Yes! I Have a Voice

Today I am joined by Jennifer Randazzo, we discuss her experience of watching her own father struggle with Lewy Body Dementia for more than 10 years and watching her children witness their Grandpa’s decline. 

Jennifer has written a book called Grandpa and Lewywhich is about hope and empowerment for children touched by Lewy Body Dementia. It addresses some of the symptoms that patients face and how a child might help a loved one dealing with the disease. Her aim is to encourage children to handle adversity with patience, kindness, and compassion.

You can follow Jennifer on Instagram: @grandpaandlewy, Facebook: @thejollyauthor  and her Website: https://thejollyauthor.com/

You can also find the book Grandpa and Lewy  on Amazon.

Thank you for listening. If you found value from this episode, don't forget to leave a 5* review, take a screenshot and tag me and Jennifer on Instagram @ruthlewiscosteuk @grandpaandlewy

The time is now to be proud and loud about being a caregiver!

In today's episode I am joined with Diana Jean-Jacques, a registered nurse from Philadelphia. After losing her mother to  cancer she wanted to be the bridge for health care providers and caregivers by helping them know what to prepare for and know what to do next. 

She is the founder of Life Uninterrupted. Their mission is to help women caring for their elderly parents navigate the frustrations of the healthcare system by providing resources, education, and support. By providing culturally and generationally appropriate resources, we help you go from burnout to boss.

You can follow Diana on Instagram @rnbossd & Facebook @rnbossd.

Thank you for listening. If you found value from this episode, don't forget to leave a 5* review, take a screenshot and tag me and Diana on Instagram @ruthlewiscosteuk @rnbossd.

The time is now to be proud and loud about being a caregiver!

In today's episode I am joined by 25 year old Nicole Shaw Wilson from Florida who is the caregiver for her grandmother. Nicole shares her tips and discusses what she does in her down time. You can follow Nicole on Instagram @nicoleswilsonn.

Thank you for listening. If you found value from this episode, don't forget to leave a 5* review, take a screenshot and tag me and Nicole on Instagram @ruthlewiscosteuk @nicoleswilsonn.

The time is now to be proud and loud about being a caregiver!

In this episode I am joined by Rani Sinanan who quit her job as a teacher to become a full-time caregiver for her mum who was re-diagnosed with stage 4 gallbladder cancer.

Rani shares her tips on coping, the importance of breathing and how we often forget to pause and think for a moment. She combines her world of caregiving and world of makeup to raise awareness about different health concerns, bringing them to the forefront. You can follow Rani on Instagram: @_simplyrani.

Thank you for listening. If you found value from this episode, don't forget to leave a 5* review, take a screenshot and tag me and Rani on Instagram @ruthlewiscosteuk @_simplyrani.

The time is now to be proud and loud about being a caregiver!

In today’s episode I am joined by a good friend of mine, Rachael Steele. When her husband suddenly was diagnosed with terminal stage 4 cancer, Rachael became his full-time caregiver. She is now a full-time caregiver for her mother who suffers with heart failure.

We discuss the importance of a morning routine and being kind to oneself, connecting with friends and having fun chats to try and uplift ours spirits. Making time for yourself even if it’s just 30 minutes a day to meditate, go for a walk or read a book is imperative.

You can connect with Rachael on Instagram @rachael61 

Thank you for listening. If you found value from this episode, don't forget to leave a 5* review, take a screenshot and tag me and Rachael on Instagram @ruthlewiscosteuk @rachael61.

The time is now to be proud and loud about being a caregiver!

Jodi Martino is a health and wellness coach and a Mum of 2 from the USA. When her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Jodi became her caregiver. She uses her expertise in that field to help other caregivers. We talk about the importance of having a community and support system. 

Jodi Runs a Facebook group called Caregiver Connections which is a resource for family caregivers and healthcare professionals to connect and share information and inspiration.

 “You need to take care of yourself first and foremost before you can help them because if you’re not at your best, then you’re not going to be able to care for them the way that they need”

You can connect with Jodi on Instagram @jodismartino & Facebook

Thank you for listening. If you found value from this episode, don't forget to leave a 5* review, take a screenshot and tag me and Jodi on Instagram @ruthlewiscosteuk @jodismartino.

The time is now to be proud and loud about being a caregiver!

Today I am joined by Laura Orrantia from San Diego, CA who quit her job as a hospice nurse to become a caregiver for her mother who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s then later diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. We talk about finding the right balance as caregivers, learning to forgive yourself and tips on self-care. 
 
Here is Laura's advice if you find yourself suddenly thrust into the role of a caregiver:

1. Take a deep breath (do this anytime, anywhere, and as often as needed).

2. Educate yourself. Learn about your loved one’s disease and learn how to have a ‘relationship’ with it.

3. Create a support system. Learn to lean on family and friends. Find a community. Join a support group or talk to a therapist. Hire help or see if you qualify for assistance.

4. PRACTICE SELF-CARE!! 

5. Have a mantra that you can repeat when times get tough.

You can follow Laura on Instagram @dear_dementia

Thank you for listening. If you found value from this episode, don't forget to leave a 5* review, take a screenshot and tag me and Laura on Instagram @ruthlewiscosteuk @dear_dementia.

The time is now to be proud and loud about being a caregiver!

Today I’m joined by Sara Gaver from Jacksonville Florida, USA. Sara was born with a physical disability called Arthrogryposis, only 1 in 3000 are born with it. Sara has been driving a wheelchair since the age of 4 and she is now 27. As Sara needs caregivers, she tells us what it’s like from her perspective.  

“Never look at the person for what they can’t do and look at them for what they can do.”

You can follow Sara on Instagram @wheellifeconnections

Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to leave a 5* review, take a screenshot and tag me and Sara on Instagram @ruthlewiscosteuk @wheellifeconnections.

The time is now to be proud and loud about being a caregiver!

In today’s episode I am joined by my good friend Kathryn Charlesworth. When discovering her mum had fibrosis of the lungs, she moved back to her hometown in Cornwall from London to become her caregiver. 

We talk about the importance of filling your own cup up and ensuring as a caregiver your own physical and mental wellbeing is looked after. As caregivers it can sometimes feel doom and gloom but creating special moments together is what can bring joy. Keeping a positive mindset and not feeling alone is the key.

You can follow Kathryn on Instagram @kathryncharlesworthuk

Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to leave a 5* review, take a screenshot and tag me and Kathryn on Instagram @ruthlewiscosteuk @kathryncharlesworthuk.

The time is now to be proud and loud about being a caregiver!

In today’s episode I am joined by Pat Lockhart from Lakeland Florida, she shares her experience about what it was like being a caregiver to her husband of 30 years.

You can follow Pat on Instagram @patsbiz.

Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to leave a 5* review, take a screenshot and tag me and Pat on Instagram @ruthlewiscosteuk @patsbiz.

The time is now to be proud and loud about being a caregiver!