Welcome to the first edition of The Art of Caregiving! This newsletter aims to deliver thoughtfully selected insights to assist family caregivers in various facets of their lives. By providing practical daily caregiving tips and resources, along with guidance on self-care, we embrace a holistic perspective on the caregiving experience.

Every November, NYSCRC joins families, professionals, and community leaders from across the country in celebrating National Family Caregivers Month. The theme this year is Plug-in to Care, connecting family caregivers “with the resources, support, and community they deserve,” according to a statement from the Caregiver Action Network (CAN).

In recognition of National Family Caregivers Month, CAN is offering a special series of webinars featuring leaders in caregiving, workplace policy, mental health, financial planning, and more. Register once and get instant access to all five webinars plus replays. Learn more here.

In the US, 63 million family caregivers contribute $600 billion in unpaid care annually. As a member of this amazing cohort, you help form the foundation of our healthcare system and communities. We understand that you often experience stress, financial difficulties, and feelings of isolation. We are passionate about advocating for you at the state and national level. And you too can have an impact by sharing your personal story. Join the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) in its advocacy efforts by sharing your caregiving story.

Caregiving is a Team Effort

If there is one suggestion I could make to new caregivers, it would be to share this journey with your family from the very beginning. Many spouses, partners, or designated caregivers feel that they alone are responsible for assuming the role of caregiver.

Professionals may guide you as you navigate the complexities of elder care, but it is those around you who will be your day-to-day support – provided they are given the tools.

What are those tools?

• Recognition that all family members are impacted by a loved one’s loss of independence

• Consistent communication (Caregiving is continuously changing)

• Respect for the time constraints and commitments of family members

• Creative problem solving

• Flexibility

No caregiving journey is without challenge, crisis, and fear for everyone involved. Families are never perfect and their behavior at times can feel like an added burden to the caregiver. But this is a new experience for all of you. Invite them on this journey. Give them the tools to be your team. That takes trust and time.

What if they disappoint you? They might. But what if they don’t?

Check out Mary’s podcast, Who Cares? Involving Family in the Caregiving Experience

Life After Caregiving Webinar

Whether your caregiving journey has ended or you're curious about the future, this webinar offers valuable insights. Long-term caregiving often leads to feelings of isolation. If you're worried about your next steps and reconnecting socially, join guest Claire Solomon Nisen of DOROT, an organization dedicated to alleviating social isolation among older adults and providing services to help them live independently. Learn more and register

"When a caregiver is not at their best, they can't provide the best possible care." - Roslyn Carter, Caregiver Advocate

Caring for a loved one can be stressful, so finding ways to reduce that stress is important. Have you considered Tai Chi? Not only does it help improve balance, strength, and flexibility, it can lower stress levels and promote a positive outlook. Check out the Tai Chi class plus a multitude of others offered through the NYS Office for the Aging GetSetUp online program. Learn more and book your spot!

In 2023, approximately 11.1 million adults in the United States were living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), according to the American Lung Association. COPD is a condition caused by damage to the airways or other parts of the lung.

As a caregiver for someone with COPD and any other condition, it’s important to find ways to care for yourself. Consider creating healthier lifestyle by:

• Eating a balanced diet, taking time to exercise and getting enough sleep

• Learning how to manage stress through yoga, meditation, etc.

• Finding a caregiver support group

• Taking a “me” day to visit friends, go to the library, or take a walk

The American Lung Association’s Patient & Caregiver Network is a great resource. Learn more about becoming a member and all of the benefits that are part of this FREE resource.

The Young Caregiver

In his song "Lucky," hip hop artist Tricky P (aka Patrick Stevens) shares his story of becoming a caregiver at age 14 and how he's grateful he still has time to enjoy his beloved grandmothers. According to the American Association of Caregiving Youth, over 5.4 million children and teenagers provide significant assistance or care to a family member with a chronic illness, disability, mental health condition, or frailty due to aging. The video is about 5 minutes long — be sure to stay to the end to see photos! Watch the video

Life After Caregiving Webinar - Monday, November 17 from 3:00-4:00 PM Whether your caregiving journey is over or you’re wondering what life will look like when it is, this webinar will provide insight and empowerment.
Learn more and register

Caring for the Caregiver - Tuesday, November 18 from 9:00 to 10:00 AM. Discover tools and perspectives you can use to ensure your vitality, sustainability, productivity, and meaning. This session from the Center for Clarity, Compassion & Contentment is about YOU! Learn more and register

The Power of Storytelling: Shaping Caregiving Narratives and Preventing Abuse - Tuesday, November 18 at 1:00 PM
Caregiving nuances and challenges are often overlooked or misrepresented in popular culture. Join the National Center on Elder Abuse, USC Family Caregiver Support Center, and Hollywood, Health & Society for a webinar addressing how storytelling can make caregiving relationships in media stronger and clearer. Learn more and register

Powerful Tools for Caregivers virtual class series - Every Wednesday from January 14 - February 18, 2026. This six-week course is designed specifically for family caregivers like you! It will help you enhance self-care while supporting a loved one, whether at home or afar, and give you the confidence and support to better care for your loved one – and yourself. Learn more and register

Participants needed for study. Do you provide at least 10 hours a week of unpaid help to someone with dementia? The Healthy Aging Lab at Cornell University is looking for participants aged 45+ for a research study on the dementia caregiver experience. The study is an online questionnaire and an interview, and takes about 1.5 hours to complete. You will receive up to $30 for your participation, and all of your answers will be kept confidential. For more information, email healthyaginglab@cornell.edu or call 607-255-2457.

As a caregiver, you invest so much of your energy that you may feel depleted. Dedicating even a brief moment to nurture your own well-being can rejuvenate and restore your equilibrium. Why not spend a few minutes exploring a guided meditation? These guided meditation recordings are offered through Powerful Tools for Caregivers, a six-week class series designed to help family caregivers better care for themselves while caring for a loved one.

NYSCRC is offering the Powerful Tools for Caregivers course in January. The FREE course will be held every Wednesday from January 14 - February 18, 2026. Sign up today.

NY Connects links individuals to long-term services and supports regardless of payment source/health insurance, whether it be private pay, public or a combination of both. Through the provision of free, comprehensive, objective information and assistance about long-term services and supports, NY Connects empowers individuals and families to identify available services and supports and choose what will best meet their needs at home, in the community, and as necessary, in residential or institutional settings.

To learn more, call: 1-800-342-9871 or visit www.nyconnects.ny.gov 

This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1,375,000 with 75 percentage funded by ACL/HHS and $458,330 and 25 percentage funded by non-government source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.