When Janet Brennend devoted her life to caring for her daughter Leanne, she never expected the incredible twist of fate that would ultimately lead to Leanne's twelve years of independent living. But that was only the beginning of Janet's incredible journey - as she went on to help countless others reach their full potential and live independently, her unwavering commitment to independence and empowerment has become a lasting legacy.

Janet juggled her responsibilities and even returned to college to secure a better future for her family. Throughout this journey, she made it her mission to prepare Leanne for a life of independence. As she found love and remarried, Janet's commitment to her daughter's emotional growth and self-sufficiency became even more crucial. Over time, Leanne discovered her own voice and strength and eventually lived independently for nearly twelve years, a testimony to Janet's unwavering dedication.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the path to independence for individuals with disabilities.
• Learn the delicate art of managing caregiving duties while pursuing personal dreams.
• Understand the crucial aspect of caregiver self-care for overall well-being.
• Uncover the secrets to successfully maintaining long-distance relationships amid immigration obstacles.
• Realize the significance of community partnerships in providing invaluable support for caregivers.

About Janet:

Janet Brennend has served in her current role as the Local Long-Term Care Ombudsman for over 21 years. She has provided advocacy services and supports for and on behalf of persons residing in long-term care settings and those 60 years of age and older who receive long-term care services and support in the community. She has worked with long-term care providers, long-term care recipients and their families, other advocates, and community-based professionals to enhance the quality of care and protect residents’ rights. 

Throughout her career, she has advocated for the rights of individuals with disabilities and assisted family caregivers in accessing critical support services. Her notable accomplishments early in this advocacy role had been supporting changes within the local public schools for students with disabilities to access services for free and appropriate education. 

Connect with Janet:

Website: www.nrvaa.org

Support the show

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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