Managing Caregiver Stress

April 14, 2017

All too often I will be sitting with a Caregiver who is inquiring about our services at Manor on the Hill and I will comment, “you’re at your wits end, aren’t you?” The stress of caregiving is apparent in their face and eyes.

Caregiving can be rewarding but it can also be very stressful as the elderly parent continues to decline or require more and more assistance. Being there when a loved one needs you is a common core value shared by many and is something you wish to provide. However, it is natural to feel angry, frustrated, exhausted or sad.



As a caregiver, you may become so focused on your loved one, that you let your own health and well-being suffer. Some signs of caregiver stress are:

  • Feeling overwhelmed or worrying constantly
  • Being tired most of the time
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Changes in weight, gaining or losing weight rapidly
  • Being easily irritated or angry
  • Feeling sad
  • Having frequent headaches, aches and pains or other physical problems
  • Abusing alcohol or drugs

Too much stress, over time, can severely impact your health. In fact, depression is 2.3 times more likely in a caregiver who hides their emotions.


To help manage the stress of caregiving, consider:

  • Accepting help. It’s ok to admit you can’t do it all yourself. Accept help from others; it’s ok.
  • Focus on what you can provide. There is no “perfect” caregiver. Provide what you can and accept you can’t provide everything as long as your loved one is safe and medically taken care of.
  • Set realistic goals. Again, you can’t do it all. Prioritize, make lists and establish a daily routine.
  • Join a support group. We have a monthly support group at Manor on the Hill on the third Wednesday of each month at 1:30 pm. Anyone can attend.
  • Seek social support. Stay well-connected with family and friends. Make time for yourself to be with others in a social situation at least once a week.
  • Take care of your health. Set a sleep routine, exercise regularly, eat healthy and drink plenty of water.
  • See your Doctor and be sure to tell them that you are a caregiver.


Even caregivers deserve some vacation time. We offer a “Respite Stay” for your loved one so that you can decompress, relax and get ready to care-give once again. Or you might consider making the Manor on the Hill your loved ones new home so our professional caregivers can provide the services necessary and all you have to do is visit!

A group of elderly women are sitting around a table with plates of food

Toddlers and Centurions – Intergenerational Activities

April 1, 2021
They say “It takes a village to raise a child”; Knowledge, wisdom, and unconditional love by seniors have a lasting effect on children. Children can also bring happiness and smiles to seniors. We can reminisce about the past when extended families lived close together on the same street or in the same town and interacted frequently. Manor on the Hill (pre-pandemic) had a “Adopt a Grandparent Program” where preschool children came every month to do activities with the residents. This was the most popular activity for both generations. Meaningful activities between seniors and children can be fun and educational. Here are examples of things that the seniors can talk about bringing back nostalgic memories and educating the children at the same time: Tin of Spam: Most children will have no idea what it is however seniors will have memories of tinned meat that could be transported and stored without refrigeration. Rotary phone: Dialing numbers one-by-one, one mistake or busy line and had to start all over again Payphones and a dime in their penny-loafers to call home. Many may have used their dime for a treat at the corner store. Printed references like the phone book, TV Guide and an Encyclopedia set Gramophone records; Side A & B with a handful of songs Silent movies & news reals Rationing during the wars Games they played
A woman in a wheelchair is holding a certificate on the front page of a leominster champion newspaper

107 Year Young Manor Resident in Leominster Champion News

September 26, 2019
Norma Schofield, a resident of Manor On The Hill, celebrating her 107th birthday with family and friends. She also appeared in Leominster Champion Newspaper. Click here to read what her son has to say.
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