Call it awareness, attention, presence, or focus—mindfulness is proving to be one of the most effective tools for caregivers coping with the daily stress of caring for older adults. Whether you're a family member supporting a loved one with dementia or a professional care partner navigating long-term care settings, mindfulness can help reduce burnout, increase empathy, and improve quality of care.

Losing sleep, poor eating habits, irritability or short tempered - these symptoms may start small and snowball quickly into what is referred to as caregiver burnout.   Professionals and families need to know what to look for and how to help caregivers.  It's a serious matter and growing, as more families are caring for their loved ones at home with little or no help.