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!!!

What can a Senior Advisor do for you?

By Donna Nichols • July 17, 2025
A senior advisor is a personal guide or advocate for older adults and their families. Here’s what they can do for you: Help Navigate Options They can explain the differences between independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing homes, and in-home care, and recommend the best option for a person's health, lifestyle, and budget. Find the Right Community or Services They often have knowledge of (and connections with) local senior living communities or services. They’ll: Match your needs to suitable options Setting up tours Even help ask the right questions Assist with Financial Planning Some advisors can help figure out how to pay for care: Understanding long-term care insurance Veterans’ benefits Medicaid/Medicare guidance Budget planning Guide Legal and Paperwork Stuff They can refer you to elder law attorneys, help with advance directives, or even help you understand contracts from senior living facilities. Support for Families They can act as a neutral third party when families struggle with decisions, easing tension and helping everyone feel informed and involved. Assist with Movers and Downsizers Some advisors have connections with movers, downsizers, and other people who can make your transition smooth.  If you believe a senior advisor can assist you, please call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation at 386-847-2322 . Our services are 100% FREE to you! What have you got to lose?

Beating the Florida Summer Heat

By Donna Nichols • July 7, 2025
Florida summers come in three flavors: hot, hotter, and what fresh hell is this? Whether you're a lifelong local or newly initiated into the Sunshine Sweat Fest, you know it’s more survival sport than season. So, how do we stay cool without losing our cool? Here’s your sun-savvy guide to getting through it. Make hydration a hobby Not just water, electrolytes are your best friends when you're sweaty. Coconut water, cucumber-mint spritzers, watermelon slices. If your drink doesn’t sparkle, chill, or drip condensation like a rom-com montage, it’s not summer-ready. Dress for success and summertime Loose, light, breathable fabrics. Cotton, linen, or the holy grail: moisture-wicking. Bonus points for sun hats and SPF clothing that make you look like a beach detective on vacation. Fans ARE your best friends Table fans, ceiling fans, handheld fans—the whole rotation. Keep them oscillating like your thoughts during a political debate. And if you’ve got a cooling towel? You’re royalty. Avoid the “Roasting Hours” From 11 AM to 4 PM, Florida turns into a convection oven. Errands, walks, and yard work? Schedule them early or late. Unless you’re trying to get baked like a Publix cookie—then by all means. Sunscreen is a lifestyle Apply, reapply, then pretend  you're an influencer and do it again. Because nothing says “I’m melting” like a shoulder burn shaped like your purse strap. Eat lightly Cold meals can be your best friend—salads, chilled pasta, and fruit-forward lunches are all options. Bonus points if you serve them on plates fresh from the fridge like the true champion you are. Rest, reset, repeat If the heat’s making you crankier than a mosquito at a citronella convention, take breaks: shade, air conditioning, quiet corners. Recharge without guilt—you’re surviving a sauna with its own zip code. Florida heat might be relentless, but so are we. With humor, hydration, and a healthy dose of stubborn grace, we ride the wave and keep the ice cubes coming. Stay cool out there, friends. You’ve got this.

Honoring Independence Day with Grace

By Donna Nichols • July 2, 2025
Not every 4th of July needs to burst with fireworks. For many older adults, especially those with tender hearing, health challenges, or a fondness for quieter joys, Independence Day can be just as meaningful in a slower rhythm. It’s the scent of something delicious simmering nearby, the comfort of a cool seat and a cherished show, and the simple dignity of being remembered; of having made it this far, with stories to tell and wisdom that still glows brighter than any sparkler. Caregiver Tips for a Thoughtful 4th: Keep things soft and soothing. Loud sounds can be jarring for seniors with sensory sensitivities, dementia, or PTSD. Choose instrumental patriotic music or old-time radio shows that bring joy without overwhelming them. Build a gentle plate. Soft, easy-to-eat favorites like tender pulled chicken, mashed potatoes, or a festive red, white, and blue parfait (layered Greek yogurt, mashed berries, and crushed graham crackers) keep things celebratory without strain. Spark memories, not stress. Bring out family photo albums, classic Americana films, or even music from their youth. Columbo, The Andy Griffith Show, or golden-age musicals can be a comforting trip down memory lane. Create rest-friendly spaces. A cozy chair near the window, a shaded seat outside, or even a reclined viewing spot for a live TV broadcast of fireworks can help them feel included without fatigue. Let them lead the conversation. Ask about what Independence Day meant to them growing up. You might discover tales of ration books, war bonds, or dancing at VFW halls. These stories are treasures wrapped in the quiet of the day.  In the end, Independence Day is about honoring resilience—the kind that’s quieter, often overlooked, but profoundly enduring. Whether you’re caring for someone, being cared for, or simply holding space for reflection, there’s beauty in choosing peace over spectacle. This Fourth of July, let’s celebrate not just the freedom of a nation but also the freedom to adapt, to rest, and to cherish those we love in the way that suits them best.
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