For many of us, our parents were the steady foundation of childhood — the ones who packed lunches, stayed up with us through illness, and always seemed to have the right answer. We grow up with a sense that they’re invincible, unshakable. 

So, when something begins to shift — a missed word, a forgotten step in a daily routine, a slower pace — it can feel deeply unsettling. Like someone telling you that 1 + 1 now equals 3. It just doesn’t add up. 

We may not know exactly what’s happening, but we feel it: things are different. 

And our instinct? To jump in. To take over. To protect. 

It’s only natural — after all, they once did it all for us. But while that response comes from love, it isn’t always sustainable for you — and it may not serve them in the way you hope. 

 

The Hidden Cost of “Helping” 

Family caregivers are doing more than ever before — often without support or preparation. According to NPR, over 53 million Americans provide unpaid care for a loved one, and many report feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or unsure if they’re doing the right thing. 

In places like Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and across the Twin Cities, we hear this story every day: adult children trying to balance work, kids, and caregiving — all while navigating uncertainty. 

When we step in too much or too quickly, we risk two things: 

  • Burning out ourselves.

    The emotional and physical toll of caregiving — especially while also raising kids or working — is real and growing. 

  • Taking away their autonomy.

    The everyday things — choosing what to wear, managing their home, having guests over — matter more than we sometimes realize. Stripping those small decisions can erode confidence, joy, and a sense of control. 

Research supports this. Older adults who maintain a sense of purpose and independence experience better cognitive and emotional outcomes over time. 

 

A Different Kind of Support 

That’s why Safeway Home Healthcare exists — to provide relationship-based, in-home care that honors the identity and dignity of each person we serve. Our goal is not to “do life” for someone, but to support them in living life on their terms. 

Our CarePod teams, serving families across Minnesota, understand that meaningful care isn’t just about tasks — it’s about trust, adaptation, and encouragement. Whether a person is navigating memory loss, mental health changes, or physical limitations, we ask: What matters to you? And then we help make it possible. 

Take Rachel, one of our Safeway members. She’s an incredible baker who finds joy in sharing her treats at the local farmers market. When it became harder for her to manage the logistics on her own, Safeway stepped in — not to run the show, but to support her vision. Her dream stayed hers; we just helped keep it thriving. 

 

For Families in the “In-Between” 

Many families today belong to what’s called the sandwich generation — caring for kids and aging parents at the same time. The default response is often efficiency: Get things done. Keep everything running. 

But we encourage something different. 

See this season not as a challenge to conquer, but as a transition to absorb. Let it soften your pace. Let it reshape what care looks like. 

Safeway’s approach is rooted in empathy, flexibility, and honoring every chapter of life. As a trusted home healthcare agency in the Twin Cities, we help you give support that doesn’t overpower. We offer peace of mind that doesn’t rely on burnout. And we build lasting partnerships that evolve alongside your family’s needs. 

 

Let’s talk about what support looks like for your family. 

Whether you need a little guidance or a consistent partner in care, Safeway — your Minneapolis and Saint Paul home healthcare agency — is here to listen, adapt, and walk alongside you. 

Contact us today to request a free consultation. 

Footnotes 

  1. Chatterjee, R. (2023). “Why caring for aging parents is so draining — and how employers can help.” NPR. https://www.npr.org/2023/06/15/1181722241/caregiver-burnout-aging-parents-family-leave  
  1. World Health Organization. (2020). “Decade of Healthy Ageing: Baseline Report.” https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240017900  

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Safeway HHC Contributors

Our dedicated team of home health care professionals works closely with clients and their families to develop a personalized care plan that reflects their values and priorities. We strive to empower our clients to take an active role in their care and to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

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