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Loneliness: The Silent Struggle of Caregivers

Caregiving can be isolating, but self-care and connection with others can help you overcome loneliness and better support your loved one.

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Being a caregiver is a selfless act of love and compassion, but it can also be an incredibly challenging and isolating experience. As your loved one’s care needs increase, loneliness may creep in and become the norm.

Maybe you had to leave your job to care for your loved one and are missing social connections. Or, what was once free time is now filled with care needs or errands and you’re not able to go for a walk or spend time with friends. Although your loved one is still physically with you, they might not talk with you or interact in the same way that they once did.

When loneliness and isolation begin to take over, one of the best strategies to counteract these feelings is to build moments of self-care into your daily routine.

The truth is that the more you care for yourself, the better you’ll be able to care for your loved one and their ever-changing needs.

A few things to try:

Reconnect with a hobby (like painting, journaling, listening to music)
Talk or video chat with a friend or family member
Schedule a lunch date with a friend (If you’re not able to leave your loved one, try a phone or video call while you both eat lunch.)
Set up regular times each week (or even each day!) for a friend or relative to come to your house so that you can take a much-needed break
Join an online discussion or Facebook group (like the AARP Family Caregivers Discussion Group, or Family Caregiver Alliance Online Discussion Group)
Join an online or in-person caregiver support group (like the Alzheimer’s Association, Parkinson’s Foundation, or VA Caregiver Support Program)