Episodes
Friday Oct 09, 2020
Friday Oct 09, 2020
Some caregiving scenarios involve complicated relationship dynamics. Such is the case with Terri in Texas who is caring for her husband's ex-wife.
What would you say to her?
Monday Jun 15, 2020
Monday Jun 15, 2020
Ask any caregiver of aging loved ones about one of the toughest issues, and "getting them to stop driving" hovers at the top of the list.
Matt Gurwell spent decades as an Ohio State Trooper and made the "...long walk to the patrol car" following too many heartbreaking notifications to family members. Once he retired, he determined to do something different and help provide a different path for families struggling with aging loved ones with impairments ...who hang on to the car keys too long.
KeepingUsSafe.org is Matt's company, and listen to his story and learn more about his company ...and how they can help YOU and your loved ones tackle the "driving" issue.
As a caregiver, do you respect the trauma that YOU'VE endured? In this episode, we delve into this often overlooked issue that caregivers face.
Peter Rosenberger hosts the nationally syndicated program, HOPE FOR THE CAREGIVER.
Hope for the Caregiver's podcast contains 400+ episodes in our library. We want to make it free to any who needs to connect...so, please consider being a patron today. For as little as $1 per month, you can help us continue to reach family caregivers! Click here for more!
Hope for the Caregiver is the family caregiver outreach of Standing With Hope
Tuesday Feb 11, 2020
Tuesday Feb 11, 2020
Sunday Dec 22, 2019
8 Christmas Gifts Caregivers Can Give Themselves
Sunday Dec 22, 2019
Sunday Dec 22, 2019
There's still time ...for you as a caregiver ...to give yourself gifts.
From My Commentary in the Chicago Tribune:
For family caregivers, the normal stresses and challenges experienced by most during the holiday season can be amplified exponentially. Rather than enjoying the season, many caring for chronically impaired loved ones settle for enduring the holidays.
“It may be our last time …” weighs heavy on the minds of many caregivers. And, while trying to meet a loved one’s expectations, many caregivers end up sacrificing their own peace of mind at the altar of nostalgia.
Sadly, an overwhelming number of caregivers wearily mutter a “thank God it’s over” each Jan. 2.
The magic of Christmas can quickly disappear when you’re being cursed at while changing an adult diaper. Christmas Eve in the ER is no picnic. Neither is dealing with a family member with the chronic impairment of addiction. Wrapping presents for someone who can’t remember your name doesn’t usually inspire a sudden desire to sing carols.
These scenarios and more represent the reality for millions of Americans who put themselves between a vulnerable loved one and a potential disaster.
Is there holiday joy for caregivers?
While requiring some creativity, the short answer is “yes!”
Here are ways caregivers can reintroduce some festive spirit into their weary hearts and bodies
Read the entire commentary in the Chicago Tribune.
Monday Nov 04, 2019
"Don't Pass the Snowplow!"
Monday Nov 04, 2019
Monday Nov 04, 2019
Yes ...I know it feels like the snowplow driver is listening to Lawrence Welk while we listen to Led Zepplin, but in winter weather, the safest place is often the place where you feel it's going maddeningly slow.
That also applies to our journey as caregivers.
We find that we must move at a pace we can't control...and, just like trying to pass a snowplow, we run the risk of getting hurt if we try to circumvent.
A friend once told me, "Families move at the speed of their slowest members." When serving as a caregiver the "pace car" dictates how fast we're going to go. We're going to get there ...when we get there. Beating on our steering wheel, swearing, and/or spazzing out isn't going to make it better or faster, but it will cause unnecessary tension ...that robs us of living a calmer, healthier, and even safer life.
- Sometimes, the snowplow is a chronic illness that progresses.
- Sometimes, it's a special needs child that moves at his/her pace.
- Sometimes it's someone with a addiction that struggles in their recovery program.
- Sometimes it's grief that takes whatever time it needs to process it out.
In my 30+ years, I've discovered the pace set for me is simply living in the moment ...one day at a time.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34
Listen to the callers share their stories, as well. Also, of course, joining the show is himself ...my sidekick, John Butler (The Count of Mighty Disco)
"Don't pass the snowplow is our "Caregiver Tip of the Day" for this show. Hope for the Caregiver is LIVE on Sirius XM's Family Talk Channel (131) at 6PM Eastern.
Brought to you by:
Thursday Sep 12, 2019
Thursday Sep 12, 2019
Caller from Sunday's HOPE FOR THE CAREGIVER on Sirius XM's Family Talk Channel shared how a tip from the show helped her recently.
Her ex-husband requires care, and she gave her son a respite in caring for him, but even through his dementia ...he still remembered to hate her.
Able to laugh, while learning to "bite her tongue and like the taste of blood," she shared how a small tip (the Delta Doctrine) from the show helped her get through an uncomfortable situation.
Sponsored by:
Thursday Sep 05, 2019
"If Your Heart's Troubled, Then What's Going On With Your Body?"
Thursday Sep 05, 2019
Thursday Sep 05, 2019
The heart of a caregiver is often deeply troubled. This is why we do the show. We know that if we can speak to fear and chaos in our hearts, then it helps set the stage for the body to get healthier as well.
Not just the body, but the mind, the marriage, and the money. So many of our external challenges reflect an internal problem ...of the heart.
Hope for the Caregiver is not just the name of my book ...or the radio show. Rather, HOPE FOR THE CAREGIVER is the conviction that we as caregivers can live a calmer, healthier, and even more joyful life ...as caregivers.
How are you feeling?