Patti LaFleur is a full-time care partner for her mom, Linda, who has been diagnosed with dementia and type 1 diabetes. She is also a significant support to her father who presently resides in a care facility and was diagnosed with dementia last year.

In this episode, Patti discusses the extraordinary care partnership she has developed with her mom and discusses how she has created an uplifting environment in her home which is full of laughter, dancing, art and love. She also talks about how she maintains her positive approach to daily life and makes it a priority to keep her mental health in check. A kindergarten teacher by profession, Patti recently made the difficult design to resign to focus on her parents and hopes to start her own family with her husband, Devin.

To find Patti on social media, visit her instagram account @misspatticake

Visit us on our website:
 www.compassionincaregiving.com
 
For more visit our instagram! @compassionincaregiving

*The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not constitute therapy or counselling. If you are in need of mental health support or professional guidance, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host.*

In today’s episode Stephanie talks about the different factors that can lead to significant feelings of overwhelm as a caregiver and speaks about ways we can manage the factors that can lead to significant stress and overwhelm. Stephanie pulls from her own experiences as a caregiver to illustrate what can lead to significant caregiver stress.

 Blog post with the thought web example:

http://www.compassionincaregiving.com/news/how-to-create-a-thought-web-corresponding-post-to-podcast-episode-06

Visit us on our website:
 www.compassionincaregiving.com
 
 
For more visit our instagram! @compassionincaregiving

*The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not constitute therapy or counselling. If you are in need of mental health support or professional guidance, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host.*

Today Stephanie shares an anonymous* case example from her personal hospital experience to show how an entire family system can fall apart as a result of a loved one’s recent diagnosis and prognosis. Stephanie explores some of the steps one can take to overcome this break and the ‘restructuring’ of a family.

*Please note: details of this case have been changed to preserve the identity and confidentiality of the parties involved.  Overall themes and main concepts remain the same.

Visit us on our website:
 www.compassionincaregiving.com
 
 
For more visit our instagram! @compassionincaregiving

*The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not constitute therapy or counselling. If you are in need of mental health support or professional guidance, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host.*

Today we are joined by Brian Smith-an engineer and professor, a father to a 7 year-old and a caregiver to his wife who has lived with Multiple sclerosis since 2006. In today's episode Brian talks about how he 'balances' (if balance is possible) it all, caregiver burnout, and his coping strategies to make it through each week. Brian is a true superhero- you really don't want to miss this episode!

Find Brian on Instagram @briansmith_nd

Visit us on our website:
www.compassionincaregiving.com

For more visit our instagram! @compassionincaregiving

*The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not constitute therapy or counselling. If you are in need of mental health support or professional guidance, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host.*

Today we are joined by Registered Art Therapist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Erica Curcio, who discusses the incredible impact art therapy can have both on the care partner and the loved ones they care for. In this episode Erica goes into detail about the type of art modalities that can be used in therapy sessions and the incredible outcomes she has seen both in and after sessions.

Find Erica on Instagram @thetravelingarttherapist or her website at www.ericacurcio.com.

Visit us on our website:
www.compassionincaregiving.com

For more visit our instagram! @compassionincaregiving

*The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not constitute therapy or counselling. If you are in need of mental health support or professional guidance, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host.*

Stephanie talks about her previous caregiving experiences with her mom and a recent incident in which she was told her mom would pass away after she was rushed to hospital.

Stephanie highlights the differences in what helped her cope during this recent incident vs. her initial caregiving experiences and what strategies she has found assist her in coping with the difficulties and stressors of acting as a primary caregiver.

Visit us on our website:
www.compassionincaregiving.com

For more visit our instagram! @compassionincaregiving

*The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not constitute therapy or counselling. If you are in need of mental health support or professional guidance, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host.*

Welcome to Caregiver's Compass! In this episode Stephanie talks all about what you can find on our podcast. This podcast is meant to uplift, inspire and provide education and awareness about caregiving. 

Visit us on our website:
www.compassionincaregiving.com

Stephanie currently has openings for one-on-one therapy. To find out more and to see if she is a good fit please visit https://calendly.com/compassionincaregiving/30min?back=1&month=2021-06

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For more visit our instagram! @compassionincaregiving

This is Caregiver's Compass. An uplifting, inspirational podcast talking about all things caregiving. Therapist Stephanie Muskat takes you through real-life caregiving stories from her own therapeutic experience and gives you the raw and personal on her own caregiving experiences as a young caregiver. Plus hear from a plethora of incredible experts and caregivers who are living through their day-to-day journeys. It's all here at Caregiver's Compass.