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Some Answers for the Plano / North Dallas Senior Family Caregiver Who Is Spread Thin

January 21, 2016

Plano / North Dallas Caregivers: Help is Available

Help for the Plano / North Dallas Senior Caregiver


Are you or is someone you know one of the more than 50 million Americans providing care for a loved one? If so, then you might also fall into the "sandwich generation," those family caregivers who are "sandwiched" between taking care of an aging parent while still raising their own children. When added to the many responsibilities of their own daily lives, including work and raising their own family, caring for a loved one with declining health can be quite an undertaking. In addition to the physical and financial strain of “being everywhere at once,” Sandwich Generation caregivers bear a complicated emotional burden. The worry, pain, and sorrow they already feel over a parent’s illness are compounded by the demanding challenges of caregiving. Feelings of powerlessness and guilt are prevalent in family caregivers — for repeatedly having to “choose” one family need over another, for feeling that no choice can ever be the “right” one, and even for feeling they have no choice at all. Here are 10 tips for family caregivers from the National Family Caregivers Association:
  1. Remember to be good to yourself. Love, honor, and value yourself. You’re doing a very hard job, and you deserve some quality time, just for you.
  2. Watch out for signs of depression, and don’t delay in getting professional help when you need it.
  3. When people offer to help, accept the offer and suggest specific things that they can do.
  4. Educate yourself about your loved one’s condition. Information is empowering.
  5. There’s a difference between caring and doing. Be open to technologies and ideas that promote your loved one’s independence.
  6. Trust your instincts. Most of the time they’ll lead you in the right direction.
  7. Grieve for your losses, and then allow yourself to dream new dreams.
  8. Stand up for your rights as a caregiver and a citizen.
  9. Seek support from other caregivers. There is great strength in knowing you are not alone.
In our "Spread Thin: Caregiving and the Sandwich Generation" ebook, we shed light onto the "sandwich generation" phenomenon, share information about respite options and much-needed resources to lean on. Download the ebook now! Or, for more information on support and care services that BrightStar Care can provide, contact the local team.


BrightStar Care of Plano / North Dallas proudly provides Home Care and Support for Seniors and Children, including 24 hour In Home Care and Support in independent and assisted living communities. At BrightStar Care, our Registered Nurse Director of Nursing leads experienced, trustworthy, compassionate caregivers who provide a full range of services in the comfort and safety of home. Our Caregivers are fully screened, insured and bonded, certified and/or licensed. We provide Medical Staffing, In-Home Care, Companion Care, and Personal Care for Elders with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. We also provide Home Child Care, Sitter and Nanny services for Children and Support for New Mothers. We Support Veterans and accept most Long Term Care Insurance benefits, provide Hospice Care, Live-in Care, CNA, Caregiver, RN, LPN, RN Supervision, Compassionate Care, and Compatibility Guarantees. We are an ALS Society partner and Alzheimer's Association member, and also provide care for developmentally disabled individuals and those of all ages with mental health and behavioral health diagnoses. Other services include Safe Discharge and Transportation from the hospital or rehab facility, both short term and long term Post Op care, Pre Operation and Preparation help and assistance, and Client Monitoring for out of town family members. Proudly serving Plano / North Dallas, Murphy, Parker, Wylie, St. Paul, Lucas, Allen, Fairview, Lowry Crossing, McKinney, New Hope, Princeton, Melissa, Prosper, Celina, Anna, Farmersville, North Dallas, Richardson, Nevada, Lavon, Blue Ridge, and neighboring communities in TX.