All North Shore Senior Center locations will be CLOSED November 26-27 for Thanksgiving.

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- 2020 Posts

  1. "Maximize Your Personal Connections and Minimize the Holiday Blues"
  2. "Resilience & Aging"
  3. Self-Care Tips for the Family Caregiver
  4. Sharing Gratitude During Thanksgiving from Our Executive Director
  5. NSSC Awarded Chicago Top Workplace
  6. 'Exercise’ Your Commitment to Stay Fit During Pandemic
  7. How the End of Daylight Saving Time Affects People with Dementia
  8. Lifelong Learning Virtual Experience: The Next Best Thing to Being at the Center
  9. Join us for Gala 2020: Unmasked
  10. Permission Granted: Time to Host the Perfectly Imperfect Wedding
  11. North Shore Senior Center Featured in Caregiving Magazine!
  12. What Does 'Medicare for All' Mean?
  13. Opening Day Slated for July 6!
  14. North Shore Senior Center Keeps Older Adults And Their Families Connected
  15. June 15 Update on Center Reopening
  16. An Open Letter from the Executive Director
  17. Initial Plans to Re-Open Center
  18. HSS & Sewa International Donate Masks to NSSC
  19. May 14 Update from the Executive Director
  20. The CARES Act Brings Many Changes for Individuals and Businesses
  21. May 7 Update from the Executive Director
  22. April 30 Message from the Executive Director
  23. Celebrating our Volunteers and Senior & Family Services: A Message from the Executive Director
  24. Celebrating Our Successes: A Message from the Executive Director
  25. Message from the Executive Director on HOW Programs
  26. Winnetka Talk: North Shore senior centers turn to technology to connect and entertain
  27. Message from the Executive Director
  28. An Update from our Executive Director & Free Online Classes
  29. A Note to the North Shore Senior Center Community

Self-Care Tips for the Family Caregiver

November 09, 2020

by Heather Resnick, Caregiver Specialist 


In recognition of National Family Caregiver Month, North Shore Senior Center wants to recognize and thank family caregivers for all they do to enhance quality of life for our seniors. Practicing self-care is always important for family caregivers, and during the pandemic it is even more crucial to make time for yourself.


Here are 19 tips to help caregivers stay sane during the pandemic:

  • Do what you enjoy—build time in your schedule to do something that makes you happy
  • Find Humor—laughter is the best medicine, so look for the funny moments in life
  • Count your blessings—even in the worst of times, there is something for which to be thankful
  • Limit media—too much news can cause anxiety and worry; it is Ok to take a “news break”
  • Stay connected—maintain relationships with family, friends and community in any way you can
  • Get outside—Being outdoors in nature, even for a few minutes, can enhance mood and lower stress
  • Keep moving—if you cannot get out, create an indoor exercise plan
  • Ask for help when needed—people are often happy to help but they cannot read your mind
  • Practice mindfulness—this can include meditation, prayer or simply being present in the moment
  • Lower expectations—It is Ok to let things go from time to time
  • Help others—doing something for someone else boosts endorphins and the immune system
  • Get creative—painting, making music or journaling can provide a good outlet 
  • Set a routine—this will help structure the day and help your loved one know what to expect
  • Eat good food & get plenty of rest—maintaining your own health is crucial for caregivers
  • Remember to breathe—a few deep breaths can calm the mind and body
  • Focus on the positive—cultivating an attitude of optimism can help your outlook
  • Think outside of the box—consider alternatives to in-person visits like Zoom, Skype, Facetime or telehealth
  • Give yourself credit—remember, you are doing the best you can
  • Watch for signs of burnout—consult your doctor if you feel overwhelmed or depressed


Please visit our Family Caregiver Support page for more information and resources.