In Sickness

Some caregiving roles are brief, but many, like the ones Justin and Allison are in, end up being long-term. In this episode, they talk about what part acceptance plays in being a caregiver. They discuss questions such as: At what point do we need to accept that our lives are forever changed? What is the benefit of acceptance? How can supporters help a caregiver who is working through the process of acceptance?

Caregivers experience multiple kinds of grief on a regular day, but at the holidays these feelings can be exacerbated. In this episode, Allison and Justin discuss the various forms of grief that may emerge this time of year, what caregivers can do to get through this season, and how supporters can help.

Caregivers often say that they aren't seen. But what would it look like to be seen? What is it that they wish for? In this episode, Allison and Justin talk about times and ways that they have felt either unseen or seen in their caregiving roles and the implications of each. In addition, they provide a number of simple strategies that supporters can use to show intentional care for the caregivers in their lives.

Justin and Allison both have good news in their caregiving lives to share, but that news came at a cost. In this episode, they talk about how it's often after the event or the test results are in that the caregiver has a chance to process all they've just been through, but it's at that same moment that the world wants to celebrate and then move on.

November 2022 Giveaway Link

Life is full for everyone, especially caregivers. In this episode, Justin and Allison talk about ways to eliminate, delegate, or simplify daily tasks.

Everyone experiences feelings of resentment, but caregivers have extra reasons these emotions might creep up. In addition, they have the layer of feeling as if they shouldn't feel this way and that they definitely shouldn't talk about it. Listen in as Justin and Allison discuss how resentment shows up in their lives, what it might be telling them, how they handle it when it does, and how supporters can help.

We often equate rest with sleep, but as caregivers and humans, there are other ways we can and need to find rest throughout our days. Listen in as Allison and Justin talk about how they've seen this play out in their own lives and how supporters can help.

Comments made to caregivers can range from insensitive and hurtful to validating and supportive. In this episode, Allison and Justin highlight quotes shared by listeners while talking about how powerful words, or the lack thereof, can be.

In recent weeks, Justin and Allison's families have had opportunities to travel, celebrate milestone birthdays, and attend weddings and a county fair - all events that are full of extra layers when caregiving. In this episode, they discuss what it's like to prepare for, live through, and recover from special occasions as caregivers.

Caregivers of all kinds can slip into the role of nurse and lose sight of the real relationship they have with their loved one, whether that's a partner, child, parent, or friend. In this episode, Allison and Justin talk about creative ways to find moments of connection even when you're homebound or low on energy.