Most of us spend parts of our lives caring for someone and parts needing someone to care for us. We may start with a child’s fever, then help a partner through cancer treatment or an aging parent with appointments. Later, we may need assistance recovering from surgery ourselves. There is rarely an orientation session. Life hands us the next assignment, usually when the calendar is already full. Caregiving can mean raising grandchildren, caring for a child with a disability, or supporting a sibling living with mental illness. We may call it parenting, friendship, or doing what needs to be done. An afternoon helping a friend and years of intensive care require very different amounts of time and energy. Both belong in this conversation. AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving’s 2025 report estimates that 63 million American adults, or nearly one in four, provide ongoing care to someone with a medical condition or disability. That figure excludes everyday parenting and occasional help.1 With families gathering for the holidays, consider where you are in this journey. • Does someone depend on you for help with their health, daily needs or medical decisions? • Are you receiving help, or realizing you could use some? • Has the care you give become more demanding? • Can you name something that someone could do to help you? • Could you share someone else’s caregiving responsibilities? You may recognize yourself in several questions. Giving and needing care can happen simultaneously. Use one answer to begin a conversation about what you need or what you can offer. Talk about what is needed “Of course I’ll help,” can gradually become appointments, meals, paperwork and being available whenever something goes wrong. Discuss what the work now involves and what each person can manage. Someone willing to help may need instruction or another person to share the responsibilities. Include the person receiving care: Your partner might welcome someone taking notes without wanting them to answer every question. Ask before assuming. Practice asking and offering How often has someone said, “Let me know if you need anything”? For me, it generally means I do not get help. My friends know I am not good at asking. Somehow, I expect them to know what I need and offer it. Apparently, I have added mind reading to the qualifications for friendship. www.cvalzheimers.org (760) 776-3100 l cvalzheimers.org 75105 Merle Dr., Suite 800, Palm Desert, CA 92211 Prepare for your future with free, comprehensive and conndential assessments and counseling. The ACV Screening Center is here for those with a family history of, or questions about, cognitive impairment. Schedule your screening, today. Through the Generations The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 23 www.DesertHealthNews.com November/December 2026 www.tranquilitysandshospice.com We are here to provide comprehensive support through your loved one’s transitional journey. Our array of hospice services provides comfort and care physically, emotionally and spiritually. Locally owned in the Coachella Valley ICU nurse-owned On call 24/7 We are here to answer your questions 24/7 (760) 565-1774 TSH@tranquilitysandshospice.com 100% covered by insurance 74333 Highway 111, Suite 204 • Palm Desert tranquilitysandshospice.com “Every team member carried themselves with professionalism while bringing genuine warmth into our home. They treated my father with dignity and respect and supported our family with patience and empathy. They answered questions thoughtfully, anticipated needs before we even voiced them, and created an environment where we felt cared for, informed and never alone. We are deeply grateful for the way they walked alongside us with both competence and heart.” — Dana L. Setting the Standard for Quality Care and Comfort Call to schedule a free evaluation Serving desert cities and surrounding areas including: Idyllwild, Mountain Center, Twentynine Palms, and Salton Sea Accredited with the Accreditation Commission for Health Care Licensed by the State of California Certified by Medicare/Medi-Cal www.greater-palm-springs.assistedlivinglocators.com • Assisted Living • In-Home Care Services • Board & Care Homes • Alzheimer’s/Memory Care • Independent Living The guidance you need, for the care they deserve greater-palm-springs.assistedlivinglocators.com 760-576-3000 KENDALL FORBES Owner/Senior Care Advisor NO-COST Senior Placement Service A Lifetime of Giving and Receiving Care Where are you on the journey? By Laurel Fuqua, RN, MSN Continued on page 24 Life is a journey of taking care and being cared for.
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