Tips for safely enjoying summer with someone living with dementia, including hydration, simple activities, and creating calm, meaningful moments.

Navigating life's transitions as a caregiver? You're not alone. Learn new skills, connect with fellow caregivers, and get inspired.

Recharge on Saturday, April 18, 2026, with an all-levels flow yoga.

Caregiving often feels like a nonstop marathon. The demands can be overwhelming, leaving little room for personal time or rest. Yet, carving out just 15 minutes of peace each day can make a significant difference in your well-being and ability to care for others. This post offers practical ways to find those moments of calm, helping you support your loved one while protecting your health. A quiet corner with a comfortable chair bathed in soft natural light, perfect for a care

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 ones that remain. Creating and sharing a person’s “Life Story” can help caregivers and loved ones connect in meaningful ways. It also provides a way to choose activities, redirect attention, and reduce difficult behaviors. The main goal is simple: discover who your loved one is, where they've been, and what they've done throughout their life.

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 hardest, especially when you're the only one showing up. Maybe your family isn’t nearby, emotionally available, or willing to help. Maybe it’s always been on you. Either way, it can feel incredibly lonely. It’s okay to feel everything. One moment you might feel deeply connected to your loved one, and the next, completely drained. You might fee

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 treatment and the parallels it shares with the caregiving journey our clients (and countless millions across the world) have undertaken. The diagnosis – whether it be cancer, dementia, or an acute event like a stroke - carries weight and signifies a change from what a person was and the life they imagined onto a different trajectory. I am not

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...

Becoming an informal family caregiver to someone suffering from a degenerative condition can be an overwhelming experience for the spouse, children, and other relatives. It is normal to feel alone with your problems and try to tackle them all by yourself. We may turn to other family members, close friends, or colleagues for help. Sometimes this works, but many people close to you may struggle to relate or understand what you are going through. They might be too focused on tel

Have you ever experienced a mixture of feelings and emotions as a caregiver? I believe there are times when we all experience such feelings that are hard to express and our body reacts to them. These reactions could be a sign or signal to pay closer attention to ourselves. Cultural and personal backgrounds can sometimes lead people to suppress their emotions, causing feelings to build up over time. Understandably, not all caregivers feel comfortable discussing their experienc

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 of uninterrupted slumber to meditation and a mug of green tea. Yet, when life strikes, our rituals often flee first. How can we salute the sun when all we can think of is grief? How do we maintain a positive outlook when uncertainty gnaws at our very being? There is discomfort in just being. In just being alone with our thoughts, memories,