08/26/2026
๐ฆWith the passing of legendary Dolly Parton, I think it's important we talk about Caregiver Burnout & the real toll it can take on a caretaker's body.
For the last few years of her life, Dolly was the primary caregiver for her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean. Medications, sleepless nights, all of it was on her. Carl died in March of 2025. In the months that followed, Dolly said publicly what many caregivers keep to themselves. She shared she let her own health go. She skipped doctor's appointments, ignored warning signs & ran on empty. She died roughly only 17 months after him.
Caregiver Burnout & Caregiver Neglect of themselves is a REAL THINGโผ๏ธ
๐กA study in 2025 with AARP/ National Alliance for Caregiving shared some pretty alarming statistics:
- 63 million Americans are family caregivers. That's 1 in 4 adults.
- That's a 45% INCREASE since 2015.
- Caregivers provide an average of 27 hours of care per week.
- 24% provide 40+ hours of care= that's another FULL TIME JOB!
- More than 4 in 10 are in high intensity care situations.
- 1 in 5 caregivers rate their health as fair or poor.
- 29% are in the sandwich generation where they are caring for kids
& adults at the same time.
๐A key takeaway if you are caregiver is this-
Put your oxygen mask on first! If you are struggling with caring for a loved one, maybe it's time to consider letting someone help lighten your load. At Preferred Care at Home of Greater Huntsville , we would love to talk with you about the assistance we can provide, so that you can take the time you need to also take care of yourself!๐ซถ
โ๏ธ(256) 427-2790
๐www.preferhome.com/huntsville
