This week on the Caregiving and Entrepreneurship Reimagined podcast, host Melissa and returning guest, Christy Byrne Yates, dive into the practicalities of caregiving beyond the home. They discuss strategies for managing caregiving responsibilities while on the go, whether it's for short errands or extended travel. They emphasize the importance of preparation, organization, and self-care for caregivers who are constantly balancing multiple roles.

Key Talking Points:

• Caregiving Beyond the Home: Caregiving isn't confined to the home; it extends to errands, events, and travel. Planning for emergencies and daily stability is crucial.
• The Importance of Self-Care: Caregivers must prioritize their well-being to avoid burnout. Taking time for oneself is not selfish; it's essential for effective caregiving. Role modeling healthy behavior for children.
• Leveraging Technology for Caregiving: Utilizing medical insurance portals, apps (Kin Keeper, password managers), and digital documents (Google Docs) for secure password management and limiting paper clutter around the home.
• Creating a "Go Bag": Include essential items such as: phone chargers, water bottles, comfort items (sweaters, blankets, earbuds), and non-perishable snacks.
• Planning and Preparation: Having current medical information, medication lists, emergency contacts, legal documentation (power of attorney, healthcare directives) readily available.
• Debriefing and Adapting: Regularly review and adjust caregiving strategies and "go bag" contents by learning from past experiences and adapting to changing needs. Also, when trying new systems be sure to try it for at least 90 days to see if they work before switching to something else.
• Asking for Help: The importance of seeking support from others.
• Comfort and Well-being: Add some of your loved one's favorite things to help them feel comfortable while waiting in waiting rooms or on long car rides to pass the time.

Connect with Christy:

• Website: ChristyYates.com.
• Christy's book: "Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation" which you can buy anywhere you buy books online.
• Christy's LinkedIn program. "Conversations We Need to Have," which you get via her Linkedin page.
• You can also connect with Christy via her email, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Blue Sky.

Connect with Melissa:

• Email: http://[email protected]/
• Website: https://www.caregivingentrepreneurshipreimagined.com/
• YouTube: https://www,youtube.com/@caregiverentrepreneurreimagined/
• Grab her Caring on the Go Workshop Series to help you create a custom go-bag for your loved one. Grab workshop series here