Hey Caregivers! Here’s what’s happening this week
This is your permission to hit pause, exhale, and remember you matter too.
Each week, you’ll get stories, tools, and tiny resets that help you care without losing yourself in the process.
But most importantly, I want this to be a newsletter and a resource for YOU! So please reply and let me know what you thought of this newsletter! Is there anything you want to see more of?
Let’s Start with Today’s Reset.
The Caregiver Reset: Oscar Edition
Category: Best Supporting Role (Finding Your Team)
While the stars are walking the red carpet in Hollywood, we know the real "Best Picture" is happening in your living room, your car, and your kitchen every single day. Being a caregiver is a lead role that requires endless stamina, but even the biggest icons in cinema don't work alone. This week, we’re looking at how to build your "production crew" so you don't have to carry the whole script yourself.
In the movies, the "Supporting Actor" is the one who steps in to make the lead shine. In your life, support isn't a sign of weakness—it’s how you stay in the game for the long haul.
Audit Your "Script": Look at your To-Do list for the week. Which scenes actually require you, and which can be handled by a "Guest Star"? Whether it’s asking a sibling to handle the pharmacy run or hiring a meal service for two nights a week, delegating isn't "quitting"—it’s professional management.
Watch the "Inspirational Features": Feeling alone? Films like The Fundamentals of Caring or Still Alice (and the recent 2026 Oscar-winner Familiar Touch) show the raw, beautiful, and difficult reality of caregiving. Sometimes seeing your life on screen is the best validation.
Take your intermission. Recast your burdens where you can. And most importantly, stay tuned—we’ll be back next week with more "Behind the Scenes" tips to help you keep the show running.
See you on the red carpet (or, you know, the grocery store aisle)
Now, let’s see what you’ve missed
Stories from the Collective
This week’s spotlight: Sara Shum!
“You will never regret caring for somebody. Ever” - Sara Shum
As a dedicated fall prevention and wellness coach for seniors, Sara Shum focuses on the power of empathy and connection in caregiving.
Sometimes caregiving can feel like such hard work and a series of never ending tasks.
It might feel easy to forget about the parts that make it worth it.
It's that connection and empathy with who we love and care for that helps us through the hard days and makes it all worth it!
Listen to episode 22 with Sara to hear more about her story and how empathy and real human connection is key!
Click THIS LINK to listen to the episode!
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The Inside Scoop
The Caregiver’s Briefs: Big Moves
Between new medical milestones and some pretty heavy-hitting policy changes, the "caregiver sphere" is looking a lot different this March than it did even six months ago.
Here is the "need-to-know" breakdown for your week.
Understanding the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act"
What is it?
Signed into law on July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is a major federal law that includes significant changes to Medicaid. Its most talked-about provision is a new "community engagement" (work) requirement for certain Medicaid enrollees.
The Key Rule:
Starting January 1, 2027, many able-bodied adults ages 19–64 enrolled in Medicaid (specifically the ACA expansion population) must document at least 80 hours per month of work, job training, education, or volunteering to keep their coverage.
Who is exempt?
The law provides explicit exemptions for several groups, including:
Caregivers of children age 13 or younger.
Caregivers of individuals with disabilities of any age.
Individuals certified as "medically frail" or having serious health conditions.
Pregnant or postpartum individuals.
Veterans with disabilities and those over 65.
Why caregivers are concerned:
While caregivers are legally exempt, the burden of proving that status falls on the individual. Advocacy groups worry that if states don’t create "automatic" exemptions, caregivers could lose their health insurance simply because they didn't navigate the paperwork correctly.
Simply Put: The OBBBA "Final Verdict" (Your spark notes version)
The Big Change: A new law (OBBBA) was signed on July 4, 2025. It requires some Medicaid members to prove they work or volunteer 80 hours a month to keep their health insurance.
Key points regarding OBBBA and caregivers:
Exemptions: Those caring for children aged 13 or younger or disabled individuals of any age are exempt from the work requirements.
Verification Challenges: The law requires rigorous verification of work or caregiving activities, which could cause many caregivers to lose Medicaid coverage due to paperwork issues.
Home Care Impact: The law imposes strict Medicaid cuts, challenging home care agencies with lower reimbursements, potentially reducing home companionship services.
Compliance: Home care agencies are advised to keep client status and documentation updated to comply with tighter OBBBA regulations.
Come back next time for more updates!
The Collective Question
This week’s question: "If your life as a caregiver were a movie title, what would it be?
Hit “reply” and let us know!
P.S.
If this made your load lighter and helped you breathe, share it with a caregiver who deserves a breath too!
Follow along at @carecollective.podcast and let’s build the village that caregivers deserve.
Take care of you,
Mikayla
Founder, The Care Collective
