Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

In our latest episode, Wendy Adams opens up about her journey as a caregiver for her mother. Initially planning a short visit, Wendy's 4-week stay in Florida turned into an 11-month commitment, balancing the challenges of long-distance caregiving from Virginia. She shares the emotional struggles and the strain on personal relationships, highlighting the difficulty of supporting her mother through cancer treatment. Despite the hardships, Wendy treasures the small, meaningful moments, like when her mother "just" needed her presence. Even in grief, Wendy finds solace in being there for her mother's final moments, marking a journey filled with love and resilience.? You can listen to it on your favorite streaming platforms, such as Apple and Spotify! ?? https://lnkd.in/g5VSM6HK #Caregiving #Caregivers #HomeCare #ElderCare #Dementia #MentalHealthAwareness #CaregiverSupport #PodcastForCaregivers #SisterhoodOfCare? #ReluctantCaregiver

?? The data doesn't lie!? Ali Ahmadi dropped some serious knowledge about the power of data to tell a story when he was a guest earlier this year. ? He highlighted the incredible diversity of caregivers, from those supporting aging parents to foster parents and those caring for special needs children. ? It's inspiring to see how organizations like T-Care use data to develop targeted support and prevent burnout across different caregiver populations. Check out what other "numbers nuggets" Ali shared!

Introducing the latest trend: Fashion Psychology. What you wear speaks volumes about how you feel, and I can attest to that! On down days, I rock my stretch pants, a stained shirt, and a messy ponytail with yesterday's makeup—perfectly perfected! But then there are days like yesterday, when I recorded podcasts all day. I put on a my favorite blouse, khaki capris, a cool necklace, fresh eyeliner, and my favorite Target cheetah flats. I was feeling confident and ready to go! So what changed? Aside from a shower (lol!), I took 30 minutes for myself to cleanse my face properly and find an outfit that made me feel both confident and comfortable. That brief time for myself worked wonders! Studies show that fashion has a greater psychological impact on our day than we often realize. Color, comfort, and style play a significant role. Just seeing Carrie Aalberts, MS, Dementia Darling, brightens my day! (Check her out!) So, what’s it going to be for you? Even if you’re staying home all day, take a moment to care for yourself. You are beautiful inside and out, but maybe a splash of hot pink could add a little spice to your day!

This week, we're sitting down with Susanne White, whose caregiving journey began with a life-changing call. Faced with her mother's early dementia and her father's struggle to manage, Susanne stepped up to become their primary caregiver. Through these trials, she embarked on a transformative path, turning challenges into personal growth and healing opportunities. Despite a strained relationship with her mother, Susanne discovered strength in vulnerability, gaining deeper self-awareness along the way. Her journey reminds us that we can grow and connect even in the toughest times! You can listen to it on your favorite streaming platforms, such as Apple and Spotify! ?? https://lnkd.in/g5VSM6HK #Caregiving #Caregivers #HomeCare #ElderCare #Dementia #MentalHealthAwareness #CaregiverSupport #PodcastForCaregivers #SisterhoodOfCare? #ReluctantCaregiver

Do you ever get tired of telling "the story"? The story of your loved one's illness or their passing can be painful when you have to rehash it over and over. To this day, telling the story of our dad's sudden death still brings tears to my eyes. Listen in as Bob Kay shares the logistical struggles of making changes after his wife's passing, the continued need to show her death certificate, and the one promise he has yet to keep. #sisterhoodofcare #familycaregiver

Bob Kay's caregiving journey with his wife Pat was one marked by deep love, resilience, and profound personal growth. After meeting as teenagers and building a life and business together over 45 years of marriage, Bob faced the devastating challenge of caring for Pat as she battled stage 4 breast cancer. Through the ups and downs of Pat's treatment and declining health, Bob demonstrated unwavering commitment and compassion as her primary caregiver. He navigated the complexities of the medical system, learned hands-on caregiving skills, and leaned on the support of his daughter to ensure Pat's comfort. Despite the physical and emotional toll, Bob refused to give up, drawing strength from his love for Pat and their shared vision for their company and family. Bob's caregiving experience also had a profound impact on him personally. He candidly shared how the trauma of losing his wife led to PTSD-like symptoms, which he has worked to manage through self-reflection and mentoring others. Remarkably, Bob has channeled his challenges into growth, becoming a more empathetic leader and finding joy in activities like video gaming with his family. His story is a testament to the transformative power of caregiving and the importance of resilience, connection, and self-care in the face of life's most difficult trials. Listen where you listen to your favorite podcast including apple and spotify!

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver has 4 ingredients, and laughter seems to always come first. Even in the hardest of moments, for us the smiles help heal a lot of the frustrations. The singing doesn't hurt either! If you need a boost, stop by our podcast. Our mission is to relate, educate, inspire, and laugh with each episode!

Deciding to live with a parent can be a difficult decision. We know. We've been there. When Emilie made the decision in August 2022, we made many missteps that looking back we could have corrected to make the time easier for both she and our mom. Barry Jacobs published an article that includes pointers that would have been incredibly helpful. When the goal is to help but you create a battlefield, ultimately, it's all about communication and compassion. Check out the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gEu42u9Z #sisterhoodofcare #familycaregiver @barryjacobs

Ptashnick is back with us continuing his story of his caregiving journey. When his father was diagnosed with Parkinson's shortly after retirement, Paul stepped up to provide support, navigating the complexities of his father's declining health. His story takes an unexpected turn when Paul's mother is also diagnosed with Lewy body Parkinson's, requiring him to juggle the care of both parents simultaneously. The challenges Paul faces are multifaceted, from his mother's phobia of nursing homes to the differing symptoms exhibited by his parents. Paul's proactive approach, including finding a family friend to provide overnight care for his wandering mother, showcases his resourcefulness and dedication. Additionally, Paul's insightful decision to involve his mother in daily tasks like laundry and cleaning demonstrates his understanding of the importance of maintaining a sense of purpose for those living with Parkinson's. As Paul's caregiving journey evolves, he encounters the complexities of navigating the healthcare system, particularly when his mother transitions to hospice care. Paul's willingness to make tough decisions, such as opting out of hospice at times, highlights his ability to prioritize his mother's well-being and his own mental health. Throughout it all, Paul's commitment to self-care, including seeking therapy, exemplifies the importance of caregivers tending to their own needs to ensure they can continue providing the best possible support. You can listen in on your favorite podcast platforms like Apple and Spotify! Listen In: Apple https://loom.ly/apOqQ4U #lewybody #caregiving #familycaregiver #sisterhoodofcare