I Didn't Sign Up For This

🎙️ Season 2 Finale — Part 1: Patti & Trudy’s Story Begins In Part 1 of this two-part season finale, we welcome Patti and Trudy—two friends whose lives became deeply intertwined through their shared roles as caregivers. Their journey brought them together through workshops and support programs offered by Alzheimer’s Arkansas, where they found practical guidance, emotional support, and a sense o...

In this special Holiday Episode of I Didn’t Sign Up for This , host Carolyn shares a short, heartfelt, and educational message designed specifically for caregivers navigating the hectic holiday season. Whether you're caring for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, memory loss, chronic illness, mobility challenges, or aging-related needs, this episode offers gentle guidance and realis...

In this episode of I Didn’t Sign Up for This, host Carolyn sits down with Stephenie Cooke, Executive Director of Alzheimer’s Arkansas, for a vulnerable conversation about what it truly means to navigate the caregiver journey—both personally and professionally. Stephenie reflects on her earliest experience caring for her grandmother, a chapter that first introduced her to the realities of Alzheimer...

In this impactful episode of I Didn’t Sign Up for This , presented by Alzheimer’s Arkansas, host Carolyn sits down with Jennifer Hobbs, who shares her deeply personal journey of caring for her husband after his early onset dementia diagnosis following a heart attack at age 61. Jennifer opens up about the real-life “I didn’t sign up for this” moments as she navigates the emotional shift from being...

In this compelling episode of I Didn’t Sign Up For This , presented by Alzheimer’s Arkansas, host Carolyn sits down with caregiver and speaker Karen Walker to share her deeply personal journey. After the sudden death of her sister, Karen stepped into the role of caregiver for both of her parents. She discusses losing her father, navigating her mother’s ongoing care, and experiencing her own health...

In this inspiring episode of "I Didn’t Sign Up For This" presented by Alzheimer’s Arkansas, host Carolyn sits down with Bri, a 30-year-old caregiver who has spent nearly a decade walking alongside her mother through a Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis. Bri shares how faith has grounded her during the ongoing transition from child to caregiver, highlighting the unique challenges of navigating...

For this interview, we switch things up a bit. Our host, Carolyn, reflects on the powerful moments and lessons from Season 1, where caregivers opened up about their raw, unfiltered experiences of walking alongside loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other chronic illnesses. Caregiving is often described as an act of love, but it is also one of the most challenging and exhausting res...

We begin Season 2 of I Didn’t Sign Up For This with a conversation that is as tender as it is powerful. Host Carolyn welcomes back her dear friend Theba, a familiar voice from Season 1, who shared her journey as a devoted caregiver to her mother living with Alzheimer’s. Today, Theba joins us on the cusp of a deeply personal milestone — the one-year anniversary of her mother’s passing. Together, Ca...

In this deeply personal episode of "I Didn't Sign Up For This," Theba Lolley opens up about the emotional and transformative journey of caring for both of her parents as they battled different forms of dementia. As the holiday season approaches, Theba reflects on the challenges, heartbreaks, and unexpected blessings that came with her role as a caregiver. She lost her father five years prior and h...

Carolyn with Alzheimer's Arkansas and Stephen Svetz discuss the complexities of caregiving, particularly in the context of distance caregiving for loved ones with Alzheimer's. Stephen shares his personal journey of caring for his father as his mental capacity declined. navigating the emotional and challenge of having to stop the sale of his father's house and cooking disasters. Finding humor where...

Clint Bailey shares his unexpected journey into caregiving for his father, who suffered from Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. He discusses the challenges and dynamics within his family, the emotional toll of caregiving, and the joys of reconnecting with his father during this time. Clint emphasizes the importance of communication and planning within families to navigate the complexities of car...

In this conversation, Carolyn and Brittany Rush discuss the challenges and complexities of being a caregiver to someone with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. They explore the unexpected aspects of caregiving that people often don't sign up for, such as bathing a parent, dealing with sexual advances from a loved one, and navigating difficult family dynamics. They emphasize the impor...

In this episode of "I Didn't Sign Up For This," Carolyn has the privilege of speaking with Jennifer, who shares her personal journey following her mother’s recent dementia diagnosis. Jennifer provides an intimate look into the emotional and practical challenges she encountered during the early stages of adapting to this new reality. Throughout the conversation, she offers thoughtful...

In this touching episode of "I Didn't Sign Up For This," we sit down with Jeff Allen, the beloved radio host of The Point 94.1. Jeff opens up about his deeply personal journey into the world of dementia care, sharing the challenges and triumphs he has faced while caring for a loved one with dementia. Through candid conversation, Jeff reveals the emotional and practical realities of b...

In this heartfelt episode of "I Didn't Sign Up For This," we delve into the emotional journey that caregivers experience while supporting loved ones with dementia. Caring for someone with dementia can be overwhelming, and it's crucial to understand that you are not alone in this journey. Hosted by Alzheimer's Arkansas and underwritten by Elderly Independent Living, this episo...

In this episode of "I Didn't Sign Up For This," host Carolyn sits down with Dr. Brian Bell, a distinguished hospice and palliative medicine specialist based in North Little Rock, AR. With over 28 years of experience, Dr. Bell has been at the forefront of caring for patients with dementia and supporting their families through challenging times. Join Carolyn as she explores Dr. Bell&#3...

Join host Carolyn and special guest Holly Fish in this powerful episode of "I Didn't Sign Up For This." Sponsored by Elder Independence Homecare, Carolyn and Holly delve into the emotional complexities of caregiving for loved ones in strained relationships, particularly those affected by Alzheimer's and dementia. Carolyn and Holly discuss the challenges of navigating triggers and...

In the inaugural episode of "I Didn't Sign Up For This," host Carolyn embarks on a poignant exploration of the complexities of dementia caregiving, focusing on the unique perspective of spouses. Joined by Kim Clatworthy, owner of Elder Independence Home Care, the episode delves into the emotional upheaval experienced by caregivers as they witness their beloved partners' profound...

I Didn't Sign Up For This is a podcast by Alzheimer's Arkansas and underwritten by Elder Independence Home Care. These conversations with caretakers and family members of those who are affected with the many forms of dementia will help you navigate your own path through caring for someone with Alzheimer's or and other forms of dementia. Subscribe, rate, and review to help us reach thos...