competing responsibilities. Caregiving has also been shown to take a toll on emotional, physical, and financial well-being. Nearly half of all caregivers over age 50 and end up suffering a decline in their own physical and mental health. 

If you have taken a caregiving role, prioritizing your own wellness is still essential. AltaMed celebrates you, your commitment, and the love you give. Below you’ll find a list of simple tips to maintain good physical and mental health. Remember, help is always available.

Tips for Caregivers

You can only support others if you’re feeling up to the task. To avoid the resentment or burnout that caregiving can bring, consider the following:

1. Seek support from other caregivers. There are plenty of people dealing with the same situations.
2. Take care of your own health, otherwise you can’t care for a loved one.
3. Accept offers of help and make suggestions about ways people can support you.
4. Learn to effectively communicate with doctors.
5. Take frequent breaks from the hard work of caregiving.
6. Be alert for signs of depression and get the help you need.
7. Be open to new technologies to help with caring for a loved one.
8. Keep medical information organized and up to date.
9. Keep legal documents organized.
10. You are doing an extremely difficult job, so give yourself credit.

Keeping Seniors Healthy at Home

The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE, was established by Medicare to help independent seniors with complex medical needs. The program helps participants avoid nursing homes and instead, receive the care and services necessary to help them stay safe, comfortable, and healthy living in their own home. PACE offers care coordination, transportation, social services, and meals, all in a positive, comfortable environment.

Since 1996, the AltaMed PACE program has helped Southern California seniors grow healthy. In fact, AltaMed was the state’s first licensed and accredited PACE program. The AltaMed PACE program has grown to 15 centers, serving more than 4,000 seniors each year.

PACE is for independent seniors (55+) who may need assistance in performing activities of daily living but can still live in their homes and navigate their communities with the help of PACE services. Medicare-eligible seniors who live in the PACE service area are encouraged to apply.

To get started, click here or call: (855) 252-PACE or (855) 252-7223.