5 tips for Caring and Keeping a Smile

Being a caregiver encompasses a lot of different responsibilities, which most of us will encounter often or even daily. Whether it is as a Mum, as a carer for an elderly parent or as a paid care professional. It’s wonderful to think that so many of us care for others, but when caring for someone else it can be easy to forget about yourself. Care.com is the world’s largest online platform for families and caregivers to meet and we know how essential it is for carers to be looked after too.

We’ve put together some tips for any sort of carer to keep in mind – to keep you feeling positive and happy, which in turn keeps you feeling more prepared for your responsibilities.

1. Schedule some ‘you’ time:

When you’re busy caring for other people, along with working and juggling your own commitments, it can feel like a battle to find any time just for you. Think about what you would really enjoy; don’t worry if it’s not productive, or not sociable. This time is about what you want to do – so if you want to schedule in an hour a week for a bath or a chance to watch a film, do so! It’s easy to feel like any time off you have should be spent catching up with people or being busy. Instead focus on what will make you feel good. When you feel ready for this bit of respite, consider hiring a nanny, babysitter or carer for a few hours from so you’re not worrying about others whilst you relax.

2. Schedule some quality time with the person you care for:

This is about trying to find ways that you can connect with your loved one that involves a shared experience or some fun. Simple things, such as an outing to a park, can lift both your moods and give you something different to focus on.

3. Every day is a new day:

We know it is hard to start afresh every day, as it often feels like jobs and problems drag on. If something got you down yesterday try to give yourself a positive mentality the next day. When you’re caring for someone else it can feel like a job without a break: remember that you can’t change what happened yesterday anyway. Cut yourself some slack and remember that no one is perfect, we all make mistakes and feel stressed at times.

4. Consider getting some extra help:

Feeling stressed and overwhelmed by care responsibilities often also leaves carers feeling guilty, because they feel they should always be doing more or feel they aren’t doing things right. It’s normal to feel guilty as a carer, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be resolved. Why not consider employing someone to help support you and your family? Depending on your circumstances you could consider employing someone to take care of the children for a few hours a week, or have a trained nurse to come and check-in on your elderly parents. It’s simple to also find special needs carers that are ideal for your care situation.

5. Know the signs of stress:

It’s important to be able to notice the signs of stress in yourself. That way, when you start feeling down you can act upon as soon as possible. If you’re not doing your usual activities (such as going to the gym, dinner with friends or reading a book), find it difficult to start the day and are irritable or short-tempered, think of ways you can unwind and de-stress. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and not like yourself, consider talking to someone else and getting their advice – this can be a friend, family member or therapist.


Care.com is the world’s largest online platform for caregivers and families to meet. Whether it is for childcare, elder care, pet care, special needs care or housekeeping, there are caregivers suited to every families’ needs.