Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

03/07/2025

Fireworks, Time Away & Remembering Dad - This is one you gotta read if holidays are something you try to miss!

Read now: https://mailchi.mp/31c28b59484e/caregiving-just-got-fresher-17994420

02/07/2025

We’re kicking off July with Things Not to Say to a Caregiver — a hilarious (and painfully true) web series created by our July 1st podcast guest, Katrina Prescott. These videos were made for you!

Someone ever said something to you… and you wanted to throw something — at them?

Enter the Care-y Godmother — part fairy, part firecracker — who’s here to freeze time, call out the BS, and teach people how to actually help.

Episode 1: “Take Care of Yourself”
A chaotic day, a clueless friend, and the most unhelpful advice ever. The Care-y Godmother breaks down why support means action, not empty words.

🎬 8 episodes. 8 hard truths. Endless laughs (and a few tears).
💡 1.5 million views and counting!

👇 Watch now!
Preview: https://youtu.be/0v-bBkT2Ltkand
Episode 1: https://youtu.be/Vt9lrzJR_fs?si=cVDt6JiOBVqNoyvn

Follow along all month long as we release each episode!

Things Not to Say to a Caregiver is a comedic web series that tackles the awkward, misguided things people say to caregivers—and how we can do better. Each e...

01/07/2025

🎙️ Throwback Episode: A Caregiving Journey You Won’t Forget 🎙️

This July, while JJ and Natalie take a well-deserved break to recharge, we’re revisiting some of our most powerful past episodes—starting with this unforgettable conversation with Katrina Prescott, a media producer turned caregiving advocate.

Katrina’s story is one of resilience, love, and fierce advocacy. She opens up about:
🔹 Stepping into caregiving at a young age
🔹 Navigating the emotional and systemic hurdles of dementia care
🔹 The surprising role of therapeutic fibbing in easing anxiety
🔹 Why caregivers need more support—and how we can help

Even if you’ve heard it before, this episode is worth another listen. 💙

🎧 Revisit this gem here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2101429/episodes/16530048

30/06/2025

THE HEAT IS ON!

If you or a loved one takes medication, it might be time to pay closer attention.

As an incredibly pale redhead 🙋‍♀️, I’ve always known antibiotics and sunshine don’t mix. “Hello, sunburn.” And honestly, who wants to go outside when they’re sick and it feels like an oven?

But what I didn’t realize?
A lot of medications—not just antibiotics—can cause serious issues in the heat.

Mom's Parkinson’s meds are just one , and after reading up on the risks, I’m starting to think she should only go out at night, vampire style. (Anyone remember Elvira?)

As always—when we find good info, we’re passing it on!
There’s a lot more in the article, but here’s a quick cheat sheet:

💊 Meds that increase heat sensitivity include:
• Diuretics (aka water pills)
• Blood pressure meds
• Antidepressants
• Parkinson’s meds
• Sedatives & allergy meds
• Some chemo drugs & antibiotics

🧊 What to do:
• Hydrate before they’re thirsty
• Stay in the shade or in AC
• Avoid being outside from 11–4
• Watch for heat stress: dizziness, flushed skin, nausea, or confusion

🔗 Here’s a helpful article from AARP:
https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/medications-heat-intolerance/?msockid=228fdffdc871656229f6cb67c90a645e

You don’t need one more thing to worry about—but this one? It could save a lot of aloe plants… and a whole lot of avoidable problems.

NOTE: Check out the image to see how this pale redhead avoids the "lobster look" all summer!

29/06/2025

It’s Sunday — the so-called day of rest… unless you're someone working 24/7, then it’s just another “Day Ending in Y.”

As June winds down, we’ve got something that actually feels restful — because it’s quick, informative, and good for your peace of mind.

As Brain and Alzheimer’s Awareness Month comes to a close, here’s a little self-care you can do in under 5 minutes:

🎥 Watch the informative video from the Voices of Alzheimers Foundation on early detection.

Knowing the signs early? That’s one way to take care of yourself and the ones you love. And hey — you might even get to say,

“I learned something for ME today!”

👉🏼 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐨𝐀 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtK07HEcV_Y&t=3s

At the VoA Foundation, we recognize that early detection empowers individuals to make meaningful plans, access treatment sooner, and maintain independence fo...

27/06/2025

I talked with someone taking respite on the Self-Care at Sea cruise this October.

Her story? She moved to Ohio during her mom’s medical emergency—leaving her own family hours away.

Her siblings? Oh, they’ve got opinions—and they live within walking distance. They still swing by for Sunday lunch at “Mom’s”… but guess who’s doing all the prepping and cleaning? Yep—my friend.

But last week was the best.
She’s on the phone booking the cruise, and her sister overhears some details.

“You’re going on a cruise?" Followed by a very inconvenienced, "Well… who’s going to take care of Mom?”

That’s when my friend made a decision.

You’ve gotta choose: 🎣 Take the bait… or 🕺 shake it off.

This time? She saved her energy—and started packing her bags.

This weekend, if someone’s casting drama your way… don’t bite.
Protect your peace. You get to choose.

26/06/2025

June is Men’s Health Month – and it’s more than BBQs and ballgames.

Surprise! Men are less likely to go to the doctor, get screened, or talk about what’s going on. That needs to change. Check out these 5 critical areas to watch for you or the men you love.

🔹 Heart Disease – #1 killer. No symptoms doesn’t mean no risk. Get checked.
🔹 Cancer – Prostate, colon, skin, testicular. Early screening = better outcomes.
🔹 Mental Health & Su***de – 80% of suicides are men. Talk. Check in. Call 988.
🔹 Diabetes – Men develop it younger. Watch weight, sugar, family history.
🔹 Accidents – Risk-taking = higher injury rates. Practice safety everywhere.

💙 Prevention isn’t weakness—it’s strength.

25/06/2025

Did you know caregiving has been studied for over 45 years?

You’d think with that much research, we’d all feel more prepared. But most of us still feel like we’re winging it—and wondering if we’re doing it “right.”

One of our favorite resources, Barry Jacobs, always delivers. And this one? It’s a mix of truth, tools, and a quiet “you’ve got this.” And let’s be honest—we could all use that on a hard day.

Here’s what he says matters most:
🔹 Caregiving Is Hard But Not Impossible – It’s okay to feel stressed, but it is possible to thrive.
🔹 What Hurts Caregivers – Social isolation, emotional strain, and burnout are real—and more common than we admit.
🔹 What Helps Caregivers – Connection, purpose, learning, and simple self-care can make a big difference.
🔹 Not Everyone Runs the Same Risk of Becoming Depressed – Spousal caregivers and those caring for someone with dementia may face greater emotional strain. One of the biggest factors? The sheer number of hours.

This one, published by AARP, is absolutely worth the read—for a good info and some positive vibes on a Wednesday!

https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/basics/real-caregiving-tips.html

24/06/2025

🌟 Not What We Signed Up For: Embracing an Unexpected Path

When Rachel Shapiro’s daughter suffered a severe stroke before her second birthday, doctors warned she might not survive. But Rachel and her husband refused to give up—choosing hope, faith, and unyielding strength in the face of unimaginable challenges.

Today, their daughter thrives despite significant medical needs, and Rachel balances full-time work, caregiving, and raising a family—all while keeping joy, adventure, and connection alive.

Her story is a powerful reminder that life’s hardest roads can still be walked with love, laughter, and purpose.

🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2101429/episodes/17325128

Thanks to this episode sponsor, CareTime. CareTime is an all-in-one home care software that helps agencies manage scheduling, EVV, and billing in one place. Whether you’re billing Medicaid, private pay, or VA, CareTime keeps your operations running smoothly and helps you get paid faster. Simplify how you run your agency with CareTime. Learn more at www.caretime.us.

Thank you to our sponsor: CareScout

** Caregiver Action Network Caregiver Help Desk offers free support to family caregivers via phone, chat, or email Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Eastern. Get answers, resources, support group info, or a listening ear. Visit www.caregiveraction.org/helpdesk/ or call 855-277-3640.**

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share for more real stories from the frontlines of caregiving.

23/06/2025

June is PTSD Awareness Month. As caregivers, we often notice the symptoms before anyone else. Learn the signs. Seek help early. Reach out for support.

💡 Who Develops PTSD?
Anyone, at any age—whether they’ve experienced combat, accidents, sexual assault, natural disasters, or other traumas. Symptoms can surface months—or even years—after the trauma. And yes, you can experience them too.

🧭 What to Look For
Watch for recurring nightmares, sudden startle responses, emotional withdrawal, irritability, disrupted sleep, and avoidance of trauma reminders. These are just a few of the symptoms.

If it’s been more than 4 weeks and it’s affecting daily life—it might be PTSD.

✅ Where to Get Help (Military & Civilian):
• VA Caregiver Support Line (Veterans): 1-855-260-3274
• PTSD Self-Screen (for anyone): ptsd.va.gov/screen
• National Center for PTSD (Military & Civilian): ptsd.va.gov
• PsychArmor Caregiver Courses (Free & Evidence-Based): psycharmor.org

You’re not expected to do it alone. Help is ready. 💙

21/06/2025

We went to the veterinarian this morning and saw a sign showing the spectrum of Fear, Anxiety, and Stress (FAS). Gabby, our mini schnauzer, took that chart very seriously. She was not having it! We went from FAS0 to FAS5 in about 10 seconds flat. Especially when that "Lady" brought in the thermometer.

FAS5 - "It goes where?" accompanied by a 13.6lb rumbling growl.

It got me thinking—maybe people, especially caregivers, need one of these too. I mean, maybe one exists already? I could wear it like one of those mood rings —something to say, “Hey, I’m not okay right now,” without having to explain everything.

So, courtesy of J.J. (and photo credit to Gabby), here’s today’s takeaway:

We need to recognize the signs in ourselves and each other—tight chest, short fuse, that spiraling mind, ferocious growling—and try a few things to help when we start creeping up the Fear, Anxiety, and Stress scale:

🌀 Take 3 deep breaths
🚶‍♀️ Step away, even for 5 minutes
📲 Text someone who gets it
💧 Drink some water (seriously, it helps)
🤲 Try the “hand over heart” technique—pause, place your hand on your chest, breathe, and let your nervous system feel safe again

But if you hit full-on FAS5—panic, burnout, or total shutdown—you’ll need more than a five-minute breather. We know these next steps are easier said than done, but when you can:

🧠 Talk to a professional—therapy can help untangle the chaos
💤 Schedule real respite—not just a nap, but actual time away
🤝 Let someone step in—ask for help, even when it feels impossible

Whatever your FAS number is today, hope your Saturday stays peaceful—and if it doesn’t, you’ve got some tools to find a little calm - unless someone brings in a thermometer.

Note: Peanut butter licked right off the spoon helps, too. It worked for me and Gabby. And NO, we did not share the spoon!

19/06/2025

Our ducks are on the move (literally, down an escalator 😄)… but it’s not just a video with Natalie goofing off on an escalator. It’s your reminder to get your ducks in a row when it comes to respite care.

Even if you’re not ready for a full-blown vacation or cruise, it’s never too early to start planning for a break. Because caregiving is 24/7—and no one can do it all alone.

Here are 4 steps to help you find the right paid caregiver or home health support:

1️⃣ List your needs. What do you need help with—meals? bathing? companionship? medical care? Knowing this will guide your search.

2️⃣ Ask for referrals. Talk to your doctor, discharge planner, local Area Agency on Aging, or friends who’ve hired help before.

3️⃣ Vet your options. Whether it’s through a home health agency or private hire, always ask for references, background checks, and credentials.

4️⃣ Start small. Try a short visit or shift before committing long term. This helps everyone—your loved one and you—ease into the change. Need Help? Check out friends at to get you started.

💆‍♀️ Ready for a longer break?
Join us for the Self-Care at Sea Cruise, October 19–26, 2025, aboard the beautiful Norwegian Aqua! Recharge, connect, and care for you—because you’ve earned it.

🌐 Learn more: www.funseas.com/self-care
📞 Or call: 850-792-9601