In this episode of Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving, I embark on a journey of personal reflection, breaking down the stark reality of what it means to be a caregiver. Drawing from my personal experiences of caring for my mother, I delve into how I transitioned from seeing myself as 'just her daughter' to identifying as a caregiver. I'll explore the broad spectrum of tasks and responsibilities that fall under this role, prompting you to evaluate your own journey as a caregiver. In addition, I'll provide some crucial self-care advice, encouraging caregivers to nourish their own well-being in order to sustain their support for others. It's a heartfelt, thought-provoking exploration of caregiving that you won't want to miss. Tune in.

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FIRST TIME HERE? Hey, there! I’m Krystal Jakosky - a teacher, writer, and transformational life coach based in CO. I release weekly podcasts about self-care, hard truths, journaling, meditation, and radical self-ownership. All are wholeheartedly welcome here. 

LET’S CONNECT! Visit my website and visit me on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube!

Thank you so much for all the support throughout the years! If you love what we are doing here with the podcast, you can make a one time donation to support the Lewy Body and Mindfule Caregiving podcast. 

Welcome to another episode of Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving. Join me on a beautiful journey filled with emotions, life lessons and the courage to face life's challenges. In today's episode, we delve deep into the story of my mother's declining health and the struggles of caregiving. From the joy of building a mother-in-law unit for my mother's comfortable living to the heartache of watching my mother’s health decline. You'll hear about my personal struggles with accepting my mother's dementia diagnosis, the turmoil I faced while deciding to get a diagnosis, and the resulting empowerment when confronted with a name to the problem. Be prepared to experience a heartfelt roller-coaster ride as I make peace with my reality and learn how to make the best of my situation, while imparting valuable wisdom to those facing similar challenges.

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FIRST TIME HERE? Hey, there! I’m Krystal Jakosky - a teacher, writer, and transformational life coach based in CO. I release weekly podcasts about self-care, hard truths, journaling, meditation, and radical self-ownership. All are wholeheartedly welcome here. 

LET’S CONNECT! Visit my website and visit me on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube!

Thank you so much for all the support throughout the years! If you love what we are doing here with the podcast, you can make a one time donation to support the Lewy Body and Mindfule Caregiving podcast. 

In this episode, I delve deep into the true essence of caregiving, underscoring the immense value of self-care in this journey. I emphasize how, as caregivers for loved ones with Lewy Body dementia, we must prioritize our own well-being, otherwise we risk depleting our resources and our relationship with our cared ones could turn into resentment and frustration.

Exploring the nuances of four bodies; spiritual, mental, physical and emotional, I underscore the importance of understanding our emotions and using them constructively. I explain how caregiving involves more than just physical work and that our mental energy is often overlooked even though it consumes a lot of our energy reserves.

I talk about how the energy spent on caregiver duties is essential, but it must be balanced with activities that replenish your spirit. I recommend sitting back and creating a list of joy-bringing activities that can be referred to when you feel drained.

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FIRST TIME HERE? Hey, there! I’m Krystal Jakosky - a teacher, writer, and transformational life coach based in CO. I release weekly podcasts about self-care, hard truths, journaling, meditation, and radical self-ownership. All are wholeheartedly welcome here. 

LET’S CONNECT! Visit my website and visit me on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube!

Thank you so much for all the support throughout the years! If you love what we are doing here with the podcast, you can make a one time donation to support the Lewy Body and Mindfule Caregiving podcast. 

I also touch upon how our loved ones are remarkably perceptive of our emotional states and how it's crucial to retain an open and honest communication with them. Our energy is the most potent resource, and we must spend it wisely, choosing activities that foster self-care.

The episode concludes with a passionate reminder that the cornerstone of effective caregiving is self-care.

Welcome to the premiere episode of "Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving." A heart wrenching yet inspiring podcast dedicated to sharing the life-altering journey of a caregiver. Our host, navigating the role of a caregiver to her mother diagnosed with Lewy Body dementia, serves as your guide through the ups and downs.

In this episode, we dive deep into understanding Lewy Body Dementia by comparing the functioning of the human brain to an orchestra. Every section of the orchestra represents different parts of the brain with the frontal lobe taking up the conductor's role. But what happens when the conductor is on a break or on vacation? We explore the impact of Lewy Body dementia on the brain's functionality in an eye-opening discussion.

We also delve into the emotional journey of a caregiver, discussing issues like isolation, suspicion and emotional responses. Furthermore, the podcast emphasizes the importance of increasing research and advocacy in the field of Lewy Body dementia, and connecting with kindred spirits undergoing similar experiences.

In forthcoming episodes, expect more illuminating insights on navigating the diagnosis, understanding the progression of the disease, and the crucial role of a caregiver. We aspire to open up a dialogue that comforts, educates, and helps everyone dealing with this challenge feel less alone.

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FIRST TIME HERE? Hey, there! I’m Krystal Jakosky - a teacher, writer, and transformational life coach based in CO. I release weekly podcasts about self-care, hard truths, journaling, meditation, and radical self-ownership. All are wholeheartedly welcome here. 

LET’S CONNECT! Visit my website and visit me on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube!

Thank you so much for all the support throughout the years! If you love what we are doing here with the podcast, you can make a one time donation to support the Lewy Body and Mindfule Caregiving podcast.