Balancing caregiving and your own life isn’t easy — but it is possible. Many adult children feel like they’re juggling two full-time roles — raising kids, building a career, and trying to support aging parents. The result? Exhaustion, guilt, and often burnout.
Here are 7 tips to help you care with purpose and protect your own well-being:
1. Have the Hard Conversations Early
Talk with your parents about their preferences, boundaries, and fears. Ask them how they envision receiving help if they ever need it. Discuss finances, legal matters, and medical wishes. These conversations are hard, but they prevent confusion later on.
2. Share the Load
If you have siblings or other close family, involve them early. Don’t assume that because you’re “the responsible one,” it’s all on you. Create a care calendar, divide tasks, and communicate clearly. If you’re solo, consider paid help or local caregiving agencies.
3. Create a Weekly Check-In Routine
Schedule intentional time to check in with your loved one. It might be a phone call, video chat, or home visit — even 15 minutes weekly can help catch early concerns before they become big problems. It also builds emotional connection.
4. Set Boundaries — and Stick to Them
You cannot (and should not) be available 24/7. Whether it’s carving out time for your own family or protecting a night off, boundaries allow you to recharge. Your health is a part of their care plan, too.
5. Automate What You Can
Set up medication reminders. Use a meal delivery service. Install movement sensors. LiLo Health, for example, lets you monitor safety and routine patterns without hovering or constantly calling.
6. Practice Micro Self-Care
You may not have time for a spa weekend, but small acts — like a 10-minute walk, reading, or listening to music — can help reduce stress and restore balance.
7. Let Go of Guilt
Caregiving comes with emotional highs and lows. You will feel frustrated. You will feel stretched. But that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. Guilt is not a measure of your love.
LiLo Health exists to help families stay connected, informed, and emotionally supported — even when you’re not in the same room.
