The Sharegiving Secret: How to Survive Family Caregiving

Imagine stepping into a caregiving role with the same clarity and grace you'd bring to your most cherished relationships. Mike Spillman, an international motivational speaker, shares that family caregiving—especially around the holidays—often feels overwhelming, with emotions running high and patience running thin. But Mike believes it doesn’t have to drain you. With his "DIRRT method," which is a...

Sometimes life calls you to a purpose you can’t ignore, and for our guest, that purpose means changing lives in Jamaica. Angel, runs an educational institute in the rural belt of Hanover, where they don’t just teach; they rebuild. Kids walk through the doors carrying heavy burdens—abuse, poverty, hopelessness—but they’ve created a safe space where they find emotional support, education, and meals....

Caregiving doesn’t have to mean losing yourself—think of it as managing with purpose, like a boss. You’re not just there to show love; you’re there to make powerful choices that protect your well-being, too. Embrace rational caregiving by blending compassion with practical strategies: prioritize clear decision-making, time management, and boundaries. It’s about shifting from “caregiver” to “caregi...

Chatting with Barbara Newman gave me a new way to look at caregiving, self-care, and the impact of storytelling. Barbara’s path—from working on Madison Avenue to exploring the bold spirit of American cowgirls—shows her belief in what she calls “radical self-care” and the power of community. For her, storytelling isn’t just about telling a tale; it’s a way to heal, share wisdom, and connect people...

Join me as we step into the world of music therapy with Alexis Baker. As a music enthusiast, discussing the nuances of how music activates the brain, revives memories, and fosters emotional connections is incredibly enriching. Alexis highlights how therapeutic music benefits not just those in care but also the caregivers themselves, offering both solace and emotional release. Whether thr...

Diving into the stages of caregiving, I realize it’s a journey full of unexpected twists and deep emotions, not just a checklist to be managed. Whether it’s starting the conversation early with loved ones about potential needs or shouldering the full weight of care responsibilities, each stage demands a different part of you. The emotional load can be overwhelming, especially when it shifts from p...

Diving into the world of caregiving with Yarona Boster, I unpack how mastering verbal and nonverbal communication transforms our interactions and impacts those we care for. Yarona highlights the often overlooked aspect of emotional contagion, where our moods and attitudes can subconsciously affect others, especially in sensitive caregiving settings. This understanding is crucial; it reminds us tha...

Caregiving is more than a mission—it’s a monumental task that you don’t have to shoulder alone!  Today, I explore the transformative power of stepping back to manage rather than tackling everything single-handedly. It’s a vital lesson I learned: doing more isn’t the solution; managing more effectively is. A caregiving coach once opened my eyes to my 'Care-zilla' mode—where anger and frustrati...

Caregiving isn't just a role; it's a deep dive into the world of giving and love, a journey that's taught me how powerful yet challenging it can be. I'm here to share not just the sunny sides but also the gritty realities of caregiving.  Join me as I unravel the perils of too much pride and the necessity of building a supportive team—it really does take a village. Standing back sometimes does...

When caregiving called, I didn't expect it to overhaul my life. But here I am, sharing my journey and the lessons I've learnt. I see caregiving as a labor of love, but it's crucial to manage it wisely to prevent overwhelming yourself.  Today, I share stories about the power of saying 'no' to preserve family relationships and your own well-being. I encountered a young woman, a student, who jug...

When I stepped into caregiving, it completely turned my life upside down after an unexpected crisis demanded I take action. This journey exposed me to the harsh realities many face—balancing emotional stress with the whirlwind of unforeseen responsibilities.  I want to introduce you to the concept of 'sharegiving,' a strategy to distribute the caregiving load within a community. With over 55...

Join host, Deborah Greenhut, Ph. D. as she shares her goal to help family caregivers survive and thrive. She's been a caregiver herself and wants to share mindsets and resources to prevent burnout. The key is "sharegiving" - getting others involved to manage caregiving demands, instead of just doing it all yourself. Deborah aims to build a supportive community where caregivers can connect, share s...