Welcome to 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.

Q. Who were you caring for?
A. My mother

Q. How long did you care for her?
A. 7 years

Q. What type of condition or illness did she have?
A. Dementia, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis

Q. If you had one piece of advice for those in the throes of caregiving, what would it be?

A. Above all, take care of your own health, mental and physical. Seek out community when you feel down or alone. Caregiving does not have be a solo experience.

Caregivers: Turn Your Experience into Action

Caregivers’ voices are shaping how care is delivered, supported, and understood in America. Last month, the Caregiver Action Network offered a free training exploring the latest insights from the new Caregiving in the U.S. 2025 report, providing views from leaders in Congress, and explaining how caregiver stories drive real-world change. You can view the training here and discover:

• The latest data on caregiving in America today

• How caregivers influence research and public policy

• Ways to effectively advocate for your loved one in care settings

• How to share your story to make caregiving better for all families

Weathering the Winter Blues as a Caregiver

As the winter months become colder and the days become shorter, a growing number of people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that cycles with the seasons. For caregivers, winter often means less ability to get outside for a walk, to be in the garden, and to see family and friends.

Signs of SAD include a loss of energy, changes in appetite and sleeping habits, irritability, and loss of interest in socializing and other activities.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, individuals with existing mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder, are more likely to experience SAD.

If you or someone you’re caring for experiences SAD, there are ways to help alleviate symptoms:

• Make your home and environment as light and airy as possible

• Get in front of as much natural sunlight as possible

• Schedule breaks and respite

• Eat a more balanced diet

• Exercise, even indoors, as often as possible

• Consider connecting through an online support group

Suzanne was working in a nursing home when her doctor called and gave her the news of her diagnosis: aggressive, stage 4 breast cancer. In treatment within weeks, she leaned on her husband, Rick, who became her trusted confidant and caregiver. "We feel we have a very strong bond, and at that moment, that's all we needed," he said. Watch a video about Suzanne and Rick, and learn more about the National Alliance for Caregiving's (NAC) Cancer Caregiving Collaborative.

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 discover practical tools for self-care, and give you the confidence and support to better care for your loved one – and yourself. Learn more and register

Four-part webinar series: Understanding Aging & Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD) - Webinars designed to empower caregivers with essential insights and resources for their journey with loved ones who have IDD. These one-hour webinars are held in January, February, March, and April. Learn more and register

Family Advocacy 101: A Parent & Caregiver’s Guide to Advocacy - Tuesday, December 9th from 5:00 - 6:30 PM. This training, offered by Families Together in New York State, will provide the practical tools and confidence to speak up, navigate complex systems, and advocate for what your family needs. Your lived experience is powerful, learn how to turn your story into meaningful change. Guided by Sumner Youngs, this session is designed to help you make your voice heard and your impact felt. Register

Enhancing Resilience in Aging: Digital Health Approaches to Geriatric Rehabilitation Webinar - December 11 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM -Advancements in technology are redefining our journey through aging healthily. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America presents this webinar with Dr. Bijan Najafi, PhD, Research Director of UCLA Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technology, who will discuss how digital health innovations—ranging from wearables to artificial intelligence—are transforming the way we age by helping people stay healthier and more independent. Learn more and register

Offerings from PSS Circle of Care:
Improv 4 Caregivers: Dementia Raw Workshop - December 9 - Built on the principles of improv, comedy and empathy, the Dementia Raw method equips family caregivers to handle everyday communication challenges by focusing on creating connection and simplifying communication with the person living with dementia. Learn more and register

Tips for Navigating Family Disagreements While Caregiving - December 10 - Conflict within the family is a typical but often disregarded facet of caregiving. Opinions and feelings can clash when adapting to a loved one's evolving care needs. This interactive session will explore practical ways to navigate these challenges with empathy and understanding, offering caregivers effective communication strategies to strengthen relationships and reduce tension within families. Participants will gain insight into how family dynamics can impact caregiving, learn healthy ways to cope with stress and disagreement, and leave with actionable tools to foster cooperation and compassion during difficult conversations. Learn more and register

The National Alliance on Mental Illness is offering a Family Caregiver HelpLine. It is a free, confidential service providing caregiver-led support, tools and strategies, trusted guidance, and connection at every stage of the caregiving journey. Help is available by phone, text, email, or mail. Learn more

Caring for a a loved one can bring about immense pressure, particularly during festive seasons. Remember to dedicate even a brief moment each day to care for yourself. Have you considered exploring guided meditation? The Family Caregiver Alliance offers these relaxation exercises to support caregiver health and wellbeing.

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.