Getting Help As A Caregiver

Donna Nichols • August 23, 2022

Okay, so you’re a caregiver and feel guilty for wanting some time alone. There is no shame in getting help as a caregiver and saying I need a break!

Why? Because it’s in our nature to think we can do everything on our own without asking for help, but you and I both know, deep down, that’s not true!

Sometimes, we all need help and caregiving is a full-time job in itself. I’m sure you also have to keep the house, do laundry, cook meals and sometimes take care of children. That’s a lot for a person to handle. Asking for help is nothing to feel guilty about and can cause damage to your own health if you don’t.

Here are some recommendations for ways to get outside help for yourself.

Ask Family & Friends for Help

Ask your family and close friends. Some people don’t realize you need help unless you ask for it. Sit down and have one-on-one conversations with each person and detail what you will require of them. Play on their individual strengths when asking them to do things; such as grocery shopping, running errands, doing home repairs, light housekeeping, etc. Figure out who does what best and use that to your advantage.

Hire Someone

Hire someone for the home tasks. Caregiving can be overwhelming and taking care of the everyday household chores can add to your stress. If no family members or friends are available, hire someone to do those things for you. Have someone come in and do the housekeeping, grocery shopping, lawn maintenance, home repairs, and cooking the meals. This will ease up so much of your time and relieve a lot of stress off your shoulders. 

Hire a Caregiver

Hire a caregiver to come into the home. As we age, our needs increase and this means the caregiver must take on much more. Your loved one may require more attention such as bathing, dressing, feeding, etc., but you already have your hands full so don’t take on more than you can handle. Hire a caregiver to come in a few hours a day or week to give yourself a much-needed break. 

Adult Day-Care

Enroll your loved one in an adult daycare program. These programs are places where your loved one can go and receive socialization, care, and nutritious meals for the day. They are generally offered through the local Council on Aging and in some of the assisted living communities. Adult daycare programs can also be less costly than hiring a home caregiver.

Respite Care

Find local respite care. What is respite care ? Respite care is when your loved one goes to an assisted living community for a minimum of two weeks and they receive all the amenities as if they lived there permanently. This is also a great way to introduce assisted living to your loved one. Who knows, they may love it and not want to leave.

Support Groups

Join a support group! This is so important for your mental health. This gives you the opportunity to meet others experiencing the same feelings and issues you are. Assisted Living Made Simple holds five support groups a month throughout Volusia County. Please find one that fits your schedule.

You are NOT alone on this journey.

As you can see, there are many ways to find help if you are a caregiver. We at Assisted Living Made Simple know how hard it is to juggle life alone and throwing caregiving on top of it can be a real struggle.

PLEASE reach out for help! Our services are always FREE!!!

The Heart of Guidance: The Role of a Senior Advisor in Elder Care

By Donna Nichols • September 5, 2025
In a world that often moves too fast, senior advisors offer something rare and essential: time, understanding, and a steady hand. Unlike their counterparts in the business world, senior advisors in elder care aren’t focused on profit margins—they’re focused on people. Who They Are Senior advisors in this space are often seasoned professionals, caregivers, or community advocates who help older adults and their families navigate complex decisions. They may work in senior living communities, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, or independently. What They Do • Guide families through transitions: Whether it's choosing assisted living or downsizing a home, senior advisors help make sense of it all. • Advocate for dignity and autonomy: They ensure that older adults’ voices are heard and respected in every decision. • Connect to resources: From transportation and wellness programs to Alzheimer’s and grief support, they know where to turn. • Offer emotional support: Sometimes, the most valuable thing they offer is a listening ear and a calming presence. Why It Matters A senior advisor isn’t just a resource—they’re a lifeline. They help families breathe easier, empower older adults to make informed choices, and bring compassion into moments that can feel overwhelming. If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds like me,” you’re not alone. Many of us play this role informally, answering questions, calming nerves, and connecting dots. Whether you’re a professional advisor or a trusted neighbor, your presence makes a difference.  If you or someone you love is facing a big decision and could use a calm, caring guide—we’re here. No pressure, no jargon, just real people ready to help. Call us today on 386-847-2322 to start the conversation. Sometimes, the first step is simply knowing you’re not alone.

Grandparents Day: A Celebration of Heart, Humor & Heritage

By Donna Nichols • September 4, 2025
September brings a quiet kind of magic—the golden light, the hint of fall in the air, and a moment to honor the everyday heroes who’ve shaped our lives with love, laughter, and legendary stories: our grandparents. Whether you’re a grandparent yourself, a grateful grandchild, or someone who’s been “adopted” by a wise elder in your life, Grandparents Day is a chance to pause and celebrate the beautiful bridge between generations. What Makes Grandparents So Grand? • They’re walking history books—with tales of jukeboxes, moon landings, and the original recipe for Sunday gravy. • They’re master cheerleaders, showing up with hugs, cookies, and the kind of encouragement that sticks for life. • They’re wisdom whisperers, offering advice that somehow makes more sense with each passing year. And let’s be honest: they’ve also got the best one-liners, the quirkiest traditions, and the uncanny ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room. A Legacy of Love Grandparents teach us that love doesn’t have to be loud to be lasting. It’s in the quiet gestures: the handwritten birthday card, the saved newspaper clipping, the way they remember your favorite snack or ask about that thing you mentioned weeks ago. They remind us that resilience is built over time—through hard work, humor, and a whole lot of heart. Their stories carry lessons we didn’t know we needed until we suddenly find ourselves living them. And for those who’ve lost a grandparent, this day can be bittersweet. But it’s also a chance to honor their memory—by sharing their stories, cooking their favorite dish, or simply whispering a thank-you into the September breeze. Celebrate with Us: A Little Fun for the Big Day This Grandparents Day, we invite you to:  • Share a memory: What’s one moment with a grandparent that still makes you smile? • Send a shoutout: Post a photo or quote from your favorite grandparent on social media and tag us.

Honoring Our Elders: National Senior Citizens Day

By Donna Nichols • August 14, 2025
On August 21, we pause to celebrate the heartbeat of our communities—our senior citizens. This day isn’t just about marking a date on the calendar. It’s about recognizing the wisdom, resilience, and warmth that older adults bring to every conversation, every gathering, and every generation. Wisdom That Lights the Way From stories of first jobs and family traditions to lessons learned through love and loss, seniors carry a lifetime of insight. Their experiences are more than memories—they’re guideposts for those still finding their way. Today, we honor those stories and the voices behind them. Connection That Matters Whether it’s a neighborly wave, a shared recipe, or a quiet moment on the porch, seniors remind us that connection doesn’t need fanfare—it just needs heart. National Senior Citizens Day is a chance to say, “We see you. We value you. We’re better because of you.” Ways to Celebrate Host a storytelling circle or memory-sharing event Share a favorite photo and the story behind it Create a “Senior Spotlight” wall with quotes and wisdom Invite younger generations to learn a skill from a senior (gardening, baking, crafting) Spend time—listen, laugh, and learn A Day of Gratitude Let’s make August 21 a day of genuine appreciation. Whether you’re a senior yourself or someone lucky enough to know and love one, take a moment to reflect on the richness they bring to our lives. Their legacy is living, breathing, and beautifully unfolding every day.  This is a day to be celebrated every day! Senior citizens bring so much fulfillment to our lives, and we need to embrace the moments we spend with them, for they are precious.