Family Caregiver Blog

At Guardian Angel Hospice, we understand the pressures you are under as a family caregiver. This blog is designed to support you in the incredibly important work that you do.

As the North Central Indiana experts in family caregiving, we have resources, tips and information that can make your life much easier.

If you would like help, give us a call at: 800.338.4043.


Choosing a nursing home

Choosing a nursing home

If your loved one needs full-time care and supervision, they may need to relocate to a nursing home. But how do you decide which one is the best fit?

Planning a celebration of life

Planning a celebration of life

Searching for a heartfelt way to honor someone after they’ve passed? Consider a celebration of life. These events leave a lot of room for creativity and can help honor your loved one’s legacy in a deeply personal and positive way.

What is “prediabetes”?

What is "prediabetes"?

Prediabetes is more common than you might think, especially in older adults. The good news? Simple lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating and exercise, can lower blood sugar and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

Benefits of memory care

Benefits of memory care

If dementia is making it hard for a loved one to live independently, memory care can provide the specialized support they need. These facilities offer a safe and comfortable environment with extra staff, simplified building layouts, and activities that promote engagement.

Stress relief: only a breath away

Does caring for a loved one leave you feeling overwhelmed sometimes? Certain breathing patterns can calm your mind, reduce anxiety, and boost your well-being—anywhere, anytime. If you’re feeling stressed and need a moment to reset, try a simple technique such as box breathing.

Essential tremor: The basics

Essential tremor is a common but often misunderstood condition affecting many older adults. It causes involuntary shaking that is non–life threatening but can certainly affect your loved one’s quality of life. Learn more about how to get a diagnosis and explore treatment.

What is the Platinum Rule?

April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day! You’ve probably heard of the Golden Rule, but do you know about the Platinum Rule? If you’re in charge of making decisions on behalf of an older adult, this motto can be a compass for you as you navigate that role.

Treating yourself as a friend

Being a family caregiver means balancing love and support with the weight of responsibility. Don’t forget to treat yourself with the same kindness you show others! Instead of self-criticism, try compassion. Research shows it helps you cope better, stay positive, and even take better care of your health.

Who covers you in an emergency?

Who covers you in an emergency?

Life is unpredictable. There’s a good chance that at some point the person who takes care of your aging loved one—whether that’s you or someone else—will have an emergency. By creating a backup plan, you take control and ensure your loved one is cared for, even when the unexpected occurs.

Navigating frustration as a caregiver

Navigating frustration as a caregiver

Taking care of an older adult can be deeply rewarding … and it can also come with challenges. It may be hard to admit to frustration, but it is a very normal feeling. Learn some ways to reduce and manage those tough moments.