At The Kensington Redondo Beach, we know how demanding and rewarding caregiving can be.
To honor and support family caregivers, on January 29th from 5 pm – 6:30 pm PST we’re hosting a special screening of Hilarity for Charity’s (HFC) documentary “Taking Care,” produced by Lauren Miller Rogen and Seth Rogen.
Taking Care is a documentary following the journey of acclaimed filmmakers Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogen as they navigate the complexities and heartbreak of Lauren’s mother’s advancing Alzheimer’s disease.
Through humor, heart, and an unwavering commitment to change, the Taking Care documentary imparts a message of hope, resilience, and the profound impact individuals can have when they seek solutions to society’s greatest challenges. It serves as a powerful reminder that even the smallest actions, when driven by compassion and purpose, can inspire transformative change.
After the screening, connect with caregivers and experts during a panel discussion led by Susan Evans, Kensington Marketing Ambassador, Dan Miller, HFC Board Chair, Jill Love, Care Manager and Senior Care Consultant, Peters & Love, Inc., and Janie Acosta, RN, Kensington Director of Nursing Services, followed by a Q&A session. Enjoy light bites, refreshments, and warm beverages as we come together to share insights and support.
RSVP today to reserve your seat!
Our promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.
Caregiving: an unexpected role with a steep learning curve
Caregivers often describe feeling unprepared when they first began their journey—as if thrown into the deep end of a pool.
You’re not prepared, yet suddenly, you’re responsible for managing medications, attending doctor appointments, and even handling personal care tasks for another person.
Beyond the logistics, caregiving reshapes your relationship with your loved one. They rely on you in ways that may feel unfamiliar or overwhelming.
Tips for new caregivers:
- Ask every question you can while at the hospital or with the doctor.
- Don’t leave until you feel confident handling the tasks ahead.
- It’s okay to ask for clarification multiple times or request demonstrations.
- Caregiving is a skill that takes time to learn, and no one expects you to get everything right from the start.
Starting small: focus on the basics
Once you’ve been established as the primary caregiver to your loved one, it helps to break down each responsibility and form an action plan.
Establish routines that work for you both
One of the best things you can do for yourself and your loved one is to create a predictable daily schedule.
Routines can reduce anxiety, especially for individuals with cognitive challenges, and help you manage your time.
Morning stretches, meal prep, and consistent bedtimes can provide structure and make caregiving more manageable.
That said, flexibility is key. Some days, everything goes smoothly, and other days, every task has a problem. Give yourself permission to adjust as needed.
Prioritize safety and independence
Caregiving isn’t about doing everything for your loved one; it’s about finding ways to support their independence while keeping them safe.
Simple home modifications such as grab bars, non-slip mats, or better lighting can make a big difference. Assistive devices such as walkers or adaptive utensils can help them feel more capable.
If your loved one resists assistance, approach tasks with empathy and a collaborative attitude. For example, instead of insisting they do something your way, frame it as teamwork: “Let’s tackle this together.”
The emotional toll: What no one tells you about caregiving
Caregiving is a job of the heart, but it can take a toll.
You may cycle through frustration, guilt, love, resentment, and exhaustion—sometimes all in one day. These emotions are normal.
As a family caregiver, recognize that you will get upset occasionally; when that happens, walk away and breathe to reset before re-engaging.
Recognizing when you’re reaching your limit and stepping away, even for a few minutes, can prevent small frustrations from becoming bigger conflicts.
It’s also important to understand that your loved one is likely frustrated. They’re adjusting to a loss of independence, and this can manifest in difficult behaviors. Approach each situation patiently and remind yourself that their actions are not personal.
What support is available for caregivers?
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and isolated when you become a family caregiver. However, you must remember that help is available, whether through your personal support network or community resources.
Emotional support
You don’t have to navigate caregiving alone, even if it feels that way right now. Many caregivers find relief and connection by joining support groups or seeking counseling.
A support group specifically for caregivers can help you feel less isolated, while a counselor can guide you through the emotional challenges of the role.
Friends and family can also be a valuable resource, but they may not always know how to help. Be specific when asking for assistance.
For example: “Could you stay with Mom for an hour while I run errands?” Clear requests make it easier for others to step in.
Practical help
Caregiving can feel like you’re managing ten things at once, but you don’t have to carry it all alone. Here are some practical resources to consider:
- Respite care: Also known as “short-term stay” is a temporary relief service that allows you to take a break while ensuring your loved one is cared for.
- Home health aides (HHAs): These professionals can assist with tasks like bathing, dressing, and managing medications.
If the cost of additional care for your loved one is a concern, explore local programs or insurance benefits that might cover these services.
Your community’s Area Agency on Aging or similar organizations can often point you in the right direction.
Lean on your community
Sometimes, the most unexpected resources can make a big difference.
Local organizations, faith groups, and even neighbors may offer services like transportation, meal delivery, or companionship.
Check with your loved one’s healthcare providers—they often know about programs that can assist families in similar situations.
Learn more about Kensington Konnect, our online caregiver resource center.
Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary
It’s easy to pour all your energy into caregiving and forget about your own needs. But neglecting your well-being doesn’t help anyone. Taking care of yourself makes you a better caregiver in the long run.
Focus on small changes
- Stay active: Even short walks or stretches can boost mood and energy.
- Eat well: Healthy meals fuel your body and mind. Try preparing simple, nutritious foods that you can enjoy together.
- Rest when you can: Consistent sleep isn’t always possible, but prioritize rest whenever possible.
Practice kindness toward yourself
Caregiving is hard, and there’s no perfect way to do it. Be patient with yourself on difficult days. It’s not about getting everything right—it’s about doing the best you can with what you have.
When caregiving on your own isn’t enough—The Kensington Redondo Beach is here to help
There may come a time when your loved one’s needs exceed what you can provide at home. This isn’t a failure—it’s a recognition of the limits of what one person can do.
At The Kensington Redondo Beach, we specialize in memory care, focusing on personalized attention through our Connections and Haven communities, designed for the early to late stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Our community also features assisted living, on-site rehabilitation for seniors, and regular educational events and screenings to support residents and their families.
Learn more about memory care, assisted living, and other services at The Kensington Redondo Beach. We look forward to welcoming you into our family.