Healthcare professional Cassie Abel brings over twenty years of experience to our discussion on caregiving's emotional challenges and the guilt that sometimes accompanies them. Cassie's caregiving journey with her mother, Carol, diagnosed with ALS in 2020, has shaped her outlook on caregiving. Carol inspired Cassie's love for healthcare, and when her health began to decline, Cassie stepped in to provide care, gaining firsthand experience with the challenges that many caregivers face. Cassie's insights make her a valuable resource for all.

Cassie vividly remembers her mother, a “bulletproof” woman who devoted her life to the nursing home industry.  Cassie followed in her mother's footsteps and became a nursing home administrator. However, life suddenly turned when her mother was diagnosed with ALS. The emotional challenges and guilt began to weigh heavily on Cassie's heart as she balanced her career, family, and caregiving responsibilities. As her mother's health declined, Cassie experienced the heart-wrenching reality of watching the woman who had once been her pillar of strength gradually fade away. Cassie found solace in her blog, where she shared her mother's story, drawing strength from her mother's unwavering determination to live life to the fullest.

In this episode, you will learn to:

1. Navigate the emotional landscape and manage guilt associated with caregiving.
2. Recognize the crucial factors to consider when choosing dependable caregivers for your family members.
3. Master the art of juggling work, personal life, and caregiving tasks in harmony.
4. Understand the importance of self-care and mental health to ensure personal well-being during the caregiving journey.
5. Acquire knowledge and wisdom from past caregiving experiences to enhance your own approach. 

About Cassie:

Cassie Abel resides in Vincennes, Indiana, with her husband, Scott, and their two children, Emma and Archer. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare leadership, Cassie primarily worked in the nursing home setting, starting as an Admissions Coordinator, moving to Executive Director, and then taking on a new challenge in the hospital setting. Cassie now serves as the Director of Patient Experience at the local hospital. In her role, Cassie works with providers and caregivers to achieve excellence in service delivery and leads the Patient Liaison department in addressing patient and family concerns. Cassie is an active member of her local Rotary, whose motto is “Service Above Self” – a passion she carries over into her personal and professional life. Cassie holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and a license as a Healthcare Facility Administrator. Currently, Cassie is working towards her MBA and writing her first book based on her experience as a caregiver.

Connect with Cassie:

Twitter: @CassieAbel2

Instagram: @CASSIENABEL2

Support the show

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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