A Season of Caring Podcast: Recent Episodes

Rayna Neises

Hope for Living, Loving, and Caring with No Regrets! A Season of Caring Podcast is a place to find hope for your caring season. I want you to know that I see you and I know what you are doing is not only difficult, and often overwhelming but it's also important and one of the most rewarding things you can do. I feature both everyday family members who are caregiver survivors and those who are still in the middle of their caring season. I also bring you professionals who bring their experience and compassion for you and your parent to our conversations. My goal is for you to walk away from our time together feeling encouraged and hopeful that you can spend this season living, loving, and caring with no regrets!

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Being “the strong one” sounds like praise until it starts to feel like a rule you can’t break. If you’re the family caregiver who keeps track of the meds, the appointments, the bills, the behavior changes, and the constant next thing, you may look capable on the outside while feeling depleted on the inside. We’re naming that reality honestly, because being human is not a spiritual failure and caregiver burnout is not a character flaw.

We unpack the hidden work that so many caregivers carry: the mental load of remembering, the emotional weight of watching someone you love change, and the quiet loneliness that comes when people only see the outcomes, not the cost. Then we turn to a grounding truth from Scripture through Hagar’s story in Genesis: God is “the God who sees me.” That perspective matters when caregiving feels like a wilderness, because you are not overlooked, and you are not only useful, you are loved.

From there, we draw a clear line between faithfulness and exhaustion. Jesus invites the weary and burdened, and he also models rest, prayer, and stepping away from constant demand. We talk about what real strength can look like right now: telling the truth before burnout tells it for you, asking for one specific kind of help, receiving support without apologizing, and building small rhythms of restoration that are realistic in everyday caregiving life.

If you know someone who’s tired of holding it all together, share this episode with them. Subscribe, leave a review, and help more family caregivers find hope and practical support in their season of caring.

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Caregiving can change your life in a single phone call and sometimes in a single storm. When Hurricane Katrina hit, Sharon Faye Lennox found herself scrambling from California to help her elderly mother evacuate New Orleans with almost nothing, only to learn her mom could never go home again. That sudden loss of place, people, and stability shaped everything that followed, including a fast decline, hospice care, and the kind of grief that starts long before goodbye.

We talk honestly about the parts many family caregivers whisper but rarely say out loud: the shame of wanting the suffering to end, the exhaustion of being pulled between work and responsibilities, and the ache of not knowing what to say when a parent is facing death. Sharon names anticipatory grief, the limits of “just getting through it,” and the regret that can surface when you realize you were a great physical caregiver but felt unready for emotional support and spiritual care. Together, we explore a freeing reminder for Christian caregiving: God is faithful to our loved ones even when we feel we failed, and end-of-life presence can be holy ground.

Sharon also shares what helped her heal and what she now teaches others through her book, Before It’s Too Late: A Guided Journal and Resource for Christian Caregivers and Their Loved Ones. We dig into the two-step shift that changes caregiving: care for yourself first so you can care well for your loved one. You’ll hear practical ways to stay connected to God as your source, how “abiding” can steady you in daily stress, and how journaling can help you process emotions while preparing for hard conversations that leave less unsaid.

If you’re navigating caregiver burnout, hospice decisions, spiritual doubt, or the fear of future regrets, this conversation offers hope you can use today. Subscribe for more stories of hope, share this with a caregiver friend, and leave a review telling us what line you needed most.

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Freedom is easy to celebrate until caregiving makes it feel out of reach. When your days are shaped by medications, appointments, routines, and constant mental load, it can feel like your world quietly shrinks. And on the other side, the person you love may feel their freedom slipping too as they grieve driving, privacy, and the ability to make decisions without help. We name that tension without guilt, because telling the truth about loss is not selfish, it’s honest.

We walk through a different way to think about freedom in caregiving: not as the absence of limits, but as the presence of wise guardrails. Just like a guardrail on a mountain road or a fence around a playground, boundaries can create safety that allows real life to keep happening. We talk about why resistance from a loved one is often about identity and dignity, not stubbornness, and how empathy changes the tone of hard conversations about driving, medications, finances, and support at home.

You’ll get practical caregiver strategies you can use right away: offering simple choices, focusing on what your loved one can still do, using support as a bridge instead of a takeover, and learning the difference between truly unsafe and simply different. We also make space for you, because your freedom matters too. If you’re running on empty, we talk about caregiver boundaries, sustainable love, and why even Jesus stepped away to rest.

If this encourages you, share it with another caregiver, then subscribe and leave a review so more families can find hope, practical help, and faith-filled encouragement.

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Caregiving can dismantle the easy answers you used to lean on and leave you with a faith that feels raw, quiet, and intensely personal. I’m talking about the kind of faith that shows up in sleepless nights, in hospital rooms, and at the kitchen table with paperwork spread out, when you realize you do not have the strength to carry everything you’re carrying.

We walk through five ways caregiving reshapes faith for family caregivers, especially those navigating Alzheimer’s and dementia care: trust moving from theory to reality, prayer becoming shorter and more honest, hard questions revealing what we really believe, dependence on God replacing the pressure to be endlessly strong, and love expanding into patient, costly compassion. We also ground these insights in Scripture, including Proverbs 3:5–6, Romans 8:26, Psalm 13, and the promise that grace is sufficient in weakness.

If your spiritual life feels different right now, I want you to hear this clearly: different does not mean failed. Sometimes faith looks like whispering “Lord, help me,” taking the next right step, receiving support from others, and living on daily grace instead of trying to solve the next five years. I’ll leave you with reflection questions to help you name what this season is teaching you and where God may be inviting you to trust Him today.

If you know a caregiver who feels alone or worn down, share this with them. Subscribe for more encouragement for Christian caregiving, and if the message meets you where you are, leave a review so more caregivers can find hope.

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Five years after my book No Regrets: Hope for Your Caregiving Season released, I’m taking you inside the message that has come back to me in emails, reviews, and tearful “me too” notes from family caregivers. If you’ve ever felt isolated by Alzheimer’s disease, dementia care, or the nonstop mental load of caregiving, I want you to hear this clearly: you are not alone, and God is not absent from the hospital room, the memory care unit, or the quiet kitchen table where you sort pills.

I share five practical, faith-rooted truths that can anchor you through long days and hard decisions. We talk about intentional caregiving that helps you look back with fewer regrets, how caregiving requires both head and heart, and why faith doesn’t mean you never feel fear. You’ll hear a simple pattern for handling anxiety by naming what’s scary, remembering God’s character, and asking only for today’s portion of strength, plus a needed reminder that honoring your loved one does not require losing your health, your boundaries, or your calling.

To celebrate, I’m hosting a Five Days of Hope Celebration (June 1 through June 5) and giving away five signed copies of No Regrets. Listen, share this with a caregiver who needs hope, then subscribe, leave a review, and tell me: which of the five truths do you want to practice this week?

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Picture this: you’re scheduling the appointments, managing the meds, and making sure they’re safe, while a part of you is still carrying the memories of harsh words, neglect, or a home that never felt emotionally safe. That’s the reality for many family caregivers, especially during seasons like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day when everyone else seems to be celebrating “perfect” parents. I want you to hear this clearly: feeling conflicted doesn’t make you ungrateful, faithless, or “bad” at caregiving. It makes you human.

We walk through what Christian caregiving can look like when you’re caring for someone who wounded you, including a moving story from Kinsey Oglesby. After her father passed away, Kinsey found herself caring for a mother who had been verbally abusive, as dementia and vulnerability made the needs more urgent and more intimate. Her journey starts with dutiful care and shifts through a moment of spiritual clarity, offering a picture of what God can do without minimizing the past.

We also get practical about honoring your father and mother without losing yourself. We talk boundaries, safety, and why “honor” is about how you behave toward them, not giving them unlimited access to you. We explore forgiveness as a process that releases revenge into God’s hands while still keeping wise limits. If you’re caregiving for an abusive parent, navigating trauma, or trying to make sense of faith and family caregiving, you’ll leave with reflection questions and next-step clarity.

Subscribe, share this with a caregiver who needs it, and leave a review so more families can find hope and help.

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You can pray for healing and still feel stuck in the long middle of caregiving. I get it, because I have lived those moments where I’m waiting for God to change the situation and all I can see is what’s missing. But what if the “miracle” you’re looking for is causing you to overlook the ways God is already showing up right where you are?

I share a powerful memory from my time caring for my mom, when dementia stole conversation but music brought her back to me for a few minutes on the couch. It didn’t fix the disease, but it created real connection and joy, and it reframed what I thought I needed. Then we talk about seasons with my dad, including infections like UTIs that can dramatically impact mental capacity, and a terrifying fall that forced a hard medical decision. In that crisis, God didn’t just give peace, He reminded me of practical provision that was already there.

You’ll walk away with five simple ways to live this out in your day-to-day life as a family caregiver: asking “what worked today,” redefining what you call a miracle, capturing moments of gratitude, inviting God into hard decisions for the next right step, and releasing your grip on what the outcome has to be. If you’re fighting caregiver burnout, decision fatigue, or discouragement, this is a gentle reset toward hope, wisdom, and steady faith.

Subscribe for more stories of hope, share this with a caregiver friend who needs it, and leave a review so more families can find the encouragement. What’s one unexpected way you’ve seen God show up lately?

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Caregiving can start with a few check-ins, then turn into a full-time reality before you even have words for it. We sit down with Carol Evans, a mom, business owner, and fellow podcast host, as she shares the tender and difficult story of caring for her mom through a short, intense battle with pancreatic cancer. When symptoms looked like ordinary aging until a stage four diagnosis changed everything, Carol found herself balancing love, urgency, and the painful truth that an adult parent can still refuse help.

We talk honestly about the day-to-day stress of family caregiving: the “push or pause” decisions, the discomfort of advocating to medical professionals when your loved one says “I’m fine,” and what it feels like to manage updates, appointments, and end-of-life care while trying not to lose the relationship. Carol also reflects on palliative care and hospice care, how resistance can tie a caregiver’s hands, and why having a knowledgeable support team can make the difference between panic and steadiness.

Faith is woven through the whole journey, especially when spiritual routines collapse under exhaustion. Carol shares how Lamentations became a lifeline for grief, and we explore the reality of dying that movies rarely show, plus the healing that can come from hospice education and grief counseling after loss. If you’re walking through caregiver stress, anticipatory grief, or the guilt that sometimes follows death, you’ll find language, perspective, and hope here. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs it, and leave a review telling us what part of caregiving you’re in right now.

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You can love your family and still feel crushed when no one shows up to help. When you are the one making the calls, managing the appointments, handling the emergencies, and carrying the emotional load, loneliness can turn into resentment fast. We name that pain without shame, because those feelings are human and common for family caregivers, especially when siblings stay silent or relatives assume you can handle everything.

We also get honest about the hidden cost: resentment promises relief, but it drains your strength, colors your relationships, and makes caregiving even heavier. From a Christian caregiving perspective, we turn toward the God who sees, anchoring hope in Scripture and in the reminder that your worth is not measured by how much you do or how well you hold it together.

Then we get practical. I share a reframing tool that changes the tone of support: asking for help as an invitation to something meaningful. You will hear clear examples you can use right away, plus simple strategies for processing emotions, journaling, building a wider support system, communicating specific needs, and setting boundaries that protect your health. We close with a call to forgiveness that releases resentment’s grip and helps you keep moving forward with peace and purpose.

If you know a caregiver who feels unseen, share this episode, subscribe for more encouragement, and leave a review so more family caregivers can find hope and real help.

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Caregiving can look brave on the outside while you quietly fall apart on the inside. We sit down with Mia Godfrey, a certified life coach, speaker, and author, to talk about the 11 month season she spent caring for her sister after an ovarian cancer diagnosis. With her sister in Montana and life based in Tennessee, Mia navigates relocating, caregiving, remote work, and the relentless reality of being “on” day and night for a loved one and four little kids who still need normal life to keep moving.

We talk honestly about caregiver guilt and why it can feel impossible to ask for help. Mia shares how watching her mother care for her father shaped her belief that real love means self sacrifice, no breaks, no needs, and no tears. Together, we name what caregiver burnout feels like and why support groups, community, and simple permission to say “I’m drained” can change everything. If you’re caring for a parent with dementia, a spouse, or a sibling with cancer, you’ll recognize the pressure to do it all and the fear of being seen as weak.

Mia also offers a powerful reframe: the most important caregiving is often presence, not perfection. Holding a hand, brushing hair, reading the Bible, noticing the sunset, and reminding someone they are not a burden can matter as much as medication schedules and tasks. We close with the practice that carried Mia through grief and exhaustion: gratitude for small, real gifts like breath, strength, and even dirty dishes you “get to” do.

If this conversation helps you feel less alone, subscribe, share it with a caregiver friend, and leave a review so more family caregivers can find hope and practical support.

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A sudden stroke can upend a life in minutes, but the real story unfolds in the long, uneven days that follow. We sit down with Lana Wilhelm—retired nurse, author of Stroke and the Spouse and Stroke and the Caregiver—to explore the hard truths and hopeful practices that carry caregivers from shock to steady ground. Lana speaks candidly about how medical expertise couldn’t prepare her for the emotional terrain of caring for her husband, the isolation that arrives after the hospital crowds thin, and the invisible deficits that make stroke recovery so misunderstood.

Together, we unpack what the world often misses: not all progress is visible, “doing well” in public can mask deep daily strain, and protecting a loved one’s dignity can chip away at your own reserves. Lana offers a compassionate reframe from caregiver to care partner, urging teamwork and clear boundaries that honor both survivor and supporter. We talk about finding purpose in small goals—like the first clean stir of coffee—using gratitude to retrain a fear-driven brain, and building a community that speaks caregiver fluently. Expect frank reflections on anger at God, the imperfect practice of surrender, and the surprising peace that follows when control loosens its grip.

If you’re navigating stroke recovery, dementia care, or any long-term caregiving season, this conversation brings practical strategies and soul-level validation: advocacy tips for clinic visits, ways to counter isolation, and rituals that create resilience day by day. We also point you to concrete resources, including Lana’s books on Amazon and the Stroke Caregiver Connection, designed to answer real questions gathered from thousands of families. Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs it, and leave a review to help other caregivers find a lifeline. Your story matters—and you don’t have to carry it alone.

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Caregiving can feel like carrying a secret storm—so many decisions, so much love, and a kind of grief that doesn’t wait for goodbye. We open up about the real weight caregivers hold and how faith, practical wisdom, and honest reflection can turn that weight into steadier steps. Rayna shares her journey through years of caring for a mom and dad with Alzheimer’s, naming the hidden losses, the relentless pressure to get it right, and the slow, surprising growth that follows when we surrender what we were never meant to carry.

Across this conversation, we name layered grief—the missed moments, shifting roles, and the parts of yourself that go quiet when life gets hard. We also unpack pressure: family expectations, cultural shoulds, medical complexity, and the inner critic that never sleeps. You’ll hear how to distinguish conviction from condemnation so you can be responsible without living as if you must control every outcome. Scripture anchors the path, reminding us that Jesus wept, that grace meets weakness, and that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted.

We then turn to growth without platitudes. Growth doesn’t cancel pain, but it does shape patience, endurance, compassion, and a deeper dependence on God. You’ll learn how to honor parents without losing yourself, why boundaries are part of true honor, and how love can be both tender and wise. Rayna offers five practical steps you can use today—naming losses, releasing borrowed pressure, asking for specific help, building a small rhythm of rest, and redefining success around presence and the next right step. We close with reflective questions to help you process what hurts and notice where hope is already at work.

If this conversation helps you breathe a little easier, share it with another caregiver who needs encouragement. Subscribe for new episodes and leave a review so more caregivers can find these stories of hope. Your next right step might start here.

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What if the behavior that broke your heart was actually the brain asking for help?

In this episode Rayna sat down with author and advocate Lori Jones to explore the hidden contours of Huntington’s disease, where genetics, uncertainty, and everyday caregiving collide and uncover the small, human choices that change everything.

Lori grew up in an HD family, later becoming a legal guardian for her father through care homes, hospital handoffs, and hospice. She opens up about the emotional math of pre-symptomatic testing, the weight of a 50% genetic risk, and why learning about CAG repeats and symptom variability can bring clarity without stealing hope. We also trace powerful parallels with Alzheimer’s: early psychiatric shifts that go unnoticed, late diagnoses that miss the window for treatment, and the hard truth that behavior often reflects brain change, not character.

The heart of this conversation lives in the stories. A care home director who said we get creative and meant it. A third-shift art student sketching while Lori’s dad savored ice cream, reconnecting with the artist he once was. A retired neurology chair arriving with a paper bag of fries, earning trust one salty bite at a time and clearing a path for much-needed meds. These aren’t grand gestures; they’re precise mercies that honor personhood and make care sustainable.

Lori also names the quiet undertow of relief: survivor’s guilt after testing gene negative. Her way through was service- organizing Team Hope fundraisers, writing Spared: A Memoir of Risk and Resolve, and speaking anywhere to help caregivers find language and community. If you’ve ever felt isolated, triggered, or unsure how to de-escalate fear-driven moments, you’ll leave with practical tools, compassionate reframes, and a reminder that you’re not supposed to carry this alone.

Listen now, share this with someone who needs it, and tell us: what small act made a big difference in your caregiving? If this conversation helped, subscribe, leave a review, and pass it on so more caregivers can find hope and practical support.

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Caregiving can arrive gently maybe even without noticing or like a storm: sudden, disorienting, and unplanned. We explore how to find steadiness inside that swirl by remembering your why—not as pressure to push harder, but as an anchor that keeps love durable and presence kind. Rayna opens up about stepping into her father’s care after a health crisis, why a facility wasn’t the right fit, and how her family built a home-based plan that honored his active life. The result required miles on the road, a reworked career, and more intention than she thought possible—and it also offered a deeper, truer understanding of what honoring a parent looks like when it isn’t tidy.

Across the conversation, we unpack how intentional living transforms a demanding season: being present where your loved one is, planning for rest, naming limits, and inviting help. We talk through the identity squeeze caregivers often feel, and how boundaries protect both your health and the relationship you’re trying to preserve. The heart of the episode is the evolution of the caregiver’s why—how expectations give way to reality, grief reshapes purpose, and God often invites us from doing to being. Instead of chasing outcomes, we learn to abide, to let faithfulness guide the next right step, and to trust that unseen growth is still real growth.

You’ll hear practical reflection prompts to re-center your values, along with scripture that grounds hope when results don’t change. If you’ve ever felt guilty for resting or asking for help, this is a warm permission slip to choose sustainability over exhaustion and love over urgency. Subscribe for more stories and tools for family caregivers, share this with someone who needs encouragement today, and leave a rating or review to help others find the show. What is your why right now—and how is it maturing?

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Caregiving doesn’t wait for perfect plans or tidy feelings. Pat invites us into the real work of loving a spouse through frontotemporal dementia—spotting the first behavior changes, pushing for a doctor who actually listens, and choosing calm care over empty checkboxes. Her story isn’t about fixing the unfixable; it’s about dignity, advocacy, and the courage to do what works when conventional paths only add stress.

We walk through the moments that reshape a life: when Alzheimer’s meds made everything worse and she had to say no; when mowing the lawn became a sacred ritual that kept Don grounded; when the grief that started years before goodbye finally demanded attention. Pat shares how therapy and a short season on antidepressants gave her the steadiness to process layered losses and return to prayer with honesty. A late-night caregiver post even prepared her for Don’s cluster of seizures just hours later, a startling reminder that provision can arrive right on time.

Along the way, we talk about invisible grief, stigma, and how to measure love without tying it to outcomes. Pat offers the kind of clarity caregivers crave: you cannot do this alone, and you don’t have to. Receive help early. Set routines that soothe. Release the guilt that tells you there was a perfect decision you missed. After loss, she found hope again in remarriage, a blended family, and a new home—proof that life after caregiving can be tender and bright.

If you’re shouldering change you didn’t choose, this conversation offers practical wisdom, faith-filled perspective, and hard-won peace. Subscribe, share with a caregiver who needs it, and leave a review to help more people find these stories of hope.

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What if the hardest part of caregiving isn’t the tasks, but letting go of control? We sit down with writer and caregiver advocate Jackie Freeman, who walked a rare dual path: caring for her father through Alzheimer’s while supporting her husband through a seven-year battle with glioblastoma. Jackie’s story is equal parts tender and practical, revealing how small choices—like waiting an extra 30 seconds so her dad could process—can restore dignity, reduce conflict, and deepen connection.

Across this conversation, we unpack the shift from fixer to faithful companion. Jackie shares how a medical notebook keeps chaos in check, why “Perry’s time” became a north star for memory care, and how reclaiming friendships gave her husband purpose beyond illness. She reframes hospice as a gift that expands support and protects the caregiver’s strength, opening windows for church, study, and simple breaths of fresh air. We talk about love languages relearned during treatment, the power of validation over correction, and how presence, not perfection, becomes the truest expression of love.

Faith runs through every scene, from breath prayers in the bathroom to journal entries that trace grace across the hardest days. Jackie’s warmth and candor offer both permission and a plan: accept help, invest in respite, and choose rituals that nourish the soul. If you’re carrying the sacred weight of caregiving—whether you feel unseen, exhausted, or just in need of a new rhythm—this conversation offers practical tools and hope you can use today.

Subscribe for more stories that blend honest caregiving wisdom with spiritual renewal, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement right now. Your review helps more caregivers find the support they deserve.

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Enjoy the 3rd most listened to episode of 2025 with Joy Kats: What if the door you begged to open was actually protecting you for the work only you could do? That’s the tension we walk through with author and speaker Joy Kott as she traces the path from a failed kidney match to three sacred months caring for her father in his final season, and then to a later donation that finally connected. It’s a story of timing, trust, and the quiet courage to serve when plans fall apart.

We start with the shock of a sudden diagnosis—congestive heart failure uncovered after a back injury—and the unplanned shift that made Joy her dad’s primary caregiver. She brings us inside the home, the garden he loved, and the daily tasks that demanded both grit and gentleness. One tender moment—washing his feet after a hospital stay—reshapes old distance into real connection. The practical becomes spiritual: preserving dignity, noticing small joys, and learning to say I get to where I have to once lived.

Then the plot threads tie together. The earlier “no” to donation meant Joy had the strength and time to walk her father all the way home. Months later, another need surfaced, and this time she was the match. Along the way, we talk about living without regrets, finding purpose in detours, and holding onto Jesus when fatigue and grief threaten to empty the cup. For caregivers, faith leaders, and anyone navigating elder care or chronic illness, this conversation offers honest encouragement, real-world perspective, and hope that nothing is wasted.

If this story moved you, follow the show, share it with someone who needs courage today, and leave a review to help more caregivers find practical hope.

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Caregiving rarely color‑codes itself on our calendars. One day you’re navigating an adoption that looks nothing like the tidy plans you imagined; the next day, you’re juggling a teen’s complex needs alongside aging parents in the hospital. Mandy Horne, a registered nurse and board‑certified health and wellness nurse coach, joins me to share how a late autism diagnosis reframed years of confusion, opened doors to therapies, and restored hope for her family.

We talk about the difference a diagnosis can make—not as a label to hide behind, but as a key to access care, educate a village, and reset expectations. Mandy shares the hard parts without flinching: sleepless nights, aggressive moments where her husband shouldered the physical load, and the invisible cost of running on empty. Then we trace the surprising arc of her son’s senior year, where supervised medication changes and a clear call toward ministry sparked a transformation. His YouTube and TikTok outreach is growing fast, and together they’ve launched “Jesus and Autism,” a candid space for families hungry for encouragement and truth.

Threaded through every chapter is a simple practice: surrender beats striving. We trade perfection for flexible habits—micro‑devotions, worship on the go, and five‑minute breath prayers that fit real life. We explore how to build a supportive church community, why “savor the ordinary day” is a lifeline, and how grace for yourself can be the pivot that keeps a home steady. If you’ve felt sandwiched between generations, if you’re waiting on clarity, or if you need language to explain what your family carries, this story offers both practical steps and a steadying peace.

Listen now, share this with a caregiver who needs it, and leave a review to help others find hope in their own season of caring. Subscribe for more stories, tools, and faith‑filled support.

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A small change in behavior can rewrite a life. When Pat began noticing Don’s unusual decisions, lost words, and shifting patterns, the search for answers led to a Frontotemporal Dementia diagnosis—and a decade-long lesson in love, agency, and faith. We unpack the realities of FTD’s behavioral variant, why it’s often misread in midlife, and how a caregiver’s voice can and should shape care. Pat explains how she learned to opt out of stressful, unhelpful appointments, advocate through atypical medication reactions, and build routines that gave Don dignity. Sometimes the right choice is the one that brings peace, even if it looks different from the standard path.

We also go straight at the grief most caregivers carry but rarely name. Loss begins long before the goodbye. Pat shares how stacked losses overwhelmed her plans and how therapy—and for a season, an antidepressant—helped her function, feel, and keep going. Faith remained a steady thread, from a midnight caregiver post that prepared her for Don’s sudden seizures to the quiet conviction that help would meet her at the moment of need. Along the way, we talk about practical strategies: protecting the caregiver’s health, choosing physicians who see the whole family, and honoring routines that soothe, like Don’s daily mowing that brought calm even on hospice.

The heart of this conversation is freedom from guilt. You can’t alter the disease’s destination, but you can shape the journey. Pat closes with hard-won wisdom on accepting help, inviting community into the home, and measuring success by presence and kindness rather than outcomes. And she offers a hopeful coda: life continues, love expands, and gratitude can return. Listen for validation, guidance, and a gentle nudge toward living without regrets.

If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a caregiver who needs hope, and leave a review to help others find these stories.

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Caregiving rarely unfolds the way we imagine. Catherine joins us to trace a decades-long journey that started in childhood waiting rooms and led to the moment her father was diagnosed with Huntington’s at 80, long after her mother’s dementia and medical challenges had reshaped daily life. What follows is a candid, hope-filled guide to planning one step ahead, inviting family into specific roles, and choosing dignity over control when everything changes faster than your systems can keep up.

We dig into the hard transitions—selling homes, moving parents in, and turning a new house into a familiar haven with small details that calm the nervous system. Catherine shares how “hire for fit, not ability” became a lifeline: the right caregiver isn’t just technically skilled, they connect, ask better questions, bring humor, and meet emotional needs that checklists miss. From entering the world of dementia instead of correcting it, to medication strategies like adding one drug at a time and tracking side effects, you’ll hear practical tactics you can apply today. We also talk about finances with compassion: transition access early, preserve reassuring rituals, and keep dignity at the core.

Family dynamics get real here. Catherine explains how she “threw away the scale” of who did most, invited relatives into clear roles they could sustain, and let go of bitterness when help didn’t show. Woven through is a steady rhythm of faith—listening, being known, and following the next right step—that turns midnight crises into moments of presence and care. If you’re navigating aging parents, juggling distance, or staring down another unexpected change, this conversation offers grounded wisdom, gentle humor, and tools you can trust.

If this resonates, follow the show, share it with someone who needs encouragement, and leave a review to help other caregivers find these stories and strategies.

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What happens when the child you love suddenly can’t face the day—and the usual fixes don’t work? We open up about a mother’s unseen caregiving: guiding her son through anxiety and depression after a cross-country move collided with the uncertainty of COVID. The story moves beyond clichés, touching the raw places—shame when friends don’t understand, judgment from well-meaning people, and the weary loop of doing “all the right things” without a breakthrough—until a quiet yes to counseling, community, and a carefully chosen low-dose medication turned the tide.

We talk candidly about how faith and mental health care can work together, not against each other. You’ll hear what it looks like to advocate at school, track real progress, and hold steady when improvement comes in fits and starts. The spiritual arc is honest and personal: praying on the closet floor, realizing God loves the caregiver as much as the child, and releasing control with the words, “I’m writing his testimony—stop trying to steal the pen.” Along the way, small markers of hope begin to shine: a safe church home, notes from attentive teachers, an eighth-grade tribute to kindness, and a seventh-grade “Waymaker” testimony that reframed the pain with purpose.

If you’re navigating child anxiety, caregiver burnout, or the gray space between prayer and practical help, this conversation offers tools and comfort: how to discern when chemistry is part of the problem, why persistence in seeking support matters, and how a simple nightly gratitude practice can re-anchor a family. We also share Shelli’s upcoming Bible study, “Rise: How to Get Back Up After Life Knocks You Down,” built on Ezra 10:4 and designed to help you take the next faithful step from the valley to solid ground.

If this spoke to you, follow the show, share it with someone who needs hope today, and leave a review so others can find these stories of quiet, steady resilience.

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What if the hardest season of your life became the place where wonder returned, marriage deepened, and purpose took root? That’s the heart of our conversation with caregiver and author Cathy Bennett, who spent nine years walking alongside her husband Michael through ALS—and found a new kind of faith and community in the process.

We open with the practical realities few outsiders see: the wheelchair, the Hoyer lift, the accessible van, the heavy “operator” tasks you never trained for but learn because love insists. Then we sit with the isolation that caregiving often creates—especially when a pandemic narrows your world—and we name why generic advice isn’t enough. Cathy explains how faith and solidarity among caregivers change the emotional math, easing the bitterness that can grow when you carry the load alone. She shares a powerful arc of belief as Michael, a lifelong tinkerer and nature buff, reconnects with God through the complexity and design he saw on screen. Along the way, marriage is reshaped by humility and gratitude; two driven people learn surrender and find their bond unexpectedly better, not smaller.

There are vivid moments of provision—a long-stalled cabin sale clearing the way to build an accessible home at exactly the right time—and there’s the quieter provision of a new calling. Cathy begins to write in the margins of caregiving, eventually crafting a devotional organized around fifty emotions caregivers know by heart. She launches a faith-based caregiver community where short devotions and prayer meet the needs of time-pressed listeners, offering daily encouragement without fluff. We also get practical: how to invite people into your real life so they can truly help, why worship music can reset the hardest hour of the day, and how to “tighten the loop between guilt and grace” after inevitable slip-ups.

If you’re caring for a spouse, parent, or friend—or supporting someone who is—you’ll find a rich mix of story, strategy, and hope. Subscribe, share this episode with a caregiver who needs strength for today, and leave a review to help others discover these stories of faith, resilience, and real-world care.

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Do you ever feel weighed down by guilt as a caregiver—second-guessing your choices, comparing yourself to others, or wondering if you’ve done enough? In this heartfelt episode of A Season of Caring Podcast, Rayna Neises gently reminds us that faith and guilt do not belong together.

Guilt shadows many caregivers, whispering that they're not doing enough or that needing rest makes them selfish. This burden weighs heavily on already exhausted hearts, creating distance from the very grace needed most during challenging seasons.

Drawing from Romans 8:1, "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," we explore why faith and guilt don't belong together. When guilt creeps in—whether from losing patience, feeling inadequate, or believing you should somehow do more—it's essential to recognize this isn't God's voice. While conviction gently draws us toward growth, guilt traps us in shame. The key question becomes: "Does this thought bring me closer to God's love or push me farther away?"

Like autumn leaves that must eventually fall, guilt needs release. Caregiving has its seasons—intense periods, waiting times, and eventually seasons of loss. In each one, God provides specific grace for that moment. Rather than dwelling on yesterday's perceived failures or tomorrow's worries, focus on the present where divine grace meets you exactly as you are. I've created a free Fall Seasonal Rest Rhythm mini-series with three guided audio practices to help you pause, breathe, and remember God's presence even in overwhelming moments. These simple tools remind you that you're more than the guilt you carry, and that peace is available in every season. Download this free resource at aseasonofcaring.com/fallrest and take a step toward living with the freedom God intends for you—even in your season of caring.

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What happens when a healthcare professional becomes the patient, then becomes a family caregiver? Manjeet Singh's remarkable journey offers a powerful perspective on caregiving that few can provide.

Manjeet joins us to share his transformative path from being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 20 and losing his colon to becoming a registered nurse with over 15 years of critical care experience. His story takes a deeply personal turn as he recounts caring for his mother during her battle with a rare brain tumor—a seven-month journey that reinforced his belief that caregiving requires both professional skill and profound love.

"We cannot pour from an empty cup," Manjeet reminds us, highlighting the paradox that caregivers face: dedicating themselves to others often at the expense of their own wellbeing. Drawing from his professional expertise and personal experience, he introduces his revolutionary S.L.E.E.P framework—a practical approach to holistic wellness covering Sleep, Limits (boundaries), Vitality, circadian rhythm, and hydration. What makes his approach so valuable is its simplicity and integration with natural rhythms, making it accessible even within the constraints of demanding caregiving roles.

The conversation takes a spiritual turn as Manjeet shares the intimate moments of reading scripture and holding his mother's hand during her final days. These poignant memories underscore his philosophy that caregiving isn't just about completing tasks but about being present with genuine love—echoing Mother Teresa's wisdom that "it's not how much you do, but how much love you put into doing." For caregivers struggling with burnout or losing sight of purpose, this perspective offers renewed meaning and connection.

Ready to transform your caregiving journey? Manjeet is offering podcast listeners free access to his wellness program for up to five family members at healthcareheroes.global. Listen now to discover how to care deeply for others while nurturing your own wellbeing.

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What happens when a self-described "overachiever" and "fixer" faces the uncontrollable challenges of caring for multiple loved ones with serious illnesses? Jackie Freeman's powerful story reveals the beautiful transformation that can occur when we release our grip on control and embrace faithful presence instead.

Jackie grew up believing she could handle anything life threw her way. As she puts it, she was raised during the height of the feminist movement with the message that she could "bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan" – essentially managing everything through sheer determination and competence. This mindset met its match when her husband was diagnosed with brain cancer (surviving seven years beyond his six-month prognosis) while she simultaneously supported her father through Alzheimer's disease.

Through raw honesty and surprising humor, Jackie shares the profound shift from believing "everything was mine to do" to recognizing her limitations and finding strength in surrender. One of her most beautiful insights comes from what caregivers at her father's memory care facility called "Perry's Time" – the practice of giving her father space to process information at his own pace rather than rushing him. This approach transformed not just her father's care but Jackie's entire philosophy of caregiving.

The conversation explores practical wisdom for the overwhelmed caregiver: creating a medical notebook, finding small moments for spiritual renewal, accepting help from others, and discovering unexpected blessings even in loss. Jackie's perspective on hospice care is particularly enlightening, framing it not as "giving up" but as embracing support that allows both patient and family to live fully in whatever time remains.

Most movingly, Jackie reveals how caregiving ironically healed her marriage by reversing their love languages – her husband, whose love language had been acts of service, was now receiving service, while Jackie, who valued quality time, was now giving service. This role reversal created deeper understanding between them and opened space for meaningful connection even amid tremendous challenges.

Whether you're currently caregiving or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers hope that even in our most difficult seasons, we can find purpose, connection, and unexpected grace. Connect with Jackie's resources and books at JackieFreemanAuthor.com.

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What happens when caregiving forces you to confront your most painful memories? For Susie Lewis, caring for her parents became an unexpected journey toward freedom and healing.

Susie shares the contrasting experiences of caring for her mother with terminal cancer for 30 days in her mother's home, and later having her father live with her and her husband for four and a half years. While these seasons brought their unique challenges, they also offered profound gifts of restoration and growth.

The conversation takes a powerful turn as Susie reveals how caring for her father—who had inflicted "almost every form of abuse" during her childhood—triggered past trauma but ultimately led to deeper healing. When a physical therapist's simple statement about her father not being able to be left alone triggered feelings of being trapped, Susie found herself having a breakdown. This crisis opened the door to Christian counseling and addressing wounds she'd carried for decades.

Through beautiful anecdotes—like learning to crochet with her dying mother and laughing together when her mother became tangled in pools of yellow yarn—Susie illustrates how caregiving's difficulties are often intertwined with its most precious gifts. That final crocheted basket remains one of her most treasured possessions, and the skill has allowed her to create baby blankets for all fourteen of her grandchildren.

For those currently walking the caregiving path, Susie offers wisdom earned through experience: write down memories you think you'll never forget, and prioritize simple forms of self-care. "If you do not take care of yourself, you cannot take care of your loved one," she emphasizes, suggesting that even ten minutes outside walking and praying can provide essential renewal.

Listen now to discover how staying the course through caregiving's challenges can lead to unexpected freedom, healing, and the fulfillment of honoring parents in profound ways. Susie's story reminds us that God weaves relationships into our lives precisely when we need them—often before we even know we'll need them.

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"Who am I outside of caregiving?" This question haunts many family caregivers as they navigate the all-consuming journey of caring for a loved one. Drawing from my personal experience of caring for my father with Alzheimer's for 14 years, I unpack the struggle to maintain our sense of self when someone else's needs dominate our days and decisions.

Caregiving has a way of rewriting your identity without permission. Suddenly, you're an advocate, a nurse, a scheduler, and an emotional support system—but somewhere in that transformation, crucial parts of yourself can slip away unnoticed. I share how I realized I had stopped journaling, reading before bed, and connecting with friends—not just activities I'd lost, but pieces of my identity quietly disappearing.

The path to reclaiming and protecting your identity starts with confronting the myths that trap us: the belief that doing anything less than everything means we're failing; the notion that we should just press pause on ourselves until caregiving ends; and the guilt that whispers self-care is selfish. These lies keep us from the truth—that we are whole people whose worth transcends our caregiving role.

Through practical strategies like creating a personal manifesto based on core values, establishing healthy boundaries, and dedicating even five minutes a week to nurturing dreams, caregivers can maintain connection with their authentic selves. Remember, caregiving doesn't define you—it's a season in your life, not the entirety of who you are.

Whether you're in the thick of caregiving or transitioning to life afterward, your story continues to unfold. Download the free core values worksheet from our show notes at seasonofcaring.com/podcast and begin reconnecting with the heart of who you are today. Your identity matters, your dreams still have purpose, and you are so much more than the care you provide.

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Your loved one's behavior isn't the source of your stress—your reaction to it is." This powerful insight forms the foundation of Rick Henkin's transformative approach to dementia caregiving, which he shares in this deeply moving episode.

When Rick's wife Sonia was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at 65, their world shifted dramatically. From her developing Capgras syndrome (believing Rick was an imposter) to the heartbreak of seeing her relationship with their granddaughters deteriorate, Rick faced the crushing weight that so many caregivers experience. The turning point came not from changing his circumstances, but from changing his mindset.

Rick takes us through his journey of discovery—how he went from anger and frustration to finding what he calls his "heaven on earth" state of peace and acceptance. He shares candid stories that will resonate with anyone who's cared for someone with dementia, from Sonia putting toothpaste in her hair to "borrowing" pancakes from strangers in restaurants. Rather than sources of stress, these moments became cherished memories through Rick's transformed perspective.

Most powerfully, Rick reveals how his relationship with Sonia evolved to where spending time with her became his source of respite rather than stress. "Caregivers have the ability to make the rest of their loved one's life miserable or joyful," he notes—a profound responsibility and opportunity.

Whether you're caring for someone with dementia or facing any caregiving challenges, Rick's practical wisdom offers a path forward. By focusing on what you can control—your own thoughts and reactions—rather than what you can't, you'll discover how to lift the burden of caregiving stress while providing better care for both your loved one and yourself.

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What happens when a personal health transformation becomes the unexpected preparation for a life-altering caregiving journey? Christine Trimpe's story powerfully demonstrates how God works ahead of our awareness to equip us for challenges we can't yet imagine.

Christine candidly shares the moment that changed everything - standing breathless on a Rocky Mountain trail, unable to complete a half-mile hike due to being over 100 pounds overweight. That humbling experience led to a simple prayer: "God, I just want to feel better." Little did she know how perfectly timed her subsequent health transformation would be. After ditching sugar completely and losing over 100 pounds, Christine found herself spiritually, emotionally, and physically strengthened just months before her son suffered a traumatic brain injury in a catastrophic car accident.

Now as her son's caregiver, Christine navigates the unique challenges of supporting someone with an invisible disability. Though outwardly appearing unaffected, her son's TBI impacts his mental health and requires ongoing advocacy, oversight, and support. Christine reveals the surprising isolation of caregiving and how her morning ritual of time in God's Word sustains her through difficult seasons. Her focus on cultivating joy and more recently, peace replacing hypervigilance, demonstrates the evolving nature of spiritual growth throughout the caregiving journey.

For caregivers at any stage, Christine offers wisdom gleaned from experience: true self-care means nurturing your spiritual and emotional health first. Her personal philosophy—"when we feel better, we serve better"—encapsulates the importance of maintaining our own well-being to effectively care for others. Whether you're facing health challenges, unexpected caregiving responsibilities, or both, Christine's story reminds us that God often prepares the path before us, equipping us for seasons we never anticipated.

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What happens when caregiving transforms you so completely that it redirects your life's purpose? Susan Stern's remarkable journey takes us through two decades of caring for both parents—first as a long-distance caregiver for her father during his 10-year cancer battle, then as primary caregiver for her mother through a decade of Alzheimer's.

The conversation reveals the stark differences between these caregiving experiences while uncovering the universal challenges all caregivers face. Susan speaks candidly about the unexpected grief that blindsided her after her mother's passing—how she found herself "regrieving" her father too. Particularly moving is Susan's vulnerability around control. As a self-described Type A personality, caregiving forced her to become "comfortable with being uncomfortable" and to surrender her illusion of managing every outcome.

The transformation Susan experienced wasn't just personal but professional. Her caregiving journey ultimately led her to become a board-certified life coach specifically supporting family caregivers who are exhausted from overgiving. Whether you're currently caregiving, anticipating this role, or processing your past caregiving experiences, Susan's wisdom offers practical hope. Her encouragement to ask for help, find time for self-care, and recognize that "you're stronger than you think" serves as a powerful reminder that with faith and community, we can not only survive caregiving but emerge with unexpected gifts of resilience, purpose, and deeper connection.

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Grace transforms the caregiver journey from a pursuit of perfection to a path of authentic love and service. When our inner critic shouts that we've fallen short - that we should be more patient, more organized, more everything - grace gently reminds us we're human, doing sacred work one imperfect day at a time.

My own journey began at 16 when my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. By the time I was 20, she could no longer communicate clearly. Yet her voice lives on as my internal cheerleader, echoing the patient encouragement she offered during my childhood struggles with reading. "Keep going, honey. You're doing better than you think," she'd say beside me at the kitchen table. This growth mindset rooted in grace stands in stark contrast to the harsh inner critic we all battle.

The critic shows up in our lowest moments - when we lose patience, forget appointments, or simply run out of emotional bandwidth. It replays our mistakes at 3 AM and tells us we're failing. But Romans 8:1 reminds us "there is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." God's grace isn't a reward for getting it right; it's a gift freely given, especially when we feel we've gotten it all wrong. Through practical steps like pausing to identify unhelpful thoughts, reframing criticism with truth, and speaking grace aloud to ourselves, we can quiet that critical voice.

You are doing better than you think. Your effort matters. Your showing up matters. Download our free "Grace for the Journey" reflection guide to help silence your inner critic and embrace the growth that happens in this challenging, beautiful season of caring.

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What happens when a medical professional becomes the primary caregiver for their own parent? Dr. Melissa Glass, a doctorate trained registered nurse and John Maxwell certified coach, takes us through her profound journey of caring for her mother during the pandemic's darkest days.

The caregiver journey often begins unexpectedly. For Dr. Glass, it started with long-distance care as her fiercely independent mother battled health challenges in Louisiana. When COVID-19 changed everything in 2020, Dr. Glass brought her mother to live with her in Texas while simultaneously pursuing her doctorate and managing a household. Her mother's complex medical needs—end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis, uncontrolled diabetes, and complications leading to an amputation—created a perfect storm of caregiving intensity.

Despite her medical expertise, Dr. Glass discovered that caring for family introduces emotional complexities professional training can't prepare you for. "Even working in healthcare... I never understood how do you even find time to take care of yourself?" she reflects candidly. Her story illuminates the universal struggle caregivers face: balancing expertise with familial relationships while maintaining boundaries and self-care.

The most touching revelations come through Dr. Glass's description of their final holiday season together. Her mother, typically camera-shy, allowed precious photos and videos that now provide comfort in grief. "Sometimes when I just need a little comfort to want to hear my mother's voice... I don't mourn over them as much as I use it as a comfort," she shares, offering wisdom about documentation that every caregiver should hear.

After her mother's peaceful transition in January 2021, Dr. Glass developed the powerful SHIFT framework (Scripture, Holy Spirit, Illuminate, Faith, Testimony) that guided her healing journey. Her story reminds us that caregiving, while tremendously challenging, often becomes the crucible where our deepest spiritual growth occurs.

Join us for this moving conversation about medical caregiving, capturing memories, finding personalized self-care, and discovering God's presence even in our darkest moments. Connect with Dr. Glass on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram to continue the conversation about resilience through caregiving's most difficult seasons.

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Mary Beth Powers never expected to become a caregiver during what should have been her freedom-filled empty nester years. Instead, she found herself stretched between caring for her husband with Meniere's disease at home and her mother-in-law who lived 45 minutes away. The physical distance created practical challenges that were amplified during COVID when quarantine protocols meant she couldn't return home after providing care.

The breaking point came when both loved ones needed 24-hour care simultaneously. In a raw moment of desperation, Mary Beth found herself in a laundry room, sobbing and questioning God about the fairness of her situation. It was there she heard His gentle voice: "I just need you to be my hands and feet in this moment." This divine encounter didn't remove her challenges but gave them profound meaning, transforming her perspective from self-focused frustration to purpose-driven service.

One of the most beautiful moments emerged when Mary Beth, who had once dreamed of becoming a hairdresser, found herself styling her mother-in-law's soft white hair. This simple act created an unexpected bridge between them, deepening a relationship that had previously been somewhat distant. Meanwhile, Mary Beth watched in amazement as her adult children—all newlyweds beginning their own families—stepped up to support both her and their grandmother in remarkable ways.

The greatest wisdom Mary Beth gained was recognizing that caregiving was never about her comfort or convenience. She learned that running to Jesus first, being honest about difficult emotions without placing blame, and focusing on the person needing care rather than personal inconvenience made all the difference. Mary Beth encourages caregivers to give themselves grace while remembering that God meets us perfectly in our imperfections. Connect with Mary Beth at marybethpowers.com or follow her on Instagram @girlbestill to learn more about her ministry.

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What happens when God orchestrates seemingly unrelated events into a beautiful tapestry of purpose? Joy Kotz unexpectedly became her father's primary caregiver, especially given their emotionally distant relationship and his age. Yet in this powerful conversation, she reveals how three months of caregiving during her father's final days transformed both her heart and their relationship.

Joy shares the remarkable story of how she felt called to donate a kidney to a church member, only to discover she wasn't a match—a disappointment that turned into divine protection. Had she undergone surgery, she wouldn't have been able to care for her father when he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure just months later. Through intimate moments like washing her father's feet and celebrating family milestones together, Joy found herself treasuring a season she initially resented.

The story doesn't end there. After her father's passing, another kidney donation need arose, and this time Joy was a perfect match. Looking back, she sees God's hand guiding each step, preparing her through caregiving for this gift she would later give. Her journey reveals profound spiritual lessons about timing, purpose, and finding meaning in difficult seasons.

For anyone in the midst of caregiving challenges, Joy offers wisdom from her experience: "Remember that it's a season. Keep your eyes on Jesus. If He's called you into this, there's reason and purpose in it." Her commitment to living without regrets and being faithful to what God places before her each day provides inspiration for anyone walking through their own season of caring.

Subscribe to A Season of Caring podcast for more stories that will help you live content, love well, and care without regrets—finding God's presence even in life's most demanding seasons.

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Ramona Torres never expected to become her father's primary caregiver, yet when Angel (known to most as Manuel or Manny) fell and broke his femur bone in Puerto Rico, Ramona's life transformed as she welcomed him into her Pennsylvania home for what would become the final 15 months of his journey.

With remarkable candor, Ramona shares the profound words her father spoke that still resonate with her: "I never thought that you would be the one taking care of me in the end of my life." As the youngest of four children—a "surprise baby" her parents hadn't planned—Ramona reflects on how God uniquely positioned her for this sacred role of honoring her father through hands-on care.

What shines through Ramona's story is the divine thread of purpose woven throughout her experience. A profound moment came when her father awakened the night before his passing to tell her directly, "Mona, I'm dying." The next day, after Ramona prayed to be present for his final breath, God answered her request in a moment that confirmed His faithful presence throughout their journey.

Since her father's passing, Ramona has discovered new depths of intentionality in relationships. She now reaches out to elderly individuals in nursing homes, cherishing the wisdom they share, and facilitates grief recovery programs at her local jail. Her story reminds us that caregiving, while challenging, offers hidden gifts of connection, purpose, and spiritual growth.

Whether you're currently caring for an aging parent or supporting someone who is, Ramona's journey will inspire you to find meaning amidst difficulty and to recognize God's presence even in the most demanding seasons of life. Listen now and discover how caregiving can become a sacred journey of honoring those we love.

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Dive into the world of caregiving with our latest episode as we explore the essential practice of reflection. Discover how stepping back and reassessing experiences can radically transform your perspective as a caregiver. In this episode, we share personal stories, practical strategies, and insights that reveal how reflection can foster growth, gratitude, and adaptability in daily life. Insights from real experiences not only validate the challenges of caregiving but also illuminate pathways to a more satisfied and less regretful caregiving journey. Join us in discovering how reflection isn't just a means of evaluating the past but ultimately a means of shaping brighter futures for both caregivers and those they care for.

As you listen, we encourage you to think about how you can integrate reflection into your life. Whether through journaling, quiet contemplation, or conversations with others, find the method that resonates with you. Don’t miss out on our resources that can help guide you in your reflective journey. Sign Up for Reflective and Grateful Hearts Grow Hope: 5 day devotional at www.ASeasonofCaring.com/Reflect

Subscribe, leave a review, and continue engaging with us as we navigate these rewarding yet challenging paths together.

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Join us for an enlightening conversation with Debbie Compton, a veteran caregiver and advocate, as she unpacks the emotional complexities of caregiving for loved ones with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and vascular dementia. Through personal anecdotes and powerful insights, Debbie shares her transformative journey from a successful business career to a passionate caregiver, highlighting the unexpected lessons she learned along the way.

In this episode, we delve into the heart-wrenching yet inspiring stories that illustrate the dual nature of caregiving: the joy intertwined with sorrow. Debbie recounts pivotal moments that not only challenged her resolve but also deepened her connection with her loved ones, showcasing the resilience and love inherent in caregiving. As she shares practical strategies for maintaining positivity, we discuss the significance of focusing on gratitude and support.

This episode is a profound reminder of the love that exists in even the most challenging caregiving situations. Whether you are currently in the throes of caring for a loved one or seeking to understand the journey, this conversation will uplift and inspire you. Tune in for Debbie's expert insights, heartfelt stories, and guidance on how to embrace this journey with grace and hope. Don’t forget to subscribe and share your thoughts with us!

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Imagine being on a journey where love, divine guidance, and ice cream are your compass. That's exactly what Sue Ryan experienced throughout her caregiving path. With over 40 years of personal caregiving and a strong background in enterprise software, Sue joins us to share her incredible story. From caring for her grandmother, father, and husband, Sue managed to balance these responsibilities while maintaining a thriving professional life. Her experiences offer a powerful blend of practical advice and spiritual insight, promising to empower anyone navigating similar roles.

Sue brings to light the surprising gifts that caregiving can offer, not just to those receiving care but to the caregivers themselves. She reveals how small acts, like offering a favorite treat, can profoundly impact a care receiver's emotional state. Through Sue's storytelling, we explore the beauty in the seemingly mundane and find honor in caring for those who can't care for themselves. These moments, guided by love and a touch of divine intervention, shape our purpose and transform how we serve others, turning challenges into true wisdom.

Our conversation celebrates the unique and perfectly imperfect nature of caregiving. Perceived failures? They're just stepping stones for learning and growth. We embrace the curiosity often lost in adulthood, finding joy in exploration and life’s unanswered questions. As Sue shares her personal story of God's presence during life's final stages, faith emerges as a comforting ally. Through all these experiences, hope remains a steadfast companion, inviting listeners to connect deeply with our caring community, always ready to support and inspire.

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What happens when a mother's love and faith intersect with caregiving challenges? Meet Tracey Glenn, a devoted caregiver and author, who beautifully shares her journey of caring for her daughter Kaylee, who battles the rare DYRK1A syndrome. Tracey opens up about the trials and triumphs of navigating late diagnoses, osteoporosis, and hip fractures while ensuring Kaylee's safety during the pandemic. With courage and conviction, she talks about the unpredictable nature of caregiving, the peace she finds in her steadfast faith, and the crucial role of support systems that allow her to find respite and balance.

Join us as we explore the profound themes of purpose and hope in caregiving, examining the unity and strength it can cultivate within families. From the transformative power of early morning prayers to the unexpected blessings born from personal struggles, Tracey's story is one of resilience and inspiration. Her insights on sharing stories to foster connection and encouragement highlight the comforting power of compassion, while reminding us of the importance of seeking professional advice for challenging situations. Tracey's journey shows us how life's toughest challenges can lead to growth and unexpected opportunities, underscoring the power of shared experiences and faith.

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How do you navigate caregiving when your life takes an unexpected turn? Join me, Rayna Neises, as I chat with Carol Leathem, who found herself in this exact situation a decade ago. When her husband, a pastor, faced mental health challenges, Carol stepped into the role of caregiver, redefining her identity and reshaping her life. Our conversation explores these identity shifts and the profound lessons learned through caregiving, not just for her husband but also for her mother, while keeping her own family's needs in balance. For those in similar shoes, Carol's experiences, and her ministry born from these trials, offer a beacon of hope and support.

The journey through mental health and Alzheimer's caregiving is fraught with emotional complexities, and Carol and I share our personal stories to highlight the importance of patience, grace, and empathy. Whether it's dealing with a parent's passive-aggressive text or supporting a spouse through a mental health crisis, understanding that emotions often outweigh facts is crucial. We discuss practical strategies to manage such challenges and stress the importance of crafting personalized coping mechanisms.

Faith becomes a cornerstone in the caregiver's journey, offering solace and guiding us through the most demanding times. We close with an invitation to join a community of caregivers, encouraging listeners to seek professional advice when necessary and to approach their caregiving roles with hope, faith, and a sense of contentment.

When Steve Powell became the default caregiver for his mother, he never imagined his journey would lead to a groundbreaking innovation in elder care. His story, fueled by love and necessity, reveals how personal experience can be a powerful catalyst for change. Discover how Steve's transition from tech entrepreneur to advocate for the elderly and disabled inspired him to create a transformative lift device that restores dignity and independence to countless individuals.

Listeners are introduced to IndieLift, Steve's innovative solution designed to address the limitations of traditional lifting tools. Motivated by the challenges faced by his parents, particularly his father's struggles with falls and dementia, Steve's invention is a testament to the blend of technology and empathy. This episode offers hope and encouragement to caregivers and families, showcasing the significant impact that one person's determination can have on the lives of many.

Join us for a conversation that underscores the importance of combining compassion with technology to improve lives. Steve Powell's journey is not just about solving a technical problem but also about honoring his parents' legacy and extending that care globally. From revolutionizing home care solutions to safe patient handling in hospitals, Steve’s mission reflects a profound commitment to maintaining dignity and independence for all.

Can you imagine navigating the challenges of caregiving while maintaining a deep and loving relationship? Join us as we sit down with Joan Borton, a remarkable family caregiver, writer, and disability advocate, whose journey with her husband Jerry, who was born with cerebral palsy, is nothing short of inspiring. From their first connection at disability conferences to building a life together through heartfelt calls and emails, Joan opens up about the transition from being Jerry's paid caregiver to his life partner. Her story is a testament to the power of love, faith, and resilience, as they champion their mission through Luke 14 Exchange Inc. to mentor and support others affected by disability.

In this heartfelt episode, we explore the balance between personal and professional caregiving, diving into the demanding physical and emotional challenges that often accompany this role. Joan candidly shares the lessons learned in selflessness, the importance of self-care, and the significance of making loved ones feel valued. Through personal anecdotes, such as an unexpected power chair malfunction, Joan reflects on living with intention, loving well, and caring without regret. This conversation is a profound reminder of the compassion required in caregiving and the strength drawn from facing life's trials together.

Imagine walking alongside someone with the strength to face a brain tumor diagnosis, heart attacks, and stroke-like symptoms. Today, we’re honored to have Diana Derringer join us, sharing her transformative journey as a caregiver, filled with resilience, adaptability, and wisdom. As Diana recounts the complexities of managing memory issues and fatigue, you’ll be moved by the reality of what it means to find a new normal after each health crisis. Her narrative is a testament to the power of a strong support system and the remarkable ability to continuously adjust and thrive despite life’s challenges.

Laughter and joy are not typically associated with caregiving, but Diana’s experience suggests otherwise. She reveals how hope and humor can be as healing as medicine, offering an uplifting perspective on the caregiver’s path. From performing CPR to witnessing the light-hearted moments that hint at recovery, Diana’s stories highlight the importance of choosing happiness even during the toughest times. It’s a powerful reminder that, even in the grief of caregiving, there is a place for positivity, laughter, and an unwavering human spirit.

In a compelling reflection on life’s ebb and flow, we delve into how caregiving can unexpectedly enrich our lives. Diana shares how opening their home to international students became a new mission field and now the Lord has broadened her impact worldwide through her writing. Join us for these stories of hope and inspiration and discover how embracing change can lead to contentment and a profound sense of purpose.

Our latest episode shares the touching story of Sandra Kaiser, an Alzheimer's advocate and caregiver. Her experiences with family members facing dementia reveal the unexpected blessings and challenges of caregiving. Sandra shares her poignant story of supporting her mother, brother, aunt, and uncles through their struggles, emphasizing the power of family resilience and the importance of community in times of need. Alongside touching anecdotes, discusses the genetic nature of Alzheimer's, adding depth to our understanding of this complex disease. Sandra's dedication to advocacy shines through as she discusses her plans to establish a non-profit in her family's honor, fostering education and support within communities.

Listeners will find inspiration in Sandra's reflections on documenting family memories, where the bittersweet moments of caregiving bring cherished childhood stories to light. As she recounts humorous exchanges with her brother and her mother's vivid recollections, we are reminded of the laughter and nostalgia intertwined with the caregiving journey. This episode also underscores the vital role of community support, advocating for open conversations about Alzheimer's to reduce fear and stigma. Sandra's insights provide a powerful reminder to focus on what truly matters, embrace the support of others, and live each day without regrets, trusting in a higher power along the way.

Cindy Morton-Egger takes us on an emotional journey through her nearly 40-year experience as a caregiver, sharing insights that resonate with anyone who is navigating the complexities of caring for loved ones. Through her stories, Cindy opens up about the trials she faced while caring for her mother, particularly during the turbulent period following a family divorce and the loss of her brother. Her narrative is a moving testament to resilience and the unexpected blessings found in times of adversity. From confronting the challenges of her mother's COPD to finding strength in her bond with her mother-in-law during her battle with pancreatic cancer, Cindy’s journey is a beacon of hope and inspiration.

What strategies are crucial when it comes to difficult caregiving decisions, like taking away car keys from elderly parents? Cindy addresses this and more, sharing the delicate art of therapeutic lying to manage challenging situations and ensure the well-being of those she cares for. Cindy also reflects on the importance of finding emotional support and the surprising ways in which some of the hardest caregiving moments became cherished memories. The episode sheds light on the balance between caregiving responsibilities and personal growth, revealing how resilience and faith can guide one through seemingly insurmountable challenges.

This episode underscores the vital role of support systems and professional counseling in caregiving, reminding us of the power of faith and the importance of nurturing family relationships. Join us as we offer hope and guidance to family caregivers.

Discover the heartwarming and challenging journey of Tracee Loran, a New York City-based writer, actress, and producer, who beautifully balances her vibrant city life with the profound responsibility of caring for her 97-year-old grandmother in Mississippi. Tracee's story is rich with insights on the evolving dynamics of caregiving, as she and her mother alternate six-month shifts to support her beloved grandmother. Our conversation shines a light on the depth of their bond and the significance of truly cherishing the moments spent together, emphasizing family love and resilience.

Tracee shares her personal journey of overcoming challenges, including her initial hesitation due to a weak stomach, revealing the unexpected rewards of stepping up as a caregiver. Her narrative is an ode to empathy, faith, and drawing strength from spiritual beliefs, family, and the community. Listen as she candidly discusses the emotional and physical demands of caregiving, highlighting the support system that has helped her navigate these trials with grace and gratitude. Her story is a powerful testament to finding inner strength and compassionate help for long-term caregiving.

Unravel the complexities of assembling a reliable caregiving team as Tracee opens up about her strategy of reaching out to local churches, showcasing the power of community, prayer, and patience. With honest reflections on the necessity of self-care and maintaining personal goals. Tracee's experience offers invaluable lessons on preventing caregiver burnout, setting personal goals, and embracing life's challenges with kindness and patience. Join us for an inspiring episode that encourages us to support our loved ones with unwavering love and empathy.

Imagine taking on the profound responsibility of caregiving in your mid-20s, facing the daunting challenges of supporting loved ones through cancer, Alzheimer's, and mental health struggles. That's exactly what Debra Lee did, and in our latest episode, she shares the heartwarming and sometimes heart-wrenching experiences of her caregiving journey. From the delicate art of balancing safety with autonomy, to the unexpected joys that illuminate the path, Debra's story is a testament to resilience and the power of family support. As she opens up about her father's passing and feeling a divine presence that brought comfort, listeners are invited to explore the emotional growth that caregiving fosters.

Debra also sheds light on her mission to empower women through her poignant writing. Her books, "It Is What It Is, That It Is" and "Making Wise Choices, the Most Important Life Skill to Master," provide guidance and hope to women overcoming adversity, including those transitioning from prison or rehab. Through her mentorship, Debra inspires listeners to embrace empathy, understanding, and faith in their caregiving roles. This episode is not just about navigating the challenges of caregiving but also about finding peace and contentment in life's toughest moments, ensuring a loving life without regrets.

What if letting go of expectations could bring you peace and resilience during the most challenging times? Join us as we explore this concept with Lani Almanza, who has navigated an extensive caregiving journey—from caring for her son who passed from a brain tumor to caring for her parents. Lani’s heartfelt story offers invaluable insights into the emotional and physical demands of caregiving, emphasizing the importance of self-care and practical tools that can make a world of difference.

We also dive into the emotional complexities of long-term caregiving. How do relationships evolve, and what role does breath and gratitude play in maintaining well-being? Lonnie shares personal experiences underscoring the power of breath as a spiritual and practical tool in caregiving. She also highlights the significance of maintaining a gratitude journal to cultivate a positive outlook, even in the hardest times. This chapter is a must-listen for anyone looking to thrive amidst the responsibilities of caregiving.

Lastly, we underscore the critical importance of asking for help and sharing the caregiving load. Rayna and Lani discuss how caregivers often feel the need to appear strong, which can hinder them from seeking much-needed assistance. Learn the value of being specific in your requests for help and recognizing those in your support system. Lani also gives us a glimpse into her current work with the nonprofit "Gimme a Break" and the joy she finds in caring for her grandchildren, reminding us of living content, loving well, and caring without regrets. Tune in for an episode filled with wisdom, inspiration, and practical advice.

What if you were suddenly tasked with balancing the care of your aging parents, your spouse, and your children all at once? Join us as we unravel the compelling story of Ruthie Gray, from hospital visits to homeschooling her daughters, Ruthie’s unwavering faith and resilience transformed her into the primary advocate for her family's medical needs. Her journey is a testament to the power of love, determination, and the human spirit in the face of adversity.

In this episode, Ruthie also delves into the essential support systems that allowed her to find balance amidst her caregiving duties. Learn how services like Meals on Wheels and state-funded assistance helped her reclaim her role as a daughter and not just a caregiver. Ruthie opens up about overcoming depression and discovering her calling even during her caregiving season. She emphasizes the importance of journaling, seeking wise counsel, and connecting with God to find one's next steps. Tune in to hear more about Ruthie’s book, "Empty Nest Awakening: Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose," and her podcast, "Authentic Online Marketing with Ruthie Gray," for valuable insights on balancing personal dreams with caregiving responsibilities.

In this episode of 'A Season of Caring Podcast,' host Rayna Neises interviews Mark Applegate, a family caregiver with a passion for supporting those affected by dementia. Mark shares his experiences caring for his mother, who battled dementia for 14 years, offering poignant stories and insights into the ups and downs of caregiving.

They discuss dealing with genetic predispositions, the surprises and challenges of dementia care, and the importance of community and spiritual connection. Mark also talks about the therapeutic benefit he found in documenting his journey through his blog, Digital Cornbread.

The conversation provides hope and practical advice for other caregivers navigating similar paths.

What happens when faith, flexibility, and family intertwine in the challenging role of caregiving? Judy Bone, an inspiring author, speaker, and Christian image consultant, joins us to share her powerful journey of moving closer to her 95-year-old mother and mother-in-law to provide the care they needed. Judy recounts her experiences of relocating, transitioning her mother to an assisted living facility, and balancing the often complex dynamics of caregiving with the importance of maintaining strong family relationships. Through her story, she shares the necessity of flexibility, forgiveness, and cooperation in ensuring the well-being of our aging loved ones, and how her faith provided a steady anchor during tumultuous times.

Discover the profound impact of bringing joy and laughter to elderly parents, the unpredictability of caregiving as illustrated by Judy's mother's accident, and the essential role of resilience. Judy shares a poignant reflection on her own journey of faith, including a life-altering surgery that reshaped her future. She also introduces her book "In His Glow," offering listeners wisdom and encouragement. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of the blessings hidden within caregiving challenges and a reminder to seek professional guidance for any legal, financial, or medical concerns. Whether you're a caregiver or simply looking for inspiration, Judy's story is bound to touch your heart and uplift your spirit.

Can caregiving transform your spiritual life? This heartfelt episode of A Season of Caring Podcast Rayna Nieses introduces Robyn Horn, a devoted caregiver who has walked the path of caring for her grandfather, father, mother, and in-laws. With a strong foundation in geriatric care and deep Christian faith, Robyn opens up about the sacredness and ministry of caregiving. She shares how being there for her loved ones in their final moments has led to profound emotional and spiritual growth. Discover the inspiration behind her book, "Transforming the Mundane into Sacred: Spirituality and Caregiving for the Elderly," which serves as a reminder to caregivers about the holy calling of their responsibilities, supported by scriptural insights.

The conversation takes a turn towards the significant challenges caregivers face, such as maintaining self-care and accepting evolving roles. The importance of finding self-care practices that genuinely nourish the soul, sharing personal stories and practical advice is a highlight of this episode. An identity crisis can often accompany the caregiving role, emphasizing the need to balance responsibilities with personal fulfillment. Tune in to find inspiration, connect with the shared experiences of caregiving, and learn how to approach your duties with intentionality and grace. Leave a review and share your own stories to help shape future episodes and continue this meaningful conversation.

In this heartfelt episode of A Season of Caring Podcast, host Rayna Neises is joined by Amanda Bailey, who bravely shares her journey as a secondary caregiver for her mother with Alzheimer's. This episode delves into the rapid progression of the disease and the challenges Amanda encountered while supporting her father, the primary caregiver. The conversation underscores the critical role of asking for help and the necessity of building robust support systems for caregivers.

The discussion also touches on the benefits of reminiscent therapy, offering profound connections and comfort to those with Alzheimer's. Rayna and Amanda explore the emotional and physical demands of caregiving, the search for balance, and the importance of spiritual grounding. Through their personal experiences, they emphasize the significance of being present, celebrating small victories, and navigating the complex emotions of grief and anger. The episode reaffirms the importance of doing our utmost for our loved ones and finding peace in the effort.

Furthermore, the episode highlights Amanda's inspiring initiatives, including founding an Alzheimer's memory walk in her town, launching a company to support families with long-term care solutions, and creating The Cognitive Busy Box for multisensory engagement. These endeavors celebrate the power of family support, the joy of collaboration, and the fulfillment derived from making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. This episode offers hope, encouragement, and practical advice for those navigating the caregiving journey with compassion and resilience.

What happens when a speech pathologist finds herself in the shoes of a caregiver for her own parents, facing the trials of cancer and Alzheimer's disease? Susan Stern, who transitioned from a career in medical speech pathology to becoming a board-certified life coach, shares her deeply personal and transformative journey through the stages of caregiving. You'll hear about the heart-wrenching yet spiritually uplifting experiences of moving her parents from independent living to various care facilities, and how her faith and resilience were tested and strengthened. Susan offers raw, unfiltered insights into the emotional rollercoaster of caring for loved ones, emphasizing the importance of recognizing when it's time for change—for the sake of both the caregiver and the one being cared for.

Prepare to be inspired by Susan’s candid stories of facing unexpected challenges, such as administering medical care and making difficult decisions, all while finding solace and strength in faith. Discover how gratitude became a powerful tool for Susan, helping her shift her mindset towards positivity even in the darkest times. She opens up about the crucial lessons of letting go of control and trusting in God more, providing a heartfelt perspective on navigating the unpredictable journey of caregiving. Join us for an emotional and enlightening episode that explores the depths of human resilience and the power of hope.

Imagine navigating the labyrinth of caregiving while maintaining a heartfelt bond with a loved one who has dementia. That's the journey CherylAnn Haley takes us on in this poignant episode, as she shares her deeply personal experiences caring for her mother, Sandy, who has vascular dementia. From the tough decision to place Sandy in a care facility during the pandemic to the small yet significant choices that shape their daily life, CherylAnn's story is a testament to resilience and love. She opens up about how she shifted her focus from mere caregiving tasks to creating meaningful engagements, demonstrating the vital importance of preserving emotional connections.

Ever wondered how something as simple as choosing an outfit or preparing a meal can become a monumental task? CherylAnn brings these seemingly minor details into sharp focus, illustrating the intricate dance of understanding and honoring her mother's personal preferences. Through touching anecdotes, she reveals the trial-and-error approach that led to discovering Sandy's unique needs and routines.

This episode isn't just about the challenges; it's about the profound lessons and moments of joy that come with caregiving. From frequent Disney trips which brought smiles to both CherylAnn and Sandy, to the practical tools that made daily life safer and more enjoyable, this conversation is rich with actionable advice and inspiration. CherylAnn also delves into the transformative power of faith and clear communication with healthcare professionals, underscoring the necessity of comprehensive knowledge in effective caregiving. Join us as we explore this deeply moving journey, filled with creativity, love, and an unwavering commitment to family.

Have you ever wondered how caregivers find the strength to support their loved ones through the toughest of times? Join us in this deeply moving episode as we sit down with Marlene Brzezinski, a pastor and family recovery coach, who has navigated the complex journey of caregiving within her own family. Marlene recounts her heartfelt experiences, from helping her husband recover from numerous surgeries to supporting her father through brain cancer, and now, caring for her mother. Discover the power of small, compassionate acts like singing "You Are My Sunshine" to a loved one in their final days, and learn how Marlene's mother found healing through hospitality after her father's passing.

We also tackle the profound emotional challenges that come with caregiving for individuals facing melanoma, COVID-19, and substance use disorders. Marlene sheds light on the importance of setting personal boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and recognizing divine support through the people around us. With practical advice and deeply personal stories, this episode is a testament to the resilience and grace of caregivers everywhere. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will leave you with a deeper understanding of the multifaceted world of caregiving and the strength it requires.

Join us as Lizette shares her unique journey, blending heartfelt personal stories and professional insights, including a charming anecdote about orchestrating her mother’s mobility during an eye doctor appointment. Lizette Cloete, an experienced occupational therapist who found herself navigating the complexities of caring for both of her parents. Lizette's mother experienced cognitive impairments due to strokes, while her father's cognitive abilities rapidly declined following a COVID-19 infection.

Discover the transformative power of mindset in caregiving through Lizette's eyes. She walks us through her transition from feeling overwhelmed to embracing a faith-centered perspective that brought peace and a sense of purpose to her caregiving role. Learn how viewing caregiving as part of God's providence has fostered her personal growth and sanctification. Lizette also delves into the importance of maintaining a healthy perspective and making intentional choices, offering invaluable insights into how coaching can help caregivers navigate the emotional and spiritual dimensions of their journey. This episode promises to inspire and provide practical wisdom for anyone touched by the caregiving experience.

When life handed Leah Stanley a caregiving role she never anticipated, it led her down a path filled with challenges, humor, and profound lessons. At twenty-nine, Leah's life took a sharp turn after a phone call pulled back the curtain on her grandparents' struggles with dementia. She bravely stepped into the caregiver role, navigating the twists and turns of a disease that often feels like a maze without an exit. Through our candid conversation, you'll hear how Leah tackled the steep learning curve of dementia care and the ways in which maintaining dignity and purpose became her guiding principles.

Leah's journey wasn't just a solo trek; it underscored the vital need for a supportive community and the irreplaceable role humor plays in the healing process. If you've ever wondered how laughter can still find a place in the midst of the tough times, Leah's personal anecdotes serve as a beacon of light. As we explore the transition of dementia patients into nursing homes, the emotional weight it carries, and the challenges that come with it, you'll find solace in the shared experiences and the reminder that each caregiving story has its unique set of trials and triumphs.

Closing our episode, the narrative takes a turn towards the spiritual and encapsulates a message of hope and resilience. Leah's story of unexpected help during a snowstorm will remind you of God's work in our lives. Her social media presence and books are not just resources; they are lifelines for fellow caregivers wading through similar waters. Remember, as a caregiver, you're not expected to chart these waters perfectly, but rather to navigate them with love, self-compassion, and the knowledge that you're never alone.

Dr. Sherry Yarbrough's voice joins mine in this episode to share her own poignant shift from daughter to caregiver as we unravel the complicated tapestry of caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's. Together, we tackle the emotional hurdles of diagnosis and the profound responsibilities that caregivers embrace, balancing self-care with the selfless task of attending to those who once tended to us. Dr. Yarbrough's touching recollection of her mother's lucid moments on a beach trip serves as a heartfelt reminder to cherish every fleeting connection.

The conversation delves into the complexities of caregiving, highlighting the importance of self-care and seeking support when needed. Dr. Yarbrough emphasizes the significance of finding happiness and joy amidst the struggles of caregiving and shares touching moments of connection with her mother, even in the face of communication challenges. Through vulnerability and faith, she recounts how God has guided her through difficult times and how her caregiving journey has ultimately shaped her values and approach to caregiving.

Dr. Yarbrough's Praxis for Care philosophy, rooted in forgiveness, patience, acceptance, and fundamental values, serves as a guiding light for caregivers navigating the intricate landscape of caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's dementia. The episode concludes with Dr. Yarbrough sharing insights about her book, "OMG, I'm the Grownup," and how listeners can connect with her through her podcast and website for further support and inspiration on their own caregiving journeys.

When the unimaginable becomes your reality, where do you find the strength to move forward? Laura Atkins opens her heart to us, detailing the profound journey as a mother and caregiver to her son, Wyatt, who bravely faced the trials of Coats-Plus syndrome. Through love-laced stories, Laura describes Wyatt's resilience in dealing with no diagnosis, the emotional toll of frequent hospitalizations, and relentless bone fractures. Her voice carries the weight of a mother's love and the unspoken bond of family as she reflects on the joy Wyatt brought to everyone around him, despite his own suffering.

This episode is not just about the struggles, but also the extraordinary growth that comes from such profound caregiving experiences. Laura's daughter, Harper, emerges as a beacon of hope, her empathy and maturity far surpassing her years. Waytt's story is shared with raw honesty and emotional depth, and extends a hand to those who may feel alone in their caregiving battles, offering a sense of community and understanding. Join us for a conversation that celebrates the human spirit's capacity to thrive under the most strenuous circumstances, leaving us all with lessons in love, advocacy, and the enduring power of faith and family.

Imagine walking alongside someone with the strength to face a brain tumor diagnosis, heart attacks, and stroke-like symptoms. Today, we're honored to have Diana Derringer join us, sharing her transformative journey as a caregiver, filled with resilience, adaptability, and wisdom. As Diana recounts the complexities of managing memory issues and fatigue, you'll be moved by the reality of what it means to find a new normal after each health crisis. Her narrative is a testament to the power of a strong support system and the remarkable ability to continuously adjust and thrive despite life's challenges.

Laughter and joy are not typically associated with caregiving, but Diana's experience suggests otherwise. She reveals how hope and humor can be as healing as medicine, offering an uplifting perspective on the caregiver's path. From performing CPR to witnessing the light-hearted moments that hint at recovery, Diana's stories highlight the importance of choosing happiness even during the toughest times. It's a powerful reminder that, even in the grief of caregiving, there is a place for positivity, laughter, and an unwavering human spirit.

In a compelling reflection on life's ebb and flow, we delve into how caregiving can unexpectedly enrich our lives. Diana shares how opening their home to international students became a new mission field and now the Lord has broadened her impact worldwide through her writing. Join us for these stories of hope and inspiration and discover how embracing change can lead to contentment and a profound sense of purpose.

Steve Powell's story is a beautiful example of how love and necessity can spark innovation. Rayna Neises had the honor of discussing Steve's mission to create a world where the elderly and disabled can rise with dignity. His invention was born from witnessing his own parents' struggles, a challenge he met with a blend of compassion and creativity.

Steve Powell recounts the painful reality of his parents' frequent falls and inability to get up on their own due to health issues and its impact. Driven by a divine nudge and his parents' plight, Steve, a creative technology expert, invented a life-changing device. This invention not only helped his mother regain her independence, preventing falls for nine months, but also marked a turning point for many others facing similar challenges. IndeeLift transformed from a personal mission to a global endeavor, improving lives and allowing people to age in place with dignity.

Our discussion wasn't just about the mechanics of caregiving; it was about the soul behind it. We discussed how faith intertwines with compassion, how innovation can uphold the dignity of those we care for, and how emotional and practical support can transform the caregiving landscape. Steve's journey and the solutions offered by IndeeLift.com stand as a beacon of hope, showing us that through ingenuity and empathy, we can make a profound difference in the lives of those we love.

Navigating the complex currents of caregiving from afar, our guest Liuda, a retired pharmacist with a heart as vast as her experience, invites us into her world of love, loss, and devotion. She talks about the emotional challenges of taking care of family members who are far away. Liuda shares personal stories of her father's passing, dealing with dementia, and inheriting the care of her brother who lives with a traumatic brain injury. Through her stories, she shines a light on the difficulties faced by long-distance caregivers.

This conversation isn't just about the hurdles; it's an homage to the pillars of routine, balance, and unwavering faith that support us when the ground seems unsteady. As I weave in my own caregiving experiences, we unravel the threads of spiritual resilience that bind us to our loved ones, even through resistance and emotional storms. Liuda's reflections and my shared stories serve as a beacon to those finding their way through the many experiences they navigate without full assurance of the best decision, holding a mirror to the importance of prayerful guidance in these demanding roles.

Ending on a note of profound insight, we discuss how embracing the uncontrollable elements of life is essential, especially as we accompany our loved ones on their final journeys. Liuda's wisdom teaches us to walk this path with love, support, and the hope that we might live and care without regret. As our session closes, we leave our listeners with the courage to face their own seasons of caregiving, bolstered by community, faith, and a heartfelt reminder that even in the toughest times, we are far from alone.

Terri Liggins' journey from Las Vegas back home to Columbus, Ohio, was not just a change in location, but the start of her caregiving story that she passionately shares with us on the Season of Caring podcast. Losing her father, taking care of her mother, and dealing with life during a global pandemic is a story that many of us can relate to. Terri openly shares the challenges and unexpected blessings of caring for a loved one, giving listeners a heartfelt look into the realities of preparing for life's uncertainties.

Terri recounts her and her mom's transformation by the remarkable benefits of a raw, plant-based diet. Our discussion also touches on the solitary nature of caregiving. Terri and I emphasize the critical need for self-care to prevent burnout, underscoring that caregivers must replenish their own wells to continue giving to others. This is a testament to the power of dietary choices and the delicate balance caregivers must navigate to maintain their own well-being while supporting their loved ones.

The episode culminates in an exploration of innovation within the caregiving community, as we delve into Terri's creation of a caregiving app, 4th Quarter Lifestyle . This tool will stand as a beacon of support, offering resources, legal assistance, and community connection to those who give so much of themselves. This celebration honors the stories that unite us, the power we gain from shared experiences, and the sense of empowerment that results from easily accessible and professional assistance. Join us for a conversation that acknowledges the resilience of those in the trenches of caregiving and offers a dose of inspiration for anyone navigating this season of life.

Experience the courageous story of Yolanda Lucas as she fearlessly shares her heartfelt journey of providing care for her mother for 15 years. Her path has taken her from the sidelines of support to the forefront of advocacy in the intricate realm of medical care. We talk about how caregiving can reveal personal growth, resilience, and strong family connections. We learn about Yolanda's life, which has been full of challenges, successes, and meaningful moments.

In this soul-stirring episode, we also unwrap the wisdom discovered by Yolanda as she opens up about the profound moments of divine intervention and the invaluable resources that have been instrumental in supporting her journey. The way she tells her story is a powerful reminder of the fine line between taking care of a loved one and taking care of oneself, as well as the vital support found in communities such as NourishForCaregivers.com. Yolanda's courage and honesty will inspire you as she shares a story of hope and a plan for navigating the complexities of caring for her mother and herself during this challenging time.

When you meet someone who navigates life's hurdles with grace and a smile, you can't help but want to delve into their story. That's precisely what we do with Joan Borton, a disability advocate whose marriage to Jerry—a man living with cerebral palsy—is a beacon of love, faith, and dedication. Joan opens her heart to us, recounting the evolution from their serendipitous meeting to the deepened bond that caregiving has woven into their partnership. She isn't shy about the obstacles: managing a long-distance relationship pre-marriage, financial tightropes, and the emotional whirlwind that comes with caregiving. This tale is not only about struggles, but also about celebrating the intimate joys and unspoken understanding that grows in a relationship supported by both partners.

This episode offers more than just a peek into the life of a couple; it provides a wealth of valuable insights for anyone embarking on a caregiving journey. Joan, with her transition from professional to family caregiver, sheds light on the profound emotional shifts, the protective instincts that surge unexpectedly, and the life lessons that emerge from selfless service. We face challenges and experience love and frustration in caregiving, finding contentment in serving others. Joan's experiences serve as a powerful reminder that fully embracing our roles, whether in marriage, faith, or caregiving, can bring us immense strength and deep contentment.

Althea McIntyre joins host, Rayna Neises, in this episode. She shares her perspective on the connection between caregiving, faith, and personal growth. They delve into the rich tapestry of caregiving, sharing insights from their own experiences with their fathers. From the intense demands of high-need periods to the tranquility of more stable times, exploring the full spectrum of emotions and responsibilities that define the caregiver's role.

Contemplating the impact of creating significant moments, such as Althea's life-changing adventure to Aruba alongside her father, which have the power to bring immense happiness and satisfaction to the caregiving journey. Also discussing practical ways to adapt activities to maintain engagement and connection, such as creating a garden driving tour for a loved one.

The episode ends with discussion about the deep spiritual and personal change that can come from taking care of someone else. Through caregiving and experiencing loss, we often recognize the presence of gods in our lives and face the challenge of replacing them with the one true God.

Althea shares her expertise in spirit-led sales and explains how combining faith with business skills can bring success. She also invites listeners to join her upcoming five-day challenge.

This episode combines resilience, hope, and the enduring spirit of human connection, providing a source of inspiration for caregivers on their own journeys.

Caregiving, in its rawest form, is an odyssey of love, loss, and resilience that can both break and fortify the human spirit. Witness the profound journey of Tammy Marvin as she shares her experiences of bidding a sacred farewell to her mother, father, and sister. Through her sorrow and strength, you'll find solace in the invisible threads of faith and family that hold us together, even as the physical world tries to pull us apart.

Tammy's voice resonates with the echoes of a blended family's love, and the episode is laden with moments that reveal the tender balance between joy and challenge in caregiving. The tales unfold to show how spiritual awakenings and the warmth of shared laughter can pierce through the veil of mundane routines, creating a haven of memories and silent strength. Tammy's stories are a testament to the unexpected gifts that caregiving can bestow upon the ones who walk alongside those nearing life's final threshold.

This episode is not just a conversation; it's a beacon of guidance for those navigating the turbulent waters of caring for a loved one. It underscores the necessity of a robust support system and the art of maintaining balance amidst the storm of emotions. Tammy's insights on self-care and finding peace in grief shine a light on the path to emotional well-being. Her wisdom serves as an intimate roadmap for fellow caregivers, reminding us that even in the toughest goodbyes, one can find the grace of a life well-loved and a departure free of regret.

When Minty Swanson agreed to join me on the podcast, I knew her story would resonate with anyone who has ever loved deeply and fought fiercely. Minty bravely opens up about her role as a caregiver for her husband, Chris, weaving through the complexities of multiple cancer diagnoses during the isolating times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her narrative is a testament to the resilience and humor that can spring from the heaviest of hearts, providing a beacon for those navigating the rough seas of terminal illness within their own families.

Our conversation takes us into the heart of caregiving grief, a type of mourning that begins far before a final goodbye. Together, we uncover the small, cumulative losses that quietly stack up, from the missed bike rides and date nights to the shifting dynamics of a partnership in the shadow of illness. Minty shares how the brain's defense mechanisms kick in, and we ponder the spiritual solace that can arise in the mist of nature or the sanctuary of faith. With a course on the horizon to support those in the caregiving trenches, our discussion offers a roadmap to acknowledging grief as the first step on the path to healing.

In what becomes a soul-stirring reminder, Minty and I explore the vital importance of self-care amidst the demands of caregiving. She shares how she anchors herself in the present, finding joy in life's simpler moments and the creative outlet of mixed media art. In prioritizing her own well-being, Minty offers a blueprint for caregivers to maintain balance and lean into the steady embrace of faith. This episode is more than a conversation—it's an affirmation of the strength found in love, hope, and the shared bond of those who answer the call to care for others.

Join Rayna Neises as she learns about the mission of The Grand Baby Project with Tonja Moon, founder. In this touching episode, Tonja unravels her personal narrative of caring for her dementia-stricken grandmother, revealing the unexpected calming power of lifelike baby dolls and they offer joy and a sense of purpose to those battling with memory loss. As we traverse Tonja's journey, we uncover the triumphs, the struggles, and the surprising response of men with dementia to this therapy.

But that's not all. As we delve deeper, the conversation sheds light on the pivotal role of caregivers, the unsung heroes within the Alzheimer's and dementia community. Tonja and Rayna, drawing from their personal experiences, discuss creative hobbies and ways to support loved ones, reminding us of the importance of cherishing small moments. Learn how you can contribute to the Grand Baby Project and make a difference in the lives of dementia patients and their caregivers. So, sit back, grab a cup of your favorite brew, and prepare for a heartfelt journey into the world of caregiving and the heartwarming work of the Grand Baby Project.

Ever found yourself in the middle of a caregiving journey, feeling overwhelmed, yet strangely blessed? You are not alone. Join me, Rayna Neises, as I welcome Peggy Bode, a fellow caregiver who sheds light on the complexities, challenges, and rewards of caring for loved ones - specifically, in-laws. Peggy shares a memorable tale about her father-in-law's unique love language - giving treats. This story and others serve as refreshing reminders that there's joy, warmth, and God's presence to be discovered even in demanding caregiving moments.

We also dive into the intricacies of caring for aging loved ones, discussing the delicate act of balancing their independence with the care they require. Like a well-read book, our elderly loved ones possess a lifetime of wisdom and experiences, and we explore ways to honor this.

Peggy also opens up about her faith, revealing how it serves as an anchor during turbulent times. Moreover, we emphasize the critical role of self-care, an often overlooked aspect of caregiving. You'll leave with practical tips on how to find God amidst the chaos, and the crucial importance of pausing to recharge. So, tune in for an inspiring journey that promises to leave you encouraged and emboldened in your caregiving journey.

When it comes to caregiving, every journey is unique and filled with its own set of challenges. Imagine being the primary caregiver for a loved one battling with health issues like cancer and a vagus nerve condition. That’s the story of our guest today, Pamela Durand, who courageously took on these demanding responsibilities. Her experiences and insights, including the difficult decision of taking away her father’s driving privileges, empathize with the often silent battles caregivers endure, highlighting the importance of empathy, communication, and support.

Navigating through the different seasons of caregiving, we focus on the experience of caring for aging parents. We delve into personal reflections and share anecdotes, exploring the difficult conversations and emotions that arise. Additionally, we discuss upholding the dignity of our loved ones while offering them support. We emphasize respecting and understanding the traditionalist generation and the often-overlooked complexities of caregiving.

Finally, we ride the emotional rollercoaster of caregiving, where we share our experiences and advice on managing the unexpected. We discuss the need for continuous communication, managing amplified emotions in older individuals, and the surprises that caregiving brings. Join us, as we learn, grow, and find hope in the world of caregiving.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to care for a loved one with dementia while raising you kids? Join us as Jill Pietroburgo shares her heartwarming journey of caring for her mother and raising her children. Jill, an early childhood special education and co-founder of Eagles Wings Ministry, gracefully and lovingly navigates the complexities of dementia caregiving. She offers a unique perspective on the challenges and successes of this journey.

Jill's story takes us from the onset of her mother's illness, through the difficulties of finding suitable care, and ultimately, her mother's passing. She shares emotional moments, like helping her mother say goodbye to her older sister, and talks about the different, sometimes surprising, aspects of caregiving. But it's not all challenges and heartache; Jill explores how caregiving can serve as an expression of Christ's love, and the importance of teaching children to love and respect their aging grandparents.

Beyond just sharing her personal experiences, Jill provides guidance and hope for fellow caregivers. She shares about her first children's book- a tool for parents helping their young children understand dementia and her contribution to Content Magazine's autumn 2023 edition. Whether you are a caregiver or know someone who is, this episode provides valuable insights for navigating the challenging, yet fulfilling journey of caring for someone with dementia.

Do you find yourself struggling with the complex dynamics of caregiving? Meet Lil Glamben, someone who knows firsthand how caregiving can change and strain a relationship. Lil faced numerous challenges while caring for her mother and stepfather during her own menopause journey. Despite facing challenges, she approached them with unwavering faith, which led her to not only overcome them, but also experience profound personal growth and uncover unforeseen paths to healing.

Lil talks openly about caregiving and highlights the important but sometimes unnoticed parts of this challenging task. She emphasizes the importance of respecting her mother's wishes, even if it meant being less involved than she had planned. By doing so, she was able to provide the support her stepfather needed and then care for him, which led to a profound journey of healing. Lil’s story reminds us of the importance of finding help during tough times. It offers inspiration for others going through similar situations.

As our conversation comes to an end, we delve into the significance of nurturing oneself, embracing joy, and creating meaningful daily rituals throughout the menopausal journey. Lil explains how understanding multitasking and serving others can bring about positive changes, leading to more happiness and fulfillment. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration during their midlife caregiving season.

Have you ever felt the weight of the world on your shoulders while caring for a loved one suffering from a debilitating disease? Dr. George Ackerman knows that feeling all too well. He opens his heart and shares his personal journey of caregiving for his late mother, Sharon, who battled both Parkinson's and dementia. His poignant narrative about the challenges he faced in ensuring proper medication and making the difficult decision to keep her at home is bound to resonate with many listeners.

Dr. Ackerman's dedication to raising awareness about Parkinson's disease is evident in his tireless work with the Together for Sharon. He also emphasizes the importance of movement for those living with Parkinson's, a simple yet crucial aspect that greatly impacts their quality of life. His family's trials and tribulations with his mother's dual diagnosis, as well as the support they received from the American Parkinson's Disease Association, offer a realistic look at what life is like for caregivers and their loved ones.

In the final segment of our conversation, George finds the strength to share uplifting stories and offer messages of hope and resilience. Through his platform, Together for Sharon, and his advocacy work, he continues to inspire and support those who are navigating their own seasons of caregiving. Tune in to hear how Dr. George Ackerman's experiences serve as a beacon of light for others amidst the challenging world of caregiving.

Ever grappled with the emotional rollercoaster of being a caregiver? Join me for an enlightening chat with Gaylynn Green about her experience caring for her mother with Alzheimer’s. Gaylynn talks about her initial fears when she started noticing her mother's dementia symptoms. She also shares her struggles to make her concerns understood by her mother's doctor. Challenges of caregiving from afar led to moving her to Gaylynn's home for better care.

Gaylynn’s story reveals the touching beauty of her mother’s character. Despite her disease, her mother always managed to find moments of humor and share a glimpse into her personality. We touch on the crucial role faith played in providing Gaylynn with strength and peace. Listen to her internal conflict between not wanting her mother to suffer and the fear of losing her. Gaylynn’s journey highlights the indispensable need for patience, love, and a strong sense of advocacy in caregiving.

A key take-away from our conversation is the importance of self-compassion during these challenging times. As caregivers, it’s easy to overlook our needs. However, it’s vital to remember to be kind to ourselves. We talked about the importance of trusting our intuition, asking for help when necessary, and finding healthcare professionals who appreciate the caregiver's point-of-view. Gaylynn’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the vital role of advocacy in caregiving. Immerse yourself in Gaylynn’s inspiring journey and extract valuable lessons that can guide your caregiving journey.

What happens when a strong-willed single mother becomes the caregiver for her father? How does that journey, full of emotional roller coasters and challenging realities, transform her life? In this episode, we are introduced to Tenita Abraham, a dedicated daughter who embarked on this journey of caregiving. Tenita's story is not just about caregiving but also a testament to love, faith, and resilience - a story that will tug at your heartstrings.

Tenita Abraham, who has personally encountered the trials and obstacles of caregiving, graciously imparts to us her invaluable insights on navigating her father's dementia-related behaviors. But it was those moments of joy, like racing down hospital corridors with her father, that kept her going. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the necessity of taking breaks, a reminder we all need when dealing with challenging periods in life.

Finally, how Tenita used social media as a window to broadcast her experiences and wisdom gained during her journey as a caregiver. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for others walking the same path. So tune in to hear Tenita's story, a narrative of caregiving, love, faith, and resilience. It is a shining example of finding humanity and hope amidst the complexities of life.

Imagine the peace of mind that comes with being prepared for the inevitable. Christy Byrne Yates, an educational psychologist, author, speaker, coach, and consultant, shares how her parents' careful planning for their later years gave her the valuable gift of preparedness. Christy explains how being prepared helped her transition into the role of caregiver for her parents, who both had dementia, and how it affected her and her family.

Treading further down the path of caregiving, we delve deep into the challenging terrain of grief while our loved ones are still alive. Christy shares a peek into her emotional journey, highlighting the significance of embracing and expressing these raw feelings. She found writing letters to God, as a robust pillar of strength and resilience during these trying times. Christy inspires caregivers to be kind to themselves, find strength in God, and navigate the caregiving journey with grace and patience by sharing hopeful personal stories.

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of caregiving, a testament to the power of preparedness, and a guide to finding strength amidst grief. Tune in to my conversation with Christy Byrne-Akes, and embark on a journey towards compassionate caregiving.

The challenges of Alzheimer's care can be complicated, but our engaging conversation with Jennifer Fink will shed some light on this often daunting journey. Hear her heartwarming and sometimes hilarious tales of caring for her mom, including the mystery of the black sports bra. Fink, a beacon of support in the Alzheimer’s community through her podcast, Fading Memories, opens up about the difficulties and joys of her caregiving season.

As we laugh with Jennifer over the wardrobe fiascos, we also tackle the tough topics. Staff at facilities, mischievous residents, and the overall unpredictability of Alzheimer's – it's all part of the caregiving package. Jennifer shares her recipe for surviving and even thriving in the face of these challenges: a dash of humor, a dollop of grace, and a whole lot of resilience.

We round off our conversation exploring the lessons learned and the silver linings found in the cloud of Alzheimer's care. Jennifer insists on finding joy amidst the rollercoaster of emotions, cherishing the small moments of beauty and comfort. She leaves us with her hopeful outlook on life, a mantra of positivity that will undoubtedly resonate with listeners. Tune in for a unique blend of heartwarming stories, laughs, and perhaps even a few tears. You won’t want to miss this insightful episode.

Navigating the world of caregiving can seem like a daunting journey, especially when precious loved ones are involved. I’m excited to share an interview with Dr. Alyncia Bowen, a family caregiver and Dean at Franklin University School of Business. She has handled this responsibility with grace and resilience. Alyncia shares her personal experiences as the primary caregiver for her mother, from early adolescence to today.

Alyncia’s insightful journey into the world of caregiving truly paints a vivid picture of this role’s unique trials and triumphs. She tells heartwarming stories, including finding the ideal purple walker for her mom, highlighting the often forgotten compassion in caregiving. The conversation then leads us to discuss the importance of robust support networks, the power of intentionality in caregiving, and how even a simple spaghetti pot can communicate.

We round off our conversation with Alyncia sharing the transformational impact caregivers can make, and the crucial importance of self-care. She recounts inspiring stories of unexpected assistance she received when she needed care herself, demonstrating the immense power of community. We also delve into the dignity of those we care for, and the responsibilities tied to caregiving. This episode is a helpful guide and insightful reflection on caregiving, reminding us of the importance of sharing our experiences.

How does one find joy, balance, and peace in the midst of heartbreak and loss? Let's explore this profound question with Tammy Marvin, a woman who has walked the tough path of caregiving for her ailing loved ones. Tammy reveals her rollercoaster journey of looking after her mother, father, and sister in their final days – a task that was heartbreaking yet rewarding in its own way.

Is there a way to balance grief with faith? Tammy believes there is and shares how she navigated through these turbulent times. She talks about the importance of having a perspective, finding humor, and maintaining faith in the face of adversity. Equally compelling is the touching tale of her husband's bond with her father in his last days. And through it all, Tammy found having an encourager and someone who has been there before to be invaluable and could be beneficial to others going through a similar journey. Get ready to take away some vital lessons from Tammy's story, which will help you find your own peace even in grief of walking your loved one all the way home.

Ever felt lost in caregiving? Have you struggled with the grief and transformation that comes with this journey? Rayna Neises, your host, engages in a conversation with Debra Hallisey, a veteran caregiver and the brain behind Advocate for Mom and Dad. Debra candidly opens up about her nine-year-long caregiving journey, emphasizing the significance of self-care and self-compassion in this challenging season.

They discuss the often-neglected subjects of caregiver grief and trauma. The persistence of fight/flight/fear mode, even post-caregiving, and overlooked caregiver grief is something they delve into. Also pondering delayed grief, an emotion common among caregivers managing a multitude of life circumstances.

But it's not all gloom! This episode also brings out the transformative power of caregiving, and how it fosters self-awareness and deeper relationships. Debra reflects on her journey of finding peace despite her grief. She also discussed how God is always present and how caregiving changed her relationship with her mother. This episode is a treasure trove of heartfelt stories and practical insights for anyone also in a caregiving season.

Can love bloom amidst the challenges of caregiving? Join me, Rayna Neises, as we explore this question with our special guest Deb Farris. Deb is a former equity actor, singer, dancer and caregiver for her parents. Despite the obstacles she encountered, she found an extraordinary strength to love and take care of her parents. Her father's stories from his childhood, his passion for horses, and their shared meals became an inspiration for her writing and faith.

Deb takes us on a heartfelt journey of her deepening faith as she navigated through her caregiving season. This transformative period in her life revealed her own gifts and brought unexpected joy even amidst difficult times. Through her faith, she found hope and healing, and she encourages all of us to do the same. Her journey is a testament to how faith can be a beacon of light even in our darkest hours, and it's a story that needs to be heard.

As we conclude this enlightening episode, she reflects on how her daily practice of reading the Bible and praying has transformed her life. She emphasizes the importance of allowing the Holy Spirit to interpret the Bible to us and to listen for God's voice in all aspects of our lives. Deb's message of finding hope and purpose is truly inspiring. Listen in as she shares her words of wisdom for caregivers, including the crucial importance of self-care. If you're seeking hope and resilience in the face of great challenges, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in as we explore Deb's incredible journey.

Can you find humor in the midst of a caregiving journey? Minty Swanson, a caregiver for her husband Chris, who's battling non-small cell lung cancer and carcinoid cancer, certainly can. Join us to talk about the difficulties they've faced, especially during the pandemic, and how they've found joy even in tough times, laughing together at silly things and planning for the future while cherishing the present.

As a caregiver, grief can sometimes sneak up on you. Minty shares her unexpected journey with grief and the importance of recognizing and processing it for self-care. We also dive into how God has been present in her caregiving journey, providing beautiful moments of reflection and peace. Learn how Minty has learned to prioritize self-care by spending quality time with her grandkids, channeling her emotions into mixed media artworks, and relying on Jesus and his unfailing word to guide her through life's challenges.

(0:02) Caregiving and Finding Humor
(7:04) Grief and Caregiving
(13:37) Caregiver Peace and Contentment

Rayna Neises, your host, welcomes Leslie McLeod. Leslie is a writer, artist, mom, and co-owner of a tech company. She has a passion for building up relationships, especially among families with aging parents. Leslie and her siblings rallied together to care for both their parents simultaneously. Based on that experience, she is writing a book to help families survive their season of caring without the added burden of preventable relationship damage. Leslie shares the following insights:

[4:02] There is no precedent for this season for most of us.
[6:13] Part of the caregiving component is independence vs. the need for care.
[7:06] An important part of the communication piece is denial and avoidance.
[08:09] An area of conflict is the money piece.
[9:47] Another issue is crazy grief (emotional reactions that are anticipatory).
[12:53] Being deliberate in communication is important.
[14:37] Appoint a gatekeeper.
[16:52] Be proactive.
[17:34] Build bridges and do not divide us versus them.
[18:25] Take advantage of resources.
[19:10] Don’t pass up a hug.
[19:22] Capture memories.
[19:38] Do it together with love and grace.
Visit Leslie’s website at www.lamcleod.com to see her beautiful artwork, get her newsletter to stay in touch, and receive updates on her new book.
This episode has been brought to you by Content Magazine online, electronic magazine, available quarterly to offer you hope and encouragement through your caregiving so that you may find God even in the middle of your caregiving season.

Rayna Neises, your host, welcomes Nanette Holloway. Nanette is a registered nurse who loves to write. She is passionate about caregivers after her own journey with both of her parents who had cancer. Nanette knows firsthand the gift of a long goodbye and the physical, mental, and emotional challenges culminating in caregiver role strain. She leads a caregiver support group and her book series for caregivers offers a holistic approach to self-care with the inclusion of scripture and prayers. The series includes Coping Skills for Caregivers, Coping Skills for Caregivers Workbook Gratitude Journal, and Before You Depart. Nanette shares the following insights based on her caregiving journeys:

[6:42] God is present in end-of-life situations and loves to be invited in.
[7:45] Caregiving is exhausting.
[7:49] Anticipatory grief is what we feel when we know someone is going to be leaving us.
[8:19] You are on an emotional rollercoaster and just have to hang on.
[12:19] At the end of the caregiving season, you can know that God will never leave you or forsake you.
[12:49] Adopt a mindset with others of love and acceptance.
[13:58] Give yourself grace.
[14:34] Hang on to the good moments.

This episode was brought to you by Content Magazine, an electronic quarterly magazine available to help you find God in the middle of your caregiving season.

Rayna Neises, your host, welcomes back Jammie Johnson. Jammie is an academic advisor, Wyandotte- Leavenworth Areawide Advisory Council on Aging member, motivational speaker, and certified caregiver. She has cared for both her parents and an aunt. Jammie is also the founder of The Caregiver’s Friend where she provides resources, tips, and strategies to help caregivers navigate their caregiving journey with peace. She shares the following insights based on her caregiving journeys:

[3:28] Caregiving often begins well before you realize it.
[5:05] When invited to doctor’s appointments, you know things have changed, and they are comfortable letting you into their personal space.
[5:45] Don’t get frustrated.
[7:07] As a caregiver, we sometimes feel like nobody notices.
[8:10] Being a caregiver can be rewarding, and the opportunity allows for tremendous growth.
[10:19] God showed up with an abundance of peace and support.
[13:41] Carve out time every day to take care of yourself.
[15:36] Connect with Jammie online at her website www.thecaregiversfriendkc.com and on Facebook in the private group The Caregiver Crew (https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecaregivercrew).

This episode was brought to you by No Regrets: Hope for Your Caregiving Season. Check out the special gift set available at www.noregrets-book.com. It would make a great gift for your mom, grandmother, aunt, or anyone you know who is caring for someone they love.

Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Charlaine Martin. Charlaine has been a three-time caregiver for her mom, dad, and late husband. She is a contributing author in the Live and Learn Unexpected Lessons from God’s Classroom. Charlaine loves helping others see God’s involvement in everyday life. She lives in Florida with her second blessing, and they enjoy spending time with their grandchildren. Charlaine shares the following insights:

[3:01] There are a lot of blessings when spending time caring for your loved one.
[5:42] At times, you have to bite your tongue.
[9:12] Scripture tells us that we are not alone. Even when we think we are, we are not.
[11:36] You learn along the way.
[13:51] You grow closer to the person you are caring for.
[15:10] Permission from your loved one can make a big difference.
[17:28] Just have a willing heart and continue to learn in each season.
Connect with Charlaine through her website at www.charlainemartin.com.

This episode was brought to you by Content Magazine, an electronic quarterly magazine to help you find God during your caregiving season. The Spring edition was released last week! Visit www.ContentMagazine.online to learn more.

Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Phylis Mantelli. Phylis is an author, coach, podcaster, mentor, mom, wife, and grandmother. Phylis’ book is titled, “Unmothered: Life with a Mom Who Couldn’t Love Me”. She is currently writing her second book, “Six Life Lessons of Growing up with a Dysfunctional Mother.” Phylis shares the following insights based on her long caregiving journey with her mother.

[3:19] Caregiving can help you learn about grace and forgiveness.
[5:18] Learning to set boundaries is important.
[8:55] There is a fine line between what you can handle, what is good for the family, and what is good for the one being cared for, and you must look at it from all angles.
[12:27] At times God encourages us to stay the course, hold on, and be in the moment.
[18:05] Listen to the stories of the past.
[23:39] Hold on for one more day. Tomorrow might look different.
[25:51] You could be called to care for one parent, but not both.
[27:40] Support caregivers are just as important as the primary caregiver.
[29:34] Be kind to yourself and take care of yourself first.
Learn more about Phylis Mantelli and her books at her website www.PhylisMantelli.com.

This episode was brought to you by Content Magazine, an electronic quarterly magazine to help you find God during your caregiving season. The Spring edition launches April 1st, so pre-order now! Visit www.ContentMagazine.online to learn more.

Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Amanda Schaefer. Amanda is an author, speaker, and podcast host. Having majored in dramatic writing at New York University, she would never have imagined using everything she learned there to create a Christian podcast that has a worldwide audience. Amanda’s goal was to provide a platform for people to share their stories and as a result, to share God’s story. She has a few new books on the horizon and some collective efforts around the bend and is ready for each opportunity to share the gospel in every way that she can. Amanda shares the following insights based on her caregiving experience and from her caregiving journey with her parents:

[3:57] Caregiving is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that comes with difficulties and transitions, but overall, it is something to choose again and again.
[6:00] A sense of humor can shift everything.
[6:18] Remember to be on the same team.
[7:17] Preparing for caregiving:
- Be prayerful
- Be intentional
- Set boundaries
- Talk about things ahead of time
- Know what is needed to keep yourself safe and healthy
[10:57] Include your loved one in the plans for change vs. coming in and taking over.
[15:09] Caregiving is one of those times when you get to love like Jesus.
[15:40] Learning how to respond instead of reacting is a key thing.
[17:23] Be quick to listen and slower to speak.
[18:22] Be preparatory and think things out.
Amanda’s podcast, A Cup of Gratitude, is available on all major podcast platforms.

This episode was brought to you by Content Magazine, an electronic quarterly magazine available today to help you find God during your caregiving season. Visit ContentMagazine.online to learn more.

Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Tryn Rose Seley. Tryn is an award-winning author and a master teaching artist. Through her experience with the creative arts, she has witnessed profound transformations in people living with dementia. Tryn wrote about what she has learned to teach others to bring out the best in each other, to develop positive relationships, and to build trust between care partners. She plays guitar and mountain dulcimer and enjoys the beautiful world around her through gardening, bird watching, and photography. Tryn shares the following insights:

[3:26] People are what they love.
[7:26] Just because they don’t recall it, doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.
[9:01] If you know about rituals and special things important in the person’s life, do those things, and the person will respond and come back to the surface.
[12:43] Give them a chance to show what they have and what they can do.
[14:10] Magic can happen when you make that connection of the heart.
[17:10] Using music, stories, and art includes almost everyone because different people respond to different things.
[20:35] Lead from the heart and from the joy of what we can expect in a day.
[22:23] Tryn’s caregiver book titled, “15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders to Bring You Both Back to Solid Ground”, can be found on her website, www.caregiverheart.com. She also contributed a chapter in a book, “Dementia-Friendly Worship,” which is available on Amazon.
This episode was brought to you by Content Magazine, an electronic quarterly magazine designed to help you find God during your caregiving season. Learn more at www.ContentMagazine.online.

Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Suzi Colthurst. Suzi has always loved helping people and is passionate about dignifying people who experience challenges communicating. As a Speech Language Pathologist, she specialized in helping those who struggled with dementia. After Suzi became her parents’ primary advocate, she realized that putting all of this together is where she wanted to bring value to others. Suzi is now a dementia specialist who empowers others to help keep their parents safe at home without breaking the bank and burnout. She shares the following insights:

[4:30] Offering respite and support is an important piece when you are not the everyday hands-on person.
[5:17] If you don’t laugh, you are going to cry, so you might as well laugh.
[6:42] Seize the moment and be present.
[8:08] The constant guilt while caregiving can be surprising.
[12:19] When you are deep in, it is hard to look past the problem.
[12:58] God shows up to comfort, but also to help carry the burden.
[17:08] You can honor your loved one without dishonoring yourself.
[18:20] Care from overflow and love vs. guilt.
[19:03] Caregiving was never meant to be toxic over all other areas in your
life.

This episode was brought to you by Content Magazine, an electronic quarterly
magazine available today to help you find God during your caregiving season.
Visit www.ContentMagazine.online to subscribe.

Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Peggy Bodde. Peggy left corporate life behind in 2014 to start a freelance writing business. She is also the founder of Sacred Work, a ministry that provides free career and leadership coaching. Peggy just signed a deal with a publisher and is working on her first book. She lives with her husband, George, and their dog, Quill, in Colorado and is happiest when outdoors. Peggy shares the following insights from her caregiving experience with her in-laws who journeyed with cancer and macular degeneration:

[3:30] Caring for an in-law is different from your parent.
[8:13] Ask, “What can you experience together?”
[8:55] There are more than just physical needs that need to be taken care of.
[9:59] Caregiving is difficult and can be very lonely and isolating.
[11:09] Utilize resources to allow yourself to be proactive instead of reactive.
[13:59] Caring for an adult is different than raising children.
[14:52] We all have wounds that we are not even aware of.
[17:29] Finding connecting points helps.
[19:55] Seek out resources quickly because caregiving is not second nature.
[22:25] This episode is sponsored by Content Magazine, a quarterly electronic offering, to help you find God in the midst of your caregiving season. Visit ContentMagazine.online to subscribe.

Rayna Neises, your host, interviews Tonja Moon. Tonja is a mother, business
owner, geriatric advocate, healthcare marketing strategist, and certified dementia
care specialist. With over 15 years of leadership experience in the hospice and
geriatric mental healthcare areas, her background is broad and dynamic. After
seeing how baby dolls and stuffed animals helped her grandmother, Ruby, who
had dementia, Tonja started The Grand Baby Project. The organization delivers
baby dolls to assisted living and memory care communities, free of charge,
bringing comfort to those who receive them. Tonya shares the following insights:

[2:54] When you put a doll in the arms of someone with dementia, their entire face lights up, and it takes them to a happy place, even if they never had children of their own.
[9:50] One of the hardest things to learn is to meet them where they are. It is
not about us, but instead about them.
[11:30] Giving them a purpose goes a long way.
[12:03] Staying in the moment can make such a big difference.
[13:13] The disease can be harder on the family than it is on the patient.
[17:15] Sometimes, we have to change our hobbies due to the limitations of
caregiving.
[21:02] Connect with Tonya at www.TheGrandBabyProject.org or on the
Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/grandbabyproject. Ways to be a
part of the mission:
- Purchase a baby doll for a loved one
- Donate items via the group’s Amazon Wishlist
- Purchase a baby doll to be given to someone
- Purchase diapers and other baby items to be distributed
- Sew or knit baby items and send them to be distributed

Encore Episode #1, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Carlos Olivas III. Carlos was a guest last year on the podcast and immediately comes to mind when thinking about advocacy. In fact, in December of 2022 Carlos was honored as being a Congressional Advocate of the Year in California. Since 2016, he has been the primary caregiver for his father living with Alzheimer’s. During this caregiving season, Carols has been able to connect, encourage, and empathize with caregivers from around the world. The journey has inspired him to advocate for elder health policy and the practice of self-care for caregivers. Rayna and Carlos share the following insights on caregiving and advocacy:

Eldercare policy is not something in the mainstream media.
We need to look after our elders with dignity and love.
Institutions and policies already in place need to be reviewed.
People need to be given information and educational resources to assist them with end-of-life eldercare challenges.
Contact your officials on issues that can help you. Have a conversation or send a letter to let them know what will make a difference for caregivers.
Share your stories with all who will listen.
Utilize the Alzheimer’s Associations 24/7 Helpline at 1-(800)-272-3900 and the information they provide to help with advocacy.
Advocate for research that includes all demographics.
Sponsored by Content Magazine a quarterly faith-based electronic magazine for family caregivers.

Encore Episode #2, Rayna Neises, your host, speaks with Elizabeth Landsverk, MD. Dr. Liz trained at Harvard and has been a geriatrician for over 20 years. She served as Assistant Professor of Medicine at USC and was a consultant to the Elder Abuse Forensic Center in San Francisco. She shares her experiences in a new book released at the end of May, ‘Living in the Moment: A Guide to Overcoming Challenges and Finding Moments of Joy in Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias’. Dr. Liz shares the following insights:

(2:00) First challenges are when someone’s behaviors start to change regardless of their age.
(3:04) Quick tests to determine if more evaluation is needed:
- Draw a clock showing 10 minutes after 11:00
- Calculate 25% of $22.50
(4:15) Every county will have a Division on Aging and can direct you to resources.
(8:00) Find a place where the staff is doing activities with them and they look like they enjoy being there.
(9:16) You should not use medication for someone bored or not sleeping, but there are cases when it is needed to take the angry edge off.
(11:05) The top two treatments for agitation are Tylenol and ice cream.
(14:53) To find a geriatric doctor, look for medical schools with memory/geriatrics clinic or the VA.
(17:08) Liz’s book provides a step-by-step guide from diagnosis to the end and is available on Amazon.com.
(19:10) We need to help families figure out how they are going to pay for support.
Sponsored by Content Magazine pre-orders starting next week

This week, on our #3 most listened to podcast in 2022, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Susan Stern. Susan is a wife, mother, and family caregiver. After 20 years as a speech-language pathologist, she changed her career path to pursue her calling to support other caregivers. Susan became a certified coach and started her business helping overwhelmed family caregivers improve their self-care and life balance. She now helps family caregivers to be strong during one of life’s most challenging seasons. Susan shared the following tips:

Cultivate a sense of trust and respect.
View the relationship as a partnership in care.
Get the legal paperwork in place right away.
Find a way to support their independence for as long as possible.
A lack of good self-care can cost you your health.
Meditation can be helpful in self-care.
Make memories doing the things they can still do.
Try to have calm body language.
Be present with your loved one.
Permit yourself not to be perfect.
When faced with an urgent decision, stop, breathe, and look for options.
Protect your health.
Prioritize your self-care.
Develop good morning and evening routines.
Keep your medical appointments.
Find an emotional support system.
Manage stress.
Identify moments of joy.
Remember something funny to get you through a hard day.
Get in touch with Susan at her website SpringtoLifeCoaching.com

This week, we have Encore Episode #4 where Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Deb Hallisey. Debra lost her job due to her caregiving responsibilities with her mother and, as a result, founded Advocate for Mom and Dad, LLC. In addition, based on her experiences, she has authored a book that provides a step-by-step guide for discussing relationship issues. Debra uses personal stories to illustrate how these techniques healed her relationship with her mom. She is also a Certified Caregiving Consultant, Educator, Advocate, and Certified Dementia Practitioner. She provides the following insights:

Caregiving changes all your relationships.
Summarize what you are willing to do and what you are not willing to do.
Do things where you feel heard, understood, and validated.
Unexposed expectations and boundaries need to be addressed.
When asking for a change, do not end with a yes or no question.
Recognize the frustration and ask, “Is this a reasonable request?”
Self-awareness is key.
Use the drip method when asking for help.
When others are helping ask yourself, Is it ‘wrong’ or just ‘different’?
Think about what can help you, write it down, and make it a S.M.A.R.T. ask.
Write down the way they want to live and figure out if that is something you or someone else can do.
Find resources from Debra at www.advocateformomanddad.com, and her book, Your Caregiving Relationship Contract, is available on Amazon.
Caregivers, you are doing the best you can, so give yourself grace.

This week, we have Encore Episode #5 where Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Lauren Dykovitz. Lauren is a writer, author, wife, and dog mom. She became a family caregiver when her mother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in July 2010 when Lauren was only 25. Lauren started the Life, Love, and Alzheimer’s blog and social media pages to document her journey and share her experiences. She has written two books, and last year started offering online mentoring services for Alzheimer’s daughters. Lauren has made it her mission to help others on their caregiving journey and shares the following.

The journey can be difficult, isolating, and hard to accept.
Memory issues are not the only symptom of Alzheimer’s. Other things like having problems doing things they have always done, becoming withdrawn and less talkative, and vision problems can be signs too.
The diagnosis can feel like death because the relationship you knew or hoped for will never look that way.
Put the focus on your loved one and try to make them happy and bring joyful moments into their life.
Be mindful and live in the moment.
Connecting over the shared bond is powerful. The more you share your story and talk about it, the more you realize you are not alone.
To connect with Lauren, you can find her on social media and at her website at https://lifeloveandalzheimers.com/. You can find her books on Amazon.

Rayna Neises, your host, interviews Kari Bartkus. After seeing too many people go through hardship alone, Kari was determined to show up and be present with those around her who were hurting. She started the organization Love Does That where she serves as a spiritual director to hurting women. Kari uses a modern-day letter-writing approach for those drawn to quiet spaces and written words. She shares the following insights:

[3:00] Grief is any kind of loss that we are experiencing.
[5:00] The person receiving care is grieving too and they might not be aware of that.
[6:00] Processing is the act of slowing down and thinking about what is going on.
[10:26] A warning sign that you are not processing the grief is when you quickly turn your attention somewhere else.
[11:21] Grief will show up in your body.
[13:43] An outside perspective can help identify changes that have happened.
[17:23] Handling other people’s comments takes knowing where you are at and how you process.
[20:02] If you do not know, try different things, and just pay attention to what helps you and what does not.
[21:17] Grief changes over time.
[22:19] Download a free grief journal at www.LoveDoesThat.org/griefjournal.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on her interview last week with Angie Rischpater (Episode 143). Angie is a physical therapist and she shared how, as a caregiver, you can be an observer or a detective to help your loved one. Instead of swooping in and taking, you can just support. Rayna continues with the topic offering the following suggestions:

[1:32] Deal with the problem and not the symptom by digging down and finding the root of the problem.
[3:29] Steps to becoming a good observer:
- [3:45] Understand the difference between observing and looking
- [4:15] Be mindful of your surroundings and practice
- [5:21] Pay attention to the details
- [6:29] Refrain from judgment
- [7:18] Slow down
[8:00] Let the person you are caring for do what they can do.
[8:52] The learner (growth) vs. the judger (fixed) mindset.
[11:45] Learning to stay in the learner mindset can change how we interact with our loved one and how we support them.
[13:45] Check out Marilee Adams’ book, “Change Your Questions. Change Your Life” and visit inquiryinstitute.com for a free download of the Choice Map.
[14:04] This episode has been brought to you by Content Magazine, a quarterly electronic magazine designed to help you find God in your caregiving season, coming in January 2023.

Rayna Neises, your host, speaks with Angie Rischpater. Angie is an occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience. She helps family caregivers by teaching both a preventative and restorative approach to care which allows the caregiver to live a life beyond caregiving. While still working part-time in acute care at a hospital, Angie also offers private and group caregiver coaching. In addition, she writes and is a webinar host for Caregiving.com. Angie shares her mission, to ensure that caregivers have the power to design their experience using a therapeutic perspective, and provides the following insights:

(6:53) Don’t do everything for them. Instead, coach the person toward greater mobility, cognition, and independence.
(10:00) Think about how you can work towards a common goal with the person you are caring for.
(13:08) Figure out which deficit area is impacting you most.
(16:00) Eliminate the barrier areas.
(17:06) Become more of a coach than a caregiver.
(21:00) Falls are almost always avoidable.
(25:00) Investing upfront to get your time back in the end.
(26:08) Make every activity that you can into a therapeutic event.
(27:47) Find Angie on Facebook at Caregiver By Design (https://www.facebook.com/caregiverbydesign/), on TikTok, and on her podcast (Caregiver by Design) where ever you get your podcasts.
Thank you for what you do!

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on caregiver identity and self-compassion from her interview last week with Charlotte Bayala (Episode 141). Rayna continues with those topics offering the following information:

[1:40] Putting on a caregiver identity can take some time.
[3:00] The caregiving season can surprise many people with how it impacts your identity.
[4:00] Caregiver is just another hat.
[5:00] Extending grace to yourself is something to work on.
[6:00] Ways to offer grace:
- [6:57] Thinking about how you evaluate your mistakes or actions can help you have a picture of how to be a little kinder to yourself.
- [9:14] Focusing on your behavior and not on who you are as a person can benefit you and make the situation better next time.
- [9:38] Ask, “How would you treat a friend?”
[13:29] Your parents would not want you to give up everything.
[15:50] This episode is brought to you by the Encouragement Series. It starts November 8th – 18th and is a free series offering you hope, inspiration, and encouragement. Visit www.EncouragementSeries.com to be a part.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, speaks with Charlotte Bayala. Charlotte used her training and experience as a yoga instructor and meditation teacher to enjoy her caregiving experience with her husband who had thyroid cancer. She is the creator of the Love Your Caregiving Life podcast and the Caregiving Confessions monthly digital magazine. Charlotte uses her skills and knowledge to help other caregivers find easier ways to love their lives again and to support them on their way to thriving instead of just surviving. She provides the following insights:

(9:00) You have to just come to a place where you feel happy with the results
(12:00) It is important to go on the journey to figure out how to be you while loving, serving, and caring for your loved one.
(13:00) Once becoming a caregiver, you have to figure out who the new person is.
(16:27) Caregivers need something they can do every day for self-care.
(20:50) Caregivers do deserve to enjoy their lives, and the perfect time is right now.
(21:43) Self-care needs to be a requirement and not a gift or prize.
(25:06) Put resources and time into helping you and figuring out what you need
(26:58) Caregivers need a team of their own.
(30:02) Find Charlotte at www.LoveYourCaregivingLife.com.
(30:18) This episode has been brought to you by the Encouragement Series starting November 8th. You will learn from some amazing women how to implement self-care in a different way. It is a free series available in bite-size pieces. Sign up today at www.EncouragementSeries.com.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on her interview last week with Carolyn Birrell (Episode 139). Carolyn is the author of Walking with Fay: A Mother’s Unchartered Path into Dementia. While describing her caregiving journey, she talked about how difficult it was to navigate knowing when and how to step in to offer support for her mother. Since most everyone will deal with this issue, Rayna continues with the topic offering the following suggestions:

[1:10] There are eight areas to consider when determining whether or not parents need more support:
- [2:00] Family Relationships
- [4:13] Home Safety
- [6:03] Medical Needs
- [7:27] Cognitive Health
- [10:33] Mobility
- [12:19] Meals/Meal Prep
- [13:02] Social Interaction
- [13:48] Personal Hygiene
[15:43] Use this free survey (www.aseasonofcaring.com/2022/10/20/knowing-when-and-how-to-step-in/) to assess and reassess the situation.
[17:52] If you are concerned, there are people who can support you in having these conversations.
[19:12] The more things you talk about with your parents, the more you know their immediate needs and also their desires for the future.
[19:52] This episode is brought to you by the Encouragement Series which offers inspiration, encouragement, and hope during this season of your life. Enrollment is open now at www.EncouragementSeries.com for this free series that will help you take care of yourself while caring for them.

Rayna Neises, your host, speaks with Carolyn Birrell. Carolyn worked for the American Cancer Society at their National Headquarters and then as a real estate agent before retiring to Idaho. Soon after her move across the county, Carolyn made the difficult decision to relocate her aging mother, Fay, to be near her. She then spent the next eight years caring for Fay while she journeyed with dementia. Carolyn’s documentation of their time together led to her book, “Walking with Fay”. She describes it as the book she was searching for but could not find during her time as a caregiver. She provides the following insights:

(5:14) Typically, caregiving for a parent falls on one child’s shoulders.
(7:00) When caring for a person with dementia, it is at times necessary to just answer their questions in a way you think is going to make them happy.
(8:00) Deciding when the time is right to take over your loved one’s care can be difficult.
(14:00) The pages of her book came from email interactions she had with friends describing the situations she experienced while caring for her mother.
(16:27) The book is unique in that Carolyn admitted her mistakes and her feelings for the average reader to benefit from.
(17:07) Contact Carolyn at her website www.carolynbirrell.com and order her book there or anywhere you can buy books online.
(17:42) Please leave reviews online as they are very important for the algorithms used by the sites as well as enabling others to find the book.
(18:07) This conversation has been brought to you by the Encouragement Series created just for you to encourage, inspire, and offer you hope in this season of life. By joining, you can learn some new tips and tricks to help you take care of yourself. Enroll today at www.EncouragementSeries.com.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on her interview last week with Dr. Ed Smink (Episode 137). Dr. Ed shared his personal experience with burnout and how important it is to be aware of compassion fatigue. Rayna continues the conversation with tips on how leaning into love and respite can help overcome this condition for family caregivers:

[1:06] Compassion fatigue is described as a condition characterized by emotional and physical exhaustion, leading to a diminished ability to empathize or feel compassion for others.
[6:27] What would happen if you wrapped him in a hug and told him you loved him
[9:00] Leaning into love is one of the things you can do when you begin to focus on the task more than the person.
[11:40] Finding respite at home:
- [11:47] Identify roadblocks.
- [12:36] Ask for help.
- [13:42] Brainstorm ideas.
- [14:32] Do it!
[15:01] True compassion fatigue will take more than a little respite, but start small and explore what you can do to re-energize.
[15:45] This episode is brought to you by the Encouragement Series, a special gift coming in November. Visit www.EncouragementSeries.com to sign up to learn more about this faith-based series that will offer you hope in this difficult season.

Rayna Neises, your host, speaks with Dr. Edward M. Smink, Ph.D. Dr. Ed is a speaker, coach, and author of The Soul of Caregiving: A Caregiver’s Guide to Healing and Transformation. He holds multiple degrees including two M.A.s and a Ph. D in Psychology. In addition, Dr. Ed holds a title as a Board Certified Chaplain and an Associate Coach. He attributes his skills to his experience at the bedside as well as to overcoming severe compassion fatigue and burnout. Dr. Ed offers hope now to caregivers suffering from similar issues. He provides the following insights:

(3:34) Often times caregivers feel guilty when they ask for help.
(6:33) Compassion Fatigue is not a mental illness, but instead something we all experience when we care to the point of exhaustion.
(10:23) Three cultural taboos that prevent caregivers from seeking help:
- (10:26) If you just keep trying harder, you can get it done.
- (11:23) Don’t talk to anyone about your experiences.
- (12:35) Don’t show emotion.
(16:40) Compassion Resilience means you are able to absorb a situation and not have it take you off-balance.
(20:18) It is important to be able to find the boundary to take on what you need to, but allow the rest to come off.
(22:38) Self-care is the ability to reflect and take care of yourself.
(25:04) Contact Dr. Ed at his website soulofcaregiving.com and order his book there or on Amazon.
(25:33) When you find yourself overwhelmed, do the easiest thing.
(27:11) This episode is brought to you by the Encouragement Series: Hope Over Regrets. This free faith-based series will be coming in November. If you would like to receive updates, visit EncouragementSeries.com.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on her interview last week with Deb Kelsey-Davis (Episode 125). Deb shared how technology impacted her caregiving season and helped her with self-care. Rayna continues the conversation with tips on how creating routines can be a helpful tool for caregivers. In addition, she explores how faith can impact caregiving:

[1:00] The key to self-care is that it is not a one-time event but instead an ongoing routine or habit.
[2:25] When we make time for things we love and schedule in fun, we have a happier life overall.
[4:13] Think about the routines you have in place and then add to them.
[6:00] Using a habit tracker can help you add healthy habits into your life and it will help with consistency.
[7:25] Give yourself grace as you can always start again tomorrow.
[9:00] Nourish for Caregivers (www.nourishforcaregivers.com) provides an
effective faith-based program to minister to the practical, emotional, and spiritual needs of caregivers.
[10:20] Caregivers are invited to attend the weekly support group, House Calls, every Tuesday at 10:00 AM CST via Zoom. Join at: House Calls Registration.
[13:13] Spirituality can provide relief from the endless routines of caregiving and also life-changing crises.
[14:16] Make sure that you continue to include the faith journey in your caregiving.
[17:21] Consider the person you are caring for and their spiritual growth.
[19:00] This episode is brought to you by the Encouragement Series: Hope Over Regrets. Visit www.EncouragementSeries.com for more details.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, speaks with Deb Kelsey-Davis. Deb is the Co-Founder of Sagacity.care, Co-Founder of Nourish for Caregivers, a clinician, speaker, and bestselling author. Her passion is supporting caregivers with practical, emotional, and spiritual resources necessary to maintain their financial, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. She draws on her experience of over 40 years in healthcare and her personal experience caring for her aging parents. She provides the following support:

(3:06) Remote caregiving is not lesser of a job and it can be done.
(7:23) ) Sagacity.care is an app that can help caregivers organize and store important pieces of information.
(9:33) Technology can help fill in the gaps.
(13:08) Step one is to identify and create your Care Circle.
(13:35) The second is to get organized.
(14:00) Then, connect with others in the group.
(14:19) The last piece is to share.
(17:23) One self-care habit that helps Deb the most is starting the day with a cup of coffee, her Bible app, and prayer.
(18:48) This episode was brought to you by the 5-Day Self-Care Challenge. This really simple 5-Day Challenge will help you consider your self-care (Sept. 19-24) Sign up at aseasonofcaring.com/selfcarechallenge

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, speaks with Betsy Wurzel Sloan. Betsy is a retired nurse and teacher’s aide who now has her own talk show. She is the caregiver for her special needs adult son, and she has helped her mother-in-law, father, and husband as they experienced Alzheimer’s. Through the journey with her husband, Betsy feels that she found her gifts, power, and voice. She now works to raise awareness of Early Onset Alzheimer’s with her mission to help no one walk the journey alone during caregiving or after. Betsy provides the following insights:

(5:00) Live your life and enjoy it while taking your loved one out as much as possible.
(5:41) It can be easy to sit in a heap and feel sorry for yourself, but that is not going to do you or anyone else any good.
(7:11) With Alzheimer’s, know that today is the best day you have, so go ahead and take advantage of that.
(9:26) Self-care is not an option.
(12:59) We need to validate and acknowledge our feelings and have a ‘pity party.’
(14:19) Remember that it does not matter what other people think.
(16:55) Knowledge is power.
(18:25) You know your loved one so go with your gut instinct.
(21:19) We all need to learn about the dying process.
(25:13) Find Betsy’s show, ‘Chatting with Betsy’ on Spotify, Streaker, Apple, Pod Chasers, and join her Facebook group #KickAlzheimersAssMovement | Facebook
(26:07) This episode was brought to you by ‘No Regrets: Hope for Your Caregiving Season.’ Check out the special bundle, including a signed copy of the book, available for purchase at No Regrets: Hope for Your Caregiving Season - Rayna Neises: A Season of Caring.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, shares two important tools to help caregivers manage the stress that can be experienced while caring for a loved one. She shares examples and insight on reframing and “Both/And” Thinking:

[2:21] When we frame our experience with good in mind, it is easier to see the good
[4:26] Reframing helps you to see all of the picture, not just one little part.
[5:15] Take a deep breath and notice if ‘your camera is zoomed in’ or your perspective is distorted.
[5:39] Reframing will help you strengthen your mental resolve.
[6:36] “Both/And” Thinking vs. “Either/Or” Thinking
[7:50] Unlike compromise which requires giving up something to agree, “Both/And” Thinking let’s both exist together.
[9:37] Read more at: “Both/And” Thinking, Say What? – Undaunted
[10:34] “Both/And” Thinking creates breathing room and helps you to appreciate what you have lost and to appreciate what you have now.

This episode has been brought to you by No Regrets: Hope for Your Caregiving Season. Purchase your signed copy and special bundle by visiting www.NoRegrets-book.com. Once you have read it, please consider leaving a review at any major retailer or Goodreads.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, speaks with Susanne White. Susanne was able to care for her parents and venture out on a caregiving journey that would change her life. She is now a blogger and author of the book, ‘Self Care for Caregivers’ which will be released in early September. Susanne shares her experience, strength, and hope with others so that they can survive caregiving with grace and empowerment. She provides the following insights:

(5:07) When caregiving, if you are trying to control or manipulate, your loved one will know that.
(7:11) Being more self-aware can help manage the fear.
(9:02) Caregivers cannot fix it all but can help it be as good as possible.
(12:00) Ask, ‘Do you want to be right?’ or ‘Do you want to be happy?’
(15:00) Just like warriors, caregivers fight each day for their loved ones.
(17:13) Not being consulted or included in the conversation can be annoying for the person being cared for.
(19:32) Take a few moments to look for the blessings.
(20:00) Get your copy of Susanne’s book containing 140 hacks for caregivers on her website, www.caregiverwarrior.com, or at all major retailers starting September 6th.
(22:22) This episode was brought to you by, ‘No Regrets: Hope for Your Caregiving Season.’ Check out the special bundle available for purchase at No Regrets: Hope for Your Caregiving Season - Rayna Neises: A Season of Caring.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on her interview from last week with Pastor Rick Craig (Episode 129) and the discussion related to end-of-life preparations. In his book, When It’s Time: End-of-Life Planning at Any Age: Make it Part of Your Legacy. Rayna shares more information on dealing with these tough issues related to end-of-life preparations:

[2:09] Know the difference between palliative care vs. hospice and that things have changed over the past 20 years.
[3:30] Understanding that palliative care might be an option for your loved one can be helpful.
[4:00] Make sure wills are finalized, and that Advanced Directives and Do Not Resuscitate Orders are in place.
[4:37] Find helpful information at www.nia.nih.gov about making decisions for someone else at end-of-life.
[6:30] ‘Substituted Judgement’ and ‘Best Interests’ are two ways of helping to make decisions that you do not have black and white information about.
[9:23] Ask specific questions that help you examine all the options.
[12:21] An Ethical Will (How To Write An Ethical Will | Everplans) is a will that shares your beliefs, values, and life lessons for future generations.

This episode has been brought to you by No Regrets: Hope for Your Caregiving Season. You can find it at all major book retailers and once you have read it, please consider leaving a review.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, speaks with Rick Craig. Rick is an experienced caregiver, author, and ordained pastor. He felt led to share his personal and professional experiences to help others navigate the journey of planning for end-of-life. In his book, When It’s Time, Rick walks through 13 end-of-life realities that surviving family members will encounter. He helps others see that a well-thought-out plan can be one of the best gifts. Rick shares the following insights:

(5:00) End-of-life planning is a subject very few people know anything about, and they don’t even know where to start.
(5:57) Pre-need is planning ahead of time and At-need means that death has occurred, so the approach to the conversation is different based on the timing.
(7:00) When a plan is provided ahead of time, the family has a map in their hands and when there isn’t one, the family is left saying, “What do I do now?”
(7:35) End-of-life planning is for any age.
(9:00) Plans have to be maintained and updated regularly.
(12:00) It is especially important to plan when you start having a family and start accumulating assets.
(15:41) Just take a little piece and start there.
(16:38) Connect with Rick at his website, www.whenitstime.org and find his book on Amazon or Barns and Noble.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on her interviews from the past few weeks with women who are Cancer Thrivers. Following these conversations, she began to think about and investigate what those in a season of needing care might want caregivers to know. Rayna shares the following ideas of support for those being cared for:

[1:14] Educate yourself
[4:27] Help preserve dignity and privacy
[6:21] Treat them as a valuable person
[7:12] Honor their choices
[9:31] Offer help in specific ways. Avoid saying, “Let me know if you need anything.”
[12:29] Just be with them and spend time with them
[15:19] Let them have a bad day

[18:05] Gratitude is a very powerful tool that can help impact you in ways that you do not even realize. Sign up to be a part of the Gratitude Challenge at www.aseasonofcaring.com/gratitude

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, speaks with Talaya Dendy. Talaya has developed a fulfilling career path from cancer patient to founder and CEO of On the Other Side, LLC. She started the cancer navigation enterprise that provides personalized support using a patient-centered and holistic approach after all of her learnings from her cancer journey. Talaya is also the host of The Navigating Cancer Together Podcast and an authority in the interview series, I Survived Cancer and Here is How I Did. She shares the following insights:

(6:15) Helping to take care of your loved ones is truly helping them to heal.
(10:07) Threats of some type can help us to ask what is important and how to live to our calling and purpose.
(11:00) Having that person who has been through something similar is key.
(12:25) A doula is someone who supports another person through a major life change and a significant health-related experience.
(16:05) Having the support of a doula can help the person worry less and that lightens the load.
(18:29) A doula can help everyone from feeling isolated by getting everything out in the open and bringing everyone together.
(19:58) Connect with Talaya at her website www.OnTheOtherSide.Life or email her at Talaya@ontheotherside.life.
(21:03) This episode is brought to you by The Gratitude Challenge. Sign up now at www.aseasonofcaring.com/gratitude.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on her interview from last week with Heather Carter (Episode 125). Heather is a cancer survivor and she shared tips from her season of being cared for. She reminded us that our mindset and attitude have a significant impact on those we are caring for. Rayna shares additional information on this aspect of caregiving and how gratitude can help:

[6:23] True gratitude is to focus on what you have in the moment.
[8:00] Make gratitude a part of your daily or weekly routine.
[10:19] Just saying Thank You can be helpful.
[10:53] Finding the method that works best for you is the most effective
approach.
[11:33] A few benefits of gratitude:
- Help you make friends
- Improve your physical health
- Improve your psychological health
- Less likely to seek revenge against others
- Improve sleep
- Enhance self-esteem
- Increase mental strength
[13:00] Ways to develop a gratitude behavior:
- [13:51] Daily journaling
- [14:11] Use a gratitude jar
- [15:15] Use a gratitude rock
- [16:19] Look around at your surroundings
[16:50] 21-Day Gratitude Challenge with Rayna
- [17:15] Three Blessings Exercise
- [17:47] Say Thank You
- [19:16] Stop and Smell the Roses
[21:08] Sign up to be a part at www.aseasonofcaring.com/gratitude

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, speaks with Heather Carter. In 2015, Heather was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. During her hospitalization and illness, she began updating people on her status via blogging. Heather shared her fears, struggles, inspiration, and spiritual observations. Eventually, she was able to find ways to be grateful for what the disease triggered in her and the blog went from updating people on the health and healing of her body to reflecting on the health and healing of her soul. Heather writes about cancer, addiction, and diseases of the soul like worry, fear, control, comparison, and resentment. Two books have come from her blog, Soul Selfie, and Soul Selfie: #nofilter. She shares the following about her season of being cared for:

(3:45) How others react does affect the health as well as the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of the person who is sick.
(4:03) Remember to just be with the person you are caring for.
(5:25) Treat the person regularly and do regular life stuff.
(6:30) Ask them what they want and need.
(9:16) It is okay to show that you are sad and that you feel sad for the person who is ill.
(11:30) You have to stay in good mental, spiritual, and physical health, or you will not be able to continue to care for the person.
(12:04) Support from a community is critical for the caregiver and the one being cared for.
(21:44) Find Heather’s blog posts (sorts available by topic) and links to purchase her books on her website www.heathercarterwrites.com.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on her conversation from last week with Marie Vaudry (Episode 123). Marie is the founder of Gleam in Your Eye, an activity subscription box created for those with dementia. Rayna shares additional information on ways to stay active and engaged no matter your age:

[2:24] Brain games can help your brain stay healthier and younger longer.
[4:33] Brain function includes memory, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
[5:20] Stimulate your brain in different ways by using your imagination.
[6:14] Stimulate different areas of your brain by using your senses or your non-dominant hand.
[7:05] Reading is a great way to build your brain power.
[8:00] Check out udemy.com for online courses to learn something new.
[11:16] Volunteering together can expand your normal activities and keep your brain sharp and healthy.
[11:49] Combining cognitive training with regular exercise, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and socialization provide the most benefit.
[12:14] Staying physically active helps boost mood and keeps the doctor away.
[13:14] Stretching helps you get loose and ready for the day and can help you sleep better.
[14:00] Consider adding yoga or chair yoga to your routine.

This episode is sponsored by Dementia Education with Rayna.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, speaks with Marie Vaudry. Marie is a wife, mother, and daughter to France who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2012. France loved to spend hours doing crossword puzzles and reading books however as her illness progressed, these tasks became more difficult. It became challenging for the family to find stimulating activities adapted to her changing cognitive abilities. As a result, Marie researched and created Spark Your Mind, a book of activities adapted for patients at a moderate stage of the disease. But, she didn’t stop there. In 2021, Marie set out to create a more comprehensive experience that includes logical activities while also addressing the sensory and physical needs of the patient. She founded Gleam in Your Eye offering a monthly subscription box filled with fun and stimulating activities that make life easier for caregivers. Marie shares the following insights:

(4:00) The more you do with your loved ones, the more you maintain their abilities
(5:00) When you engage in activities your loved one is interested in, you have fun and create memories.
(7:30) Our loved ones need us to be there with them, to make sure they are comfortable and secure, and to have fun.
(14:43) Try different kinds of activities and maybe they will have fun and they will succeed.
(15:30) As a caregiver, if you can bring joy for 30 minutes or one hour into your house, you will see it makes a big difference.
(18:43) For more information or to order, visit www.gleaminyoureye.com or connect on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram @ Gleam in Your Eye.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, is joined today by co-host, Carlos Olivas III. Carlos is the primary caregiver for his father who is journeying with Alzheimer’s. Together Rayna and Carlos discuss challenges with changes in behavior and mood as the disease progresses. They share additional information to assist caregivers to handle situations:

[3:22] It does not matter if your loved one knows your name. They know that you are someone significant in their life.
[7:31] Time away helps tremendously to then come back, be present, and have an attitude of compassion.
[8:42] We want to do it with them, not to them.
[9:34] Recognize triggers.
[15:00] Step into their world and see what they are feeling.
[17:22] Try having multiples of an item to avoid anxiety.
[18:24] We need to understand their agenda and support them in that.
[18:40] Pain can be an underlying factor in mood.
[21:17] Sometimes we all have moods and that is okay.
[22:06] Routines can help both caregivers and their loved ones.
[26:20] We need to adapt to find workarounds for barriers.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, speaks with Elizabeth Landsverk, MD. Dr. Liz trained at Harvard and has been a geriatrician for over 20 years. She served as Assistant Professor of Medicine at USC and was a consultant to the Elder Abuse Forensic Center in San Francisco. She shares her experiences in a newly released book, ‘Living in the Moment: A Guide to Overcoming Challenges and Finding Moments of Joy in Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias’. Dr. Liz shares the following insights:

(2:00) First challenges are when someone’s behaviors start to change regardless of their age.
(3:04) Quick tests to determine if more evaluation is needed:
- Draw a clock showing 10 minutes after 11:00
- Calculate 25% of $22.50
(4:15) Every county will have a Division on Aging and can direct you to resources.
(8:00) Find a place where the staff is doing activities with them and they look like they enjoy being there.
(9:16) You should not use medication for someone bored or not sleeping, but there are cases when it is needed to take the angry edge off.
(11:05) The top two treatments for agitation are Tylenol and ice cream.
(14:53) To find a geriatric doctor, look for medical schools with memory/geriatrics clinic or the VA.
(17:08) Liz’s book provides a step-by-step guide from diagnosis to the end and is available on Amazon.com.
(19:10) We need to help families figure out how they are going to pay for support.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on the topic of meals and feeding your aging loved one from last week’s interview (119) with Toni Fisk. Rayna shares some tips and tricks from her caregiving season with her father around mealtime planning and execution:

[4:00] A Meal Card System can help you shop for what is needed. It can also include everything for the meal and how to prepare it. (i.e., what condiments to add to the hot dog)
[6:00] Please take advantage of the free download available.
[7:00] Recording what and how much was eaten allows for changes to be made when tastes change and also to rotate meals to provide a well-balanced diet.
[8:00] Check out Cook For Your Life with Fred Hutch.
[9:16] Freezer meals can be a good option.
[13:39] Consider grocery delivery to help keep up on that task.
[15:13] Consider dignity bibs (DinnerWear Dining Scarves from Toni Fisk). They are beautiful and help keep your loved one’s clothes from being stained, make clean-up easy, and help to keep their dignity.
[16:31] Use the Hand Under Hand technique by Teepa Snow to help with feeding.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, speaks with Toni Fisk. Toni has been in the food and hospitality industry for over 35 years and is now an author. She is also a professional speaker with multiple dementia certifications as an educator and trainer working with professional care partners and family members. As a Certified Dietary Manager and a Senior Living Dining Operations Consultant, she has a deep commitment to education and enlightenment in the care of persons living with dementia. Toni shares the following insights:

(5:13) If you engage the person and have them participate in the menu selections, it makes for a happier person.
(6:00) They want something that tastes great, has a nice texture, the hot food is hot and the cold food is cold, and it is served on time.
(8:10) Part of working with our elderly is understanding them, their roots, and their upbringing.
(10:00) Regardless of the presentation (pureed, soft, ground, fine dice), we can still have flavorful food.
(14:00) People need to change their mindsets about how they interact and behave with people living with dementia.
(15:14) Check the environment:
- A wheelchair should go underneath the table
- Check the placement of plates and bowls
- Notice any tremors
- Utilize nice clothing protectors
- Keep the volume on tv and radio down
- Reduce idle chit chat
(19:00) Need to make mealtime a successful activity for them to eat.
(21:52) Toni’s book, Dining with Dignity: Unlocking the Mystery of Dementia and Dining, is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. You can contact Toni directly through her website at www.dinnerwearhc.info
(23:15) No Regrets: Hope for Your Caregiving Season is turning 1! A walkthrough is starting on June 6th. There is still time to sign up at www.aseasonofcaring.com

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on the topic of being a conscious caregiver from Tears in My Gumbo and last week’s interview (117) with Nadine Roberts Cornish. Rayna explores more with the five steps that can help caregivers to move away from being on autopilot:

[0:39] Five Steps to Conscious Caregiving:
- Step 1: Helplessness
- Step 2: Recognition
- Step 3: Process
- Step 4: Acceptance
- Step 5: Surrender
[2:00] When processing through these steps, they can be cyclical.
[11:00] Caregiving is a complex process and it is important to find advocates who are working with you on behalf of your loved one.
[11:14] Helplessness is typical and will come and go throughout your caregiving season.
[11:45] Process is putting the puzzle pieces together to gather the needed resources.
[12:00] Acceptance is where you are and this is what is happening.
[12:15] These steps are similar to the steps of grief.
[13:00] When stuck in helplessness, recognition will lead you to process which can hep you find what is needed to continue through the season.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, speaks with Nadine Roberts Cornish. Nadine is a Certified Senior Advisor, Gerontologist, author, and national speaker. She is also the founder of The Caregiver’s Guardian (TCG) which was created from her personal experience caring for her mother. TCG provides coaching and consultation services to family caregivers across the country. In addition, TCG now offers a new program for businesses and organizations. Nadine is working on the latest addition to her multi-book series, Caregiver’s Gumbo. She shares the following insights:

(10:49) Do not keep what you are going through and what you are experiencing to yourself as your message is important for someone else.
(11:27) Like gumbo, caregiving has lots of messy parts which vary from family to family and takes a long time to come together to make a unique taste.
(12:00) Caregiving is a whole lot better if you have other people supporting you in the process.
(18:56) Being a caregiver is one of the most transformative processes that we have in our lifetime.
(21:40) Five steps to conscious caregiving:
- Helplessness
- Recognition
- Process
- Acceptance
- Surrender
(24:00) The progression of the Five Steps is cyclical and not linear.
(27:00) Connect with Nadine at TCGCares.com or by phone at 303-394-1963.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on the topic of celebrating the season of caring for a senior adult from last week’s interview (115) with Jenn Chan. Rayna continues with that theme and looks at how this can help caregivers.
[1:47] There is so much involved in making the milestone decision to become a family caregiver.
[3:00] Four areas to think about:

[3:20] Do this season the way that works best for you and your family . . . Give yourself permission to find what works for you.
[5:41] Self-care . . . Be kind to your future self.
[7:43] Grief . . . The feeling when things are not what we thought they would be.
[11:05] Resources . . . Take on the label to open the door.
- [11:21] Coaching
- [13:00] Newsletter
- [13:17] www.aseasonofcaring.com
- [13:52] Caregiving.com Champion
- [14:46] No Regrets: Hope for your Caregiving Season Book Group

[15:43] Continue to look for what you need to make the caring season the best that it can be.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, speaks with Jenn Chan. Jenn is a CEO, certified senior advisor, certified caregiving consultant, and a support group facilitator. Inspired by caregiving for her grandmother, Jenn has dedicated her career to elevating the family caregiver role with fun, love, and positivity. She believes caregiving is a lifestyle and that becoming a senior caregiver is a life milestone worth celebrating. Jenn shares the following insights:

(4:26) A digital detox, where you unplug from all electronics, is a great self-care tip.
(7:00) Self-care can be just checking in with yourself emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.
(8:54) Understanding the caregiver identity and embracing the caregiver term opens up a door to resources, workshops, support groups, books, conferences, podcasts, and so much more.
(11:59) The Senior Shower Project is a way to celebrate family caregivers with a party at the beginning of the journey.
(14:05) People attending the Senior Shower identify with the new caregiver, show their support, and celebrate.
(18:03) The celebration can open doors to bring resources to the caregiver to grow their care team.
(20:16) Find supplies for your party at www.SeniorShowerProject.com.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on the topic of learning from others from last week’s interview (113) with Jean Lee. Jean is an author and co-founder of AlzAuthors.com whose mission is to provide resources to light the way for those on the Alzheimer’s/dementia journey. They spotlight authors who share their personal journeys so that others can benefit. This week, Rayna continues with that theme and looks at reading and how it can help caregivers.

[0:43] Books allow those who have been before us to communicate their experiences, and we can glean from that on our own time.
[1:00] Think about how you can carve out a little bit of time to become more of a reader.
[1:20] A couple of book recommendations from caregivers:
- Say It Now: 33 Ways to Say I Love You to the Most Important People in Your Life, by Sherry Richert Belul
- Emotions: An Owner’s Manual: Harness the Power of Your Greatest Personal Resource for Life and Work by Joey Sheldon
[6:00] Embrace reading not only to learn but to escape.
[7:00] Benefits to reading every day:
- Mental stimulation for your brain
- Stress reduction
- Improve sleep
- Enhancement of knowledge
- Expand your vocabulary
- Build stronger analytical skills
- Improve focus and concentration
- Free source of entertainment by utilizing the library
[14:19] Reading out loud to your loved ones can help them too.
[15:56] If you are not currently a reader, find something you would enjoy reading and go from there.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, speaks with Jean Lee. Jean was working full-time as a teacher when both of her parents were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Her first book, Alzheimer’s Daughter, is a memoir of her journey balancing her teaching responsibilities with her caregiving journey. Through her writing experience, she connected with other authors of Alzheimer’s books and co-founded AlzAuthors.com. After seven years, the group is over 300 voices strong sharing personal experiences of their caregiving journey. Jean shares the following insights and information about the support available:

(1:53) Keeping a journal can help you talk about specifics and the frequency of behaviors. It can also help at doctor’s visits and show a progression of the disease.
(4:11) Reading books about similar experiences can help you realize that you can survive the journey.
(14:00) When reading about others’ journeys, although none of it is identical, we gain compassion for what somebody else is going through. The stories and books can also help light the way through your dark journey.
(16:03) AlzAuthors books are all written from personal experience/have a personal twist:
- Memoirs
- Caregiver guides
- Fiction
- Children and Teens
- Poetry
- Quick Reads
- Art
(22:26) AlzAuthors shares blogs offering support in the now.
(23:09) AlzAuthors has added a podcast, Untangling Alzheimer’s, so people can listen on the go.
(25:43) Visit AlzAuthors.com to find the podcast, blog posts, and links to purchase books.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, discusses support groups, what might be keeping you from being a part, what to expect and various kinds of groups.

[1:48] What could be holding you back from joining a support group:
- [2:10] Feeling that you will be put on the spot and must share your story
- [3:00] Feeling uncertain regarding what you would share about your loved one and concerned that others will be critical
- [4:00] Thought that you would feel depressed or sad hearing other’s stories
- [5:19] Not knowing what to expect
[6:00] When choosing a support group, it is important to find a good fit.
[6:32] Groups should have a structure they follow.
[8:16] Why attend?
- [9:16] Reduce isolation
- [10:00] Relieve stress
- [10:35] Gain education
- [11:26] Become more balanced
- [14:15] Friendships
[15:09] Different kinds of groups
- Peer-Peer or Mutual
- Association Groups
- In-Person
- Online
- Facebook
[16:17] Try out the group to be sure it is a good fit. If it is not, do not be afraid to leave it and try a different one.
[16:43] Visit aseasonofcaring.com and find out more about Rayna’s free monthly support group or Nourish for Caregiver's faith-based weekly support group.
[17:17] In June, join her book study via her Facebook group to find support through her book, No Regrets: Hope for Your Caregiving Season.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, speaks with Mike and Kim Barnes. While balancing their lives as spouses and parents with their successful TV/journalism careers, they have also been caring for their aging parents. It is through these experiences that they have found a passion to help others who are on this caring journey. People want to be part of a community, and Mike and Kim are dedicating their time to helping provide that opportunity. They share the following insights:

(6:26) Each person is different, and every person’s needs are different.
(8:32) Figure out how to prioritize and not let things slip through the cracks.
(9:06) Being open with your children allows them to see what they will face as they get older and eventually care for you. In addition, it builds empathy.
(10:28) Caregiving is an additional job that you have to make room for.
(11:22) You are on an emotional roller-coaster and you cannot take everything personally.
(16:00) Check to see if in the big scheme of things, does this matter?
(20:15) Having a community to be a sounding board, to vent to, or ask questions helps.
(30:37) When discussing Power of Attorney or a will with your parents, explain that it is a gift to loved ones.
(35:01) To find interviews with experts on a variety of topics, visit Mike and Kim’s website at www.parentingagingparents.com. To join their support group, click the button on the home page and request to join their Facebook group. You can also subscribe to receive their weekly newsletter.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on the topics covered during last week’s interview (109) with Erin Galyean. Rayna shares some additional thoughts based on Erin’s role as the VP of Communications during her caring season with her sister, Megan. In addition, Rayna provides support ideas for communication tools and building a caregiving team.

It is important to have someone who can be the communication connection between your loved one and all those who care about them and the family.
Resources to help families and care teams with communication and coordinating care:
- Carely: www.care.ly
- Caring Bridge: www.caringbridge.org
- Lots A Helping Hands: www.lotsahelpinghands.com
- Caring Village: www.caringvillage.com
Family caregivers generally take on too much of the responsibility themselves.
Build a caregiving team to not only help you out but to help your loved one get used to receiving support from others. Examples:
- Grocery shopping
- Lawn maintenance
- Cleaning
- Laundry
- Meal preparations/Cooking
Understand personalities and strengths when building a care team. Check out the free quiz at www.caringquiz.com to see what your caregiving personality is and help you build a balanced care team.

For additional support, visit www.aseasonofcaring.com/free-updates and sign up to receive Rayna’s free bi-weekly newsletter.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Erin Galyean. Erin is an author, speaker, and sales trainer. From her professional experience, combined with losing her father and sister, she has become a patient advocate and wants to share her knowledge with others so they can do the same. Erin provides the following insights:

Without a caregiving team, you are robbing others of the opportunity to help, serve, love, and bring their gifts and talents to the table.
Distance caregiving is just as important.
Offer to serve in the role of VP of Communications or Meal Train Coordinator.
Do not be afraid to ask questions. Write them down and make them open-ended.
Ask if conversations with doctors can be recorded.
Everyone needs a notebook!
Create a strong morning routine that includes self-care.
Get in touch with Erin at www.badassadvocate.com and find her books, ‘Badass Advocate: Becoming the Champion Your Seriously Ill Loved One Deserves” and “My Badass Advocate Journal” on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on the topics covered during last week’s interview (107) with Nancy Poland. Rayna shares some additional learnings from Nancy’s second book, Remarkable Caregiving, where she interviewed six family caregivers and told their stories. In addition, Rayna provides supporting data that family caregivers are not alone.

Caregivers can get their strength from and learn from the person for whom they are caring.
When you are only focused on the things to do, you miss the relationship.
If you do not have or do not know your “Why”, it is time to figure it out.
Some statistics provided in 2020:
- Approximately 53 million Americans were providing unpaid care for relatives or friends.
- The average age of caregivers was 49.3 years old, showing that it is not only spouses caring for one another later in life.
- Over half, 61% of caregivers, are employed in addition to caregiving.
- The average age of those being cared for is 68.9 years old.
- A large percentage, 89% of the care recipients, are related to their caregivers by blood or marriage.
- Family caregivers offer an average of 23.7 hours per week and even more if the person they care for lives with them.

Let Rayna know what you need from her and in future podcasts. She wants to offer hope and would love to hear from you. Visit www.aseasonofcaring.com/podcast and click on the microphone to leave her a voicemail.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Nancy Poland. Nancy is a writer and speaker who focuses on caregiving. She gained her experience as a family caregiver by caring for her father with Lewy Body Dementia. Nancy is the author of two books and provides a monthly newsletter, “Caring for the Caregiver,” and free resources on her website. She is a speaker, trainer, wife, mother, volunteer, and contract and compliance manager. Nancy shares the following insights based on her firsthand caregiving experiences:

Get legal paperwork in order.
Doctors can sometimes help with difficult conversations (i.e., driving).
Get community resources.
Join a support group.
Caregiving does take a lot of effort.
Spending time together is a gift.
Caregiving can help you to learn grace, patience, and faithfulness.
Learn to look for the good.
Do the best you can.
Researching resources might find answers before you even need them.
To contact Nancy, order her books, signup for her newsletter, and request free resources, visit her website at www.NancyRPoland.com.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on the topics shared during last week’s interview with Debra Hallisey. She revisits the concepts around relationships that Debra shared from her book, The Caregiver’s Relationship Contract. In addition, Rayna explores how to set boundaries and navigate renegotiating them. Be sure to download the free resource Rayna provides related to these topics.

All relationships require boundaries.
Understanding your emotions can help you see if your boundaries are as strong as they should be.
Healthy boundaries ask others to respect your uniqueness, your choices, and your autonomy.
When caregiving, the needs are legitimate and real, but your boundaries need to be there as well.
Remember the quote from Anne Lamont, “No is a complete sentence.”
When setting boundaries, say, “I want to help, and this is what I need to be able to.”
Check out Debra’s book to view her suggestions to better navigate these conversations.
Download a FREE tip sheet at www.aseasonofcaring.com/podcast
Please help spread the word to other caregivers by visiting the podcast platform you listen to and leaving a quick review of just a couple of sentences.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Debra Hallisey. Debra lost her job due to her caregiving responsibilities with her mother and, as a result, founded Advocate for Mom and Dad, LLC. In addition, based on her experiences, she has authored a book that provides a step-by-step guide for discussing relationship issues. Debra uses personal stories to illustrate how these techniques healed her relationship with her mom. She is also a Certified Caregiving Consultant, Educator, Advocate, and Certified Dementia Practitioner. She provides the following insights:

Caregiving changes all your relationships.
Summarize what you are willing to do and what you are not willing to do.
Do things where you feel heard, understood, and validated.
Unexposed expectations and boundaries need to be addressed.
When asking for a change, do not end with a yes or no question.
Recognize the frustration and ask, “Is this a reasonable request?”
Self-awareness is key.
Use the drip method when asking for help.
When others are helping ask yourself, Is it ‘wrong’ or just ‘different’?
Think about what can help you, write it down, and make it a S.M.A.R.T. ask.
Write down the way they want to live and figure out if that is something you or someone else can do.
Find resources from Debra at www.advocateformomanddad.com, and her book, Your Caregiving Relationship Contract, is available on Amazon.
Caregivers, you are doing the best you can, so give yourself grace.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Carlos Olivas III. Carlos was a guest last year on the podcast and immediately comes to mind when thinking about advocacy. He is the primary caregiver for his father living with Alzheimer’s since 2016. During this caregiving season, Carols has been able to connect, encourage, and empathize with caregivers from around the world. The journey has inspired him to advocate for elder health policy and the practice of self-care for caregivers. In addition, he is archiving and documenting his father’s progression through art. He is hopeful that the dementia community will embrace these artists living with this devastating disorder. Carlos and Rayna provide the following insights on caregiving and advocacy:

Eldercare policy is not something in the mainstream media.
We need to look after our elders with dignity and love.
Institutions and policies already in place need to be reviewed.
People need to be given information and educational resources to assist them with end-of-life eldercare challenges.
Contact your officials on issues that can help you. Have a conversation or send a letter to let them know what will make a difference for caregivers.
Share your stories with all who will listen.
Utilize the Alzheimer’s Association's 24/7 Helpline at 1-(800)-272-3900 and the information they provide to help with advocacy.
Advocate for research that includes all demographics.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Usha Tewari. Usha is a first-generation Indian American, passionate advocate, and congressional ambassador. She worked full time at her government job and was the sole caregiver for her mother who had Alzheimer’s. Usha understands what it takes to advocate for individuals, and she shares her passion in this area and her caregiving journey on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. She provides the following insights:

Alzheimer’s is a healthcare tsunami with the associated medical and caregiving costs.
Advocacy is working. More and more lawmakers are open to listening as they have loved ones or associates who are affected.
Caregiving requires a lot of patience, paying attention, and juggling the different areas of your life.
Work from home or take a day off when you need with.
The social media caregiving community understands what you are going through and can provide support.
It is easier to learn from people with whom we relate.
Consider signing up to attend “Let’s Talk Dementia and Caregiving” to gain access to resources, personal stories, information about the disease, and more.
To connect with Usha, check out her social media at The Indian Caregiver and sign up for the event scheduled for February 19, 2022.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, expands on the concepts Lauren Dykovitz shared regarding her journey in caring for her mother with Early Onset Alzheimer’s. In addition, Rayna shares information on the basics of Alzheimer’s Disease and things you can do:

Alzheimer’s is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and a specific type of dementia.
Memory loss may not always be the first symptom.
Alzheimer’s affects thinking and problem-solving.
Visual perception issues are related to the damage happening within the brain and are a part of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Language and the ability to communicate become impaired.
Most people are diagnosed in the middle stages of Alzheimer’s.
Utilize the Animal Fluency Screening.
Testing through your physician is available.
A heart-healthy diet is also a brain-healthy diet.
Support and assist with research. Check out Trial Match at Alz.org.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Lauren Dykovitz. Lauren is a writer, author, wife, and dog mom. She became a family caregiver when her mother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in July 2010 when Lauren was only 25. Lauren started the Life, Love, and Alzheimer’s blog and social media pages to document her journey and share her experiences. She has written two books, and last year started offering online mentoring services for Alzheimer’s daughters. Lauren has made it her mission to help others on their caregiving journey and shares the following:

The journey can be difficult, isolating, and hard to accept.
Memory issues are not the only symptom of Alzheimer’s. Other things like having problems doing things they have always done, becoming withdrawn and less talkative, and vision problems can be signs too.
The diagnosis can feel like death because the relationship you knew or hoped for will never look that way.
Put the focus on your loved one and try to make them happy and bring joyful moments into their life.
Be mindful and live in the moment.
Connecting over the shared bond is powerful. The more you share your story and talk about it, the more you realize you are not alone.
To connect with Lauren, you can find her on social media and at her website at https://lifeloveandalzheimers.com/. You can find her books on Amazon.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on her conversation from last week with Susan Stern. Susan shared several hands-on tips regarding resilience and its importance during the caregiving journey. Resilience is the capability to recover quickly from difficulties and Rayna provides the following suggestions for building resiliency:

Learn what your “WHY” is for your caregiving journey.
Be sure not to do things because of guilt.
Understand and set your boundaries and be willing to review them and change or offer alternative options.
Are you feeling walked on or taken advantage of? Evaluate what is happening so that changes can be made, and boundaries can be drawn.
Give yourself permission to set limits.
Boundaries will be pushed but having them established allows you to build resilience.
Reframing is switching the way you perceive something by looking at it from a different view. What can you reframe to experience the benefits?

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Susan Stern. Susan is a wife, mother, and family caregiver. After 20 years as a speech-language pathologist, she changed her career path to pursue her calling to support other caregivers. Susan became a certified coach and started her business helping overwhelmed family caregivers improve their self-care and life balance. She now helps family caregivers to be strong during one of life’s most challenging seasons. Susan shared the following tips:

Cultivate a sense of trust and respect.
View the relationship as a partnership in care.
Get the legal paperwork in place right away.
Find a way to support their independence for as long as possible.
A lack of good self-care can cost you your health.
Meditation can be helpful in self-care.
Make memories doing the things they can still do.
Try to have calm body language.
Be present with your loved one.
Permit yourself not to be perfect.
When faced with an urgent decision, stop, breathe, and look for options.
Protect your health.
Prioritize your self-care.
Develop good morning and evening routines.
Keep your medical appointments.
Find an emotional support system.
Manage stress.
Identify moments of joy.
Remember something funny to get you through a hard day.
Get in touch with Susan at her website www.SpringtoLifeCoaching.com

In this Encore Episode, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Carlos Olivas III. Carlos lived in Southern California where he was working a great job in live events doing production and design while raising his daughter. But life took a turn five years ago when he made the decision to move back to his childhood home to care for his father. As a result of his experience, he has developed a passion for research and educating himself about the Alzheimer’s experience. Carlos shares the following insights with everyone from his perspective as a primary caregiver:

- The experience requires you to change and to look inward to adjust your ego, your attitude, and to become a better person.
- The lifestyle change required is difficult because being able to go where you want and do what you want is no longer under your control.
- Embracing change allows you to better approach the caregiving experience.
- The research and education required to help your loved one allows you the opportunity to prepare for your future after your season of caring.
- You are never too old to change!
- Alzheimer’s is much more than just forgetting things.
- Participating in/being a member of several caregiver support groups can be invaluable as you surround yourself with different types of people who are going through the same thing.
- Breathing exercises/techniques can be beneficial in helping with self-control and relieving stress.

On this Encore Episode: Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Marty Stevens-Heebner. Marty is CEO of Clear Home Solutions. She created the company to help older adults and their families when their treasures, paperwork, and stuff get in the way of moving their lives forward. Marty was inspired to launch the company eight years ago after her experiences with her father and aunt. She provides the following insights:

It is always so much easier to organize somebody else’s stuff.
Start by identifying your absolute favorite, most useful things, and then figure out what else would be good.
The goal is to try to create the feeling of the home in the new, smaller home and make it a reflection of what they left behind.
Seeking help from move managers who are a neutral third-party can make the life-altering shift smoother.
Acknowledge that the move will not be easy and that there will be emotions for the person moving as well as the family members.
Break it down into steps like one drawer at a time or one hour at a time.

In the Encore Episode this week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Catherine Hodder Esq. Catherine is an attorney and author of the bestseller, “Estate Planning for the Sandwich Generation: How to Help Your Parents and Protect Your Kids”. "Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now." according to Alan Lakein. This quote is appropriate for all the great information Catherine shares in this episode:

Family members who do not reside in the same location can still play a vital role on the caregiving team.
‘Sandwich Generation’ refers to people generally in their thirties and forties who have young children they are still supporting, and they also have aging parents.
Start with getting your own house in order by obtaining a Financial Power of Attorney and a Medical Power of Attorney.
Due to HIPPA, you also need Power of Attorney documents, both medical and financial, for children 18 and older.
Documenting your end-of-life decisions is a gift because you take the burden off your loved ones.
Once your house is in order, you can then focus on what your parents need to have in place.
Asking for your parent’s advice on what you should do or for their opinion on situations affecting other friends and relatives is can open the door for further discussions.
Five necessary conversations to have with your aging parent(s):
- Financial
- Medical
- Living Arrangements When Aging
- End of Life
- Legacy
Do not have just one conversation, but instead make it ongoing.
Focus on getting the information that is important to your parent(s) without judging, negotiating, or influencing the situation.
Create a family binder of information to have everything in one place. Include legal documents, financial information, bank accounts, funeral arrangements, list of passwords, insurance policies, pension information, etc.

December is Encore Episode month, where A Season of Caring Podcast shares the most listened to episodes of the year. We will kick off the month with Self-care is Self Preservation. Rayna Neises, your host, shares about self-care and how important it is to your ability to provide the care your loved one needs. Listen in to hear the tips that have people talking.

The best self-care strategy is the one that you will actually use.
Pay attention to what has worked in the past and ensure you are still doing that.
Asking ‘What do I need?’ helps you to pay attention to what is required here and now.
Think about if you are hungry, angry, lonely, or tired.
Look over your schedule and build in rest. Set an appointment with yourself and keep it.
The key to exercise is getting the blood pumping.
Buy back your time to have an opportunity to do things that bring you joy.
Stop and smell the roses.
Accept your difficult feelings.
Take the free Self-Care quiz. Just text HOPE to 8 5 5 2 9 7 8 3 7 7.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks about a few of the emotions that are a part of this season of life. There are 53 million unpaid family caregivers in the United States it is easy to feel alone and overwhelmed with emotions while you are caring for a loved one and it is totally normal. Rayna explores three emotions and their impact:

Worry is a normal reaction to caring for someone else who can’t do it for themselves, but it becomes a problem when it leads to fretting and anxiety.
Try forcing yourself to focus on something else or flipping the worry with twice as many positive thoughts on the subject.
Loneliness can be a natural progression as others become uncomfortable or you stop having time to participate in social activities.
Be real. Reach out. Get out. You need to foster connections with people beyond your loved one.
Grief will be a part of your caring season. It is natural to grieve what was as things change.
Tend to your grief:
- Reach out to friends, family, clergy, anyone who can give you comfort.
- Pay attention and be deeply honest with yourself about what you need to do and not do through this season of life. Be patient, kind, and compassionate with yourself.
- Take care of yourself. Grief expresses itself in many ways.
- Anticipate and plan ahead. Don’t wait for others to reach out.
- Make room for your grief and sadness. Cry as you need, feel the anger, and trust that you know what will help with the healing.
“Acceptance is not about liking a situation. It is about acknowledging all that has been lost and learning to live with the loss.” Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and David Kessler.
There is comfort in knowing you are a part of a caregiving army who can find strength in each other.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on the thoughts shared during last week’s interview with Tracy Crump. She expands on the concepts Tracy shared regarding advocacy and the important role it is for family caregivers. In addition, Rayna shares thoughts on the importance of honor and respect during your caring season.

Happy National Family Caregiver Month! Please visit www.aseasonofcaring.com and download your gifts, “Five R’s of Regret-Free Caregiving” and “Things To Do and Not To Do During Thanksgiving.”
Advocate for your needs too. Check-in and ask questions.
Always speak with respect and dignity to yourself, others, and the person you are caring for.
You are a bystander and need to decide if something your parent is doing is just different from your preference or if it is something that is going to hurt them.
Remember to respect your loved one’s privacy, both physically and emotionally.
Honoring your loved ones for who they were and still are can be an important part of the process.
Provide opportunities for them to do things that bring them joy.
Honoring and advocating can be a difficult balance beam to walk.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Tracy Crump. Tracy is an author and regular contributor to many well-known publications. She is best known for her input of more than 30 stories to Chicken Soup for the Soul. As a former nurse and family caregiver for both her parents, she uses her experience to encourage others who are in a season of caring to be advocates for their loved ones:

You do not have to be a nurse to do your research, and you do not have to be a social worker to speak up.
As caregivers, we know our loved ones better than anyone else.
It is important to stay with your loved ones while they are in the hospital.
Utilize medication lists and have a copy available.
Take notes so as not to have to rely on your memory.
Each team member has a different strength that they bring to the table to help make our loved one’s life better.
Find her book, “Health, Healing and Wholeness: Devotions of Hope in the Midst of Illness,” her other writings, and connect with Tracy through her site at www.TracyCrump.com.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on the thoughts shared during last week’s interview with Leslie McLeod. She expands on the concepts Leslie shared regarding relationships within families and how they affect the caregiving journey. Rayna sites several works to provide perspective on the various roles:

If you find yourself as the “hero”, feeling like you are the only one doing anything, let go and invite other family members to be a part of the season.
Watch for the “people pleaser” who is always willing to help but may not be taking care of themselves.
The “rebel” pops in and out and may step up, but then quickly moves on doing their own thing. It is best to draw them in and help them to realize they are an important part of the family and care team.
The role of bringing joy and spending time with your aging parent is a great fit for the “mascot or clown of the family”.
Shining a light on the value that the “quiet, withdrawn” family member brings can help them be a part of the team.
All you can do is invite members of the family and allow them to carry what they can.
Use the strength of the “switchboard” and let them be the one who gets the information out.
Wanting others to be happy is a trait of the “cheerleader.” They fill an important role throughout the caregiving season.
Do not rush the “thinker” and they will be able to research and provide logical conclusions.
The “rescuer” often tries to solve all the problems and carry the weight themselves.
There are strengths and weaknesses within each role. Allowing each person to grow and do what works best for them is the most helpful.
Do what you can to build bridges and find ways to support family members regardless of their role from the past.
Visit the show notes at www.aseasonofcaring.com/podcast and download a tip sheet on Navigating Relationships During Caregiving Season.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Leslie McLeod. Leslie is a writer, artist, mom, and co-owner of a technology company. From her experience with her siblings caring for their parents, she has developed a passion for building relationships among families with aging parents. She is currently writing a book to help families survive their season of caring without the added burden of preventable relationship damage. She shares the following insights and some tips from her “Do and Don’t” List:

For most, there is no precedent or preparation for the caring season.
There will be a resurgence of unresolved family-of-origin issues.
Grief impacts the process, not just at the end.
Communication is key. Check for meaning and understanding. Use body language as clues.
DO – Appoint a gatekeeper to disseminate medical information to everyone.
DO – Give your parent the last word whenever possible.
DO – Have one person manage the inheritance treasures process.
DO – Be proactive in assigning responsibilities.
DON'T – Exclude siblings completely.
DON’T - Divide into teams.
DON’T – Resist creative ideas from siblings.
DO – Self-care!
DO – Laugh through this sad, challenging season.
DON’T – Pass up a hug.
DO – Capture memories.
DO – Allow grace for all team members.
Keep updated regarding Leslie’s book on this topic at her site: www.lamcleod.com

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on the thoughts shared during last week’s interview with Deborah Bakti. She expands on the suggestions Deborah provided during their talk and in her book, “Now What?” regarding long-term care facilities for families:

Placement is needed when a person’s physical needs are to a point where the family cannot meet those needs, or the person cannot care for himself/herself and no one else is available.
Medicare/Medicaid eligibility varies from state to state and is determined through an assessment tool.
Assistance with a private pay placement is available through several national and local companies.
Be aware of and recognize changes so that you can start taking steps to make this difficult decision.
The #1 misconception about long-term care facilities is that your loved one will receive one-on-one care 24/7.
Another misconception is that you will be able to call and speak to a care team member right away.
Be familiar with the care plan, but also flexible.
It is okay to voice concerns using a kind manner.
Long-term care does not equal improvement or getting better.
Once the decision is made, understand that your role has changed, and you must give over the responsibility to the facility and the care team.
Find Deborah’s book on Amazon.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Deborah Bakti. From her experience on both sides of senior care, working in the industry, and being a caregiver for three of her family members, Deborah is on a mission to shift senior care from transactional to a more relational experience. She is the founder and president of the consulting firm THINK Breakthrough where she helps long-term care facilities with this change in approach. In addition, Deborah is a speaker and the author of two books with the latest titled, “Now What? Managing the Emotional Journey of Long Term Care for Families”. She shares the following insights on turning the caregiving journey into one that is meaningful and manageable for everyone:

- Moving a loved one to a long-term care facility is a significant life-changing moment, so it needs to be relational and not just transactional.
- ‘Admission Anxiety’ is felt on both sides. For the family, this relates to all the questions and uncertainty, but also the grief and guilt. For the care team at the facility, this relates to not knowing what the family is like and how they will be to work with.
- Learn the misconceptions regarding long-term care.
- Understand that grieving happens even when your loved one is still alive.
- Work to develop a ‘partners in care’ relationship with the facility.
- When making the difficult decision to move a loved one, grief and guilt go hand in hand.
- Research, learn and study while not in crisis. The more prepared you are, the easier it is going to be.
- To learn more about Deborah’s book to help prepare for the long-term care decision and that process of the caregiving journey, visit her website at www.deborahbakti.com.

Now What?: Managing the Emotional Journey of Long Term Care for Families

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on the thoughts shared during last week’s interview with Kathy Webster. She expands on the suggestions Kathy provided regarding exercise for the elderly and avoiding falls:

Exercise not only strengthens your heart and can trim your waist, but it can also slow the aging process on the cellular level.
Benefits of exercising for caregivers and aging seniors:
- Prevent disease
- Produce endorphins for improved mental health
- Decrease the risk of falls
- Gain strength
- Improve cognitive function
- Better sleep
- Healthier weight management
- More energy
- Positive impact on blood pressure
Ask, “How can I help my loved one continue to be as physically active as they can be?” Work on finding a way to get them there.
Find activities/exercises that you love.
Check out chair workout options.
Simple exercises from www.activbody.com
- Breathing
- Chairlift
- Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy
Exercise looks different in every season

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Kathy Webster. For over 35 years, Kathy has inspired and coached adults to embrace and engage in physical activity. After spending several years as an executive in the corporate wellness field, she launched ShipShape.

Now focused on her true passion, Kathy works one-on-one with older adults to stay safe and strong throughout their aging journey and to age in place within their home or environment of their choice. She shares the following insights:

Falls account for 25% of hospitalizations and over 40% of nursing home visits. Of those who survive a fall, 50% never return to their previous level of mobility or independence.
Three E Model for Fall Prevention:
- Evaluate
  - Physical and mental wellbeing
  - In-home safety assessments looking at trip hazards, preventing falls, and lighting
  - Care team
- Education
  - Wellness and wellbeing including nutrition and the normal aging process
- Elevate
  - Balance work, mobility, and weight transition
  - Learn how to fall, to get up, and to assess if injured
Incorporate music because it is fun and takes you back in time to a happy place.
Daily activities to help with balance/strength:
- Stand Up/Sit Down using a sturdy chair.
- Balance by shifting weight and picking up one foot at a time.
- Place one foot in front of the other, narrowing the stride, and work to get closer and closer to a tight rope position.
Do not think of it as exercise, but instead as simple movements done throughout the day.
To learn more about Kathy’s services, visit her website at www.shipshaperi.com.

September is National Self-Care Awareness Month and the podcast this week continues to discuss this important topic. Rayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on the thoughts shared during last week’s interview with Nicole Kalil. She expands on the suggestion Nicole provided regarding time management and reframing it to be choice management and learning how to make choices that will allow you to feel better about the job that you are doing:

Make an active choice to create a life that you love and that you are happy with.
Create time for rest and reflect. You will have to choose to do it.
When you have clarity around what is important to you, making choices with your time is easier and brings contentment to your life.
Create a personal manifesto to help make decisions with your time.
Get your free download of the core values review at www.aseasonofcaring.com/podcastvorevalues.
Incorporate pre-deciding to avoid decision fatigue and to be prepared for what is to come.
Recognize that your ‘yes’ has consequences.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Nicole Kalil. Nicole is a keynote speaker, coach, and podcaster. She spent most of her professional life with a large company where she became the first woman ever promoted to Chief Development Officer. Nicole has a passion for eliminating gender expectations and provides her insight into developing productive women within organizations. She speaks about how to win at work, at home, and as a team. Maintaining harmony and her different roles of mother, wife, and business owner is an ongoing challenge and time management, or what Nicole prefers to call choice management, is an increasingly important skill. She shares the following insights:

Time is fixed and neutral, and therefore we are not really managing time. Instead, we are managing the choices that we make with the time that we have.
You may not always have control in a situation, but you do have a choice of how you respond, what you do, and how you invest your time.
Think about the three E - F- F words related to getting things done:
- Effort
- Effectiveness
- Efficiency
Multitasking costs us time.
Instead of trying to achieve work/life balance, think about finding harmony.
Be fully present, engaged, and guilt-free, right where your feet are.
Remember that it is never as good as it looks from the outside looking in.

Happy National Self-Care Awareness Month! Rayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on the thoughts shared during last week’s interview with Jammie Johnson, The Caregivers Friend. This week Rayna expands on the suggestion Jammie provided regarding building your tribe or team:

To add to the care team, remember to just ask. Check with:
- extended family
- companion care companies
- church family
- personal care professionals
- volunteers
- senior centers
- day stays
What tasks are you not enjoying and how can you get those off your plate?
When asking for help, keep in mind the type of caregiver and what their services are. Ask questions and be clear as to what you are looking for.
To do this season well, you must have help.
Provide a list of tasks to equip the helper to be successful.
A variety of people will bring out different things in your loved one’s personality.
Visit www.caringquiz.com and take the Caring Quiz. Each member of the HOPE team has their strengths.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Jammie Johnson. Jammie is an academic advisor, motivational speaker, and certified caregiver. She founded The Caregivers Friend in hopes of helping others based on her experiences as a caregiver for her aunt and both of her parents. She enjoys life and encourages others to do the same. She provides the following insights:

Utilize Four Steps to keep your peace in your caring season:
Be flexible. Adjust and keep moving.
Use your resources. Find what is already out there vs. spending time researching on your own.
Commit to self-care. Identify the little things that work for you.
Build a tribe. You will be surprised at everyone willing to help if you ask.
Involve others by finding a task they are comfortable with or something they are already doing themselves (i.e., grocery shopping, washing clothes, running to the bank).
You have depended on your parents all your life. In the caregiving role, there is a shift where they depend on you and that is not comfortable.
Remember to have compassion for your loved one’s experience.
Balance is key for your work, family, and personal life.
Visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecaregivercrew and request to join the group to get the encouragement that you need from Jammie for your caregiving season.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on the thoughts shared during last week’s interview with Beth Suereth regarding caregiving during hospital stays. Although you might not be there right now, the odds are that a hospital stay will be part of your caregiving journey with your loved one. This week Rayna expands on the suggestions Beth provided:

Find out what the hospital’s regulations are related to COVID.
Know these three terms and be able to communicate with health care professionals the information related to them:
- Baseline
- ADL (Activities of Daily Life)
- HAD (Hospital Associated functional Decline)
Help your loved one to stay oriented during their hospital stay.
Watch for signs of Hospital Induced Delirium and take the necessary steps to intervene.
Bring items from home to personalize the room.
Discharge from a hospital stay can mean just that they do not require acute care any longer vs. they are fully recovered.
Find out what support is available to help you through the recovery stage.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on thoughts shared during last week’s interview with Nicole Dauz. Nicole has a great attitude about self-care and a good understanding of the necessity of it. She provided tips on how to normalize self-care and this week Rayna expands on those and adds more ways to embrace and think about self-care.

Think about what brings you joy!
Self-care is about meeting your own needs, so you must stop and ask daily, “What do I need?” and then find a way to act.
Think about who you need on your care team to help you find the time to take care of yourself.
Find friends and family who help you escape the reality of your caregiving and put you in a different place.
Check out the support available online.
You are doing your best and guilt is not solving the problem.
Make the shift to be in the moment.
Join the 5 Day/15 Minute Self-Care Challenge at ASeasonofCaring.com/selfcarechallenge. It starts on Monday, August 16th and runs through Friday, August 20th!

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Beth Suereth. Among her vast experience, several certifications, and many titles, Beth is a Certified Caregiving Consultant, educator, facilitator, and end of life doula. She is the founder and CEO of Caregiving Pathways. Her experience caring for her father prompted her to form this organization that helps others manage the hospital stays and end of life events of the caregiving journey. She provides the following insights:

During hospital stays, it is important to be there with your loved one. However, if restrictions prohibit visitors, establish a regular line of communication.
Know the difference between the procedures and processes available during weekdays vs. weekends.
Understand that you need to fit into the hospital personnel’s world vs. them fitting into yours. Learn to ask, “How can I make it easier for you to do your job?”
Keep a notebook in the room where all interactions with hospital personnel can be recorded and then later referenced. Keep questions to ask the nurses/doctors listed there as well.
Use the phrases, “I wonder if it is…” and “Can you help me understand?”
Communicate to doctors/nurses what is important to your loved one.
Visit https://www.caregivingpathways.com/the-hospital-stay for a free download.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Nicole Dauz. Nicole is a mother, caregiver coach, and self-care advocate. Based on her experiences, she provides her clients with the tools and strategies needed to shift from feeling stressed and overwhelmed to regaining control and feeling gratitude and joy. She provides the following insights on caregiver self-care:

Our bodies are always communicating, and we need to appreciate and understand that.
When you take care of yourself, it impacts you plus every role in your life.
A day has 1,440 minutes. Start by finding just 15 minutes to take time for yourself.
There is no right or wrong way to do self-care. You get to choose.
Do something for yourself daily.
Changes in the care routine can impact your self-care routine.
Emotions are letting us know how we feel, and we need to acknowledge that.
Choose happiness.
Ask, “How would love show up?”

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on thoughts shared during last week’s interview with Dr. Leslie Kasanoff.

The best self-care strategy is the one that you will actually use.
Pay attention to what has worked in the past and ensure you are still doing that.
Asking ‘What do I need?’ helps you to pay attention to what is required here and now.
Think about if you are hungry, angry, lonely, or tired.
Look over your schedule and build in rest. Set an appointment with yourself and keep it.
The key to exercise is getting the blood pumping.
Buy back your time to have an opportunity to do things that bring you joy.
Stop and smell the roses.
Accept your difficult feelings.
Take the free Self-Care quiz. Just text HOPE to 8 5 5 2 9 7 8 3 7 7.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Dr. Leslie Kasanoff. Leslie has spent her life in healthcare and recently has been combining her scientific knowledge with her holistic and nutrition expertise in health through coaching and consulting. She provides the following insights for caregivers:

Set an alarm clock for when the day ends and schedule self-care then.
Instead of working through lunch, take time to sit down, take 10 long breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth, and then eat.
Take a stretch break for 10 minutes each hour.
Eat fruit, vegetables, beans, and whole unprocessed grain to help your body function optimally.
Keep fresh, raw fruit on hand for snacks.
When eating more plant-based, you are eating foods that settle down hormones.
Consume grains in their natural form.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, discusses the departure from the podcast of her co-host, Karen Weaver, PCC, and reflects on thoughts shared during last week’s interview with Marty Stevens-Heebner.

Applause goes out to Karen to taking the step needed for right now. A big thank you to her for allowing us into her heart and life. Blessings to Karen as she continues her caregiving journey with her dad and her husband.
Consider what is the best next step. There are a lot of things you can do to help between “seeing some concerns” and “moving them out of the home”.
Work together to declutter long before a move. Have the conversation early and then take the step to schedule time.
Check your attitude.
Think about ways you can help them let go of items they are no longer using.
Bring like things together and evaluate which one(s) you love and which one(s) you can let go.
Take responsibility and move out your items that are stored in your parent’s home.
Make time to listen to the stories behind sentimental items. Sometimes it will work to take a picture and then release the item.
Look for the resources you can hire to help with this process.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Marty Stevens-Heebner. Marty is CEO of Clear Home Solutions. She created the company to help older adults and their families when their treasures, paperwork, and stuff get in the way of moving their lives forward. Marty was inspired to launch the company eight years ago after her experiences with her father and aunt. She provides the following insights:

It is always so much easier to organize somebody else’s stuff.
Start by identifying your absolute favorite, most useful things, and then figure out what else would be good.
The goal is to try to create the feeling of the home in the new, smaller home and make it a reflection of what they left behind.
Seeking help from move managers who are a neutral third-party can make the life-altering shift smoother.
Acknowledge that the move will not be easy and that there will be emotions for the person moving as well as the family members.
Break it down into steps like one drawer at a time or one hour at a time.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, and Karen Weaver, PCC, co-host, reflect on last week’s interview with Maureen Kures. Maureen shared her experiences helping others prepare for the end of the journey. Additional thoughts:

Discussing dying is uncomfortable, but gaining the understanding of what is needed can make it easier.
Start end-of-life conversations now.
Look at death as being a part of life vs. something separate.
Make sure everyone is on the same page with the person’s wishes.
Take time to prepare for the conversation including anticipating objections or pushback.
Find the answers for yourself and your loved ones (parents and children).

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Maureen Kures. Maureen has been a registered nurse for over 35 years and helps families as an End-of-Life Coach. Her passion is to assist them through facilitating decision-making, documentation, and discussions of end-of-life transitions. She draws from her vast experience from the bedside point of view, home care nurse, and family caregiver for her father. She has a big heart for caregivers and shares the following:

Having the conversations ahead of time can help you avoid making decisions leading from pure emotion.
End-of-life conversations should happen annually. Think of it as a gift and have it sometime during your birthday month. The biggest gift we can give is the gift of knowing.
There have been many improvements in comfort care. Stopping treatment does not mean stopping care.
Choose a health care agent who can honor your wishes no matter what.
Have the courage to start the conversations well before they are ever needed and bring everyone together as a family.
Everyone should take the time to have an end-of-life conversation with their physician letting them know their wishes and permitting them to follow them.
Visit www.startthetalknow.com to find “Speaking of Dying, Scare Ya to Death: Seven Prompts to Get the Conversation Started.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, and Karen Weaver, PCC, co-host, reflect on last week’s interview with Jane Daly. Jane shared her caregiving journey and how she learned grace during that time. Additional thoughts:

Learning to be a family caregiver can be a journey of spiritual growth if you allow it.
Embrace the fact that you need help sooner rather than later.
Look at the structure of your care team and if there is no one under you, then you are doing things that do not require you to do them.
Take the time to step back and ask, “What do I want this to look like?”.
It is not sustainable to give, give, give, and not have any time to recharge yourself.
“Should” is a dangerous word as it signals that you are not sure you want to take something on and can imply that you do not wholeheartedly embrace it.
Compassion fatigue is when you reach a point that you no longer have empathy for the other person because you have exhausted everything in your being.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Jane Daly. Jane is an award-winning author with two published books and two more in progress. She serves on multiple boards and regularly teaches writing at workshops and conferences. When she is not teaching, speaking, or practicing writing, she can be found in the financial district, where she is the Branch Officer at a bank. Jane cared for her parents and shares the following insights from her season:

We often slip into the caregiving role without realizing it.
Take a step back and remember that your parent may have lost his/her independence, but that does not mean they have lost their ability to make choices of things they want. Chocolate cake for breakfast is okay!
We need to learn grace and to be able to give ourselves grace too.
Grace can help with the guilt.
Part of self-care is knowing yourself and what rejuvenates you.
Do not hesitate to reach out to others for help. It is okay to let other people in.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, and Karen Weaver, PCC, co-host, continue discussing the remainder of Rayna’s book which was released on June 1st.

Stop frequently to ask questions that help you to reflect and then make decisions intentionally.
If something is not working, pivot and do something different.
Always keep looking until you find the thing that does work for you.
Self-care is really about the little habits that add up.
Being part of a community allows you to hear more options and to try other suggestions.
Create a personal manifesto to help evaluate your values which can guide you in making decisions and keeping priorities.
Reframing is the ability to take a situation, based on reality, and to put a different frame on it allowing the picture to change.
There is always hope!
Ask yourself, “What is needed to be able to create the experience that you need it to be?”
Purchase the book and then visit www.aseasonofcaring.com/community to sign up for a free opportunity to walk through No Regrets with Rayna.

No Regrets: Hope for Your Caregiving Season – Part 1

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, and Karen Weaver, PCC, co-host, take some time to discuss Rayna’s book available June 1, 2021 at all major retailers.

When considering types of care, explore all your options. Think, “What else could this look like?”
You must be willing to ask people for support.
It is important to find medical professionals who will listen and try to understand the struggle.
You want to be their advocate, their voice, and to fight for them, but you also want to know when it is time to let go.
Grief will be harder than you think.
Visit www.noregrets-book.com to find extra resources and to sign up for an opportunity to walk through the book with Rayna in a community-based setting.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, and Karen Weaver, PCC, co-host, take some time to reflect on Rayna’s caregiving journey with both of her parents who had Alzheimer’s. She also shares details on her book.

When memory is a concern, it is natural to think of the worst possible outcome.
Alzheimer’s impacts people differently and is not just memory problems. Mom struggled with:
- Visual processing that affected depth perception
- Losing verbal skills
- Hallucinating
When caregiving, help to do what is needed vs. trying to be their parent.
The difficult step of taking the keys away can be eased by providing rides and allowing the person to remain active. Seek out companies that provide this service or utilize ride shares.
Watch for charities taking advantage by asking over and over for donations.
Review plans every six months to ensure things are working well for all involved.
Helping to care for your parent can provide the opportunity of spending time together allowing you to enjoy them and have fun.
“No Regrets: Hope for Your Caregiving Season” is available now on e-book/ Kindle edition. The softcover will be available in all major retailers on June 1st.
Visit www.noregrets-book.com to find the retailers carrying the book and qualify for pre-order bonuses through May 31st. Also, you can visit the site and fill out a form and receive a signed copy as well as some additional free resources.
Not every story looks the same and no process is the perfect fit for every family. This is offered as an experience and an opportunity for you to think, ‘What could my outside the box solution look like?” It needs to look like what works for you and your family.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, and Karen Weaver, PCC, co-host, reflect on last week’s interview with Adrienne Glusman. Adrienne shared her experience as a young caregiver and how she now supports other Millennials in their caregiving season. Additional thoughts:

Regardless of age, we usually do not think about being a caregiver.
Sharing your story can be a support and help to other caregivers and help you find others like you.
Caregiving is something that can become a part of your life at any stage.
Those in the business world need to be aware of and consider how the caregiver role impacts their employees.
Raising awareness and being an advocate for caregivers helps everyone.
Sometimes it is necessary to pivot to find a job that provides the flexibility and freedom that you need to be available as a caregiver.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Adrienne Glusman. Adrienne is a professional speaker, ambassador, and advocate on the topic of Millennial Caregiving. She provides support to others through sharing her firsthand experience caring for her mother, Hetty, who passed away in 2020 after a 10-year battle with Parkinson’s/Multiple Systems Atrophy. She shares the following insights:

There can be social isolation for millennial caregivers as they do not have others their age to turn to for shared experiences.
As a millennial, it can be difficult to balance caregiving with trying to make it through college, establishing a career, or trying to date.
The number one growing group of people who are stepping into caregiving roles are millennials. It is important for everyone, including employers, to be aware of this group’s needs in caring for their loved ones.
Regardless of calling it carer, care partner, or care person, identify with the role, embrace it, seek support, and resources.
Once embraced, the role shifts your mindset, and you can accept the responsibility with all that it needs to bring to your life to live your own life and have joy and honor the person you are caring for.
Check out Instagram and Facebook under Millennial Caregiver to find and connect with Adrienne.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, and Karen Weaver, PCC, co-host, reflect on last week’s interview with Victoria Lowell. Victoria shared information regarding finances and their impact during the caregiving season. Additional thoughts:

When retiring early to care for a loved one, you need to consider lost wages. Also, the lost opportunity to contribute to social security and personal retirement plans.
Finding a side hustle can help with income, but also can provide stress relief helping you feel like you are adding value and that you have something of your own.
Understand the difference between health insurance, long-term care insurance, and Medicare/Medicaid.
Power of Attorney is only good while the person is living. Once they pass, then the will dictates the handling of the estate.
Medical Power of Attorney and Financial Power of Attorney can be separate documents or can be one comprehensive document.
It is important to have cash available and accessible at the time of the person’s passing as it can take time to liquidate funds and obtain a copy of the death certificate.
Check out Podcast #32 with Kira Reginaldo for additional tips.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Victoria Lowell. Victoria is a financial advisor, entrepreneur, podcaster, and motivational speaker. She is also the author of “Empower Your Worth: A Woman’s Guide to Increasing Self-worth and Net-worth.” Several years ago, she left Wall Street and followed her passion for helping women assert themselves financially. She shares the following insights:

Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance can help defray some of the costs associated with an illness that spans several years. Most younger people do not think about purchasing LTC Insurance, but it can be extremely expensive at older ages.
Not all LTC policies are created equal. Talk with someone who has purchased a policy and ask:
- What insurance do they have?
- Who are they using?
- How does the policy work?
- Are they happy with it?
When you prepare financially, you will have more care options and will be able to go where you want or get the help that you want.
Caretaker Penalty Box (i.e., Mommy Penalty Box) happens when anyone leaves the workforce to care for family members and represents the money lost in salary and retirement savings not accumulating towards social security credits, 401K plans, and IRAs. What to do to avoid the Penalty Box:
- Save!
- Plan for the gap in earnings
- Maximize contributions to 401K while working
- Find a side hustle to do from home
Decide who can make financial decisions for you and:
- Draw up a Financial Power of Attorney
- Provide instructions for all accounts and provide passwords
Have the financial and medical directive conversations with your parents so that their wishes are known to all family members making decisions easier.
Children should meet their parent’s financial advisor to develop a relationship allowing for an easier transition when their parent is no longer able to make decisions.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, and Karen Weaver, PCC, co-host, reflect on last week’s interview with Elizabeth Miller. Elizabeth, The Happy Healthy Caregiver, has a heart for caregivers and supports them through her many passions. She shares with others what she learned during her caregiving journey with both her parents and her brother. Additional thoughts:

Apply “happy and healthy” to both the person being cared for as well as the caregiver.
Use pre-decisions wherever possible to have less stress around making decisions in the moment, and you will have less decision fatigue as a result.
Think about all areas of self-care and what brings you joy. Write those things down and then implement them into your daily routine.
Have an open mindset to not only survive but thrive.
Help others see the value of caregiving through conversations. This allows them to know what it is like to care for aging loved ones and will lead to changes in how the caregiver role is perceived.
Remember the fun a little bit more!

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Elizabeth Miller. Elizabeth is a busy wife, mom, full-time employee, caregiver, and consultant. She helps other family caregivers through her consulting service, podcast, book, and support group. She is the author of ‘Just for You: A Daily Self-Care Journal’. She shares how to integrate self-care and other insights:

Integration - figuring out how to mesh it all together like a good soup.
You can be a great caregiver and you can also take care of yourself. It is not an either-or situation.
Self-care for caregivers looks different. It is using the 5 to 10 minutes you are given and maximizing your time.
Everybody else around you will be happier and healthier when you are happy and healthy.
Using a daily self-care journal can help get back to a daily intention and help shift your mindset.
There are many aspects of self-care (physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, and practical) and it helps to hit them all.
Find support from others in all types of interest groups.
Sprinkle some fun into your year with a ‘21 in 2021’ list of things you would like to do/learn. The list gives you permission to take time to accomplish these goals, have fun, and check it off!

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, and Karen Weaver, PCC, co-host, revisit last week’s interview with Stacy Johnston. Stacy is full of energy and has lots going on in her busy life including caring for her mother and step-father. Rayna and Karen discuss how to ensure a busy life doesn't lead to an empty cup. Additional thoughts discussed:

Remember to balance caregiver needs WITH the wants/needs of the one being cared for.
Be aware not to pour out beyond what you have and leave yourself with an empty cup.
How can you fill your cup? Ask:
- How am I doing?
- Am I empty?
- What do I need?
- What will it take right now to fill my cup?
Find some humor in the situation!
Putting on an “investigator hat” can help you figure out how to avoid triggers and prevent frustrations/stress from taking over.
Movement can help shift the situation for both the caregiver and the loved one.
Taking time to understand the person and their background while speaking to them in their language will resonate with their spirit and help the healing process.
You will not regret having conversations regarding their wishes as it will provide the assurance you need and confirmation that you are on the right track.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Stacey Johnston. Stacey has a varied background owning and operating a dance studio for 30 years and spending 11 years serving as a family services specialist. She is now a coach, consultant, speaker, trainer, and podcaster. Stacey is a caregiver for her mother and stepfather. She shares the following insights from her caregiving experience and her current passion for encouraging others:

Caregiving is a balancing act between what we want and what our loved one wants/needs.
Ask questions to help shift your loved one’s mindset from what they cannot do to what they can do.
Find your ‘dance partner’. The world deserves the best version of you!
You cannot give from an empty cup, so turn on your ‘light’, and things that you need to fill you up will come to you.
Letting go of control can be difficult for the person being cared for as well as for the caregiver.
Listen to “Everyday Heroes” for interviews with people from across the world who are doing great stuff serving other people and bringing hope.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, and Karen Weaver, PCC, co-host, discuss ways to support family caregivers as they revisit last week’s interview with Drew Brenner. While Drew cared for his mother, he was unable to find the resources he was seeking. As a result, he set out on a mission to create an organization to provide to other family caregivers what he felt was missing. Additional thoughts discussed:

Focus is often on the person being cared for with the caregiver’s needs unseen. Taking the time to ask questions can help determine what caregiver needs should be addressed:
- What types of support do you need?
- What is not getting done?
- What type of support will make a difference for you as a caregiver?
As a caregiver, it is important to find someone who will really listen, spend time with you, and have meaningful conversations.
Be direct and ask for exactly what is needed. This will allow others who have not walked the caregiver path to be helpful to you.
It is important to have conversations with someone else about what to do for the person you care for should something happen to you.
Make sure all members of your care team know where to find the emergency contact numbers for relatives, neighbors, doctors, etc.
Figure out your burnout signs and pay attention to them.
Thank you to all the family caregivers for doing the tough thing!

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Drew Brenner. Drew is the founder of the Kansas Caregiver Network, an organization that links caregivers with the support and resources they need. His ideas for this group grew from his personal caregiving experience with his mother. Unfortunately, between the time of this recording in late 2020 and today, she passed away. This episode is in memory of Drew’s, mom, Barbara Brenner.

As a family caregiver, you are not alone in this battle and sometimes you just need a voice, an ear to listen, a pat on the back, or someone to say, “You’re doing a great job.”
Family Caregiver Day, created by the Kansas Caregiver Network, is celebrated annually in December.
The “I Care For” Program is a free card for caregivers to carry that alerts others that this person is responsible for the care of someone else.
The Kansas Caregiver Network also provides a free Caregiver Bag containing a gait belt, gown, gloves, masks, and a journal.
When you clash with the person you are caring for, it is a sign that you need to take a step back:
- Go outside
- Take a breath
- Drive around the block
- Walk the dog
- Talk with someone
- Scream
- Find a respite program
Caregiver burnout is real and can happen to anyone. Learn the signs and then seek out the help and support that you need.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, and Karen Weaver, PCC, co-host, revisit last week’s interview with Aaron Blight who shared his insights from his personal family caregiving experience as well as his professional expertise in helping other caregivers and caregiver organizations. Additional thoughts discussed:

Although you cannot always prepare for the caregiving season, you can choose how you respond. Do you put your head in the sand and keep doing what you are doing, or do you find the experts, ask the questions, get the information you need?
It is important to identify as a caregiver and to maintain your hat/role as a daughter/son or wife/husband. Remember that you are stepping in to help meet their needs, not giving up your original role.
Take the time to pause, observe, and ask yourself what could have been done differently.
Take time to figure out your caregiving style. When you are not doing things within that area, you are probably building resentment.
Self-care is the small, everyday things that you do to address your needs to keep you healthy and at your best.
Having a team for your loved one helps you with self-care and helps you have time for reflection.
We need to find team members who are both competent and compassionate and we need to also find that in ourselves.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Dr. Aaron Blight. Dr. Blight is the author of “When Caregiving Calls: Guidance as You Care for a Parent, Spouse, or Aging Relative.” He is also the founder of a consulting firm dedicated to those who care for the aging population. In addition to his professional knowledge and expertise, he draws from his firsthand experience as a family caregiver for his mother-in-law. The following insights are shared:

A transition to family caregiver can happen suddenly due to an accident or unexpected diagnosis. However, it can also happen gradually over time as you begin to perform more and more tasks and eventually realize that the relationship has changed.
Although everyone has their own individual caregiver journey, there are common challenges and experiences that they all experience.
Caregiving by its very nature is reactive, but there are things that you can do that will make the situation better and easier for both you and your loved one.
Reflection questions can help the family caregiver to think about things that they would rather not and to apply examples from other’s situations to their own journey.
Two ways for family caregivers to get help:
- outsource tasks to provide needed respite
- self-care
Both are important so that you can be your best self and be effective in the caregiving role.
Participating in virtual family caregiver workshops can provide some anonymity and allow for some raw honesty to come through.
We pay for competent care, but we yearn for people who are mindful of our humanity and who can provide compassion and empathy as well.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, and Karen Weaver, PCC, co-host, reflect on last week’s interview with Catherine Hodder, Esq. who shared her estate planning expertise. Additional insights discussed:

By first completing your estate planning, you can frame the conversation by sharing your experience vs. just telling your parents what to do.
It is important to know that the person selected to serve as Medical Power of Attorney understands what you want, what is important to you, and that you can trust them to follow through with your wishes.
You have to keep revising your documents to make sure that they are as up-to-date as possible.
Asking questions is powerful and asking them in an ongoing conversation over time is critical.
A reality check can help because the finances may not always match up with the desires.
Having conversations ahead of time can help avoid the fights and items can go to people who will appreciate and value them.
Taking the time to create the binder of information can be the greatest gift that you give.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Catherine Hodder Esq. Catherine is an attorney and author of the bestseller, “Estate Planning for the Sandwich Generation: How to Help Your Parents and Protect Your Kids”. She began her law practice in banking, but after helping care for her dad and seeing how estate planning helped her family, she switched her focus when she went back into practice. She now lives in California where she writes articles to help members of the “Sandwich Generation”. Catherine shares the following advice:

Family members who do not reside in the same location can still play a vital role on the caregiving team.
‘Sandwich Generation’ refers to people generally in their thirties and forties who have young children they are still supporting, and they also have aging parents.
Start with getting your own house in order by obtaining a Financial Power of Attorney and a Medical Power of Attorney.
Due to HIPPA, you also need Power of Attorney documents, both medical and financial, for children 18 and older.
Documenting your end-of-life decisions is a gift because you take the burden off your loved ones.
Once your house is in order, you can then focus on what your parents need to have in place.
Asking for your parent’s advice on what you should do or for their opinion on situations affecting other friends and relatives is can open the door for further discussions.
Five necessary conversations to have with your aging parent(s):
- Financial
- Medical
- Living Arrangements When Aging
- End of Life
- Legacy
Do not have just one conversation, but instead make it ongoing.
Focus on getting the information that is important to your parent(s) without judging, negotiating, or influencing the situation.
Create a family binder of information to have everything in one place. Include legal documents, financial information, bank accounts, funeral arrangements, list of passwords, insurance policies, pension information, etc.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, and Karen Weaver, cohost, reflect on last week’s interview with Carlos Olivas III who shared his experience as the primary caregiver for his father. Additional insights discussed:

Take a minute to check out the Caring Quiz to find out exactly what kind of caring style you have.
During the caregiving season, you will need to let go of some things you thought were important to be able to embrace the season and allow it to bring about change and improvement.
Having the tough conversations allows you to have a true North reading for making decisions. However, do not be discouraged if your loved one is not receptive. Just be okay with doing the best you can.
Remember to have the tough conversations with your children so they are not left in the same difficult position.
Stepping in to help allows you to model for your children and makes an amazing statement to them.
You cannot put joy on hold!
Support groups can bring different people into your life that you will not find right outside your door in neighbors or even other family members.
You might think you can do it alone at first but somewhere along the line you will need support. And, you will need to find it in whatever way that works best for you.

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Carlos Olivas III. Carlos lived in Southern California where he was working a great job in live events doing production and design while raising his daughter. Life took a turn five years ago when he made the decision to move back to his childhood home to care for his father. As a result of his experience, he has developed a passion for research and educating himself about the Alzheimer’s experience. Carlos shares the following insights with everyone from his perspective as a primary caregiver:

The experience requires you to change and to look inward to adjust your ego, your attitude, and to become a better person.
The lifestyle change required is difficult because being able to go where you want and do what you want is no longer under your control.
Embracing change allows you to better approach the caregiving experience.
The research and education required to help your loved one allows you the opportunity to prepare for your future after your season of caring.
You are never too old to change!
Alzheimer’s is much more than just forgetting things.
Participating in/being a member of several caregiver support groups can be invaluable as you surround yourself with different types of people who are going through the same thing.
Breathing exercises/techniques can be beneficial in helping with self-control and relieving stress.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, and Karen Weaver, cohost, reflect on the interview with April McCollum. April shared her creative ideas for self-care and dealing with grief. One specific suggestion included the adult coloring book she authored. Additional insights discussed:

Having a tangible item in front of you brings the opportunity to think about grief and can help you move through it.
Taking time out to process your thoughts can help you identify when grief is at the center.
Document your loved one’s story as you go to show interest in them, to help them reminisce, and to ensure that you have the information before they are gone. StoryWorth.com
Caregiving for your loved one should not be a burden and when it starts to feel that way, take time to figure out what changes are needed to remove that feeling.
The caregiving season can be an opportunity to learn to really decide what is important.
Expectations can be helpful motivators. However, when set unrealistically, they can become a source of disappointment and frustration.
Great love brings great loss but also growth and great gains.
Check out the Caring Quiz to learn about your caring style and how to build teams to meet your needs during the caring season.
And, don’t forget to listen and then comment on this podcast post on our Facebook page to be eligible to win a coloring book from April!

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, interviews April McCallum. April focuses her passion for communication and creativity on writing, art, and advocacy projects. She has authored several inspirational coloring books for adults, one of which is titled “Reflections of Love: Coloring Book Therapy for Grief and Loss”. The following insights are shared:

We need moments when we can be mindful, relax, rest, and be with our thoughts to reflect on our relationships and the giving and taking of love.
Selfcare includes more than just taking a nap or a day off:
- Practice self-advocacy
- Find helpers whose passions can assist you
- Get a prayer partner
- Unload the burden
- Express your feelings
Do not major in the minors! The small stuff is not what you will remember when your loved one is gone.
Being right vs. being supportive in the way that your loved one needs.
Learn from the person you are caring for by documenting their personal story/history.
The risk of loving someone and then losing them is worth it.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, introduces her new cohost, Karen Weave, and they reflect on 2020 and what is to come for 2021.

Welcome, Karen! She is currently in a caregiving season helping both her dad and her husband. Listen to Karen’s story in last week’s reposted interview which was the #1 downloaded installment in 2020 for the A Season of Caring Podcast.

2020 helped us to evaluate what is important and to embrace what matters.
“No Regrets: Hope for Your Caregiving Season” will be released in June and is available now for preorder. Stay tuned as Rayna will be sharing specials for listeners.
There is no way to do what you need to do to support a loved one if you are suffering.
You do not know what self-care looks like or means if you do not ask the question and really understand what you need and how not having it impacts you.
Learn how to embrace all seasons of life by finding the joy in the suffering and recognizing the moments of blessing.
Hope is so important in the middle of the season. Remember there is hope, you will make it, and you can do it without regrets.
Opportunity to share your story in 2021.
COVID is not going to be over soon, so embrace doing things differently.
Legacy building is important, so pick up the camera and capture the treasured moments in pictures and videos.
The podcast hit 1,000 downloads! Thank you to the listeners. Take a moment to write a review so others will be able to find it too.

Encore Episode: #1 listened to podcast in 2020. Rayna Neises, A Season of Caring Podcast Host, interviews Karen Weaver, PCC coach, author, and caregiver. Karen will also become A Season of Caring Podcast Cohost in 2021. During their discussion, Karen shares about her 25+ years of being a caregiver:

Faith is extremely important to her journey.
Everyone has their own capacity. That is OK.
Self-care is a must.
Somethings that are important in Karen’s self-care routine.
Things will never be the same- embrace your new normal.
Let go of control-everything is not going to be perfect.
Learn from your season. Karen shares her story and many of the things she learns in her book Reaching Up for Comfort: Caregiver Experiences, Questions, and Prayers.

The #2 Top Listened to Episode in 2020 is Caregiving: The Hardest Right Thing
Rayna Neises, your host, interviews Diane Clark. She has served in various positions with the church for over 20 years where she has honed her gifts of serving and administration. She especially loves her roles as wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, but counts serving as a caregiver as one of her greatest privileges. Diane feels that experiencing death with someone is as beautiful and miraculous as seeing the birth of a baby. She shared the following recalling her caregiving experiences with her father and father-in-law:

Support from friends and family is so important and spending time with small children can help the elderly.
Getting outside help, even just once a week for two hours, allows you to just getaway.
There will be times when you say, “I can’t do this anymore.”
Caregiving is hard, builds your character, and has a greater impact on your life than you think.
Your loved one needs help, but it does not always have to be you.
What you are doing right now if irreplaceable and valuable beyond your understanding at the moment.
The caregiving journey is just as hard as you feel like it is but be encouraged that when you look back, you would do it again.

Rayna Neises, your host, interviews Kinsey Oglesby. Kinsey is a coach, speaker, blogger, and writer who seeks to help women heal after trauma. After a five-year journey with her mother, she adds an experienced caregiver to this impressive list of talents. And, although unexpectedly, her caregiving journey provided her the opportunity to heal from her own childhood trauma and develop a bonded relationship with her mother.

Approach uncomfortable situations during personal care with dignity and respect. Once the bridge is crossed, it becomes much easier.
Caregiving can build a kind of connection and bonding where they may have never been one before.
When the caregiver sees themselves as the arms and eyes and hands and feet of God, the journey can move from dutiful relating to Holy relating and restoration.
Caregiving is expensive, so it is best to plan.
Purchasing the best possible equipment and supplies is well worth the investment.
‘Call in the Calvary’ because caregiving cannot be done alone. If we don’t ask for help, we are denying others the opportunity to use their gifts and blessings.
Turn it over to Jesus and let him show you how to move forward through the caregiving journey.

Encore Episode

Rayna Neises, your host interviews Nancy Miller, Caregiver Survivor, and Grief Recovery Specialist. Grief is an everyday part of a caring season. Nancy and Rayna discuss:

what was most surprising to her about grief in the process of caring for her parents.
- the intensity of the grief
- the grief process was not a clean as the stages implied
the grief is different while caring and after your loved one has passed away
what others need to keep in mind about grief during their caring season
the role grief plays in caregiver burnout
recommendations of resources to process grief

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, interviews Eric Kolb. Eric, along with his
wife, Cheryl, cared for her mother. It was their love for singing and their
experience with caregiving that prompted them to create ‘Songs and Smiles’, a
nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those with Alzheimer’s to connect
with their joy-filled memories, as well as with their family, friends, and
communities. He provides the following insights on celebrating, connecting, and
applying this during the busy holiday season:

Fight back with joy by celebrating during the journey. Instead of skipping or canceling, you will be glad if you just make the necessary changes to do it differently.
Planning helps get everyone on the same page. Ask, “How can we put the loved one and the primary caregiver first?” Then, let the rest of the family adjust.
Assign a person to the loved one who can make sure that when they need it, they can take a break, have quiet time, go for a walk, or take a nap.
Consider spreading out activities over several days as much as possible.
One of the best ways to connect and celebrate is to sing together in groups and one-on-one.
Do not forget to take pictures as you create new memories!
Schedule phone calls with family as the loved one may recognize voices long after they can recognize faces.
Have family members send cards sharing memories that include the loved one.
During this busy time, it is even more important to embrace the moment, celebrate, and connect with your loved one. Be sure they are on the To-Do List and that they stay a priority.

Rayna Neises, your host, provides a special message in celebration of National Family Caregiver Month and Thanksgiving. She also shares some exciting announcements for 2021.

November is National Family Caregiving Month. Cheers to you all!
This time of year, we are especially thankful for the opportunity to serve and to create memories with our loved ones.
Although traditions change with time and circumstances, we can benefit from taking a moment to enjoy the blessing of the love and the food and the laughter that we have each year.
Our brains are wired to affirm our beliefs, so having an attitude of gratitude helps us to find the positive in our lives and to be thankful.
Change is part of life, so focusing on things that you can impact can help you from feeling overwhelmed, give you peace, and allow you to celebrate the season more joyfully.
A new co-host will be joining the podcast in 2021 as Aly steps away to focus on little Thea and motherhood.
‘No Regrets – Hope for Your Caregiving Season’ is available now for preorder and in stores in June 2021.
There is hope during this season of caring.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, and Aly Neises, RN, cohost, reflect on last week’s conversation with KC Schumacher. Choosing a day program adds trained members to the team and support for both the caregiver and the loved one. Additional insights shared on the benefits of these programs:

Participants at a day program are with others who face similar situations allowing expectations to lower, so they do not need to know everyone and everything and can relax and enjoy themselves.
Most day stays are very flexible (time of day/days of the week) and the staff will work with families to accommodate their schedules and needs.
Day programs are a cheaper option than one-on-one care and can help to keep your loved one living at home longer.
The human interaction experienced at a day program stimulates the brain and helps your loved one to stay engaged and involved allowing them to have a longer and more quality life.
Meal assistance can be another big plus for utilizing a day stay. Many will even accommodate special dietary needs.
Day programs can be an invaluable piece of the care team, so do not prejudge whether it is going to be a good fit. Just find one in your area and schedule a visit!

This week, Rayna Neises, your host, interviews KC Schumacher. Since before she graduated high school, KC has been working in the social services field. She is drawn to helping others and is passionate about caring for adults and supporting family caregivers through her current position at the adult day services at Catholic Charities. She provides the following insights on this important work and this option for caregivers and families:

Adult day programs cost much less than other alternatives.
Day services are an option for a loved one to do something during the day so the caregiver can work or just have respite time.
Adding the option of day services builds the caregiving team with trained staff who can provide another set of eyes to notice health changes.
The caregiver/loved one relationship is improved with time apart.
Since the loved one is active during the day, he/she will be more tired and potentially sleep better allowing everyone to get better rest.
Activities offered:
- memory exercises and trivia
- physical exercise or range of motion (chair yoga)
- arts and crafts
- board games
- bingo
- socializing
- outing to shop, eat or visit children in a daycare
Find a program:
- In Kansas – Dial 2 – 1 – 1
- Other – Google search adult daycare with your zip code

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, and Aly Neises, RN, cohost, reflect on last week’s conversation with Amy Rienow. As the mom of seven, Amy’s experiences in raising her children and the things that she has learned in that role translate to those who are caregiving for a parent or loved one. Additional insights shared:

Stepping back to look at the bigger picture can help gain perspective and see when things that seem like boulders are just pebbles.
Adjust standards and find what works for you . . . When constantly driving to reach the ideal, there is no joy and no happiness.
Ask the questions: “Are you happy?”; “Are you healthy?”; “Are they fed?”; “Are they loved?” . . . If you get yeses, then feel like you have done what you need to do.
It is normal to feel guilty from time to time and recognizing what is causing the guilt allows you to move forward.
We each bring different things to the person we are caring for, so it is important to have a team of different personalities.
Be a teachable expert:
- Learn from others and your own mistakes
- Be bendable and flexible
- Be a sponge to absorb and learn what you can
You are doing great and realize that what you are doing is important.

Rayna Neises, your host, interviews Amy Rienow. Amy is a wife and mother of seven. She and her husband, Rob, founded and lead Visionary Family Ministries created to help others live for Christ. She is also a licensed clinical professional counselor. Amy and Rayna relate the experiences of moms and caregivers and provide the following insights:

Perfectionism and making sure all the ducks are in a row is not going to be a source of peace.
Choose the things that must be there, that are most important to you, and then go with it.
You cannot create peace for everybody else and you cannot keep everybody else happy.
Do not let guilt rob you of joy and laughter.
Be the teachable expert.
You are the expert on the person who you are caring for and you need to own that.
Find what feeds you, make it a priority, and do it guilt-free.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, and Aly Neises, RN, cohost, reflect on the conversation with Diane Clark who shared how grateful she was to have been able to care for her father and her father-in-law. When thinking back, she would not change much about her journey, but she knows she should have taken more respite time for herself and wants others to ensure that they do. Additional insights discussed are:

A caregiver is only as good as the care that you give yourself
It is a joy and privilege to be able to care for the elderly and to be there to walk them all the way home
At times we think to care for our emotional and mental health, but it is equally as important to take care of our physical health
Monitor your physical health the same as you would in any high-stress job
Respite is taking time away, but it needs to be time spent decompressing and then being able to return to the caregiving situation with a new freshness
Options for Respite:
- Family
- Friends
- Neighbors
- Church
- College Students
- Teenagers
- Daycare
- Outside Agencies
- Areas of Aging Offices
- Companion Care
- Nursing Students
You are just as important as the person you are caring for

Rayna Neises, your host, interviews Diane Clark. She has served in various positions with the church for over 20 years where she has honed her gifts of serving and administration. She especially loves her roles as wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, but counts serving as a caregiver as one of her greatest privileges. She feels that experiencing death with someone is as beautiful and miraculous as seeing the birth of a baby. She shared the following recalling her caregiving experiences with her father and father-in-law:

Support from friends and family is so important and spending time with small children can help the elderly.
Getting outside help, even just once a week for two hours, allows you to just getaway.
There will be times when you say, “I can’t do this anymore.”
Caregiving is hard, builds your character, and has a greater impact on your life than you think.
Your loved one needs help, but it does not always have to be you.
What you are doing right now if irreplaceable and valuable beyond your understanding in the moment.
The caregiving journey is just as hard as you feel like it is, but be encouraged that when you look back, you would do it again.

Last week’s guest, Carolyn Miller Parr, shared from her book, Love’s Way, her experience related to families who did not have the tough conversations. Now, Rayna Neises, ACC, host, and Aly Neises, RN, cohost, continue discussing the invaluable information provided in Carolyn’s book and the importance of communicating, listening, and seeking a win-win during the season of caring.

Seven tips to consider for having a good conversation
Your parent has been making decisions for a long time . . . Just because you do not agree does not mean it is not the right decision for him/her
Consider what label or assumption you are viewing the situation through and ask if it is preventing a win-win solution
Seek to understand feelings and where the other person is coming from
We lose sight of the goal when we label, mind read, or fortune tell
Step back and look at the things you have said or done or are doing in those communications and try to break the pattern
Be willing to ask questions and truly hear where the other person is . . . do not just come in with all the answers
Use ‘I Statements’ to open up the communication
Value the relationship over winning to be able to have that relationship when the journey ends

Rayna Neises, your host, interviews Carolyn Miller Parr. Wife, mother, litigator, judge, family caregiver, and mediator are just a few of the many hats that Carolyn has worn in her 83 years. And, at the age of 74, she added author to that distinguished list. Her second book, Love’s Way: Living Peacefully With Your Family As Your Parents Age, is a valuable tool for seniors and their adult children. She shares the following insights with the hope that it helps families navigate the journey without disputes that end up in the courts or mediation:

Most disputes between adult children are regarding their parent’s care, their parent’s wishes, and the will; and the problems are solvable by talking!
Adult children worry most about their parent’s safety; Parents worry most about their autonomy
When there is resistance to a solution, reframe the question to involve everybody’s interests. Example: How can the parent stay in his/her house and be safe enough that the adult child will not worry?
When change is needed, ask lots of questions to find lots of solutions, then work for a win-win
Sources of conflict: old grudges; parental favoritism; lack of transparency regarding caregiving; not reviewing the will with everyone; failure to explain medical wishes to everyone; choosing the wrong person as power of attorney
Comes down to communication and having the difficult conversations . . . You just need to do it!
Four things parents and their adult children need to say to each other:
- I love you.
- Thank you.
- I forgive you.
- Please forgive me.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, and Aly Neises, RN, cohost, further discuss the topic of Advanced Directives which was started last week during the conversation with Kira Reginaldo. Additional thoughts/learnings:

Advanced Directive is the same as Living Will
Document should not look the same for a 30-year old compared to a 95-year-old’s
Important to have an honest conversation with whoever you are considering as your Power of Attorney (POA) . . . Can they make the tough decisions? Can they execute your wishes? Can they advocate to your doctors? Can they communicate well with family members?
As changes occur during the caregiving journey, reflect those in the Advanced Directive
Directions do not have to be black/white or all/nothing
When completing the document, be sure to work with the people who will be helping you
Additional suggestion: Video or record your wishes allowing your POA to hear your voice and have confidence in their decisions

Rayna Neises, your host, interviews Kira Reginato. Kira is a geriatric care manager who has helped the elderly and their families in a variety of settings. Her vast experience coupled with her entrepreneurial nature has allowed her to develop an app for family caregivers and to author a book that she recently updated and rereleased, Tips for Helping Your Aging Parents: (without Losing Your Mind). She has so many tools to help caregivers, but focuses in this interview on tips regarding Healthcare/Medical Directives:

An Advanced Directive is a healthcare document, a form, where you decide and record two important things:
- Power of Attorney – a person who you want to speak for you regarding medical decisions in the event you cannot
- Instructions – what you want and do not want regarding your specific healthcare wishes
Everyone over the age of 18 should complete an Advanced Directive before a health crisis
Addendums for COVID-19 are now available allowing you to specifically state what should and should not be done related to this illness
Choose a Power of Attorney who can speak up on your behalf to honor your wishes and the right choice might not always be the closest family member
Free forms are available . . . Just ensure you get the right one for your state
Once complete, keep a master copy of your Advanced Directive, post a copy on your refrigerator door and give a copy to:
- Power of Attorney
- Backup Agent
- Doctor
- Hospital
Another option is to get Kira’s app, Caring, which allows you to load documents on your phone and share them with everyone who needs a copy. Learn more https://callkira.com/the-caring-app/
As life and medical situations change, revisit your Advanced Directive to ensure it is updated

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, and Aly Neises, RN, cohost, reflect on the conversation with Karen Hafner who, along with her sister, cared for their father. Their family, like many, had a caregiving journey that lasted over several years, but then ended after a quick decline. Guidance for this final part of the caregiving journey is provided:

When on a long caregiving journey, the terminal diagnosis can easily be forgotten, and the caregiver/family can be shocked when the end arrives.
While in the day to day, caregivers can be lost in the details individually and not see the overall picture of the situation.
Sometimes the patient will be ready to move to the next step before the family which makes the end even more difficult to accept.
Hospice is the very end of the journey; regardless of the time in that phase, it is at the end . . . It is when care transitions from fighting to heal and get better to comfort and release.
Hospice nurses help guide families and loved ones; they help the patient to die with dignity and with peace.
Listen to your loved one’s cue, of which not all are physical; Watch for the light to be gone.
We do not know how long the journey will be or even exactly where we are at on the journey but being aware of the signs of the end can be helpful.
The end, letting go and saying goodbye, is part of the caregiving journey and deserves some thought now even though it is difficult.

Rayna Neises, your host, interviews Karen Hafner. Karen’s father died just over a year ago and she shared the following insights regarding her caregiving journey with him and her sister:

Even with strained/broken relationships, the opportunity to care for a parent can be a restorative time for everyone.
When caregiving with sibling(s), approaches may be different, but allowing each to do what is comfortable for them can yield a successful team.
Assess caregiver strengths and assign tasks accordingly.
Embrace the time as a family . . . Do things together that they love and celebrate with them as it will be a blessing for all.
Focus on you, your love for your parent, and what you can do instead of worrying about what everyone else is doing.
When the journey ends, it will be important to give yourself grace and know that your parent knew they were loved and cared for . . . They will not want you to second guess, beat yourself up, or have regret.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, and Aly Neises, RN, cohost, reflect on the conversation with Kelly Johnson who provided helpful tips for caregivers as they wear their advocacy hat while caring for a loved one. Additional insights shared:

Doctors and other medical professionals need all available information . . . Try writing a letter or sending a message before appointments to provide your perspective and avoid the uncomfortable situation of sharing in front of your loved one.
It is okay to ask questions and want more information . . . Just keep your loved one’s wishes at center focus.
Being a good advocate requires you to speak up in a respectful way.
Avoid getting wrapped up in your own emotions and feelings and ask, “Is this going to help with my loved one’s happiness or health?”
Recognize that as a caregiver, you are an advocate for your loved one and embracing that will allow you to be a guide in the process.
Advocate by doing research and talking to others with a different knowledge base.
Be an advocate vs. a bully by focusing on finding a win-win where perspective is shared, and understanding is gained.

Rayna Neises, your host, interviews Kelly Johnson. Kelly lives in Chicago where she serves as the Director of Adult Faith Formation at St. Mary’s of Gostyn Catholic church. She is also the co-developer of the Nourish for Caregivers curriculum. Kelly’s caregiving journey began several years ago when her young son was unexpectedly diagnosed with a brain tumor. Her experience formed her passion for providing resources and support for other caregivers.

Moving quickly through the “Why me?” phase allows you to focus and determine what is needed. You are then able to deal with what is right in front of you allowing you to move forward.
Advocating for your loved one is a vital skill of caregiving.
Working within the system and opening communication to find solutions is an important part of advocacy.
Avoid poking holes and finding problems - instead, work with those involved in your loved one’s care to help find solutions.
Remember to ask for help and prayers for not only your loved one but for you as the caregiver too.
Advocate for your loved one by showing and telling others who they are, what they love, and what makes them happy.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, and Aly Neises, RN, cohost, reflect on the conversation with Nancy Bouwens who provided a helpful analogy as she discussed her caregiving journey with her mother.

Caregiving can feel like juggling pumpkins – responsibilities come in all different shapes and sizes and it is exhausting to keep them all ‘up in the air’. Everyone is doing their best not to drop one and create a big mess!
We cannot juggle a lot of heavy pumpkins for long, so it helps to stop frequently and think about each pumpkin: Is it still important enough to keep juggling? Can it be switched out for a lighter pumpkin? Can it be handed off to someone else to juggle? Can it be set aside now and picked back up after the journey?
Feeling forgotten is common for the elderly so giving of your time, providing care, and offering encouragement helps to improve the quality of their lives.
Teamwork is a wonderful way to reduce the number of pumpkins and spouses are an important part of the team. Acknowledging their participation and working to value that relationship while caregiving is critical.
When a loved one insists that you must be the one to help them, approach with respect and kindness, but honor your own boundaries. You cannot juggle all the pumpkins all the time.
Asking for help is difficult . . . Avoid this by anticipating your loved ones' needs and offering solutions in a respectful, generous, and loving way that hopefully will not add more pumpkins.

Rayna Neises, your host, interviews Nancy Bouwens. Nancy is a writer, life coach, cancer survivor and caregiver. Nancy and her husband moved in with her aging mother and shares the following insights regarding her caregiving experience:

Simply spending time with your loved one lets them know that they are valuable, they matter, and they are loved.
Self-care is important and fills the bucket back up: taking a walk; reading; knitting; meeting friends at a restaurant or for coffee; feeding your creative side with new recipes, crafts, or activities you have not done in a while.
When your loved one gets down, just keep speaking life into them. Be encouraging and let them know that they matter . . . even if they do not receive it, there is power in your words!
Be mindful in each moment no matter the task and do not take anything for granted.
Nurturing and setting boundaries help to preserve all relationships involved . . . self, loved one, and significant other. It also allows for there to be strong, healthy relations once the caregiving journey is over.
Stay filled up and take care of yourself during the journey. When you sense burnout, be willing to take a step back, draw boundaries, and listen to yourself.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, and Aly Neises, RN, cohost, reflect on the conversation with Kinsey Oglesby who experienced an unexpected healing during her caregiving journey. Additional insights discussed are:

Even when there is a strained, difficult, or even non-existent relationship, the caregiver can still survive by shifting their heart.
Personal care situations are difficult for everyone and caregivers who show respect and explain what they are doing and how they are doing it will have an easier time. It truly is not at all about the caregiver; it is all about the loved one and helping them because they cannot help themselves.
A difficult relationship will not get better because the caregiver changes the person being cared for, but instead because the caregiver changes their perspective.
Think about trying things that seem impossible because they might not be. However, if the situation proves to be too difficult or toxic, think outside the box and find other solutions and ways to help. Being the day to day caregiver is not for everyone and that is okay!
Extend grace to all involved . . . Including yourself.
Ensure the approach to caregiving is not just from duty, but from the perspective of the heart.

Rayna Neises, your host, interviews Kinsey Oglesby. Kinsey is a coach, speaker, blogger, and writer who seeks to help women heal after trauma. After a five-year journey with her mother, she adds experienced caregiver to this impressive list of talents. And, although unexpectedly, her caregiving journey provided her the opportunity to heal from her own childhood trauma and develop a bonded relationship with her mother.

Approach uncomfortable situations during personal care with dignity and respect. Once the bridge is crossed, it becomes much easier.
Caregiving can build a kind of connection and bonding where they may have never been one before.
When the caregiver sees themselves as the arms and eyes and hands and feet of God, the journey can move from dutiful relating to Holy relating and restoration.
Caregiving is expensive, so it is best to plan.
Purchasing the best possible equipment and supplies is well worth the investment.
‘Call in the Calvary’ because caregiving cannot be done alone. If we don’t ask for help, we are denying others the opportunity to use their gifts and blessings.
Turn it over to Jesus and let him show you how to move forward through the caregiving journey.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, and Aly Neises, RN, cohost, recap Michele Howe's story and explore some of the stories from her book Caring for Our Aging Parents.

Don't be a hero, find your limits, and get help.
Learn from other's journeys so you don't have to learn from the school of hard knocks.
The story of Joe and Frank from Michele's book- how things come full circle.
Expose your children to older people to help them understand better. Learn to extend grace.
Children bring a unique joy to those we are caring for and for us.
Staying flexible is a must in caring for aging parents
Honor who they and where they are now
Balancing physical needs and relationships can be challenging

Rayna Neises, A Season of Caring Podcast Host, interviews Michele Howe. Michele is an author who has been a caregiver herself and wrote an inspiring book Caring for Our Aging Parents: Lessons on Love, Loss, and Letting Go. Michele shares wisdom from her own journey and for those she interviewed for her book.

Learn from each of your caregiving experiences by asking what went well and what did not
Some have the eyes and heart to see caregiving needs and others just don't
Most of the time there is just one person in a family that steps forward to meet the caregiving needs of a loved one
Find others who are further down the road to share their wisdom
Be on the lookout for unrealistic expectations
Don't try to be a hero- find your support
Let go of expectations of changing the person you are caring for
Spend time in self-care. Ask for help right away
Have the hard conversations about what you can and can't do
You are not alone. Find others to support you

Rayna and Aly explore family dynamics and the importance of finding peace in your caring season.

Finding your roles are important.
Your core values make a difference in how your season goes.
Family might not be your team members and that's OK.
Caregivers who have been there done that encourage you to build your team and take care of you too.
Take a deep breath when you are finding yourself feeling frantic.
Learn to find inner peace your way.
- mediation
- go on a walk
- journal
- exercise
- yoga
Caregiving has two sides- peacefilled moments and overwhelming emotions. Learn to flip the coin to the otherwise when you are on the negative side.
Identify the core values of your family and team to help you with the mission of caring in a way that is most important to you all. It will help you stay on the same page and keep the peace.

Get Your FREE Core Values and Caregiving Exercise

Rayna Neises, A Season of Caring Podcast Host, interviews Bosede Santos. Bosede cared for her mom during her mom's journey with cancer. She shares how her faith impacted her caring season.

It is a season that is always on the go.
Homeschooling advice- be willing to let others help and let them be as independent as possible.
What can be automated in your life?
Faith has always been apart of life.
Bosede experienced healing before so standing on it in her caregiving was natural.
Autopilot doesn't allow us to take care of ourselves.
Pace yourself in caregiving.
Learn to draw boundaries. You can still honor and respect your parents and have boundaries that allow you to call for a timeout.
It is most critical to find peace and then joy will come.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, and Aly Neises, RN, cohost, explores the emotions of caregiving, focusing on grief in response to Laura Beth DeHority's episode #18.

Processing emotions is crucial
Grief begins the day of diagnosis
Feel the feelings, figure out how to process them
Anticipatory grief is a part of caregiving
Grieving is healthy and it is different for everyone
The Mourner's Code by Dr. Allen Wolfelt
Remember to extend grace to yourself and others in grief

Caregiving is filled with many emotions. Rayna Neises, ACC, your host, talks with Laura Beth DeHority, a Licences Marriage and Family Therapist, who specializes in supporting caregivers. Emotions are a big part of caregiving but often a silent part. Laura Beth shares about the many emotions experienced by caregivers and what anticipatory grief looks like.

Primary Emotions:

Fear- of present, past, and future
Anger- the most passionate of the caregiver emotions
Guilt- caused by thoughts that you haven't done enough for your loved one
Doubt and Confusion- irrational thoughts that are the outgrowth of fear, powerlessness, overwhelm, and guilt.
Bargaining- a tool used to move past the guilt
Isolation and Abandonment- feeling all alone, though you aren't
Overwhelm- exhausted and lost the ability to ask for or receive help
Despair- sudden waves of pain, fear, and overwhelm
Crisis of Identity-feeling confused as to your purpose, your passion and who you are as a person
Resentment-a feeling of unfairness or irritation at the situation
Denial- avoiding the pain and disappointments involved in caregiving

Anticipatory Grief

The loss of hope due to the ramification
The stages are the same as other grief

Components of healthy grieving

Spiritual time
Physical activity
Focused/ productive time
Active playtime
Inactive downtime
Connection with supportive people

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, and Aly Neises, RN, is exploring more about child caregivers and boundaries in caregiving in response to my interview with Deborah Harlow.

There are 1.3 to 1.4 MILLION child caregivers today according to the National Alliance for Caregivers.
Navigating second-tier caregivers with boundaries is necessary.
Talk with children to help them understand their role as a second-tier caregiver.
Modeling family values and compassion will impact your children.
Without boundaries, we lose ourselves.
Honoring everyone's boundaries can be done with communication and compromise.
Boundaries are definitely an important part of not burning out in your caring season.
Keep your cup full so you have something to pour out.

Episode 16 Rayna Neises, your host, interviews Deborah Harlow. Deborah is a caregiver, coach, speaker, facilitator, and mentor who shares a unique perspective on creating sacred relationships in caregiving.

Caregiving has to be done communally, with communication and agreement
Learn to create the container of caregiving where it is good for all involved. No one getting lost in the role.
There are cycles in life- learn from each of them. There will always be a next season of caring.
Caregiving is a reciprocal relationship.
Seeing relationships as sacred you will be much more intentional.
Because the relationship is sacred you will lead with love and respect.
Don't do caregiving alone.
Speak your truth. Listen with love. Acknowledge other's journeys.

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, and Aly Neises, RN, cohost, talk more about the tricks of turning stuff into a legacy and handling a crisis from last week's podcast with Kathi Lipp.

More on helping your parent downsize their stuff.
Take the time to learn the story behind special items.
Understand each person will value different things.
Record the stories behind special pieces to save the true legacy.
5 Minute crisis conversation will help remove the panic.
Talk now can help avoid panic later.

Episode 14 Rayna Neises, A Season of Caring Podcast Host, interviews Kathi Lipp. Kathi is an author who is on a mission to help you have less clutter and more life. Kathi shares her wisdom in preparing caregivers to be Ready for Anything and deal with life's stuff.

People feel valued through their positions- ask to hear the story about the item to understand why it is so important to them
Helping aging parent near and far in uniquely necessary ways
Find your role in the caring team
Have fun with a 5-minute plan conversation before the crisis hits

Rayna Neises, ACC, host, and Aly Neises, RN, cohost, dig dipper into the interview with Karen Weaver. Sharing more tips on caring for you and them all the way to the end.

Provide care with dignity.
More about Karen's book Reaching Up for Comfort
Nurturing your soul is a must- What does that look like for you?
Staying in your lane as a caregiver.
Establish the main goal to filter everything through- My filter was happy and healthy as long as possible.
Pick your battles.
Changing the environment to avoid triggers.
Accepting change, grieve it, and then learn to move toward a new normal.
A Challenge to care for you and them all the way home.

Rayna Neises, A Season of Caring Podcast Host interviews Karen Weaver, PCC Coach and Caregiver. During their discussion, Karen shares about her 25+ years of being a caregiver:

Faith is extremely important to her journey.
Everyone has their own capacity. That is ok.
Self-care is a must.
Somethings that are important in her self-care routine.
Things will never be the same- embrace your new normal.
Let go of control-Everything is not going to be perfect.
Learn from your season. Karen shares her story and many of the things she learns in her book Reaching Up for Comfort: Caregiver Experiences, Questions, and Prayers.

Rayna Neises, ACC and Aly Neises, RN, explore different avenues of support for Alzheimer's families and other caregivers. There are many opportunities for support in a variety of different avenues.

Local Department of Aging, search your county agencies to find the location near you.
Support Groups are offered by many different organizations. Alz.org, cancer.org, ALSA.org, and defeatdiabetes.org
Get the team in place
See the world through the eyes of your loved one
A certified coach can come alongside you and help you process all the challenges in this season
Gerontologist can be a great addition to your team
Alzheimer's Association and their services- Research, Trial Match, 1-800 24/7 Hotline
You don't have to do this alone.

Rayna Neises, A Season of Caring Podcast Host interviews Kathy Adkins, who supports families caring for a loved one with dementia. In this interview Kathy shares what you might need to know about:

The demands of caring
The kinds of support out there
How to find the help you need
Avoiding developing dementia yourself
The financial impact of the disease

Rayna Neises, Host and Aly Neises, CoHost continue the conversation around what Deb Kelsey-Davis shared about taking what you have learned in past caring to adjust to the unique season of Coronavirus.

Use the tool chest you have created caregiving to find a new normal now.
It's OK to still have needs in this unique season.
Be present. It will help you create special memories.
Cherished memories are the little things in life.
Ask questions of your loved one to check in on how they are feeling about this crazy time
Keep taking care of yourself.

Host, Rayna Neises, visits with Deb Kelsey-Davis the cofounder of Nourish for Caregivers and Sagacity.care. Deb has spent her whole life as a caregiver in different forms. She shares her experiences and wisdom in today's episode:

Don't put on a superhero cape and expect to do it all
How prayer can be instrumental in a Caring Season
Using the lessons of caregiving to handle the frenzy of the Corona Virus
Your No can equal a Yes for someone else which can be a blessing for them
Allowing others to share in the journey benefits your loved one
Bringing humor into the tough stuff helps to lighten the load
Nourish for Family Givers is offering online support groups, learn more at Nourishforcaregivers.com
Caregiving is never perfect but you can get better each day

Visit www.NourishforCaregivers.com to learn more about the FREE online support group meetings.
Sagacity.care- Where they provide solutions that empower consumers, patients and their caregivers to partner more effectively with their health care providers.

Rayna Neises, your host shares heartfelt concern for family caregivers in this crazy season and 3 Tips for This Unique Season:
1. Know that fear is normal. We are hardwired to fear when we are in danger.
2. Limit your intake of media. Stay up to date but don't let it overwhelm you.
3. Stay connected. Find the support you need.
Rayna also extends an invitation to spend 30 minutes unpacking where you are and how you are feeling about the crazy. Schedule your no-obligation time today at www.aseasonofcaring.com/let's-talk and join others who are in this same season for A Season of Caring Chat. Find a time that works for you at Sign UP NOW!

Rayna Neises, ACC and Aly Neises, RN recap the interview with Deb Kalmbach about marriage and caregiving. Sharing experience and insights:

Take time to ask your spouse how they are and how they feel regularly
Prioritize your spouse and your marriage
A supportive spouse can look different
Do the little things to connect daily
Share the peaks and the pits of your day
How are you nurturing your marriage in the caregiving season?

Deb Kalmbach has experienced multiple seasons of caring during her marriage. She and Rayna discuss her experiences and how to make it better each time. On this episode you will hear Deb discuss:

What teamwork meant to her during her caring seasons
How a spouse can be helpful and encouraging during the season
Regular routines and getting outside help will keep the marriage stronger
As a caregiver, you must consider the person left behind
You also have to ask for help

Rayna and Aly continue the discussion on creating healthy habits while in your Caring Season.

Exploring how to create healthy habits and what they can give you in your caring season:

A habit is created one good choice at a time
Routine helps to build habits
Ideas of things to use as anchors for new habits
Creating Gratitude as a habit
How all or nothing thinking impacts our caring season
Grace is an important part of successfully creating habits

Ginger Hill, wellness professional shares important, practical healthy habit tips for those in a caring season with host Rayna Neises. Here are the tips discussed

Implementing daily habits to reach goals
Using anchoring habits to increase success
Verbalizing realistic expectations to help with staying healthy
Avoiding all or nothing thinking

Rayna and Aly continue the discussion on grief from our interview with Nancy Miller. Exploring their experiences with grief and burnout:

Everyday caring grief and after the loss grief
Grief differences in losing different parents
Talking to your parent about their death
Being intentional with preventing burnout through short breaks, prayer, and small moments to catch your breath

Grief is an everyday part of a caring season. Nancy Miller, Caregiver Survivor and Grief Recovery specialist discusses~

what was most surprising to her about grief in the process of caring for her parents.
- the intensity of the grief
- the grief process was not a clean as the stages implied
comparing the grief while caring and after they have passed away
what others need to keep in mind about grief during their caring season
the role grief plays in caregiver burnout
finally, recommended resources to deal with grief