Supporting caregivers eases stress and burnout

by Anne Stokes

In 2020, Lisa Okamoto noticed her mother having trouble with her mobility and balance. She started checking in on her more often and going to doctor appointments with her. Eventually, they got a diagnosis: Progressive supranuclear palsy, which affects both physical and cognitive abilities. Okamoto stepped up to manage her mother’s care, first finding her a place at a living senior living apartment complex. By 2023 however, her mother needed more intense care so Okamoto brought her to live at home with her.

“I made a promise to my mom, I told her that I would care for her as long as I possibly could. And it was important for me to be there for her and show her that she was loved, supported and never alone,” Okamoto says. “Despite the many challenges, there were so many beautiful moments. I cherish the quiet conversations, the laughter over old memories and the closeness that we experienced.”

Like many caregivers, Okamoto says she struggled balancing work, family, stress and navigating the emotional toll caregiving takes.

“It was important for me to be there for her and show her that she was loved, supported and never alone.”

Lisa Okamoto, Caregiver

“Caregiving is more complex and personal than most people realize. It impacts every part of your life, not just your schedule,” Okamoto says. “It’s not just about providing medical care, it also means managing appointments, advocating in healthcare settings, handling household responsibilities and being a constant emotional support. Caregiving affects everything—family dynamics, relationships, time and even your sense of identity. It becomes a part of who you are.”

Even with support from her husband and daughter, Okamoto says managing her mother’s care could be draining and overwhelming, and that she often felt isolated. According to Soojin Yoo, program manager at ACC Senior Services, such burnout is unfortunately common for caregivers.

“It is a beautiful goal to help someone age with dignity and live their life on their own terms,” says Yoo. “Watching your loved one going through these changes and declines and then losing your loved one over time can take a huge emotional toll on caregivers.”

ACC, also known as A Community of Caring, has been providing resources and support for seniors since 1972 and have long known the importance of caring for caregivers. Through their partnership with Agency on Aging Area 4, ACC’s Bridge to Health Families program provides referrals for:

• Respite care
• Care assessment and consultations with professionals
• Transportation
• Placement services for assisted living and skilled nursing facilities
• Legal and financial supports
• Home modifications

ACC also facilitates peer support groups for caregivers to share experiences and information, as well as navigation support to help identify any governmental benefits or assistance program eligibility for caregivers and their families.

“The challenge I hear most often is that caregivers sometimes don’t have time or energy to navigate and then research and then find the service that really matches their specific needs,” Yoo says. “That’s where we come in to help the families access and then use these resources.”

Okamoto says she appreciated such support not just for her mother, but for herself. She found connection through ACC’s Powerful Tools for Caregivers class and their case manager helped identify resources Okamoto says she would have otherwise not known about.

“Being a caregiver gave me a deeper perspective on life and a profound appreciation for our elderly. It taught me patience, empathy and the value of presence, lessons I will carry with me always,” she says. “Caring for my mother was an honor, and I would do it all over again without hesitation. The time we shared during those years remain one of the most meaningful experiences in my life.”

For more information on ACC Senior Services and how they can help, visit www.accsv.org or call 916-394-6399 for more information.