Caring for the Caregivers: Managing Stress While Supporting a Loved One

In a conversation with RADIO IQ’s Sandy Hausman, UVA Nursing Professor Paula Sherwood shared powerful insights about the strain caregiving places on families.

“It’s like you’re walking down the road, and you run into a bear,” she told RADIO IQ. “Your fight, flight or freeze system kicks in. Your body starts pumping out adrenaline, and your heart rate goes up and your blood pressure goes up.”

But unlike a bear encounter, caregiving stress doesn’t simply vanish. “If your stress is rooted in caring for a loved one, the bear doesn’t go away—and neither can you,” Sherwood explained to RADIO IQ.

That constant stress, she noted, often leads caregivers to neglect their own health. They skip checkups, put off exercise, and sacrifice rest—all while managing the daily needs of someone they love. As Sherwood told RADIO IQ, the results can be serious: depression, anxiety, and illness.

To help, Sherwood and her colleague sat UVA are researching how to measure stress more effectively. As she described in her interview with RADIO IQ, they are testing cortisol, a hormone linked to stress, through hair samples. Unlike blood or saliva, hair shows stress levels over time—offering a clearer picture of how caregivers are coping.

“This work is especially critical,” Sherwood told RADIO IQ, “because people are living longer. We’re seeing higher incidences of dementia and cancer, and fewer family members are available to share caregiving responsibilities.” And with many caregivers themselves in their 50s, 60s, or 70s, they often face chronic health conditions of their own.

Her message is clear: caregivers must care for themselves, too. Without rest and support, they risk burning out completely.

That’s where Friendship steps in.

Respite Care at Friendship

Caregiving is meaningful, but it can also be overwhelming. Respite care at Friendship offers caregivers a chance to rest while their loved ones enjoy compassionate, professional support in a welcoming environment. Respite stays provide:

• Peace of mind: Loved ones receive attentive care, daily assistance, and opportunities for social interaction.
• Renewed energy: Caregivers return refreshed and better able to continue their role.
• A trial experience: Families can explore what senior living might look like without long-term commitment.

‍

Friendship Home Care

For those who prefer to remain at home, Friendship Home Care delivers licensed, dependable support tailored to each family’s needs. Services are available in flexible blocks of time, from four-hour visits to 24-hour care, and can include:

• Housekeeping, laundry, and meal preparation
• Transportation, errands, and companionship
• Personal care such as bathing, dressing, and hygiene
• Assistance with daily household tasks like dog walking     or taking out the garbage

As Sherwood emphasized in her interview with RADIO IQ, caregivers cannot pour from an empty cup. Taking breaks, asking for help, and protecting their own health isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

To learn more about HOME CARE at Friendship, call (540) 265-2194

To learn more about RESPITE CARE at Friendship, call

Richfield Living: Ben Plunkett: (540)444-0343 or Jennifer Percell (540) 777-8300

Friendship North: Beverly Able: (540) 265-2058 Jennifer Percell (540) 777-8300