Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Finding Bravery When Caregiving Ends


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Kristina Driscoll is an inspiring mother, wife, caregiver, podcaster, and Board of Directors member of Sanctuary One, an animal rescue organization in Oregon. She launched her podcast She's Brave in 2023 and helps women find their path to become brave, resilient, and live their most authentic lives.

"If I can do it, you can do it too. I always had faith that God was going to take care of my son, too, and that he was going to be okay. And he is now. He just graduated from high school. He's doing a gap year. He's doing some travel, some work. He's enrolled at Colorado College for the fall. He’s accomplished so much.” 

Kristina and her husband, 24 years her senior, met on a hike, instantly connecting. After six months of dating, they married and soon had a son. Life was wonderful.  Years later, Kristina noticed her husband repeating himself and forgetting things. After denial, Kristina and her family managed the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s as best as possible. Kristina jumped in and took on managing every aspect of their lives while her son and she became caregivers to her husband. After a crisis moment, she decided to move away from where they lived to be close to Kristina’s parents, who were a huge support.  Her husband’s disease progressed and after 7 years of caring for him at home, Kristina made the difficult but courageous decision to move him to a facility to fully meet his ever increasing needs.

Kristina’s father spoke with her son sharing,  “Although your father isn’t really around, you’ll be just fine.”  They both would! In time, after her husband’s passing, Kristina would go on to find love again; and start her podcast with the goal of inspiring others by her brave journey.


In this episode, you will learn the following:


1. How Kristina coped with her husband's Alzheimer's diagnosis, managing the household and finances while caregiving for both her husband and young son.

2. How Kristina found her authentic self by embracing her journey.

3. Why Kristina firmly believes that “Community is Everything!”

4. How Kristina found her new normal, accepting what she could and could not change to find happiness.


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Learn More About Kristina Driscoll

Kristina Driscoll trained for a career in finance, working over 10 years in pension consulting and as. a financial advisor. She's a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University with a Bachelor's of Business Administration (BBA). Kristina is also on the board of directors for the animal rescue group Sanctuary One. In 2015 she built a cottage for FIV positive cats and continues to fully fund the cottage each year.



Connect with Kristina:

She's Brave Podcast
Instagram
Facebook

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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

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Confessions of a Reluctant CaregiverBy Natalie Elliott Handy and JJ Elliott Hill

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