Author: Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld

Caregiver Appreciation Day is March 3, 2026. This day honors those who selflessly care for others’ welfare. This follows National Caregivers Day in February, affiliated with Home | The National Alliance for Caregiving With a similar focus, it makes sense that there be more than one day in the year to recognize the most important caregivers of life and life preservation. There is also Caregiver’s Month is November. Caregiver Action Network (CAN) is the nation’s leading family caregiver organization. Caregiver Action Network: Resources for Family Caregivers

I’ve been a caregiver many times, finding no role more meaningful, at least for me. When I say this, I am talking about many aspects of caregiving, whether it be working together with a team, working in a compact unit such as family caregiving, or caregiving as an individual unit. And there are other types of caregiving. Certain caregivers get compensated; others do not. The greatest pay is the satisfaction of feeling confident in knowing that others get the care they truly need.

Share your journey as a caregiver. What support was available to help you in this role? I put together a section in my book, Caring for Souls: “Stress Management for the Caregiver”

Caregivers and receivers alike are vulnerable to stress. Stress affects health and personal relationships. If your resources to handle situations are low or depleted, there is more vulnerability to becoming ill or to have much confusion.

Having experienced caregiving roles and intermediary positions, I understand the necessity of evaluating effective and ineffective methods. These are simply suggestions. You, of course, do what works for you.

Ideally, one of the best ways to manage stress is to build an arsenal of awareness which is stocked daily. Some items that may help:

· Assertiveness. Develop the skill to decline activities that destabilize your energy and time.

· Feelings Checks. Communicate how you feel. This clears the air and helps you recognize the value of feelings. How often have we held onto certain feelings and discovered that once we communicate them, we heal?

· Have fun! Don’t let life pass by without savoring its joys. Take the time to play games, read, work on creative projects, play music, go to movies, stay in for movies, go out to eat or order in, and do whatever you truly enjoy.

· Exercise. You needn’t run marathon distances. Enjoy the outdoors, walk through your neighborhood, or visit local shops or fitness centers. Senior centers offer many options for exercise and fun. Some even have adult day programs for your person.

· Journal. Keep a journal for yourself, along with encouraging the family to do the same. This provides release, insight, problem-solving, and personal documentation. They also come in handy when going to medical appointments.

· Flexibility. Sometimes it seems like a day is full of compromises. When caring for others, you often have to change plans to meet their needs. Accepting that each day has surprising moments makes it easier to handle whatever comes your way.

· Nutritional meals. Feed your internal arsenal to build stamina and energy stores. Treat yourself to foods you like and make meals a featured event. If able, it can be a fun activity to prepare meals with your person. Maybe they can prepare the table, wash produce, do other meaningful work, or simply stay with you as you prepare.

· Medication and supplements. Sustained use of prescribed medication is essential. Supplement the diet with necessary vitamins and minerals.

· Engagement. Involve your family member who has medical needs in activities you enjoy. Of course, safety first. This helps to build strong, healthy relationships. Getting others involved in activities also helps with socialization.

· Respite. If workable, please steal moments from your family. Other family members or friends could provide respite care. If this is not possible, then check into respite care programs in the community. Note: for end-of-life care, such as in-home hospice, it is more difficult to manage. Even a step outside is supreme relief.

· Reality Checking. Expect some frustrating days. Accepting that there are going to be these days will help you release stress. Be good to yourself. On unpleasant days, try your best to adapt.

LindaAnn LoSchiavo, a caregiver for her mother, who had terminal cancer, expressed her story well in her chapbook Cancer Courts My Mother.” She put together this video, and I believe it illustrates what people can relate to as a caregiver and helps to increase awareness.

Caregivers will derive comfort and solace from the poems in LindaAnn LoSchiavo’s award-winning book “Cancer Courts My Mother” AND in this special horoscope she has created for all the volunteer caregivers out there. 

Sample of Cancer Courts My Mother https://buy.bookfunnel.com/db5iql4jef