This series shares my journey as a caregiver, documented in my CaringBridge journal, which became a safe space for me to update friends and family, express my emotions, and find hope amid challenges.

While these entries may have tears, laughter, and vulnerability, I've always tried to remain hopeful and find the silver linings in every situation. By focusing on the positive, I could be the best support for Jason, even though I wasn't perfect, and neither are any of us caregivers. We simply try our best.

So, thank you for listening to my story, and I hope you find comfort, inspiration, and connection as we navigate this caregiving journey together. Let's embrace our imperfections and find strength in each other. 

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Join us for a special series for the month of June as Natalie reflects on her journal entries during Jason's treatment for cancer. This is a raw, unashamed, unafraid, and uncut short series that reveals what many caregivers go thru daily.  We hope that you will join us for this special series and be inspired by Natalie's courage. Together, we can create a stronger community of support!

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Chris MacLellan is an inspiring figure in the world of caregiving. After caring for his partner, Richard, during his battle with a terminal illness, Chris was inspired to establish the Whole Care Network. In this place, caregivers can find support, connection, and understanding. With a strong background in social work and senior care, Chris is well-versed in the challenges caregivers face daily. He's also the author of "What's The Deal With Caregiving?" which tackles the different stages of caregiving. Chris will share how humor and positivity can help caregivers through difficult times, providing much-needed encouragement and guidance.

Chris, a former caregiver and social worker, found solace in the power of positivity and humor while caring for his late partner, Richard, who battled esophageal cancer. Chris and Richard's connection was strong, and they navigated the challenges of caregiving together. Maintaining open and honest conversations built a foundation of support and understanding, allowing them to find pockets of joy amidst their trials.

In this episode, you will:

1. Gain practical self-care strategies for caregivers to ensure mental and physical well-being.
2. Uncover innovative ways for caregivers to communicate effectively with doctors.
3. Discover the power of positivity and humor in overcoming the hurdles of caregiving.
4. Learn how to create valuable support networks for caregivers online and offline.
5. Embrace the importance of establishing trust in caregiving relationships through finding your unique "why."

About Chris:

Christopher MacLellan is affectionally known as the Bow Tie Guy in the vast network of family caregivers and is the founder and CEO of the Whole Care Network. Chris and his now-deceased partner were featured in a 2015 Pulitzer Prize-nominated story entitled “In Sickness and in Health: A Couple’s Final Journey,” which propelled him to write his book "What's The Deal with Caregiving and develop the Whole Care Network. The motto at the Whole Care Network is “helping you tell your story, one podcast at a time” because it is through story sharing where diversity meets the road to collaborate on a common cause, and our common cause is to supports caregivers, before, during and after caregiving ends.  Now, Chris is Aging Gayfully!

Connect with Chris:

Website
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn  
YouTube
Podcast

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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

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Erin Galyean's life was deeply affected by the loss of her father and sister to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and she turned her experiences into a powerful mission to help others. Leveraging her 20 years of pharmaceutical industry experience, Erin empowers caregivers to become champions for their loved ones, providing them with the support and guidance they need. As the author of "Badass Advocates" and an engaging professional speaker, Erin's dedication to helping caregivers navigate the challenging world of caregiving is truly inspiring.

When Erin's father was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, she was a 20-year-old college student struggling with feelings of guilt and helplessness. After her father's passing, Erin vowed never to experience that regret again. When her sister Megan was diagnosed with the same cancer 20 years later, Erin became her greatest advocate, leveraging her industry knowledge to navigate through the complexities of her sister's treatment. Erin learned the importance of seeking professional help, such as therapy, to cope with the emotional burden that comes with caregiving. By sharing her story, Erin hopes to inspire others to become strong advocates for their loved ones, turning past regrets into powerful lessons for the future.

In this episode, you will:

1. Discover the crucial role of advocacy in caring for a loved one's well-being.
2. Uncover effective communication strategies that bridge the gap between caregivers and professionals.
3. Learn how to find gratitude during grief and difficult situations.
4. Grasp the significance of building a strong support team for caregiving.
5. Recognize the importance of self-care and indulging in guilty pleasures to maintain joy.

About Erin:

Erin Galyean is a published author and professional speaker. In 2020, Erin published her first book Badass Advocate: Becoming the Champion Your Loved One Deserves. Badass Advocate, an information-packed and action-oriented book, teaches family caregivers how to manage a loved one’s health crisis. After losing her father, Mike, to Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Erin was determined to be an unstoppable advocate for her sister, Meghan, who was also diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and a rare lung disease. With over 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Erin was able to use her professional knowledge to ensure her sister received the best care. 

Connect with Erin:

Website
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn

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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

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Cathy Sikorski's caregiving journey started with taking care of her beloved grandmother. But as she became the “go-to” person for all her family members and friends who needed help, she realized the complexities of caregiving. In this eye-opening confession, Cathy shares her practical experiences and the importance of having an elder lawyer by your side. 

Becoming a caregiver for her nana was a defining moment in Cathy's life. Having grown up under her grandmother's care, Cathy felt a strong obligation to return the favor, even though she wasn't fully prepared for the challenges ahead. Her experiences and struggles as a caregiver led her to become an elder lawyer, focusing on the unique legal needs of caregiving families. Today, Cathy is a passionate advocate for caregivers, arming them with vital knowledge about their legal rights and how to fight for the proper care and resources their loved ones deserve. Through her work, she has touched countless lives, ensuring that those who need help receive the care and support they need.

In this episode, you will:

1. Uncover the hidden, legal aspects of caregiving and the advantage of using an elder lawyer.
2. Discover why obtaining legal documents and consulting professionals is crucial for caregivers.
3. Delve into the struggles and rewards of being a caregiver while learning why self-care is essential.
4. Explore the true financial impact of family caregiving, specifically for women.
5. Realize the significance of support networks, communities, and acknowledgment for caregivers.

About Cathy:

Cathy Sikorski, Esq.  is a Speaker, Elder Lawyer, Author and Media Guest who unravels the caregiving crisis's complex financial and legal problems. She uses her caregiver experience and expertise to educate, entertain and elevate the conversation around work, money, aging, and caregiving. Cathy has written three books on this topic, including Who Moved My Teeth? Preparing for Self, Loved Ones and Caregiving; and her most recent: 12 Conversations: How to Talk to Almost Anyone About Long-Term Care Planning.  Cathy has written and performed on caregiving for the Writers Theatre of New Jersey at Kean University during the Healing VoicesOnStage: Caregivers’ Stories and the West Chester Story Slam. She continues to provide national Keynotes and is featured on many television, radio, and podcast episodes. She has been a requested contributor to print and media, including Huffington Post, and AARP, and is a SheSource expert for the Women’s Media Center in Washington, D.C. 

Connect with Cathy:

Website
Twitter
Facebook
Linked In

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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

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Healthcare professional Cassie Abel brings over twenty years of experience to our discussion on caregiving's emotional challenges and the guilt that sometimes accompanies them. Cassie's caregiving journey with her mother, Carol, diagnosed with ALS in 2020, has shaped her outlook on caregiving. Carol inspired Cassie's love for healthcare, and when her health began to decline, Cassie stepped in to provide care, gaining firsthand experience with the challenges that many caregivers face. Cassie's insights make her a valuable resource for all.

Cassie vividly remembers her mother, a “bulletproof” woman who devoted her life to the nursing home industry.  Cassie followed in her mother's footsteps and became a nursing home administrator. However, life suddenly turned when her mother was diagnosed with ALS. The emotional challenges and guilt began to weigh heavily on Cassie's heart as she balanced her career, family, and caregiving responsibilities. As her mother's health declined, Cassie experienced the heart-wrenching reality of watching the woman who had once been her pillar of strength gradually fade away. Cassie found solace in her blog, where she shared her mother's story, drawing strength from her mother's unwavering determination to live life to the fullest.

In this episode, you will learn to:

1. Navigate the emotional landscape and manage guilt associated with caregiving.
2. Recognize the crucial factors to consider when choosing dependable caregivers for your family members.
3. Master the art of juggling work, personal life, and caregiving tasks in harmony.
4. Understand the importance of self-care and mental health to ensure personal well-being during the caregiving journey.
5. Acquire knowledge and wisdom from past caregiving experiences to enhance your own approach. 

About Cassie:

Cassie Abel resides in Vincennes, Indiana, with her husband, Scott, and their two children, Emma and Archer. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare leadership, Cassie primarily worked in the nursing home setting, starting as an Admissions Coordinator, moving to Executive Director, and then taking on a new challenge in the hospital setting. Cassie now serves as the Director of Patient Experience at the local hospital. In her role, Cassie works with providers and caregivers to achieve excellence in service delivery and leads the Patient Liaison department in addressing patient and family concerns. Cassie is an active member of her local Rotary, whose motto is “Service Above Self” – a passion she carries over into her personal and professional life. Cassie holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and a license as a Healthcare Facility Administrator. Currently, Cassie is working towards her MBA and writing her first book based on her experience as a caregiver.

Connect with Cassie:

Twitter: @CassieAbel2

Instagram: @CASSIENABEL2

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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

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When Janet Brennend devoted her life to caring for her daughter Leanne, she never expected the incredible twist of fate that would ultimately lead to Leanne's twelve years of independent living. But that was only the beginning of Janet's incredible journey - as she went on to help countless others reach their full potential and live independently, her unwavering commitment to independence and empowerment has become a lasting legacy.

Janet juggled her responsibilities and even returned to college to secure a better future for her family. Throughout this journey, she made it her mission to prepare Leanne for a life of independence. As she found love and remarried, Janet's commitment to her daughter's emotional growth and self-sufficiency became even more crucial. Over time, Leanne discovered her own voice and strength and eventually lived independently for nearly twelve years, a testimony to Janet's unwavering dedication.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the path to independence for individuals with disabilities.
• Learn the delicate art of managing caregiving duties while pursuing personal dreams.
• Understand the crucial aspect of caregiver self-care for overall well-being.
• Uncover the secrets to successfully maintaining long-distance relationships amid immigration obstacles.
• Realize the significance of community partnerships in providing invaluable support for caregivers.

About Janet:

Janet Brennend has served in her current role as the Local Long-Term Care Ombudsman for over 21 years. She has provided advocacy services and supports for and on behalf of persons residing in long-term care settings and those 60 years of age and older who receive long-term care services and support in the community. She has worked with long-term care providers, long-term care recipients and their families, other advocates, and community-based professionals to enhance the quality of care and protect residents’ rights. 

Throughout her career, she has advocated for the rights of individuals with disabilities and assisted family caregivers in accessing critical support services. Her notable accomplishments early in this advocacy role had been supporting changes within the local public schools for students with disabilities to access services for free and appropriate education. 

Connect with Janet:

Website: www.nrvaa.org

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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

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Janet Brennend's journey as a caregiver began in childhood, a role she took on out of resilience and strength. But her true empowerment came when her daughter was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, leading her to advocate fiercely for her daughter's rights and those of other caregivers. Janet Brennend's story is filled with unexpected twists and turns, from a hardworking Appalachian family to an inspiring leader.

Janet's journey as a caregiver started when she was just a child, the middle of seven siblings. Born into a hardworking Appalachian family, Janet learned the importance of caring for others through various experiences. At the age of seven or eight, she was already taking care of her baby sister. As she grew older, her caregiving role expanded to several family members, including her father, who suffered severe burns in a plant explosion. Janet's strength and resilience were evident from a young age.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Master the art of juggling caregiving roles with work and personal life.
• Champion the cause of individuals with disabilities through strong advocacy.
• Expertly maneuver through benefits and services tailored for disabled loved ones.
• Prioritize self-care for caregivers and build supportive networks.
• Tap into resources designed for enhancing aging and home safety. 

About Janet:

Janet Brennend has served in her current role as the Local Long-Term Care Ombudsman for over 21 years. She has provided advocacy services and supports for and on behalf of persons residing in long-term care settings and those 60 years of age and older who receive long-term care services and support in the community. She has worked with long-term care providers, long-term care recipients and their families, other advocates, and community-based professionals to enhance the quality of care and protect residents’ rights. 

Throughout her career, she has advocated for the rights of individuals with disabilities and assisted family caregivers in accessing critical support services. Her notable accomplishments early in this advocacy role had been supporting changes within the local public schools for students with disabilities to access services for free and appropriate education. 

Connect with Janet:

Website: www.nrvaoa.org

Support the show

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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When Licia Thompson began her caregiving journey, she thought she knew what to expect. But little did she know that through the unexpected twists of her father's health journey, she would discover the power of a shared experience and the importance of adapting to life's challenging situations. What will this newfound understanding bring?

Licia's journey as a caregiver began when her mother's health took a turn for the worse. She had always been her mother's partner and advocate, working together to navigate the complexities of healthcare and the myriad of treatments. Licia's mother was a strong, independent woman with the ability to orchestrate her own care, relying on Licia as her supportive copilot. Through this time, Licia gained valuable insights into the importance of resilience, determination, and knowing oneself. Her caregiving experience taught her valuable lessons about personal growth and the power of a strong support system.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Effective strategies when navigating the caregiver role for divorced, terminally ill parents. 
• Uncover the secrets to balancing caregiving responsibilities in both your personal and professional life. 
• Realize the essential nature of self-care and finding support as a caregiver. 
• Learn the valuable lessons others have gained from their caregiving experiences for personal growth. 
• Uncover the available resources and benefits for caregivers, such as FMLA.

About Licia:

Licia Thompson has an extensive and noteworthy career in the insurance industry. After becoming a Claims Adjuster trainee at Safeco Insurance Company, she balanced her marriage and motherhood with a further career progression. Hired as an Assistant Claims Manager for Macy's, Inc., she later rose to become their Workers' Comp Director of Return to Work, Managed Care, and vendor relations while building their national Return to Work program and training personnel in human resources nationally on ADA compliance. 

After leaving Macy's, Thompson worked for Amazon as a Senior Accommodation Disability Consultant with non-occupational corporate associates. This experience proved instrumental in inspiring her to launch her own business - Licia Thompson Coaching & Consulting LLC - as a certified Leadership Reinvention Strategist, helping both Workers' Comp and other leaders affected by divorce or caregiving redefine their values, vision, and thoughts so they can take action and thrive.

Connect with Licia:

LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Website
YouTube

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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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When Debbie Howard returned home to care for her mother, she was expecting just the physical demands of caregiving. Instead, she was thrust into a situation that tested her emotional strength, resilience, and boundaries. But with a newfound respect for her mother's autonomy, Debbie discovered the power of dignity and empowerment in her mother's final days. What did Debbie learn, and how did it shape her own life?

Debbie emphasizes the necessity of self-care by sharing her experiences and offering tips on incorporating self-care into daily routines. She suggests regular exercise, band workouts during TV time, and indulging in simple pleasures like trips to Walgreens or Trader Joe's. The conversation highlights the personal journeys of the hosts and their own self-care practices, emphasizing the critical role of self-care in a caregiver's life.

In this episode, you will be able to: 

1. Master the art of navigating family caregiving dynamics while tackling medical leave depletion issues. 

2. Discover the significance of self-care and humor in overcoming difficult caregiving situations. 

3. Elevate care receivers by upholding their decision-making power and promoting autonomy. 

4. Find solace in coping with post-caregiving grief and accessing professional support networks. 

5. Harness the power of technology and engaging activities to enhance your caregiving journey.

About Debbie:

Through her 30+ years of work in Japan, Debbie translates consumer research into a clear strategic direction for global clients across various categories - including age-tech products and services. Also, a former caregiver on a mission to change the way the world looks at caregiving, Debbie’s work focuses on helping companies create more caregiver-friendly workplaces by supporting their employee caregivers while reducing the related risks of absenteeism, turnover, and future healthcare costs. For individuals, her offerings include curated resources to help navigate the many aspects of caregiving and a free annual self-care challenge.

Connect with Debbie:

 https://www.thecaregivingcrisis.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiehoward/

https://twitter.com/debbiethecarer

https://www.facebook.com/debbie.howard.5264

https://www.instagram.com/debbiethecarer/

The Caregiving Journey: Information. Guidance. Inspiration.

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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

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