This week's panel discussion unveils the hidden reality of caregiving youth worldwide. Representatives from the US, UK, Canada, and Australian organizations discuss the significant challenges young caregivers face, including lack of awareness, cultural barriers, policy gaps, and limited access to support.

The panelists, each with their unique experiences and insights, share a wealth of knowledge about the needs and experiences of young caregivers in their respective countries. They underscore the importance of early identification, culturally sensitive services, and policy changes to better support this vulnerable population.

Despite the challenges, the discussion highlights the strengths and resilience of young caregivers, who often take on adult responsibilities to support their families. This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the global state of caregiving youth support and the critical work being done to empower and advocate for them.

The panelists invite listeners to support their efforts through donations and awareness-raising initiatives. They emphasize the importance of recognizing and aiding caregiving youth, who play a vital role in their families and communities.

International Panel:

Andy McGowan, Carers Trust (UK)

Madeline Buchner, Little Dreamers (Australia)

Chelsea-Anne Alex, Hospice Toronto - Young Carers Program (Canada)

Connie Siskowski, American Association of Caregiving Youth (US)

The sisters proudly partner with the Caregiver Action Network. CAN's Caregiver Help Desk offers free support to family caregivers via phone, chat, or email Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Eastern. Get answers, resources, support group info, or a listening ear. Visit www.caregiveraction.org/helpdesk/ or call 855-277-3640.

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Rebekah Dowhy started caregiving young when her mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at her birth. Over time, she became a primary caregiver, handling tasks like feeding, medications, and wound care. It was emotionally challenging as she dealt with her mother's terminal illness and felt isolated in her caregiving role.

Despite challenges, Rebekah maintained a strong bond with her mother, finding joy in their shared moments. Following her mother's passing in 2017, Rebekah grappled with loss but discovered purpose in nonprofit work. At 27, she founded the Caregiving Support Network to address caregivers' isolation and provide practical assistance through services like home care and emotional support.

Rebekah's caregiving journey from childhood through founding CSN shows remarkable strength and resilience. By turning her hardships into help for others, she is making a difference for caregivers nationwide. Her work honors the care she provided for her mother and ensures no one feels alone in their caregiving role.

About Rebekah:

Rebekah is the founder and President of the Caregiving Support Network, a ministry dedicated to giving hope and practical relief to unpaid family caregivers.

Rebekah understands the relief respite care brings to caregivers. Her mother was diagnosed with MS the year she was born. Rebekah's caregiving started with simple tasks like brushing her mother's hair, but expanded to managing complex medical needs as her mother's illness advanced.

In 2015, the Caregiving Support Network idea was born while caring for my mother. I knew other caregivers shared the same challenges and joys. In 2022, that idea became reality.

Social Media:

Website: https://www.caregivingsupportnetwork.org/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caregivingsupportnetwork 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caregivingnetwork/?hl=en 

Email: [email protected]

The sisters proudly partner with the Caregiver Action Network. CAN's Caregiver Help Desk offers free support to family caregivers via phone, chat, or email Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Eastern. Get answers, resources, support group info, or a listening ear. Visit www.caregiveraction.org/helpdesk/ or call 855-277-3640.




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Support the show

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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Subscriber-only episode

Thank you for your support! Here's the link to watch the behind-the-scenes bonus episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/VF1TRRBOPgw

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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Beverly Barnett is a registered nurse and men's health advocate. She has dedicated her life and career to healthcare after developing a passion for nursing as a young girl receiving treatment at a segregated clinic in her hometown. She drew inspiration from the compassionate nurses who cared for her during this difficult time.

Beverly shared her personal caregiving journey of caring for her husband after he was diagnosed with late-stage colorectal cancer. Despite being a nurse, she struggled with feelings of anger that he had ignored symptoms for so long before seeking treatment. She cared for him at home for the three years he battled the disease, which took an emotional toll. After his passing, Barnett was inspired to help educate others, especially black men, about the importance of early detection and regular doctor visits.

Through her nursing experience and family health challenges, Barnett has gained valuable perspectives that she utilizes in her mission to promote proactive healthcare. She continues advocating for men's health issues while also caring for her aging father with dementia. Barnett's story illustrates the lifelong impact of caregiving and how personal experiences can shape one's career and drive to help others.

About Beverly:

For Beverly Barnett, nursing is more than a job—it’s her calling. Inspired by a childhood illness, she pursued practical nursing right after high school and earned a bachelor’s degree within four years. Her dedication led her to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing, allowing her to teach and shape future nurses.

Beverly’s passion extends to men’s wellness, particularly the health of Black men, influenced by her husband’s battle with cancer. She believes chronic illnesses rob families of priceless moments and advocates for men to lead by example in health practices.

Beverly recommends four steps to promote proactive health among Black men: understand your family’s medical history, commit to annual check-ups, share your family’s health history with your doctor, and track health metrics. These steps aim to shift from reactive to proactive health management, fostering a healthier life journey.

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Support the show

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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Subscriber-only episode

Thank you for your support! Here's the link to watch the behind-the-scenes bonus episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/x3O-U6bj8Jc 

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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Theresa Wilbanks' caregiving journey began unexpectedly when she lived abroad in Europe with her husband. As her father aged into his 90s, she took on more of an advocacy and support role from a distance. However, a series of health scares brought Theresa back home to the United States to serve as her father's primary caregiver. She dove headfirst into the intense role, unprepared for the emotional toll it would take. Through trial and error, Theresa navigated countless challenges with her father's independence, medical management, and resistance to help. She experienced deep burnout as small conflicts like spilled blueberries came to represent the daily struggles.

Determined to find sustainable strategies, Theresa worked to understand her own emotions and reactions within the caregiving relationship. She embraced mindfulness practices and set boundaries to better support her father while also caring for herself. Theresa's realization of accepting her fate as a caregiver rather than resisting it proved a turning point that allowed her to find meaning and growth in the experience. By openly sharing her journey, Theresa has helped countless other caregivers feel less alone and equipped them with practical tools for building resilience.

Today, Theresa continues her work to help caregivers through her writing, speaking, and role as founder of Sustainable Caregiving. Through the 12 strategies she developed on her own challenging river of a journey, she aims to reframe caregiving as an opportunity rather than a burden. Theresa's authentic storytelling provides hope, insight, and valuable lessons for anyone navigating the complex emotions and realities of caring for an aging loved one.

About Theresa:

Theresa Wilbanks is an author, speaker, podcast host, and founder of Sustainable
Caregiving. Theresa’s passion and purpose are to guide family caregivers on their
journey as they manage and provide care for a family member.

Theresa’s career enabled her to lead teams and develop training programs. She left it behind to live in France and didn’t look back until caring for her father became necessary. The caregiving experience inspired her to found Sustainable Caregiving and guide fellow family caregivers on their journey.

She became a Certified Caregiving Consultant and realized that more was needed as she began connecting caregivers to resources. Using skills developed in the corporate setting, Theresa deconstructed what made caregiving so overwhelmingly challenging. Through trial, error, and tears, she created the 12 Sustainable Caregiving Strategies to help caregivers navigate their journey empowered with confidence.

Theresa shares her vision of a sustainable caregiving journey and offers hope to family caregivers through speaking and in her book Navigating the Caregiver River: A Journey to Sustainable Caregiving. 

Go to https:www.sustainablecaregiving.com for more information on how to

Support the show

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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Ready for even MORE honest caregiver conversations?  Become a supporter of "Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver" and unlock bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes peeks, and resources you won't find anywhere else! Plus, your support makes this podcast possible!  Sign up at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2101429/subscribe
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Terrance Hawthorne is the epitome of unconditional love and devotion. For the last two years, he has courageously served as the primary caregiver for his wife LuCretia as she recovers from a brain aneurysm and multiple strokes. Despite facing this incredibly difficult situation, Terrance maintains an inspiring attitude and finds comfort, grace, and purpose in being by LuCretia's side. He honors his marriage vows completely by ensuring LuCretia feels respected, dignified, and engaged in life through small acts of care and involvement in the community. Even while working full-time, Terrance prioritizes LuCretia's needs above all else. He advocates for himself and asks for help when needed to support his wife during her recovery journey better. Terrance's compassion and servant's heart are evident in his actions for LuCretia and others. He hopes to use their story to uplift and empower other caregivers through the Caregiver Lifestyle Foundation.

About Terrance:

Terrance & LuCretia Hawthorne have been married for 23 years and hail from Mobile, Alabama. They relocated to Tampa, Florida in 2002 to embark on a new chapter as Mr. and Mrs. Hawthorne. As a blended family with 7 kids and 11 grandchildren, they dedicated nearly 20 years to serving in Revealing Truth Ministry, actively involved in the Marriage, Outreach, and Homebuyers ministries. Renowned as pillars in their community, they assisted the homeless and supported children in foster care.

Terrance and his wife are the proud owners of Platinum Plus Beauty Studio, a local business that has been serving the community for 18 years. While his wife pursued her dream as a Real Estate Agent, Terrance worked as a Supervisor in a local union and also served as a Credit Repair Agent. Together, they conducted free homebuyers and credit repair classes for the community, emphasizing financial literacy and the importance of building a lasting legacy for families.

In 2020, during the pandemic, a life-altering event occurred when Terrance's wife suffered a Brain Aneurysm and Multiple Strokes, with only a 1% chance of survival. Emerging from a Coma and battling Life Support, her miraculous recovery was a testament to God's purpose. Terrance now serves as her full-time caregiver, standing faithfully by her side through sickness and health. With unwavering hope, they continue to believe in her complete recovery, as healing is her destined path.

Connect with Terrance:

Instagram: @Terrancehawthorne

Facebook:  @Terrancehawthorne

Support the show

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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Ready for even MORE honest caregiver conversations?  Become a supporter of "Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver" and unlock bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes peeks, and resources you won't find anywhere else! Plus, your support makes this podcast possible!  Sign up at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2101429/subscribe
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From a young age, Jill Meyer-Lippert was thrust into the caregiver role, helping to care for her grandmother, who had Alzheimer's disease. She balanced supporting her grandmother with school and extracurricular activities. 

Later in life, Jill cared for both her mother during breast cancer treatment and her father through various health issues until his passing. Through it all, Jill demonstrated incredible strength, resilience, and compassion. Even in the midst of her own hardships, her primary concern was helping her loved ones. 

After losing her father to cancer, Jill found solace in marathon running and other endurance events. She channeled her grief into fundraising for cancer charities. Jill's experiences as a lifelong caregiver inspired her to start Side Effect Support LLC, providing resources to help cancer patients manage oral side effects from treatment. Through her organization, Jill is able to give back and make a positive impact on the lives of others facing similar struggles. 

Jill's story is one of perseverance, purpose, and turning personal adversity into opportunity to help others.

About Jill:

Jill Meyer-Lipper is a Registered Dental Hygienist and the founder of Side Effect Support LLC (https://sideeffectsupport.com/). Side Effect Support is an online resource for cancer patients, family caregivers, and healthcare providers that aims to reduce harmful oral side effects of treatments to improve quality of life and treatment outcomes.

Jill is a 2014 recipient of the Sunstar Americas/RDH Award of Distinction, holds a certificate in Oncology Management from the University of Southern Indiana College of Nursing and Health Professionals, and is an instructor for the National Network of Healthcare Hygienists’ Oncology Certificate program. She is a member of the Registered Dental Hygienist Advisory Board for the Oral Cancer Foundation and was named one of the “6 Dental Hygienists You Want to Know” by Dimensions of Dental Hygiene magazine in 2022.

Connect with Jill:

Website: https://sideeffectsupport.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Support_Jill

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideeffectsupportllc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SideEffectSupportLLC

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/jill-meyer-lippert-8ba63050

https://www.linkedin.com/company/side-effect-support-llc

Blog URL: https://sideeffectsupport.com/blogs/survivor-caregiver

https://sideeffectsupport.com/blogs/professionals

Other Links to Include:

h

Support the show

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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Subscriber-only episode

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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

Like us on Facebook!

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Tune in on Whole Care Network