Hope for the Caregiver

Approximately 1.7 million each year sustain a traumatic brain injury. Superstar snowboarder, Kevin Pearce, suffered one on a practice run preparing for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Kevin, along with his brother, Adam, called the show to discuss their story and their new mission. I was on this super clear path to be a professional snowboarder, and to be one of the best in the world. — Kevin Pearce   O...

For more than twenty years, Elizabeth Moss, CEO of Caregivers By WholeCare , has provided exceptional care to families in Middle Tennessee.  With her background as a nurse, Elizabeth understands first hand from a professional viewpoint the need.  From her own journey, she understands the personal need for quality caregivers to help families in need. A champion for families facing difficulties in c...

"My Mind Is A Dangerous Neighborhood to Walk in Unaccompanied!" Physical Isolation is one of the most challenging issues Caregivers face, but our thoughts become isolated, as well.  In those lonely moments, our minds can play tricks on us, and take us down dark roads.  Like a pilot flying through clouds without looking at instruments, we can quickly become disoriented.  In those moments, we need e...

Caregiver Stewardship instead Obligation "I've Got To," "I need to," "I have to."  These are all statements made by all caregivers at some point, and, sadly, all too frequently.  The feeling of obligation drives us to push ourselves to dangerous stress levels for our health, finances, and emotional stability.  The way we can push back is to recognize that we don't own the problem.  We didn't cause...

The DELTA DOCTRINE For Caregivers While flying Delta Airlines to Atlanta one day, I discovered that flight attendants state the best advice for caregivers – all day long: "In the unlikely event of the loss of cabin pressure, oxygen masks will drop from the ceiling.  Securely place your mask on first, before helping anyone next to you who may need assistance." That small directive, what I call " Th...

Caregivers Performance vs. Attendance Record All too often, Caregivers judge themselves mercilessly over their performance.  With a supremely critical eye, we  berate ourselves, while also allowing others to do the same.  If we choose to judge ourselves, however, let's at least be fair and judge ourselves on the whole.  Part of that is to fairly look at our attendance record—which is nearly perfec...

The Lost Identity of Caregivers The loss of our own voice, our melody—our identity, is a landmine with disastrous effect. That's why I spend so much time on this issue for my fellow caregivers. We avoid this by reclaiming our identity and acknowledging our feelings out loud.  Using our own voices we can express, "I'm tired," "I'm lonely," "I'm scared," "I'm angry," or "I'm weary," and seeking the...

In my book, 7 Caregiver Landmines and How You Can Avoid Them , the first landmine is Ignoring Personal Health Needs.  Sadly, all too many caregiver put off preventive care services as they care for a vulnerable loved one.  Dentistry care is one of those important health needs for caregivers. It's not just about a pretty smile While a lovely smile is important for self-image, healthy gums are criti...

A Caregiver's View Of the Healthcare Debate The wall of noise from Washington over the healthcare debate continues to bombard America's senses and sensibilities. With President Obama's plan clearly circling the drain, Democrats still seem willing to defend the indefensible. An admission of specific mistakes while offering concessions on their part appears unlikely.   Click the play button to hear...

Memory ...is the Diary We All Carry With Us. —Oscar Wilde When's the last time you listened to a song, and it instantly took you back in time? Hymns, concerts, favorite TV theme songs can all instantly engage our hearts and transport us. Thanks to Music & Memory, the power of music to inspire, move, and connect with listeners has taken a new step. "I want a new drug!' Huey Lewis and the News Using...

Did you know our branch is autism-friendly?—Regions Bank During a recent trip to my local bank, I noticed signs displayed stating the branch is autism friendly. Displaying a message so prominently indicated a story behind the campaign.  With that in mind, I invited a representative from Regions Bank to appear on my show for family caregivers. Kathy Lovell manages the Americans with Disabilities Ac...

Many caregivers nobly work to protect the dignity of their loved ones. Yet, how many discussions occur regarding the dignity of caregiver? The dignity of a caregiver is worth preserving, yet is often trampled underfoot in the course of the caregiving journey.  A demoralized caregiver is an at-risk caregiver While menial tasks of caregiving often seem to diminish dignity, it's the relationship dyna...

Saturday Night Live Alum, Jim Breuer, called the show for a special Father's Day episode. In our more than four years on the air, Jim's interview soared up to one of my all time favorites. Jim Breuer remains one of today's top entertainers and continues to win over audiences with his off-the-wall humor and lovable personality. Named one of Comedy Central's "100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time," Bre...

Since 2011, numerous inmates at a local correctional facility have volunteered to help us with our prosthetic limb recycling program . I recently took a few hours to meet with some of the newer men working there, and listened to their journeys.  Once qualifying for this unique program hosted by Core-Civic (formerly known as Corrections Corporation of America. ), these men disassemble used limbs do...

"My Mom has Alzheimer's and has lost 95% of her speech." Opening her heart, Liz Hernandez took a break from her TV life and shared her family's personal experiences as caregivers.  Calling the show, the Access Hollywood reporter discussed caring for her mother with Alzheimer's disease. After the diagnosis, Liz didn't speak about it in public for nearly a year.  "Again, the way I was brought up, it...

Robert J. Morgan is the teaching pastor of The Donelson Fellowship in Nashville, Tennessee, where he has served for 35 years.  He is a best-selling and Gold-Medallion winning writer with more than 35 books in print and more than 4 million copies in circulation in multiple languages.  He is a writer for Dr. David Jeremiah and Turning Points Magazine, and has many articles published in other leading...

Nationally known comedian, Jeff Allen, gets serious about the challenges of caregivers. For four decades, Jeff Allen has been performing in theaters, on television and radio, and as a keynote for corporate functions and fundraisers around the world. Jeff Allen is the best at what he does - making people laugh as hard as humanly possible. His Happy Wife, Happy Life® message of a marriage gone wrong...

Show Guest Shares Tips for Caregivers and Dementia Patients Sheila Welch called the show to share about a recent Caregiver conference at Due West United Methodist Church (DWUMC) in Marietta, GA. The Coordinator of DWUMC Caregivers' Ministr y  and a  Family Support Group Facilitator, Sheila is also a Certified Trainer for Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care. Sheila draws upon her own difficult j...

Kim Campbell, wife of iconic star, Glen Cambell, joined us on the show to share her journey with Glen and Alzheimer's disease.  From isolation to loss of identity ...to the challenges of a tiny woman with a large husband with dementia, Kim opened her heart and gave us a glimpse into the challenges of caring for a spouse with Alzheimer's For more information on Kim, visit her blog at www.careliving...

Superstar comedian, Jeff Foxworthy, called the show to celebrate our 200th episode.  Sharing his own journey as a caregiver, he also voiced his support for fellow caregivers and affirmed his love of our show. Wrapping it up, we couldn't resit riffing on a few "YOU MIGHT BE A CAREGIVER IF ..." lines. Showing his heart, faith, and love of others, it's easy to know why Jeff is one of the most beloved...

Dr. Michael Christie, of the Southern Joint Replacement Insitute in Nashville , called the show today to discuss their work with hips, knees, and shoulders ...as well his passion for helping provide medical care for underserved countries through the Walk Strong Foundation.   

Bryan MacMurray from Disability Benefits Help  called the show to discuss tips for caregivers helping their loved one secure disability benefits. Since 2009, Disability Benefits Help has provided information to individuals who are seeking to apply for Social Security Disability benefits or have been denied after applying for Social Security disability. We inform those with disabilities about the S...

Listen to the clip by clicking above.   One of the best resources for ME ...as a caregiver, has been Reliable Mobile Labs.  Like clockwork, Reliable Mobile Labs send a technician to our home to draw blood from Gracie.  She has to have regular lab work, and I used to have to help her get her prosthetic legs on, drive her to the lab ...wait there ...and then fight Nashville traffic to get her home....

The Morning Pointe Foundation invites the greater Nashville, Tennessee area to a FREE community awareness event to hear Kim Campbell, wife and caregiver of country music legend Glen Campbell. Mrs. Campbell will speak about her personal journey as an Alzheimer's caregiver March 30 at 7 p.m., at Brentwood Baptist Church (7777 Concord Road in Brentwood, Tennessee).   Ashley Briggs, from Morning Point...

Leeza Gibbons, (Entertainment Tonight, The Celebrity Apprentice Winner-2015, NY Times best-selling author, Speaker ...and caregiver) called my show for family caregivers to share her insights learned as a caregiver —and to encourage fellow caregivers.  Peter:  Welcome back to the show for caregivers, about caregivers, hosted by a caregiver …I am Peter Rosenberger bringing you 30 years of experienc...