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Caregiving: It Takes a Village - and a Break!

Over the past few years I have watched my mother, and her siblings, navigate caring for my aging grandparents. I have seen just how quietly caregiving can reshape someone’s everyday life. It can mean juggling appointments, medications, errands, household tasks, and difficult decisions, all while trying to remain present as a son or daughter rather than feeling like a full-time care coordinator. Their experience has shown me both the deep love behind this work and the toll it can take when someone carries too much alone. Supporting informal caregivers isn’t simply a kind gesture; it’s a way to help the people you love protect their own well-being while continuing to care for the people who once cared for them (and me!).

Our expert this month is Nicole Durgan, Caregiver Coordinator at the Clinton County Office for the Aging. She has more than 8 years of experience helping caregivers navigate their journey and access caregiver support services and respite. Her knowledge of how systems work and what resources are available is invaluable to families like mine, and many others across our community.

Who or what is considered a caregiver and what sort of tasks do they do?

In short, a caregiver is someone who assists another person with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) and/or Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). There are professional caregivers, like home health aides, or informal caregivers. Informal caregivers are often family members, friends, or neighbors. They can help support a person with tasks like managing finances and medication, transportation, shopping, housekeeping, errands, toileting, dressing and bathing.

I am sure the experience can be VERY different from person to person, or scenario to scenario. What sort of positive experiences have informal caregivers shared with you?

Being a caregiver can be very rewarding but also very draining. Every kind of caregiver needs a break from time to time. Many caregivers have reported that respite services have made a huge impact on their day-to-day life. A respite service provides temporary relief for a regular caregiver. This gives the caregiver time to rest or manage their other responsibilities. Without respite they could not attend exercise classes, run errands, or attend their own medical appointments.

What do you feel is the biggest problem facing these caregivers?

Emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion. These can often lead to caregiver burnout. Caregiver burnout is a state of exhaustion that comes from the ongoing demands of caring for another person. It can happen when there is too much stress and not enough time, support, or rest.

What can you do to avoid caregiver burnout?

  • Ask for help early. Give family members or friends specific tasks, like shopping, driving, or meal prep.
  • Use respite services. Schedule regular breaks—even a few hours can help you rest and manage your own life.
  • Set realistic limits. Decide what you can reasonably do and say no when you’ve reached your limit.
  • Maintain basic routines. Prioritize sleep, nutritious meals, exercise, and your own medical appointments.
  • Stay connected. Talk with trusted people or join a caregiver support group.
  • Make time for yourself. Continue activities that help you recharge, without feeling guilty.

The Clinton County Office for the Aging can connect caregivers to support groups/caregiver portal, out of home respite options such as adult day centers and in-home respite program options.

For those who aren’t familiar with OFA, what sort of services do you offer?

Clinton County Office for the Aging has programs that support clients and caregivers that are 60 years old and older along with an All Age and Disability Resource Center- New York Connects. Some of the things we offer are:

The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) that provides caregiver support, trainings and respite services. 

And how can residents reach your office for help?

Our office is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Give us a call at 518-565-4620 or visit https://www.clintoncountyny.gov/index.php/aging.

Top 3 things to remember.

  1. Every kind of caregiver needs a break from time to time. Consider respite services.
  2. Practice strategies that help you avoid caregiver burnout.
  3. Connect with Clinton County’s Office for the Aging for programs and services that support residents 60 and older.









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