Astrology has been used for centuries to relate human activities to the movements of celestial bodies. These movements supposedly influence our personalities and can even be used in a predictive manner for horoscopic astrology.
Some people check their horoscopes regularly, while others are more skeptical of the effects that the planets have on their lives. See if your zodiac sign accurately describes your personality, and find out how the heavens might be affecting the ways in which you provide care for your loved one.
(Looking up the signs for other individuals on your care team can be beneficial as well!)
♈ Aries (March 21—April 19)
Arians tend to be courageous, enthusiastic and generous individuals. However, they can also be impulsive and impatient. Since Arians are highly devoted to their family and friends and tend to set high expectations for themselves, caregivers of this sign may have a difficult time recognizing when they might need help. They should avoid letting their ego get in the way of giving a loved one the care they deserve! Getting burnt out doesn’t benefit anyone, so arians must make a point of being realistic about their limitations.
Arians need to recognize that they are doing their best, and indulge their adventurous side every so often. With a little planning, they may be able to take a trip with their loved one or use their respite time for a well-deserved vacation.
Individuals born under this sign have an athletic side too, so they often sneak in exercise and gym time when they have a rare bit of free time. This will help battle burnout and boost health and happiness while caregiving, so keep it up!
Suggested Reading:
Where to Find Respite for Caregivers
6 Strategies for Vacationing with an Older Adult
At-Home Exercises to Keep You Strong and Mobile
♉ Taurus (April 20—May 20)
Taureans are known to be resilient, creative and occasionally stubborn. These can be valuable traits, but in disproportionate quantities, being too inflexible can get caregivers into trouble. Staying focused on the tasks at hand without getting overwhelmed is a difficult undertaking. Individuals born under this sign must be sure to give themselves plenty of credit for all that they do! Trying to take on everything alone without burning out is near impossible.
Taureans can become set in their ways when it comes to how certain chores, situations or objectives are handled. This can cause caregivers of this sign to butt heads with the person they are caring for—especially their parents. Just keep in mind that a loved one may be concerned about losing their independence. Try to give them as much responsibility and encouragement as they can handle. It may be difficult to accept their unique or inefficient approaches to things, but keeping them stimulated and involved will help them enjoy a healthy sense of purpose.
Suggested Reading:
Mindfulness: Paying Attention to What’s really Important
Sharpen Your People Skills and Become a Better Caregiver
Honor Your Elders’ Need for Independence
♊ Gemini (May 21—June 20)
Geminians are known to be adaptable, social individuals. Their versatility often makes them a perfect fit for caregiving roles that require quick problem solving. A geminian caregiver should have no problem switching up their loved one’s care plan as needed or communicating with them about their needs. However, individuals of this sign can become bored quite easily. It’s crucial for geminians to make time in their schedule to socialize with friends or other family members. Otherwise, they may begin to grow weary of the same routines day in and day out with very little interaction with the outside world.
For geminians who may not be able to socialize with friends, a caregiver support group in person or online is a great resource. Caregivers of this sign enjoy sharing their expertise and experiences with others, so they are a vital component of AgingCare’s active community. Thank you, geminians!
Suggested Reading:
Why Helping Other Caregivers May Make You Happy
Social Media Provides Caregivers a Cyber Shoulder to Lean on
Balancing Elder Care with Other Relationships
5 Steps to Evaluate and Improve Your Loved One’s Care Plan
♋ Cancer (June 21—July 22)
Cancerians are often homebodies and require security and stability in order to be happy. Although people of this sign treasure their family and friends above all else, moving a loved one into a cancerian’s home could present some problems. Adequate planning and research will help caregivers of this sign to either choose a different living option for their loved one or make the transition to living together go as smoothly as possible.
Although there is nothing wrong with being a homebody, cancerians should ensure that they make efforts to go out and try new things. Cancerians can sometimes fall into a rut where they only dwell in their comfort zone and avoid taking risks. When caring for a loved one, it’s important to add some fresh activities and excitement into the mix in order to avoid burnout. A loved one may even enjoy participating with you!
Since cancerians are very family-oriented, exploring family history and ancestry might be an enjoyable pastime for caregivers of this sign to share with their loved one as well.
Suggested Reading:
How to Evaluate Senior Living Options
Finding and Maintaining Your Personal Space While Caregiving
♌ Leo (July 23—August 22)
Leos are loving, loyal individuals and natural leaders. However, the ways in which they lead can be a bit overbearing at times. When faced with a challenge, leos will not shy away from using a bit of drama to get the outcome they want. It’s important for caregivers of this sign to remember to step back when things become too heated—especially when on the receiving end of critical comments.
Leos are also used to being in the spotlight. Since they are adept leaders, they may overshadow other caregivers or family members who are involved, such as their siblings. Keep in mind that siblings might be willing to help, but may think that the leo has everything under control since they are so confident in their abilities. Lending the caregiving limelight to a trusted friend or family member from time to time can encourage them to be more involved and provide essential respite.
Individuals born under this sign may need some praise every so often in order to feel appreciated for all that they do, but they will strive to provide everything they can for their loved one. Way to go, leos!
Suggested Reading:
Anger: What’s Your Favorite Flavor?
Caregiving Needs to Be a Team Effort
30 Quotes and Inspirations for Caregivers
Out-of-Town Siblings May Feel Shut Out of Caregiving
♍ Virgo (August 23—September 22)
Virgos are complex, highly motivated individuals. They are detail-oriented and hard-working, which are great traits to look for in caregivers. However, perfection is something that many virgos strive for, and this is not a realistic objective—especially in caregiving! A caregiver of this sign tends to be his or her own worst critic, which is not healthy. Rather than focusing on achieving perfection, virgos should strive to do their personal best. Setting unattainable goals will only leave a virgo caregiver vulnerable to burnout. This may isolate them from others who are trying to help if they are overly critical of their performance as well.
Virgos are also prone to keeping their emotions under wraps. This can be a valuable quality for a caregiver who must make difficult decisions for a loved one. Virgos have the ability to analyze all available options without letting their feelings cloud their judgement. Caregivers of this sign would make an excellent Power of Attorney, since they can typically work well under pressure.
Suggested Reading:
How to Stop Being So Hard on Yourself
Stuffing Your Feelings: An Unhealthy Caregiver Coping Mechanism
What it Really Means to ‘Just Do Your Best’
Power of Attorney: Whom to Name and What Powers to Give
♎ Libra (September 23—October 22)
Libras are highly concerned with achieving balance in their lives. They try their best to maintain equilibrium between demands that are placed on them and their internal desires. For a caregiver of this sign, balancing a career, personal life and caregiving can prove to be extremely difficult.
Justice and equality are also important causes for libras, and they will usually only share their opinions if they are provoked or extremely passionate about a certain issue. Because of this, libras make level-headed and trustworthy decision makers and are ideal advocates for loved ones.
Music and art are also crucial components for a libra’s happiness. Throwing on some favorite tunes would be a quick and easy way for a caregiver of this sign to destress and lift their spirits.
Suggested Reading:
Time Management Strategies for Caregivers
Healing Harmonies: Music as Medicine for Seniors and Caregivers
When a Family Doesn’t Have POA, the Results Can Be Devastating
Questions to Help Mindful Caregivers Find Emotional Balance
♏ Scorpio (October 23—November 21)
Scorpios have a reputation for being overbearing since they are so passionate. People of this sign are usually very sensitive, which means they can have a difficult time letting go of things. As caregivers, scorpios are talented when it comes to taking charge of multiple responsibilities, but they must be careful not to take too much independence from their loved ones in the process. It is important for scorpios to make a point of listening to others and considering alternate points of view when making important decisions.
Although a scorpio’s passionate nature can be intense, these individuals are exceptionally intuitive. They have the ability to easily read people and know how they are feeling and what they are thinking. For this reason, scorpios have a special gift for tuning into their loved one’s needs and moods, which helps them anticipate requests before they are even made. This quality can make scorpios particularly successful caregivers for individuals who are reluctant to ask for assistance or who have difficulty communicating due to dementia or other conditions.
Suggested Reading:
7 Communication Techniques for Talking to Elderly Parents
Forgiving Your Parent for How They Treated You in the Past
Helping Aging Parents: Taking Charge Without Taking Over
Why Listening is a Caregiver’s Secret Weapon
♐ Sagittarius (November 22—December 21)
Sagittarians have a love of animals and mental challenges. They are inventive and adaptable, which makes them skilled caregivers. It is difficult to run down these individuals since they tend to be quite energetic. However, with such a free spirit, sagittarians must be able to enjoy some respite from time to time. Engaging in travel and outdoor activities are great ways for caregivers of this sign to recharge, even if they include their loved one. Some fresh air and new experiences may be the perfect medicine for both caregiver and patient!
Saggitarians are also witty and have a keen sense of humor. A hearty chuckle from time to time is exactly what can help caregivers born under this sign to get through the more trying aspects of caregiving. Sharing the funnier side of this role is a great way to connect with and bring joy to fellow caregivers. Be sure to check out the humorous discussions, stories, and jokes that others have shared in AgingCare’s Caregiver Forum!
Suggested Reading:
The Healing Power of Pets for Elderly People
LOL: Why You Should Laugh Even When You Don’t Feel Like It
♑ Capricorn (December 22—January 19)
Capricornians are highly organized, focused and goal-oriented. Thorough planning and problem-solving are a capricornian’s strong suit. Caregivers of this sign are skilled at staying calm and collected in chaotic situations, but they may tend to take themselves a little too seriously. It’s crucial for capricornians to make a conscious effort to stay positive and try to see the lighter side of things sometimes. Although these individuals have exceptional management skills, caregiving shouldn’t always be treated like a job or set of objectives! A genuine connection with a loved one is crucial to their wellbeing and the caregiver’s.
Caregivers born under this sign can also be stubborn and a bit judgmental of others’ problem-solving techniques at times. It is important for capricornians to remain open to other approaches or ideas that they may not have previously considered.
Suggested Reading:
How to Find the Positive in Negative Emotions
The Lighter Side of Caregiving: Appreciate the Humor
Getting the Family to Agree on a Care Plan for an Older Adult
6 Reasons to Appreciate Your Job as a Caregiver
♒ Aquarius (January 20—February 18)
Aquarians are known to be deep thinkers with strong convictions. They enjoy helping others, which makes them great caregivers, but they run the risk of becoming too devoted to their work and hurting themselves in the process. This quality leaves them especially vulnerable to caregiver burnout.
Aquarians can be both introverted and extroverted, depending on the environment they are in. They relish teamwork and interaction with others, but require occasional seclusion and reflection in order to recharge. Solitary activities like meditation are a perfect source of respite for aquarian caregivers, however, it’s important not to fall into a totally antisocial routine.
Those born under this sign are also progressive and love fighting for causes they are passionate about. Aquarians who are caregivers or have experience in elder care are vital to helping push for better care and support programs for our aging population and those who look after them. These individuals are great advocates and can harness their talents to promote local, regional and even widespread improvements for others.
Suggested Reading:
7 Ways Caregivers Can Make Time for Happiness
When We Become Caregivers, Friends May Scatter
The Right Relationships Can Help You Thrive
Susan Collins: Aging America’s Ally on the Hill
♓ Pisces (February 19—March 20)
Pisces are sensitive, nurturing, and intuitive individuals. They often put others’ needs before their own, which can be a helpful trait for a family caregiver of this sign. However, pisces must remember to make their own interests and care a regular priority as well. Although people of this sign are generally positive, they can be deeply affected by their surroundings. In caregiving situations, their gifts for empathy and compassion can be extremely useful, but pisces may be easily overwhelmed by a loved one’s circumstances resulting in melancholia or pessimism.
Forgetfulness and disorganization can also be common traits for those born under this sign. Therefore, it is of utmost important that pisces caregivers get adequate rest and respite in order to prevent mishaps, emotional blowups, stress and anxiety.
Since pisces are so in tune with their feelings, it can be especially hard for them to provide care for a loved one who is responsible for some kind of trauma in their life currently or in the past. Loyalty and selflessness are admirable traits, but not in such amounts that they bring about one’s own physical or mental demise. In these scenarios, it is especially important for pisces caregivers to step back and take some personal time to recharge.
The Importance of Staying Mentally Strong
Top 6 Reasons Caregivers Need Sleep
Strategies for Getting (and Staying) Organized While Caregiving
Detaching With Love: Setting Boundaries in Toxic Relationships