For Those Who Care

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In this episode, RuthAnn sits down with David, a first-generation Portuguese American, to explore his lifelong role caring for his parents, who spoke limited English. From translating as a child to orchestrating their cross-country move to be closer to him and his wife, Jennie, David shares how his cultural values shaped his commitment to family care. He opens up about the challenges of supporting his parents through his father’s illness and passing, and now his mother’s declining memory and desire for continued independence. David discusses navigating tough conversations, planning for future care options, and balancing responsibilities as an only child. Tune in for heartfelt insights and practical tips for anyone facing similar caregiving journeys.

We would love to hear from you! Share your caregiving experiences on YouTube or Facebook, or send us a text!

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In this moving and heartfelt final episode of a four-part series, Shawn shares more about his ongoing advocacy for his neighbor, Robert, who has Alzheimer’s. Shawn tells vivid stories about how Alzheimer’s continues to change Robert’s personality and some of the adjustments they have made to help him hold onto small bits of independence. Shawn explains why finding the right care agency is key, and shares how a particular agency has made Robert’s situation more manageable. 

Shawn also offers practical tips for handling conversations with Alzheimer’s patients, including an incredible story of using Robert’s beliefs to resolve a difficult situation at his apartment complex. These stories highlight how getting to know the person with Alzheimer’s can help you find the best strategies to care for them. Shawn hopes his experiences help caregivers feel less alone and offer ideas for supporting loved ones. 

We would love to hear from you! Share your caregiving experiences on YouTube or Facebook, or send us a text! 

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In this powerful and emotional second episode of a four-part series, RuthAnn continues her conversation with Shawn, a former volunteer firefighter who stepped up for his elderly neighbor, Robert, who was living alone and showing signs of dementia. Shawn tried multiple times to get Robert to allow a 911 call for help, but Robert refused, and as a former firefighter, Shawn knew nothing could be done if help was declined. 

With no state resources for seniors beyond Adult Protective Services for abuse or neglect, Shawn faced two choices: leave Robert to fend for himself or keep helping. His vivid stories reveal how dementia changed Robert and greatly impacted Shawn’s life. Yet, Robert’s moments of clarity—answering basic questions like what year it is or who the president is—show why diagnosing dementia can be difficult when you don’t see the full picture. 

These stories highlight the risks posed to everyone, especially when someone with dementia is living alone and still driving, and why dementia and Alzheimer’s need more attention. Shawn hopes that these stories will help caregivers feel less alone. They also serve as a wakeup call to pay better attention to our aging population and the often-overlooked symptoms that signal potential problems.

We would love to hear from you! Share your caregiving experiences on YouTube or Facebook, or send us a text! 

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In this compelling first episode of a four-part series, RuthAnn introduces her friend Shawn, a former volunteer firefighter who became an unexpected caregiver for his neighbor, Robert, an elderly man who lived alone in a remote area. Shawn shares how their friendship started and tells some pretty vivid stories, many involving Robert’s hazardous driving, that illustrate the dangers dementia posed to Robert and the public. With Robert’s only relative living on the other side of the country, Shawn and his wife chose to step up. 

These stories highlight why dementia and Alzheimer’s demand care and attention, especially to our aging population. RuthAnn, who cared for her late husband through his dementia diagnosis, hosts this unique story. 

We would love to hear from you! Share your caregiving experiences on YouTube or Facebook, or send us a text! 

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In this raw and vital conversation, RuthAnn and Jenna confront a recurring theme in caregiving: the deep isolation and universal struggle to build a supportive community. They explore why outsiders often shy away, daunted by the intense realities of a caregiver’s life, leaving caregivers feeling unseen and alone. 

With honesty and insight, they discuss how shared values can forge meaningful connections and how setting boundaries can invite support without overwhelming others. This episode challenges listeners to rethink their role in bridging the gap with small, impactful gestures that make caregivers feel valued. 

Join the conversation and share your thoughts on our YouTube channel or Facebook page! Or send us a text!

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In this moving episode, Maureen Stanton shares her deeply personal journey as a caregiver for her mother, who lives with Alzheimer’s disease. Through her lens as a writer, Maureen explores the emotional complexities of caregiving, from grappling with her mother’s transformation to finding ways to stay connected as the disease progresses. She reflects on the challenges, grief, and unexpected moments of joy that define her experience, offering insights that will resonate with anyone navigating similar paths.

Maureen discusses the role of storytelling in processing her journey, and the importance of kindness and support in caregiving. This episode invites listeners to discover practical tips, heartfelt reflections, and the power of storytelling to heal and connect in the face of Alzheimer’s. 

Connect with Maureen at www.maureenstantonwriter.com

KEY MOMENTS IN THIS EPISODE:
[00:00:53] Caregiving and Creativity: Maureen talks about her caregiving role and how writing has helped her navigate advocating and caring for her mom with Alzheimer’s.
[00:03:29] A Changed Reality: Maureen reflects on the profound ways Alzheimer’s has reshaped her mother’s life.
[00:07:49] A Writer’s Lens: Maureen reads a poignant excerpt from her work about the early days of her mom’s Alzheimer’s.
[00:12:06] Separating Disease from Person: A brief look at managing frustration by distinguishing the illness from the loved one.
[00:17:00] Real Challenges Uncovered: Maureen shares vivid examples of the daily hurdles of Alzheimer’s caregiving.
[00:24:02] Balancing Grief and Self-Care: Insights on sharing caregiving duties and prioritizing personal well-being.
[00:26:49] Staying Connected: Maureen describes how she maintains a bond with her mom despite the disease’s progression.
[00:31:20] Living in Their World: A key tip for caregivers to adapt to their loved one’s reality.
[00:37:21] Parent vs. Partner Caregiving: Maureen explores the unique differences in caring for a parent versus a partner.
[00:43:13] Writing as Healing: Maureen discusses how writing helps her process Alzheimer’s and what she hopes it offers others.
[00:48:18] The Power of Stories: How stories can support those facing Alzheimer’s or dementia.
[00:52:36] Sources of Strength: Maureen shares the support systems that sustain her on her caregiving journey.
[00:56:55] The Role of Kindness: Why compassion is a lifeline for caregivers.
[00:59:50] A Touching Memory: Maureen recounts a heartwarming story about her mom.
[01:01:53] Practical Caregiving Tips: Actionable advice for those caring for someone with Alzheimer’s.
[01:03:20] Connect with Maureen: Where to find Maureen’s writing and how to reach out.

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In this solo episode, RuthAnn shares her emotional journey to Ireland, a gift from her late husband, Lance, planned for her 50th birthday while he was on hospice. Delayed by the pandemic, RuthAnn traveled with her friend and co-host Jenna, whose support helped her navigate grief while fulfilling a lifelong dream. Ireland’s kindness and connections with others grieving created a safe space for healing. 

A special remembrance of Lance deepened RuthAnn’s journey, and a transformative moment reshaped her perspective guiding her toward a new chapter. She reflects on moving forward after loss, offering hope for caregivers and those healing from grief. 

Share your transformative stories in the comments on YouTube or Facebook! 

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In the heartfelt finale of our five-part series, Kevin and Allison share their journey of advocating for their son with multiple disabilities, navigating the legal guardianship process, and thriving as a team. Kevin, a philosophy professor, reflects on his writings about disability and advocacy, revealing the personal motivations behind his work. They discuss the emotional complexities of becoming their son’s legal guardian as he approaches 18, addressing the critical challenges and potential risks their son could face without a legal guardian.

The couple opens up about the practical strategies—routines, chore charts, flexibility, and shared responsibilities—that help them manage the unique challenges of caregiving. They also share how parenting their son has transformed their perspectives, their marriage, and their sense of purpose, emphasizing the importance of celebrating the value of individuals with disabilities in a world that often overlooks them. 

This episode is a powerful call to advocate, connect, and honor the profound impact of caregiving.

KEY MOMENTS IN THIS EPISODE:
[00:00:47] Exploring Advocacy Through Writing: Kevin shares the origins of his advocacy journey and highlights his key publications on disability.

[00:05:33] A Video That Inspires: Allison points listeners to Kevin’s impactful video on disability and heaven, encouraging deeper reflection.

[00:07:07] Unexpected Advocacy Challenges: The couple discusses surprising obstacles they faced while advocating for their son.

[00:14:53] Navigating Legal Guardianship: Kevin and Allison open up about the emotional and practical steps of becoming their son’s legal guardian at 18.

[00:20:35] Teamwork in Caregiving: They reveal how routines, flexibility, and shared responsibilities keep their family strong.

[00:26:57] Impact on Their Marriage: The couple reflects on how caregiving has shaped their relationship, for better and for worse.

[00:29:04] Unexpected Gifts of Caregiving: Kevin and Allison share positive outcomes that emerged from their caregiving journey.

[00:38:06] Advice for New Caregivers: They offer heartfelt wisdom for parents beginning the journey of caring for a child with disabilities.

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In the fourth episode of our five-part series, Kevin and Allison open up about the complex and often unspoken guilt that shadows their journey as parents of a child with multiple disabilities. They explore how guilt shows up in the decisions they make for each of their children, in their relationship with each other, and in their friendships—often leading them to question their decisions and wonder if they are doing enough.

Despite making time for each other every day, they reflect on how the demands of caregiving and the absence of typical outings or date nights have changed what their relationship looks like. They candidly discuss the ways guilt can silently shape daily life, from second-guessing choices to feeling isolated by exhaustion. Kevin and Allison share how their silence or withdrawal is sometimes a signal that they need more outside support, a reality that resonates with many caregivers. 

Listeners will hear honest reflections on anticipatory guilt, talking about their feelings with their children, and the strategies Kevin and Allison use to get through their days. Their story is a reminder that silence is not the absence of need, and that caregivers everywhere deserve understanding, empathy, and support.

KEY MOMENTS IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:01:09] The Weight of Guilt: Kevin and Allison talk about how guilt plays a role in their daily lives of caring for their children.

[00:04:22] Anticipatory Guilt: Kevin explains briefly what anticipatory guilt is and how that plays out in their life

[00:05:48] Talking with Their Children: They discuss that they talk about their feelings of guilt with their kids, and Allison describes how their daughters respond.

[00:07:11] Coping Strategies: Kevin and Allison share how they cope with feelings of guilt.

[00:08:21] Advice for Parents: They offer some advice to other parents facing similar struggles with guilt.

[00:09:53] Reminders of Love: Kevin and Allison talk about how they remind themselves of the love and care they give, especially when guilt creeps in.

[00:14:12] Gaining Perspective: They discuss who, beyond their children, helps them see things differently when they feel guilty.

[00:18:01] Guilt in Their Relationship: Kevin and Allison open up about how guilt affects their relationship as a couple.

[00:22:03] Moments of Pride: The couple shares stories that make them proud of all of their children.

[00:23:41] Finding Strength and Hope: Kevin and Allison reflect on how strength and hope play a role in their life.

[00:27:19] A Movie’s Message: Kevin shares a favorite movie scene that resonates with his experience as a caregiver.