The Caregiver's Paradox

What You’ll Find In This Week’s Newsletter

• 💡The Support System Paradox (Why caregivers who need help most ask for it least)

• 🦸🏻‍♀️ The Hidden Cost of Being a "Solo Superhero" (7 warning signs you're burning out)

• 🌟 Building Your Care Squad: A Simple 3-Step System

• 📞 Resource Corner: Your Local Support System Directory

Hello Lifting Atlanta Family,

I just got back from Denver after a whirlwind week with some of the most experienced people in our industry and let me tell you…

There’s nothing like being surrounded by people who get it and are truly there to help you in any way possible.  

Picture it: a room full of folks who know more about stairlifts and elevators than most people ever will (and are genuinely excited about it—yes, there’s such a thing!).

While I thought I was there to just learn technical details and the ins and outs of these products, something bigger clicked for me.

I realized—more than ever—how important it is to have a support system as you care for aging parents. Just like I leaned on an entire team for knowledge and encouragement, family caregivers need a team, too. No one should have to figure this all out on their own.

So this week, let’s pull up a (virtual) chair for some honest conversation about the village you already have—and maybe the people you never realized could help.

But before I dive into that story...

Quick reminder that we are rocking out those FREE safety assessments I told you about last week with every consultation. The response has been incredible. (Apparently I'm not the only one losing sleep over parent safety. Who knew? 😅)

Call 678-729-9144 or click below to schedule.

Now on to this weeks revelation…

💡The Support System Paradox (Why caregivers who need help most ask for it least)

Here's something wild I've noticed...

The more someone NEEDS help with caregiving...

The less likely they are to ASK for it.

(If you just felt personally attacked, stay with me...)

I see it play out almost every day:

The daughter who's working full-time, raising teenagers, AND managing her parents' care...

Will be the LAST person to admit she's drowning.

The son who's driving 45 minutes each way to check on dad...

Will insist he's "got it handled" even as his own health deteriorates.

The sibling doing 90% of the care...

Will make excuses for everyone else: "They're just busy" or "It's easier if I do it."

Sound familiar?

Here's the thing though...

This isn't just about being stubborn.

(Though let's be honest, some of us could give our parents a run for their money in the stubborn department... 😏)

It's actually about something deeper.

See, when you're the "responsible one"...

The one everyone counts on...

The one who's "got it all together"...

Asking for help feels like failure.

Like you're somehow letting everyone down.

But here's what nobody tells you about caregiving:

The strongest thing you can do?

Is admit you're not strong enough to do it alone.

Because here's the truth:

• You're not supposed to be a nurse, care coordinator, AND daughter all at once
• You're not meant to be available 24/7
• You're not failing if you need a break
• And you're definitely not helping anyone by burning yourself out

In fact...

The more you try to handle everything alone...

The more likely you are to miss something important.

(Because you're too exhausted to see it coming.)

I learned this lesson the hard way last week in Denver.

Watching these experts work TOGETHER to solve problems...

Each bringing their own piece of the puzzle...

Made me realize something:

The best solutions NEVER come from one person trying to do it all.

They come from a team of people...

Each doing what they do best...

So everyone else can focus on what THEY do best.

For you, that might mean:

• Finally accepting your sister's offer to handle mom's medications
• Letting a neighbor check in when you can't
• Using that meal delivery service your friend recommended
• Or (yes, I'm going here) getting professional help with things like home safety

Because here's the real paradox:

The more support you ACCEPT...

The more support you can GIVE.

And isn't that what this is all about?

Being there for our parents in the ways that really matter?

(Instead of being too exhausted to enjoy our time with them...)

So here's my challenge to you this week:

Pick ONE thing you're struggling with...

And ask for help.

Just one thing.

See what happens.

I bet you'll find what I found in Denver:

There are people out there who WANT to help.

Who KNOW how to help.

Who are just waiting for you to let them.

(And if you're not sure WHERE to start... keep reading. I've got something for you in the next section...)

🦸🏻‍♀️ The Hidden Cost of Being a "Solo Superhero" (7 warning signs you're burning out)

Let's play a little game.

I'm gonna list some signs that you MIGHT be taking on too much...

And you count how many make you go "oof."

(No judgment. We're all friends here.)

1. The 3am Mental Loop
   You wake up in the middle of the night...
   Running through your "parent checklist"...
   Making sure you didn't forget anything important...
   Then lay there for hours, planning tomorrow's logistics.

2. The Calendar Tetris Champion
   Your Google Calendar looks like a game of Tetris...
   Where every block is a doctor's appointment...
   A medication reminder...
   Or another "quick check" on mom and dad.
   (And somehow, YOUR stuff keeps getting pushed off the screen...)

3. The Forgotten Self
   You can't remember the last time you:
   • Had a proper workout
   • Got a full night's sleep
   • Went out with friends
   • Did literally ANYTHING just for you
   (But hey, at least dad's medications are perfectly organized, right?)

4. The Guilt-Anger Cycle
   One minute you're feeling guilty for being annoyed...
   The next you're angry at yourself for feeling guilty...
   Then guilty about being angry...
   It's like emotional ping-pong. And you're losing.

5. The Invisible Breaking Point
   Your friends say "You're so strong!"
   Your family says "We don't know how you do it!"
   And inside you're thinking...
   "I'm one small crisis away from completely losing it."

6. The Relationship Strain
   Your kids are starting to say things like:
   "Mom, remember when you used to laugh more?"
   Your partner's giving you that worried look...
   And your siblings... well, let's not even go there.

7. The Safety Dance
   You find yourself lying awake...
   Mentally redesigning your parents' house...
   Trying to figure out how to make it safer...
   Without having "that conversation" again.

So... how many did you check off?

If it was more than a couple...

First of all - you're not alone.

This is basically the unofficial "Caregivers Club" membership list.

But being a superhero isn't sustainable.

(Even Batman had Robin...)

And the cost of trying to do it all?

It's not just YOUR health and happiness at stake.

It's actually your ability to be there for your parents when they really need you.

Because when you're running on empty...
Stretched too thin...
Trying to be everything to everyone...

That's when mistakes happen.

That's when you miss the important stuff.

That's when both YOU and your parents end up at risk.

Think about it:

How much BETTER could you care for your parents...
If you weren't exhausted all the time?

How much more PRESENT could you be...
If you weren't constantly juggling logistics?

How much more could you ENJOY your time together...
If you weren't always in crisis mode?

This is why having a support system isn't just nice to have.

It's absolutely necessary.

For them AND for you.

(And if you're thinking "Yeah, but HOW do I build one?"...
Keep reading. The next section's got you covered.)

🌟 Building Your Care Squad: A Simple 3-Step System

Alright, I'm about to show you something I learned in Denver...

But with a twist.

See, I watched how our most successful branches build their support teams...

And realized - holy cow, this SAME system works for building your caregiving squad.

(Sometimes the best ideas come from the weirdest places, right?)

Because at the end of the day...

The goal isn't to do less for your parents.

It's to do BETTER.

By finally accepting that you don't have to do it alone.

📞 Resource Corner: Your Local Support System Directory

Here's a comprehensive guide to resources in metro Atlanta that can become part of your caregiving support system:

Building your "Care Squad" in metro Atlanta starts with these resources, but remember that your needs will evolve as your caregiving journey continues. The Atlanta Regional Commission's Empowerline (404-613-6000) is your best first call to navigate these options and discover which are most appropriate for your specific situation.

Don’t Forget! Saturday June 7th

👩🏽‍🦼‍➡️ Is Mom A Wheelchair User? 👩🏽‍🦼‍➡️The Excuse You’ve Been Looking For 👩🏽‍🦼‍➡️

I had a great time with the Lifeway Denver team and sure am thankful for this reminder:

NONE of us should do this alone.

That room full of experienced professionals?

They weren't just teaching me about products...

They were showing me what a real support system looks like.

And isn't that exactly what we all need?

Whether we're caring for aging parents...

Or trying to navigate our own mobility challenges...

We ALL need our village. Our team. Our people who “get it”.

That's what I’m here for.

Not to just sell products and solutions...

But to be part of YOUR support system.

Because nobody should have to figure this stuff out alone.

In your corner,

Danielle