Hope for the Caregiver

From June 8, 2019 on American Family Radio, this episode features an important safety/fraud tip ...along with moving calls such as Paul- who is dying of cancer and wants to better care for his wife through this process. 

There's nothing quite like having a faucet on a bathtub break ...at 10:45 PM and watching hot water pouring uncontrollably. Such was the case at my house the other night. Yet, it turned out to be a memorable experience in another way ...when the plumber who arrived model and amazing attitude and care.  That's why I'm a member of the Happy Hiller Club! 

As caregivers, we need to lighten up ...it's just a fact. We often daily see  serious, painful, and heartbreaking things, and we certainly cry enough tears ...but do we laugh? Sadly, many of us don't ...and won't without a bit of help. I've always loved stand up comics, and one of my favorites is  Jeff Allen . From the moment I heard his voice, delivery, and act ...I was hooked!  He's on a new tou...

During dark and difficult times, my pastor stood by me and my family. Shepherding us, he helped us work tough things, heal, and take on new roles such as this radio show. Jim Bachmann's ministry in our lives helped us launch Standing With Hope's prosthetic limb outreach in West Africa as well as our family caregiver outreach.   Jim reflects on his nearly forty years as a minister and things he lea...

David from Ohio called the show with deep emotion as he struggled caring for his son who is on the autism spectrum.  At thirteen, David's son is a handful ...and David broke down trying to wrap his mind around getting his son through to adulthood.  We discussed this and took the conversation into a path he didn't expect: the relationship between David and his wife ...as well as an important self-d...

How would you feel if your adult child (30+) lived at home with debilitating migraines? Caller from Mississippi shared her frustration at her daughter's challenges ...and behaviors. From what she describes in this call, the problem has expanded to addiction and other behavior issues.  Caregivers can easily fall into the trap of enablers. Lost in what I call the FOG of caregivers (Fear Obligation G...

This episode of HOPE FOR THE CAREGIVER  was filled with phone calls of caregiving mothers....starting with a mom of an adult child with chronic migraines who is also addicted to pain killer. We also had another mother in the last stages of caring for her son with cancer, and another single mom caring for two adult sons with autism. And the calls just kept coming.  Hope for the Caregiver is committ...

As caregivers, we know the journey is tough. We're used to that. But it doesn't have to be crazy!  Yet the isolation of caregivers can take us down dangerous paths. HOPE FOR THE CAREGIVER is committed to punching through that isolation and giving caregivers a fighting chance against the craziness that can overtake us. This clip identifies what a path to safety looks like for caregivers. Share it w...

"How can you laugh through what you all live through!?" Peter Rosenberger often hears that question when people learn of his 33 year journey as a caregiver for his wife,  Gracie , who lives with severe disabilities. (80+ operations including the amputation of both legs). Yet, both Peter and Gracie draw hope from their deep faith which strengthens their hearts and their sense of humor. Peter's week...

Kenneth C. Haugk, Ph. D., a clinical psychologist and pastor, is founder and Executive Director of Stephen Ministries. He is the author of Journeying through Grief, Christian Caregiving—a Way of Life, Cancer—Now What?, and many other books and courses in the areas of caring and relating, assertiveness, spiritual gifts, conflict resolution, and leadership. He received the National Samaritan Award f...

Hope for the Caregiver is the family caregiver outreach of Standing With Hope.  "For the Wounded ...and Those Who Care for Them."

"We caregivers are often one broken leg away from this thing turning into a Greek Tragedy."  Life insurance is a big part of our journey as caregivers, but what about if something happens to us that compromises our ability to serve as caregivers?  Can we make that life insurance policy work for us while we serve as caregivers?   Jerry Garrett  (855)-422-1522 called the show to discuss AFFORDABLE o...

As a caregiver for more than 30 years through an ongoing medical nightmare, I can confidently state that I'm familiar with stress.  But what does that relentless stress do the human body? We've discussed Gracie's dramatic recovery using natural products, but what about mine. Today, Mark Harris joined me to talk about MY health. Mark is part of a group that has worked with Gracie and me for two yea...

Joni Eareckson Tada and Gracie Rosenberger bring a powerful performance of the this classic Gaither song, Because He Lives. Download this Song in Itunes Download this Song at Amazon  

Caller from Oklahoma shares his journey as a caregiver and how he's learned to humbly approach those who suffer.  "I understand when NOT to cite Romans 8:28"  As powerful, true, and meaningful as this verse is, knowing WHEN to speak it to people in trauma is a sign of wisdom and humility as we recognize the magnitude of others' pain. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who...

According to every study I've seen, the aging and mortality rate is still locked in at 100%. Yet, with all that certainty …we caregivers often shy away from the conversation about death and what to do about the funeral. In light of that, we reached out to the National Funeral Directors Association  for some help in starting the conversation.  Randy Anderson from the NFDA joined our show to discuss...

Tammy in Tennessee called the show to share about her 25 year journey through autism with her daughter, Morgan.  Offering exceptional wisdom and tips for fellow parents as well as those in churches seeking to care for families with special needs, Tammy humbly brings a wealth of insights in this call. According to Tammy, reaching out families living with autism doesn't just involve patience with th...

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.  Galatians 6:2  It's difficult to bear one another's burdens if we don't know them or see them. Today's show includes three core issues to watch for family caregivers.  Plus great callers including Tammy from Tennessee discussing her journey as a caregiver for her 25-year-old daughter with autism. 

Tammy in Texas shared her frustration and discomfort with a caregiving situation involving her mother-in-law. Despite the family wanting to help, her sister-in-law kept tight control of the caregiving tasks, but would then find time to complain about it. The family struggled with how to get along in this situation. To Tammy's surprise, I offered a suggestion that caught her off guard ...and renewe...

Morning Pointe Senior Living and Memory Care Centers have a wonderful program that allows Caregivers to take a much needed break without a long term commitment.  Maybe it's to go out of town for a special event like a wedding or graduation, but your loved one needs a safe place to stay.  Meds?  No Problem! Special physical needs?  No Problem! Dietary needs?  Not even close to being a problem Lori...

On the day of her diagnosis, Carlen Maddux  shared on HOPE FOR THE CAREGIVER that the world he and his wife enjoyed wasn't just turned upside down, "...it imploded."  At only 50, Martha Maddux never dreamed alzheimer's disease would invade her very active and accomplished world. That doctor visit in 1997 changed everything and set Carlen's feet on a path of grief, heartbreak, discovery, faith, and...

All too many caregivers live in the wreckage of our future ...and we work ourselves into all sorts of heartache over things that haven't even happened.  Such is the case with this caller, Lisa. Like so many of us, Lisa tortured herself with looking down the road and visualize what lies ahead for her as she cares for her husband. She called crying ...but listen to the transformation. We had to go t...

Audio excerpt of Peter Rosenberger's book, HOPE FOR THE CAREGIVER.  This chapter is titled THE DELTA DOCTRINE. This simple directive heard on a flight "Put Your Mask on First" is the best directive for caregivers, but what does that look like? This chapter helps caregivers change the way they think about their own needs and how they relate to a loved one. 

US Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee called the show to discuss broadband in rural areas of Tennessee and the country. Access to broadband creates more opportunities for tele-health, education, and many other applications affecting the family caregiver.  For example, in the picture above, Senator Blackburn and I were giving an interview at the US Capitol in DC.  Just prior to that interview, I...

Author, nurse, and dementia care expert, Tracey Maxfield (  www.traceymaxfield.com  ), shared her very personal and difficult journey through depression. Giving warning signs and helping others - particularly caregivers - respect the stress that's on them that can take them into dark places, Tracey points to the path of safety for those suffering from depression.