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!!!

How the Spring Season Helps Us Heal

By Donna Nichols • March 3, 2026
Spring has a way of softening the world. The air warms, the light lingers, and suddenly the small things — a bird call, a new bloom, a gentle breeze — feel like invitations to breathe a little deeper. For many seniors, especially those carrying grief, stress, or the weight of a long winter, March can feel like a quiet turning point. Here’s why spring so often brings emotional renewal, no matter your age. 1. Light Returns, and So Does Energy Longer days naturally lift mood. More sunlight helps regulate sleep, boosts energy, and gently nudges the body out of winter’s heaviness. Even a few minutes outside can shift the way the day feels. 2. Nature Models Healing Spring is a season of second chances. Trees bud again, flowers push through the soil, and the world rebuilds itself without rushing. For seniors navigating loss or change, this slow, steady renewal can feel reassuring — a reminder that healing isn’t linear, but it is possible. 3. Movement Feels More Natural Warmer weather encourages small steps: a walk to the mailbox, a few minutes on the porch, tending to a plant. These simple movements help ease stiffness, improve mood, and reconnect the body with the world around it. 4. Social Life Blossoms Too As the weather improves, people naturally come out of hibernation. Neighbors chat outside, community events pick up, and families gather more often. Even brief interactions can brighten a day and reduce feelings of isolation. 5. Spring Encourages Reflection — and Release There’s something about fresh air and open windows that invites a mental reset. Many seniors find themselves sorting through memories, letting go of what no longer serves them, and making space for what’s next. A Season That Meets You Where You Are Spring doesn’t demand big changes. It simply offers gentle reminders: you’re still growing, still healing, still here. Whether you’re grieving, rebuilding, or simply ready for a lighter season, March brings a quiet kind of hope — one that arrives softly and stays.

Winter Wellness: Staying Safe and Steady in February

By Donna Nichols • February 5, 2026
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February and the Heart

By Donna Nichols • February 2, 2026
Small Habits That Make a Big Difference February brings a soft reminder to pause and check in with the most loyal companion we have — our heart. It beats for us without asking, carrying us through decades of joy, loss, laughter, and change. American Heart Month invites us to honor that steady work with simple habits that help us feel stronger, more energized, and more connected. The Power of Small Steps Heart health doesn’t require dramatic resolutions or strict routines. In fact, the most meaningful changes are often the smallest ones — the ones we can weave into our day without feeling overwhelmed. A ten‑minute walk after breakfast. Choosing water before coffee. Stretching your arms and shoulders while waiting for the kettle to boil. Turning on a favorite song and letting your body sway a little. These tiny choices add up. They support circulation, boost mood, and remind us that caring for ourselves is still possible at every age. Movement That Meets You Where You Are Not everyone can take long walks or join a fitness class — and that’s okay. Gentle movement counts. • Marching your feet while seated • Rolling your shoulders to release tension • Standing up and sitting down a few times to strengthen your legs • Reaching toward the ceiling to open your chest Every bit of movement helps the heart do its job with less strain. Food That Loves You Back Heart‑healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Think in terms of adding rather than restricting. • Add a handful of berries to breakfast • Add a few colorful vegetables to lunch • Add a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for healthy fats • Add one extra glass of water during the day Small additions feel doable — and they nourish the body in ways you can feel. Connection Is Heart Medicine, Too Loneliness can weigh on the heart just as much as physical strain. February is a wonderful time to reach out. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Share a memory with a grandchild. Join a community activity, even if just for an hour. Let someone know you’re thinking of them. Human connection is one of the most powerful heart‑protective habits we have. A Month to Celebrate Your Strength Your heart has carried you through so much — every milestone, every challenge, every moment of joy. This month is not about perfection. It’s about honoring your resilience and choosing one or two small habits that make you feel good. A healthier heart doesn’t happen overnight. It happens in the quiet, steady choices we make each day. And February is the perfect time to begin.