South Florida – December 17, 2025 – Caregivers play a vital role year-round for their loved ones, including during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. This time of year can be extra challenging for caregivers, since it typically comes with added stress, like planning dinners, hosting family and friends, and increased social pressures.

“Chronic stress can have a profound impact on our physical and mental health,” said Dr. Thomas Graf, FAAFP, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for Florida Blue Medicare. “For caregivers, managing stress is crucial to maintaining their own well-being, so they can continue to provide the best care for their loved ones. When caregivers are stressed, it can lead to burnout, decreased immune function, and a range of other health problems.”

While caregivers focus on their loved ones, their own needs shouldn't be forgotten. Taking care of their own well-being is essential to providing the best care.

Tips for caregivers

To help make the holidays a little brighter (and hopefully less stressful), here are tips to support caregivers and their loved ones.

• Simplify the menu: Consider a smaller, easier-to-prepare meal or order a pre-cooked meal to reduce stress and give more time to enjoy dinner with loved ones.
• Assign seating: Plan seating arrangements to ensure your loved one's comfort and accessibility, preventing fatigue and discomfort during the gathering.
• Prepare for visitors: Let your guests know about your loved one's needs and boundaries to ensure a smooth visit and prevent misunderstandings.
• Make time for self-care: Make time for one activity that brings you joy, whether it's taking a short walk, reading a book, or taking a moment for deep breathing.

“Caregivers already have a lot on their plates. Our goal is to support them in their journey. That’s why we offer resources and tools to make their lives a little easier,” adds Graf. Florida Blue’s community resources include:

• Support groups: Caregiver Connections, Florida Blue’s online support group on Facebook, provides a community for caregivers to share experiences, ask for help, and find support from others who understand what they're going through.
• Florida Blue Centers: Community Specialists, social service professionals working in Florida Blue Centers across the state, offer services at no extra cost and can connect caregivers with community resources to get additional help.
• Additional resources can be found at FloridaBlue.com/Caregiver, including the Family Caregiver Guide and steps to make a caregiving plan.