
Caregiving 2023: Reflections and Resolutions
12/26/23 • 55 min
In our final episode of 2023, we're taking a moment to reflect on what we've learned about caregiving and ourselves throughout the year. We'll also share some amazing insights from our incredible guests. Join us as we dive into the world of caregiving and discover how to strike a balance between self-care and nurturing relationships.
Caring for someone can be challenging, but it's important to find harmony between our personal obligations and the needs of those we care for. It's all about understanding, being patient, and showing deep respect for the person in our care.
We also explore the dynamics of sibling relationships in the caregiving journey. Sometimes, sharing responsibilities can strain our bond with our siblings. But we can foster understanding and maintain a strong connection through open dialogue and mutual respect. Remember, despite our differences, we can find common ground and preserve harmony by cherishing our shared love for the person we’re caring for.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Overcoming caregiving challenges and gaining valuable lessons.
- Balancing caregiving roles while nurturing important relationships.
- Understanding the impact on sibling relationships during caregiving.
- Prioritizing self-care for enhanced well-being as a caregiver.
- Embracing lessons learned and finding resolutions as a caregiver.
📖 Link to the article mentioned in the show: When Medicare thinks you're dead... but you're not. (confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com)
🥰 Big thanks to our sponsor, Tena, for supporting this episode! Try Tena yourself here: https://buy.tena.us/link/1702396455795b19bcf4d/aebb325b-ab56-384c-3f88-f940d48f8663?
Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver
Sisterhood of Care, LLC
In our final episode of 2023, we're taking a moment to reflect on what we've learned about caregiving and ourselves throughout the year. We'll also share some amazing insights from our incredible guests. Join us as we dive into the world of caregiving and discover how to strike a balance between self-care and nurturing relationships.
Caring for someone can be challenging, but it's important to find harmony between our personal obligations and the needs of those we care for. It's all about understanding, being patient, and showing deep respect for the person in our care.
We also explore the dynamics of sibling relationships in the caregiving journey. Sometimes, sharing responsibilities can strain our bond with our siblings. But we can foster understanding and maintain a strong connection through open dialogue and mutual respect. Remember, despite our differences, we can find common ground and preserve harmony by cherishing our shared love for the person we’re caring for.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Overcoming caregiving challenges and gaining valuable lessons.
- Balancing caregiving roles while nurturing important relationships.
- Understanding the impact on sibling relationships during caregiving.
- Prioritizing self-care for enhanced well-being as a caregiver.
- Embracing lessons learned and finding resolutions as a caregiver.
📖 Link to the article mentioned in the show: When Medicare thinks you're dead... but you're not. (confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com)
🥰 Big thanks to our sponsor, Tena, for supporting this episode! Try Tena yourself here: https://buy.tena.us/link/1702396455795b19bcf4d/aebb325b-ab56-384c-3f88-f940d48f8663?
Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver
Sisterhood of Care, LLC
Previous Episode

Wine, Women and Dementia with Kitty Norton
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's life.
She left her life in Los Angeles and cared for her mother in Portland, Oregon. Despite the emotional upheaval of this responsibility, Kitty found solace and moments of levity in dementia care. Through her candid blog entries, insightful videos, and poignant documentary, Kitty offers a unique perspective on caregiving for dementia. Her dedication and relatable storytelling make her an empowering figure in the caregiving community, providing solace and inspiration to others facing similar challenges.
In this episode, you will be able to:
• Overcoming caregiving challenges: Insights and strategies for navigating the complexities of caring for a loved one with dementia.
• Harnessing humor in caregiving: Discover the power of laughter in creating moments of connection and joy amidst dementia caregiving challenges.
• Embracing self-care for family caregivers: Practical tips and techniques to prioritize your well-being while caring for a loved one with dementia.
• Navigating financial constraints and insurance: Tackle financial hurdles and explore available resources to support dementia caregiving.
About Kitty:
In 2016, Kitty Norton left her job as an NBC assistant editor in Los Angeles to care for her mother with dementia in Portland. She started Stumped Town Dementia, a blog that resonated with readers worldwide, sharing tales of dementia life. Kitty documented her journey with her mother in videos and, after her passing in 2021, created her first documentary feature film, Wine, Women, and Dementia. The film honors their journey and raises awareness of dementia caregiving, letting others in similar situations know they are not alone.
Connect with Kitty:
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Big thanks to our sponsor, Tena, for supporting this episode! Try Tena yourself here: https://buy.tena.us/link/1702396455795b19bcf4d/aebb325b-ab56-384c-3f88-f940d48f8663?
Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver
Sisterhood of Care, LLC
Next Episode

No Rules in Caregiving with Dr. Barry J. Jacobs, Psy.D.
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 dynamics and emotional challenges caregivers face and highlights the importance of resilience and self-care in providing adequate care for others.
Barry's unique perspective as a clinical psychologist, family therapist, writer, blogger, and caregiver shines through as he discusses his journey and how it inspired him to help other families facing similar experiences. We delve into the impact of caregiving on personal life, family dynamics, and marital relationships, emphasizing the significance of understanding and managing emotional reactions in challenging caregiving situations.
In this episode, you will discover:
- Barry's personal experience as a caregiver, starting at a young age
- Issues of family dynamics during caregiving
- Impact of caregiving on marital relationship
- Reflections on personal experiences and perspectives in caregiving
About Barry:
Dr. Barry J. Jacobs, Psy.D., is a renowned clinical psychologist and family therapist with a significant career in healthcare consulting at Health Management Associates. He spent over two decades as the Director of Behavioral Sciences at the Crozer-Keystone Family Medicine Residency Program. An accomplished author, Dr. Jacobs has published several books on relationships and caregiving, including titles under AARP. He's recognized for his 600+ presentations on family caregiving and holds an honorary board position at the Well Spouse Association. In 2016, he received a lifetime achievement award from the Collaborative Family Healthcare Association. Before his psychology career, he was a journalist for The Village Voice and Rolling Stone Press. He's been an AARP.org blogger since 2013. Dr. Jacobs holds a bachelor’s degree from Brown University and a doctorate in psychology from Widener University.
Connect with Barry:
X
LinkedIn
Facebook
AARP.org Caregiving Expert Page
Books: The Emotional Survival Guide for Caregivers—Looking Out For Yourself and Your Family While Helping an Aging Parent (Guilford, 2006):
Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver
Sisterhood of Care, LLC
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