One of the occupational hazards of caregiving your aging parent is social isolation -- or, in plain words, giving up your friends. You’re so busy rushing to your loved one’s home to clean up, cook meals, chauffeur him to appointments, and respond to emergencies that you have no time left to spend with friends. Or you’ve abandoned your social life because all your free time is spent at the nursing home. Your elder has grown to expect your visits, and your constant presence improves the quality of care. Or, after daily caregiving duties and family responsibilities are taken care of, you’re too pooped to see friends.

Caregivers need friends for the same reasons that elders need friends. Friends enhance your coping abilities with their listening, understanding, and advice. Time spent with a friend produces a few laughs (or a good cry) and precious distraction from your caregiving burdens. Consider a night out to be a much-needed mini-vacation. A paid sitter may seem like an unnecessary extravagance, but it’s vital to your continued well-being.