When a loved one needs someone to keep them safe, who takes care of the person who steps up?
On this episode of Ask the Good Doctor, Dr. LaJoyce Brookshire welcomes wellness warrior Tracy Clark for an honest conversation about caring for aging parents—and the emotional, professional, and personal changes that come with it.
Tracy shares why she stepped away from her career as a physician assistant to care for her mother, who is living with Alzheimer’s, while also supporting her father.
Despite her medical background, she discovered that treating patients and providing daily care for someone you love are very different experiences.
From reducing hazards at home to reassuring her mother through vulnerable moments, Tracy explains how she works to protect both her mother’s safety and her dignity. She also opens up about exhaustion, isolation, guilt, and the challenge of finding time for herself.
Together, Dr. Brookshire and Tracy discuss the importance of having family conversations before a crisis, assigning clear responsibilities, and offering practical help without waiting to be asked.
Tracy also reflects on the unexpected freedom and meaning she has found in this chapter of her life.
It’s a reminder that caring for a loved one requires a village—and the caregiver deserves to be supported, too.
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