In this episode of the IT On Call podcast, host Ross Feldman is joined by Carolyn Dowdy, the founder and president of Caregiver Mental Wellness, Inc. Carolyn shares her personal journey from being an alpaca farm owner to becoming a full-time caregiver for her husband after his stroke. She discusses her challenges and insights over the past five years, which led her to create a holistic self-care program for caregivers.

Carolyn also highlights the essential role caregivers play in society, often without realizing it, and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing self-care to prevent burnout. Listeners will learn about various strategies and the mission of Caregiver Mental Wellness, Inc. to advocate for and educate caregivers on maintaining their well-being.

The episode delves into the caregiver crisis facing the nation, the impact of societal expectations, and how caregivers can establish healthy boundaries. Carolyn offers advice on self-care tactics, defining the caregiver role, and understanding the signs of burnout while also providing resources and support for those new to the caregiver journey.