November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize the millions of people who care for aging parents, spouses, relatives, and friends. Caregiving can be rewarding, but it can also bring physical and emotional stress. As the holiday season approaches, added expectations, family gatherings, and traditions can make an already demanding role feel overwhelming.
Give yourself permission to simplify. The holidays do not have to be perfect to be meaningful. Consider scaling back large gatherings, elaborate meals, or traditions that require more time and energy than you can give. Communicate openly with family and friends about your loved one’s needs and how celebrations may look different this year. Clear communication can help prevent misunderstandings and encourage others to offer support.
Ask for help and accept it when offered. Family members and friends may be willing to help but unsure what you need. Be specific by asking someone to prepare a meal, clean, decorate, wrap gifts, or spend time with your loved one while you take a break. Even 10 or 15 minutes to listen to music, take a walk, or call a friend can help you recharge.
You do not have to navigate caregiving alone. Illinois offers resources to help caregivers find support and services:
- Illinois Department on Aging Senior Help-Line: Call 1-800-252-8966 to connect with local services, including respite care, support groups, counseling, transportation, and assistance with everyday needs. Illinois’ 13 Area Agencies on Aging can also help connect families with community resources.
- University of Illinois Extension: Visit the Caring for Caregivers webpage for research-informed information on recognizing caregiver stress, asking for help, finding respite care, and protecting your well-being.
- Alzheimer’s Association: If you care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, call the 24-hour helpline at 1-800-272-3900 for education, support, and guidance.
Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish. Your health and well-being matter, too. This holiday season, let go of perfection and focus on what matters most: meaningful moments with loved ones, accepting help, and making time to recharge.
This month, take one step toward support. Reach out to a local resource, ask someone to help with a task, or schedule a short break for yourself. Small steps can make caregiving more manageable throughout the holidays and beyond.
University of Illinois Extension Caring for Caregivers website- extension.illinois.edu/family/caring-caregivers
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.