Tag: family caregivers

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03.13.25 | Personal Development

Launching the Sage Collective® Caregiver Support Program: A Lifeline for Those Who Care

Caregiving is an act of love, resilience, and dedication—but it can also be overwhelming. Many caregivers, especially those in underserved communities, find themselves navigating immense physical, emotional, and financial challenges with little support. Recognizing this, Sage Collective® is proud to launch the Caregiver Support Program, an initiative dedicated to empowering and uplifting caregivers through education, community, and self-care.

A Program Built for Caregivers
At Sage Collective, we understand that caregiving doesn’t come with an instruction manual. From managing a loved one’s medical needs to balancing work and personal responsibilities, caregivers often carry an invisible yet significant burden. The Sage Collective Caregiver Support Program is designed to provide the resources, tools, and emotional support caregivers need to thrive—not just survive—in their roles.

This program offers:

  • Educational workshops on caregiving techniques, stress management, and self-care
  • Support groups facilitated by professionals, providing a safe space for sharing experiences and advice
  • Access to community resources like healthcare services, respite care, and financial planning
  • Online forums and virtual support to ensure accessibility for all caregivers, no matter their location or schedule
  • Advocacy efforts aimed at influencing policy changes that benefit caregivers, particularly African American caregivers who play a vital role in family and community care

Through this holistic approach, caregivers gain the tools they need to provide the best care for their loved ones while also prioritizing their own well-being.

Join Us for the Caregiver Support Program Launch Event
To celebrate this new initiative, we invite you to our official launch event on March 18, 2025, at 7:00 PM. This evening will focus on Navigating the Emotional Challenges of Caregiving—a crucial conversation that acknowledges the stress, guilt, and exhaustion many caregivers experience.

Featured Speaker: Dr. Genevieve Thomas. Dr. Thomas will lead a discussion on how to manage the emotional weight of caregiving, offering strategies for building resilience, reducing stress, and maintaining a sense of self amid caregiving responsibilities.

Guided Meditation & Yoga Session: Maile Wicklander. To help caregivers reconnect with themselves, certified yoga and meditation instructor Maile Wicklander will guide a low-impact yoga and mindfulness session, providing techniques for relaxation and stress relief.

This free event is open to caregivers, family members, and anyone supporting a loved one through aging or illness. Attendees will leave with practical tools to improve their well-being and a stronger sense of community.

Why Caregivers Need Support Now More Than Ever
Caregiving can be isolating. Many caregivers report feeling overwhelmed, underappreciated, and stretched thin, often neglecting their own needs. Studies show that caregivers are at higher risk for stress-related illnesses, anxiety, and depression, yet many don’t seek support because they feel they “should” be able to handle it all alone.

At Sage Collective®, we believe no caregiver should have to navigate this journey alone. By offering access to community, expert guidance, and wellness practices, we are building a stronger, healthier network of caregivers who feel supported, informed, and valued.

Be Part of This Transformative Movement
If you are a caregiver—or know someone who is—this program is for you. Whether you attend workshops, join a support group, or take part in online discussions, you’ll gain the tools, confidence, and community you need to navigate caregiving with strength and grace.

Connect with fellow caregivers who understand your experiences. Gain valuable insights and strategies to help reduce stress and avoid burnout. Together, we can redefine what it means to care—not just for others, but for ourselves.

RSVP today to secure your spot for the launch event on March 18, 2025.
Visit our website for more details on Sage Collective’s Caregiver Support Program.

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Sage Advice®

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01.22.25 | Community

Supporting African American Caregivers in the Sandwich Generation

At Sage Collective®, we are dedicated to enhancing the lives of aging African Americans by fostering vibrant living and providing support to their families. A significant aspect of this commitment involves addressing the challenges faced by the “sandwich generation”—individuals simultaneously caring for their aging parents and their own children. In the African American community, this dual responsibility often presents unique strains that require comprehensive understanding and targeted support.

The term “sandwich generation” refers to adults who are concurrently managing the care of their aging parents and their own children. This role can be particularly demanding, as it involves balancing the emotional, physical, and financial needs of multiple generations. In the African American community, cultural expectations and a strong sense of familial duty can intensify these responsibilities, leading to increased stress and potential caregiver burnout.

One of the primary challenges faced by the sandwich generation is financial strain. Supporting aging parents often requires significant resources, including medical expenses, housing costs, and daily living needs. Simultaneously, providing for one’s own children—covering education expenses, extracurricular activities, and general upbringing—adds to the financial burden. This dual financial responsibility can be overwhelming, particularly for African American families who may already be navigating systemic economic disparities.

Emotional and physical stress is another significant concern. Caregivers frequently experience feelings of guilt, frustration, and exhaustion as they strive to meet the needs of both their parents and children. The constant juggling of responsibilities can lead to neglecting one’s own health and well-being, resulting in burnout. In the African American community, where there may be limited access to mental health resources due to stigma or lack of availability, addressing these emotional challenges becomes even more critical.

Time management is also a pressing issue. Balancing work, caregiving duties, and personal life leaves little room for self-care or leisure activities. This lack of personal time can diminish the quality of life and strain relationships within the family. For African American caregivers, who may place a high value on familial bonds and community involvement, the inability to participate fully in these aspects of life can be particularly disheartening.

To support the sandwich generation within the African American community, it is essential to implement strategies that alleviate these pressures. Access to resources such as respite care, financial planning services, and mental health support can provide much-needed relief. Community organizations and faith-based groups can play a pivotal role in offering support networks, educational workshops, and counseling services tailored to the unique needs of African American caregivers.

At Sage Collective®, we recognize the importance of supporting both older adults and their caregivers. Our programs are designed to promote intergenerational bonds, community engagement, and holistic well-being. By providing resources and creating spaces for open dialogue, we aim to empower the sandwich generation to manage their responsibilities effectively while maintaining their own health and happiness. To learn more about participating in our programs and resources, visit our website.

 

Credit: Family First on Freerangestock (https://freerangestock.com/photographer/Family_First/8786)
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Sage Advice®

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11.02.23 | Community

November is National Family Caregivers Month

November is often associated with Thanksgiving, a time to express gratitude and come together as families. But the month also holds a special significance for family caregivers. Welcome to National Family Caregivers Month – a period dedicated to acknowledging the silent heroes among us who dedicate their lives to caring for loved ones.

What started as National Family Caregivers Week in the mid-1990s has since evolved, thanks to President Barack Obama’s proclamation in 2012, into a month-long tribute. This expansion wasn’t just a mere extension of time but rather a recognition of the year-round efforts these caregivers undertake. 

While showing appreciation is a crucial aspect of this month, its scope goes beyond acknowledgment. The aim is to rally support for caregivers, raise awareness about the challenges they face, and provide them with vital resources. The Caregivers Action Network (CAN), for instance, introduces a theme each year. This year’s theme is #CaregiversConnect, which spotlights the importance of connections as a way to educate and support others. 

By shining a light on the hardships and trials caregivers endure, we pave the way for better policies, resources, and societal understanding. Whether it’s lobbying for better workplace support, highlighting the emotional strain, or emphasizing the financial toll of caregiving, the advocacy element of this month is pivotal.

As individuals, there’s much we can do. From offering to babysit, assisting with chores, or merely lending an empathetic ear, every bit helps. Community groups and local initiatives can also play a role, perhaps by setting up support forums or offering respite care services. The strength of a community lies in its unity, and together, we can ensure our caregivers feel seen, supported, and valued.

As you move through November, take a moment to think about the caregivers in your life. They might be neighbors, friends, or even family members. While their sacrifices often go unnoticed, this month serves as a reminder of the immeasurable value they bring to our communities and lives. 

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