Hope for the Caregiver

Tearful Caller Knows What Lies Ahead

All too many caregivers live in the wreckage of our future ...and we work ourselves into all sorts of heartache over things that haven't even happened. 

Such is the case with this caller, Lisa. Like so many of us, Lisa tortured herself with looking down the road and visualize what lies ahead for her as she cares for her husband.

She called crying ...but listen to the transformation. We had to go to a break, but when we returned, the conversation moved her away from despair ...and she even chuckled a bit. 

 

"He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."

2 Corinthians 1:4

Senator Marsha Blackburn Discusses Broadband and The Impact on Caregivers

US Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee called the show to discuss broadband in rural areas of Tennessee and the country. Access to broadband creates more opportunities for tele-health, education, and many other applications affecting the family caregiver. 

For example, in the picture above, Senator Blackburn and I were giving an interview at the US Capitol in DC.  Just prior to that interview, I used my phone to allow a phlebotomist into my home in Nashville, where she drew blood from Gracie for regular lab work. 

I then secured the door behind her as she left.  Gracie didn't have to put her prosthetic legs on, or answer the door in her wheelchair. Because of broadband, I could do all those things from my phone. 

As caregivers, we need to incorporate as many tools as possible to help us better do our jobs without stretching ourselves so thin.  Remember, one of the three "I's" every caregiver struggles with is the loss of independence. Technology and apps on our phone helps us regain that, better care for our loved ones, and even pursue new job opportunities.  Check out my article about that in Newsmax.

"It feels like you’re nervous system is being battered!" Caregivers and Depression

Author, nurse, and dementia care expert, Tracey Maxfield ( www.traceymaxfield.com ), shared her very personal and difficult journey through depression. Giving warning signs and helping others - particularly caregivers - respect the stress that's on them that can take them into dark places, Tracey points to the path of safety for those suffering from depression. 

Woman caring for ailing mother comes home to needy husband.

A woman struggling with her needy husband while she cared for her mother ...posted her frustration online in a Facebook group. The "advice" she got from members ...appalled me, so I weighed in to the discussion.
Nancy from Jacksonville called in response to what I told this woman ...and we had a lovely spirited discussion about it!
This and more from 02/24/2019

February 16-2019

Alcoholism is often referred to as "...the only disease that convinces you that you don't have it."

Our first caller, Eric, demonstrated that axiom ...perfectly.  So much so, that it never registered to him how his disease affects his wife. 

Amos demonstrated the importance of seeing a professional following the loss of a caregiver's loved one.

Mary needed her husband to step up ...but was afraid to tell him.

This and more from HOPE FOR THE CAREGIVER ...the show that is committed to strengthening family caregivers. 

When Everyone Else Is Singing VICTORY IN JESUS - and You're Not.

During seasons of joy and happiness, many caregivers feel the opposite. Even if attending church is possible, many feel isolated ...even on a crowded pew.

The relentless challenges facing so many caregivers often leads them to hang their heads while others jubilantly belt out hymns.

That's why HOPE FOR THE CAREGIVER exists.  That's why we do the show.

We speak fluent caregiver and bring a lifetime of experience to offer a lifeline to fellow caregivers ...to help them catch their breath, take a knee, and develop healthier strategies to endure and even thrive in their circumstances. 

Joy is available. The Gospel vividly speaks to caregivers ...even in the grim challenges they face.

Listen to this clip from the show to learn more. 

 

A Doctor Said These Horrific Words to the Young Couple With A Special Needs Child

"Take IT home and just love it."

When their son, Jonah, was born with severe disabilities in the 1970's, a physician said these horrific words to Rob and Merrill Galbraith. Stunned, enraged, heartbroken, and desperately alone, they struggled along the path of isolation so familiar to caregivers. 

Rob, a veteran Nashville producer, songwriter, and player (Ronnie Milsap, Kenny Rogers, The Bacon Brothers to name a few) returned to the show to share insights he learned from a tough journey that spanned 34 years until their son's death. 

Also returning to the show was Greg Tornquist and his son, Aaron (40). Aaron lives with Down's syndrome, and Greg and Aaron helped us bring attention to October's Down's Syndrome Awareness Month, as well as insights Greg learned from his 40 years as a caregiver for a special needs child.

Aaron is an ETA - and Elvis Tribute Artist, and he rocked the 1956 Elvis with this attire! 

Friends for more than thirty years, we sat around the desk and swapped stories and poignant moments from our combined 100+ years of caregiving.  We also shared a few laughs that come freely now with perspective.

 

 Author, speaker, and 30+year caregiver, Peter Rosenberger, hosts HOPE FOR THE CAREGIVER heard weekly on more than 200 stations. 

Sponsored by Standing With Hope