For many caregivers, the holiday season can bring stress, frustration, and exhaustion rather than peace and joy. The added pressure of traditional celebrations, combined with ongoing caregiving responsibilities, can feel overwhelming—especially when caring for someone with cognitive impairment. You may feel resentful toward family members who haven't offered enough help, or worry that your caregiving duties will prevent you from fully participating in gatherings. Holiday prep

Eight years after my first mentor died, a dream summoned me to contact his young widow, Marie. Was it a dream, a nightmare or a premonition?  People can be like that: one second, a knight in shining armor, and the next, the dark horse trampling on your lucidity. And, as much as I would like to write off Marie as a “bad person,” I cannot in good conscience deny the gifts she shared with me during our professional collaboration and spiritual tutelage.   Relationships change for

Our experiences shape who we are and make us unique. For many people with Alzheimer’s disease, memories from long ago may be the only...

Cynthia Zavala Caregiving is one of the most meaningful things we can do for someone. But let’s not sugarcoat it: it’s also one of the...

By Maria Quiroz Caregivers play a vital role in caring for those who can no longer care for themselves. Being a caregiver is both a...

Jessica Mattila, MSW, LCSW Since I started writing these articles in September 2024, I have been reflecting on my cancer diagnosis and...

Jessica Mattila, MSW, LCSW This holiday season my husband, 12-year-old son and I traveled to Indiana to visit my in-laws. I looked...

Jessica Mattila, MSW, LCSW “It is not the load that breaks you down. It’s the way you carry it.” - Lena Horne Before starting to write...

Christina Andrade Becoming an informal family caregiver to someone suffering from a degenerative condition can be an overwhelming...

By Maria Quiroz Have you ever experienced a mixture of feelings and emotions as a caregiver? I believe there are times when we all...

Jessica Mattila, MSW, LCSW “There are only four kinds of people in the world: Those who have been caregivers. Those who are currently...

Tasha Zigarelli Hannah Hall, RN Santa Cruz native Tasha Zigerelli knows grief all too well. At 21 years old, she lost her mother to a...

Randee Schwartz It’s easy to pontificate about wellness when the sun shines and our bodies feel omnipotent. We arise from our eight hours...