9 Practical Strategies for Coping with Stress as a Senior Caregiver

Being the primary caregiver for a senior loved one can feel overwhelming and stressful. And it can impact your health and wellbeing in major ways. 

A Blue Cross Blue Shield survey measuring the effects of unpaid caregiving found: 

• Caregivers experience a 26% greater impact of physical and mental conditions that could lower their overall health.

• Caregivers have reported an increase in feeling stressed, isolated and lonely since the pandemic, with 57% of caregivers reporting significant levels of stress, anxiety and depression. 

• Caregivers are at greater risk of serious health conditions, including adjustment disorder, anxiety, major depression, tobacco use disorder, obesity and hypertension, than people who aren’t caregivers. 

Stress can cause physical symptoms, such as headaches, worry, fatigue, irritability, depression, poor sleep and weight gain or loss. In response to the stress, the survey found many caregivers use negative coping mechanisms, like food (50%), medication (18%) and alcohol (14%). 

To care for your loved one, you need to be at your best. Trying to manage everything alone can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion. And, not to mention, and increased likelihood of burnout.

Here are nine tips to help you manage stress and burnout that comes with caring for a loved one who is aging. 

1. Eat Healthy Meals

Besides affecting your physical health, stress can also impact your immune system and make you more vulnerable to getting sick. It’s important to take care of yourself so you can take care of your loved one, so make it a priority to eat nutrient-dense meals regularly. If you’re too busy, consider a delivery service that provides ingredients or premade meals. 

2. Move Your Body

In addition to physical benefits, exercising even just a few minutes a day can lift your mood and help you sleep better. Walk with your loved one outside, or follow along with a workout video online. 

3. Make Your Mental Health a Priority

Take a few moments each day to practice mindfulness through prayer, yoga or meditation. Don’t forget self-care like a massage, manicure or pedicure. 

4. Seek Help When You Need It

Individual talk therapy provides a safe, nonjudgmental space for you to express your emotions related to caregiving. Your therapist can teach you healthy ways to cope with stress and how to set boundaries to prevent burnout. Many mental health therapists are available virtually to accommodate your busy schedule. 

5. Create a Sleep Schedule

If you aren’t sleeping well (or enough), it can impact your mood and your judgment. And it can also make you more likely to be obese or have high blood pressure. Create a schedule and stick to it. 

6. Reach Out to Your Support Network

If someone–a neighbor, friend or family member–offers to help, accept their help. It’s easy to feel isolated, especially if you’re providing 24/7 care for your senior loved one. Make sure to check in with other family and friends regularly. 

If you let stress build up for too long, you may begin to feel resentful. Share your emotions with a therapist or a trusted friend, or consider joining a support group for caregivers.

The Council on Aging of West Florida offers monthly caregiver support groups in Pensacola. 

• Pensacola Caregiver Support Group: Meets at 9 a.m. on the last Thursday of each month - Myrtle Grove Baptist Church, 5920 Lillian Hwy. 
• When Roles Are Reversed: For children of parents diagnosed with dementia. Meets at 6 p.m. on the first Monday of each month - Council on Aging of West Florida, 875 Royce St. Reservations requested at 850-432-1475.

7. Make Money Management Less Stressful


It can be a lot to manage your loved one’s finances on top of their care. Use apps to track spending and account balances and auto-pay bills. 

8. Take Breaks to Rest and Recharge

Although caring for a loved one is typically an unpaid job, treat it like a paid job by taking vacation time. Recruit trusted friends and family to look after your loved one while you’re away, or consider hiring a senior home care agency that provides temporary respite care. 

9. Consider Hiring a Home Health Aide 

Caring for your loved one can be rewarding–and also exhausting. That’s where Visiting Angels Destin can help, through personal care, preparing meals, medication reminders, meaningful companionship and more.

Our committed, skilled caregivers offer the necessary support to prioritize the well-being of both your loved one–and yourself. We understand that your own self-care becomes secondary when caring for a loved one.

We start our process with a free, in-home care consultation, where we’ll get to know you and your loved one. You’ll be able to ask any questions you have, learn more about our services and see what a custom care plan might look like. 

You are not alone–Visiting Angels is here to help! Call us at 850-424-3363 or contact us online to request your free consultation today.