It’s probably no surprise that retirees are moving to Florida in large numbers every day. About 6.3 million Florida residents are over age 60. When counting only older adults, Florida is still one of the 30 most populated states. People are living longer, making adults over age 100 the fastest‑growing age group in the state.
Many seniors live with long‑term illnesses or disabilities. They often need varying levels of care and support. Older adults often turn to family members or friends to provide care. The National Institute on Aging says that about 1 in 4 Americans are caregivers now, and 1 in 6 expect to become caregivers in the future.
“There are only four kinds of people in the world–those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.”– Rosalynn Carter, Founder of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers
Caregivers help with many things, from basic daily tasks to medical and financial support. Most caregivers also have jobs and other responsibilities. Caring for a loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be stressful and demanding.
If you are a caregiver, here are some tips to help you manage your responsibilities and reduce stress:
1) Find Caregiver Training and Resources:
Many caregivers start this role without training. The Eldercare Locator (800‑677‑1116 or https://eldercare.acl.gov) can help you find local resources and support. The Florida Department of Elder Affairs (850‑414‑2000) also offers caregiver resources and training programs. Some training programs may be covered by Medicare or Medicaid. You can also check with your local government for more support options.
2) Build Your Caregiving Team:
Ask family members, friends, and professional caregivers for help. Even people who live far away can offer support. Hold family meetings to list tasks, divide responsibilities, and plan ahead. People from a distance can help with scheduling appointments, paying bills, ordering supplies, and other tasks.
3) Know Your Limits:
No one can manage everything alone. If caregiving becomes too hard medically, financially, or emotionally, you may need other options. You might hire home health aides for extra support. You may need to look into long‑term care options like assisted living or nursing home facilities.
4) Take Care of Yourself:
You can’t take care of others if you are not healthy. As in other emergencies, you need to put on your own oxygen mask first, before you can assist others. Make sure you eat well, stay active, take breaks, and keep up with your own medical care and mental health. Look for caregiver support groups in your area or online.
Caregiver Support Services:
- Florida Department of Elder Affairs
https://elderaffairs.org/programs-services/caregiving/
850-414-2000
- The ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center
https://archrespite.org/respitelocator
703-256-2084
- The Eldercare Locator
https://eldercare.acl.gov/home
800-677-1116
- The Family Caregiver Alliance
www.caregiver.org/connecting-caregivers
800-445-8106
- The Caregiver Action Network
202-454-3970
- AARP
www.aarp.org/caregiving/life-balance
877-333-5885
References:
1- Live Well and Age Well: 2024 Department Overview. 2024. Florida Department of Elder Affairs. https://elderaffairs.org/wp-content/uploads/2024-Year-Review.pdf
2- The Caregiver’s Handbook: A guide to getting started, finding support, and taking care of yourself. 2023. National Institute on Aging. https://order.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2023-03/caregivers-handbook-nia_0.pdf
3- Family Caregiving: Tips and Tools for You and Your Loved Ones. Tips on Reducing Stress for Family Caregivers. North Dakota State University Extension. FS688. https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/sites/default/files/2025-06/fs688.pdf
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