Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

In this episode, we welcome Jean Lee, author of the memoir Alzheimer's Daughter. Jean opens up about her emotional journey of caring for both her parents as they battled Alzheimer's in their 80s. As a third-grade teacher, she noticed their health and abilities declining and, along with her sister, faced the tough task of convincing them to transition from their home to assisted living fa...

In this episode of the Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver podcast, we have a heart-to-heart conversation with Barry Jacobs. Barry is a clinical psychologist, family therapist, and a principal for a national healthcare consulting firm. He shares his personal experiences as a caregiver for his father and stepfather, both of whom suffered from severe illnesses. This touching journey explores family...

Kitty Norton, the fearless filmmaker behind the thought-provoking documentary "Wine, Women, and Dementia," embarked on a life-altering journey as a dementia caregiver. With resilience and grace, she found herself thrust into this role, initially unaware of the subtle behavioral changes in her mother that indicated the onset of dementia. This unexpected twist profoundly reshaped Kitty&apo...

Allison Breininger, an experienced educator with an MA in Education, took on a new role at 31: caregiver for her husband, Sean, who was diagnosed with the rare genetic disease Fanconi Anemia. Throughout the past eleven years, she supported him through a bone marrow transplant and various cancers. This journey made Allison realize the lack of support for caregivers, leading her to establish the non...

Richard Lui is an accomplished American news anchor, journalist, speaker, and our guest this week! With a career spanning over three decades and notable contributions to humanitarian reporting and the film industry, Richard offered valuable insights drawn from his personal experience as a caregiver for both his parents. We discussed the evolving role of caregivers, the importance of open dialogue...

Vantage Point Foundation (VPF) is a nonprofit organization serving post-9/11 veterans and veterans’ spouses and partners across South Carolina as they transition out of military service. VPF believes that three things are necessary to fully reintegrate into civilian life: Community, Growth, and Purpose. We also think that spouses and partners are often overlooked and that providing both veterans a...

In the blink of an eye, Jessica Allen's life changed forever. One phone call, one moment, threw her into a role she never expected - that of a military caregiver when her husband was injured in Afghanistan. As she navigated this new life and family situation, Jessica demonstrated resilience and strength, using humor as a coping mechanism during the emotional upheaval. All the while, she worke...

Amy Goyer is AARP's national family and caregiving expert and a returning guest on the show. Her caregiving journey, which began when she was just 21, can be found in episode 22 of the podcast. With her extensive experience and expertise in aging and families, including caregiving, grandparenting, and multi-generational issues, she has become a trusted figure in the field.  Enhancing the qual...

It was just another day browsing the fishing aisle at a local Walmart when Kasey Kelly had a  chance encounter that led her on a path of strength, sacrifice, and love. She opens up about her husband's deployment and his traumatic brain injury, shedding light on the challenges faced by caregivers in the military community. As a military spouse, she braves the stormy waters of TBI caregiving, b...

The Elizabeth Dole Foundation is the preeminent organization empowering, supporting, and honoring our nation’s 5.5 million military caregivers; the spouses, parents, family members, and friends who care for America’s wounded, ill, or injured veterans.  Founded by Senator Elizabeth Dole in 2012, the Foundation adopts a comprehensive approach in its advocacy, working with leaders in the public, priv...

Amy Buschatz's caregiver journey began when her husband, Luke, faced a life-altering traumatic brain injury (TBI) and PTSD during his Army Airborne Ranger deployment in 2009. In 2016, Amy and Luke knew something had to change.  They made a radical reset and moved the family to Alaska (sight unseen) to support Luke on his healing journey.  Little did she realize healing would come for the enti...

Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) began in 2003 as a small, grassroots effort providing simple care and comfort items to the hospital bedsides of the first wounded service members returning home from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. As their post-service needs evolved, so have our programs and services . Today, through our direct programs in mental health , career counseling , and long-term reha...

Pam and Mike Estes are military caregivers with an extraordinary story of dedication and resilience. At age 19, their son Jason, a brave veteran, faced severe challenges with a traumatic brain injury and burns during his service in Iraq. From the life-altering phone call that started it all, Pam and Mike's journey has been marked by their strength and determination, all while navigating the c...

Dr. Colleen Richardson serves as the Executive Director (ED) of the Caregiver Support Program (CSP), Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Dr. Richardson is the principal advisor for the Caregiver Support Program, which provides resources and education to Veterans and their Caregivers. Dr. Richardson is currently responsible for the national implementation and oversight of two national programs an...

Struggling to find home health services for his father, Lance A. Slatton sheds light on many caregivers' challenges. The staff shortage makes it even harder to find suitable care, causing unnecessary stress. Home health services are vital for caregivers but are often overlooked or not fully provided, adding to the burden. Just when Lance thought he was getting closer to finding help, a sudden...

Fisher House Foundation is best known for its network of nearly 100 comfort homes where military and veteran families can stay at no cost while a loved one receives treatment.  These homes are located at major military and VA medical facilities nationwide and in Europe, close to the medical facilities they serve. Fisher Houses have up to 21 suites with private bedrooms and baths.  Families share a...

Helen Bauer, a certified hospice and palliative care nurse, has extensive experience navigating the complexities of end-of-life care. As her husband's aunt's medical power of attorney, Helen confronted her fears and strived to honor her wishes without preparation and support. Now, she shares invaluable insights and strategies to help you provide optimal care and effectively plan for your...

Robert and Desiree Pardi were living a life many dream of - where their dreams were their daily reality. But then, the unexpected happened - a lump, a sharp pain, a diagnosis that shook their world. They found themselves in uncharted territory, steering through uncertainty. They didn't realize it then, but this unexpected twist was about to teach them a profound lesson and reshape their path....

Caregiving for parents with dementia, Louise Thompson's journey was filled with challenges and sacrifices. From the initial denial to the determination to keep her father at home, Louise and her brother did everything they could to support their parents. But an unexpected turn of events would push Louise to her limits, testing her strength and resilience in unimaginable ways. Find out how one...

Life often throws us curveballs, and Lori Lemasters knows this all too well. She was adept at navigating life's storms, but when her mother suffered a sudden stroke, it took her into a new territory. Lori faced a tough decision, balancing cultural expectations and personal commitments. Her choice had far-reaching effects, marking a pivotal point in her journey as a caregiver. It's a stor...

Cindy Sim found herself in the role of a caregiver quite unexpectedly when her daughter was born prematurely. This journey introduced her to a world of vulnerability, pain, joy, and deep connections. It was a challenging path, filled with societal expectations and emotional exhaustion, but it also taught her the importance of self-care and understanding. Taking these lessons to heart, Cindy founde...

In 2020, registered nurse Carla Yorro found herself in the midst of a global health crisis. Her professional role put her right on the frontline, and unexpectedly, she also had to face personal challenges related to the pandemic. Her story gives a clear picture of how she navigated through these difficult times, learning to trust her instincts. Carla, from Florida, not only worked in one of the ar...

In a world where caregiving often consumes every aspect of one's life, three sisters, Jen, Jamie, and Jesse, found themselves on an extraordinary journey. Their collective responsibility? Caring for their differently-abled brother, Matt. As they navigated the complex dance of love and duty, something unexpected happened that would forever change their lives. This is a story of resilience, sac...

Dr. Cleo Booker courageously speaks up about the challenges of caregiving and the impact of substance use in a community where mental illness is often misunderstood and silenced. But, something happens that makes her question her beliefs and leaves her questioning everything she thought she knew. Find out what happens when the truth comes to light in this week’s episode.  Dr. Cleo Booker has a dee...

Jordan Peace's life story is marked by resilience and a testament to the power of empathy. At just ten years old, Jordan faced the harsh reality of cancer when his mother was diagnosed. However, instead of allowing the illness to define their lives, his mother's strength created a nurturing environment focused on love and family. This experience profoundly shaped Jordan, making him acute...