By: Javita Williamson, MBA, BSW
When we talk about caregiving, the conversation often focuses on the person receiving care. What happens when they can no longer manage everything on their own? That’s when a loved one usually steps in to give support.
Across Tennessee, many family members struggle to balance the responsibilities of caregiving with work, parenting, relationships, finances, and their own health. They are children scheduling appointments, husbands managing medications, friends making phone calls, and grandchildren entering new responsibilities. They are caregivers, even though some may not identify themselves that way.
Caregiving is not a small issue in Tennessee. For many caregivers, it is a gradual process. It may start with grocery shopping for a loved one, then progress to sending medication reminders, managing appointments, or assisting with personal care. Before long, helping out has become caregiving. Or the responsibility can suddenly fall into their laps.
Many caregivers are unpaid. According to AARP’s Caregiving in the U.S. 2025: Caring Across States report, family caregivers in Tennessee provide $12.3 billion in unpaid care each year. Caregiving often doesn’t come with training or predictable hours. Family members usually become experts from experience because they need to be for the person they care for.
Caregivers Need Care, Too
Caregiving comes with emotional and physical weight. Caregivers can become so focused on their loved ones’ well-being that they set their own needs aside, and that can be dangerous. The reality of that statement became apparent with the recent passing of Dolly Parton, who acknowledged that she had health issues that she “didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl.” AARP reports that 28% of adults in Tennessee are family caregivers, and the solution for the physical and emotional toll is not just telling them to “Take care of yourself.” They need support, resources, and opportunities to step away from their caregiving responsibilities without worrying that something will go wrong.
Adult Day Services Can Be Part of the Solution
This is when Adult Day Services can become a crucial part of the care plan for the person receiving care and the caregiver. Adult Day Services is not simply a place where an older adult or adult with a disability spends the day. It is a community that encourages connection, engagement, safety, independence, and quality of life while providing caregivers with time. Time for respite. Time for scheduling. Time to breathe.
Adult Day Services can provide opportunities for socialization, fun activities, routine, supervision, meals, and supportive care. Instead of spending a day alone at home in isolation, participants can engage with other participants and build community.
Caregiving is a Team Effort
Caregiving should be a team effort. That team may include family members, Adult Day Services staff, doctors, social workers, and other community organizations. The goal is to make sure caregivers know there are resources available before they reach burnout.
When caregivers are overwhelmed, the entire team feels powerless. But when caregivers are included in the care plan, they get the help they need and are better able to care for the people they love.
To learn more about FiftyForward Friends Adult Day Services, call 615-742-4693 or email friendsadmissions@fiftyforward.org.
