Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver We're a dynamic duo of sisters sharing our caregiving journey w/ a mom & a spouse - the good, bad & funny! She’s the peacekeeper. She’s the athlete. Our rock.

The Original Sisterhood

Known since childhood as “The Elliott Girls” or simply, “The Girls”, it makes sense that we work together to support our mother, and each other. Our trio begins with Jenefer Jane “JJ” who was and always will be “in charge”. The responsible one, ensuring Natalie and Emilie remain alive. Next is Natalie, the middle child, who was and always will be Miss Congeniality. The reb

el responsible for three babysitters exiting the summer of ’84. Then there is Emilie, the youngest, who was and always will be “the baby”. At 6’1”, she is the sensitive and quiet soul. The one responsible for the guinea pig that begged for lettuce and the stray dog we adopted from the school bus stop. After high school we went separate ways, from New Mexico to North Carolina. JJ would go on to get her Master’s in Business Administration and work in the finance world before partnering with her now husband, Dexter, to run a variety of businesses. Natalie would go on to get her Master’s in Social Work degree, and work in the mental health field, advocating for children and families to receive the most appropriate services. Natalie would marry and divorce early on but later marry Jason. Emilie would exit college early to marry and gift us with Owen and twins, Maxx and Natalie Jane aka “The Kids”. Emilie would later divorce and work with county government, focusing most of her time on their care and activities. The source of the sisterhood falls to Jim aka “Big Jim” and Connie, small town high school sweethearts married for almost 40 years. In 2005, at the age of 52, mom would be diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. She hid the disease for years behind dad’s 6’2” frame. The tremors and sudden inability to move were both calmed and steadied by his arm and simple presence. He was her rock. Close family and friends knew of her chronic illness, but to the rest of the world, everything was “fine”. Life would turn upside down when our dad unexpectedly passed in 2011 of a massive heart attack at the age of 58. The assumption was Dad would always be mom’s caregiver but that wasn’t God’s plan. Mom would spend the years following our father’s death desperately seeking a cure for Parkinson’s while trying to manage her symptoms. As the years went by, the cruel symptoms associated with the disease increased, negatively impacting her body while her mind remained clear and in tune. We lived our lives checking in to make sure she was “okay” but knowing the day would come when we had to do more. And then it did. The summer of 2019 changed everything. That’s where the real caregiver story begins for us. Little did we know she would be only the beginning of our caregiving journey. In March 2022, Natalie’s husband, Jason, was diagnosed with head and neck cancer. From the first time Jason detected something off about the swollen lymph nodes in his neck, to the formal diagnosis, and the decision to move to New York City to participate in a clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the journey would push them to their limits. The silver lining of his diagnosis was the cancer brought them closer to God, restoring their faith in Him while also experiencing a myriad of blessings through the kindness of family, friends, and strangers. Their story is a testimony that will inspire and offer hope. And this is just a glimpse of this trio past and present - caregivers by default doing their best to do the best for a mom and a husband. We hope you'll join our journey as we confess the good, bad, and downright funny of our caregiving adventures.

01/04/2025

𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡, 𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲?

On our cruise, we’ll dive deep into the art of journaling to help you unlock clarity, calm, and creativity. Join us for a transformative getaway where the ocean inspires, and your thoughts find a voice.

✨𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐮𝐬:✨
📅 Fall 2025 October 19th-26th:
Aboard the Norwegian Cruise Line. 𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐚.

JOIN US for the SELF-CARE at SEA CRUISE!
Link for more: https://www.funseas.com/self-care

𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬!Caregiving can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone.✨Join Natalie Elliott Handy a...
01/03/2025

𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬!

Caregiving can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone.

✨Join Natalie Elliott Handy and JJ Elliott Hill on January 9th, 2025, at 6:00 PM EST for an empowering session on navigating the challenges of reluctant caregiving. In partnership with Hilarity for Charity (HFC), this webinar will offer valuable information and resources for supporting the caregiving community. Tell your friends and family!

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧:
👉🏼Learn to manage stress
👉🏼Set boundaries with confidence
👉🏼Find balance in the chaos

Whether you’re new to caregiving or grappling with tough decisions, this session offers practical tools and support for you and your loved ones.

✨𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐰: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUkceqqqT0rEtLj_myp3v0MtjGzYLyhJvip #/registration

✨New Year, New Horizons!✨Caregivers, 2025 is your year to prioritize YOU.Join us on a transformative cruise filled with ...
01/02/2025

✨New Year, New Horizons!✨

Caregivers, 2025 is your year to prioritize YOU.

Join us on a transformative cruise filled with relaxation, connection, and inspiration from top caregiving influencers. It's time to recharge and set sail toward self-care and joy.

𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐮𝐬:
📅 Fall 2025 October 19th-26th:
Aboard the Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Aqua.
JOIN US for the SELF-CARE at SEA CRUISE:
https://www.funseas.com/self-care

˜”*°•.˜”*°• 𝗢𝗵 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮 𝙔𝙀𝘼𝙍! 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱! •°*”˜.•°*”˜We're thrilled to kick start 2025 with so many events! Join us, w...
01/01/2025

˜”*°•.˜”*°• 𝗢𝗵 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮 𝙔𝙀𝘼𝙍! 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱! •°*”˜.•°*”˜

We're thrilled to kick start 2025 with so many events! Join us, won't you?

Hilarity for Charity - Jan. 9th
The Caregiver's Playbook Training Series - Jan 23rd
Hilarity for Charity - Feb. 14th
Self-Care at Sea Cruise - Oct. 19th -26th

Learn more about these amazing events in comments below!

In this holiday episode of Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver, we bring humor, honesty, and reflection to our caregivi...
12/31/2024

In this holiday episode of Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver, we bring humor, honesty, and reflection to our caregiving journey over the last year. Join us as we look back on the highs and lows of caregiving, with no topic off-limits!

Natalie discusses the launch of our new Care Forward initiative, which connects individuals in need with local resources, while JJ shares a heartwarming moment baking brownies with our mom—a reminder of both progress and challenges. We also dive into deeper, more complex topics, including anticipatory grief and Jason’s ongoing health concerns.

As always, we balance the tough conversations with some light-hearted fun. The episode wraps up with a "lightning round" where we recount our most challenging, proud, and funny caregiving moments, including the story of our mom stockpiling Swiss Cake Rolls and Cokes at the nursing home.

Looking ahead to 2025, we're excited to continue supporting caregivers with more podcast episodes, caregiver retreats, and ongoing efforts to make a difference in the caregiving community.

You can listen to it on your favorite streaming platforms, such as Apple and Spotify!

🍎 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/confessions-of-a-reluctant-caregiver/id1661715005










12/30/2024

Tomorrow is the last episode of 2024, and we're looking back at our favorite moments - with a LOT of laughs! We appreciate everyone who has been part of our journey, and we cannot wait for a fresh new year and to bring you new stories from the world of caregiving! Happy New Year!

In the rush of caregiving and life’s demands, it’s easy to forget that taking just a moment to pause, breathe, or do som...
12/28/2024

In the rush of caregiving and life’s demands, it’s easy to forget that taking just a moment to pause, breathe, or do something you love can make all the difference. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential.
✨What’s one small way you’ll prioritize yourself today?

12/27/2024

Caregivers, this one’s for YOU.
You spend every day pouring from your cup, meeting the needs of others. But what if for just one week, you could refill that cup while surrounded by those who get it?

Picture this: Sunrise over endless waves. Meaningful conversations with caregiving trailblazers. Workshops that ignite your soul. Laughter over shared stories. And the kind of rest that feels like coming home to yourself.

✨This isn’t just a cruise. It’s a lifeline.✨
A moment to step out of the whirlwind and into a community that sees you, values you, and celebrates you.

📅 Fall 2025 Self-Care at Sea- October 19th-26th:
Save the date and secure your spot. Let the ocean carry your worries away while you rediscover the joy of simply being YOU aboard the NCL Aqua.

Caregiving is a labor of love—but even love needs a break.

Let’s sail into rest and renewal together. Join the crew and share the experience:
Natalie Elliott Handy JJ Elliott Hill of Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver
Christina ‘n Cindy Hardin-Weiss -Adaptive Equipment & Caregiving Corner
Elizabeth Miller, CCC™, CSA® of Happy Healthy Caregiver, LLC
Christina Keys of Keys for Caregiving
Carrie Aalberts, MS of Dementia Darling, LLC
Terrance and Lucretia Hawthorne Caregivers Lifestyle Foundation

𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐊 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞:
https://www.funseas.com/self-care

💕 𝐖𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬. 💕
12/25/2024

💕 𝐖𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬. 💕

This Christmas Eve, take a moment to listen to one of our favorite episodes with Christina Keys.When her mom suffered a ...
12/24/2024

This Christmas Eve, take a moment to listen to one of our favorite episodes with Christina Keys.

When her mom suffered a sudden stroke, Christina’s life turned upside down. She left her career to become a full-time caregiver, navigating the healthcare system and depleting her savings to provide her mom with care. In just 18 months, her financial situation shifted drastically, but she found moments of joy and connection along the way.

One standout moment was helping her mom climb the stairs to see her bedroom one last time. Inspired by her journey, Christina started Loving Them Forward, a nonprofit supporting caregivers with resources and help. Her story is a powerful reminder of resilience and finding purpose through challenges.

You can listen to it on your favorite streaming platforms, such as Apple and Spotify!

🍎 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/confessions-of-a-reluctant-caregiver/id1661715005










We're counting down to a very Merry Christmas!Natalie Elliott Handy and JJ Elliott Hill and the Confessions of a Relucta...
12/23/2024

We're counting down to a very Merry Christmas!

Natalie Elliott Handy and JJ Elliott Hill and the Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver team wish for magical memories in the coming days with your friends and family!

Caregiving during the holidays feels a lot like decorating a Christmas tree:🎁 You start with good intentions...🎁 Halfway...
12/20/2024

Caregiving during the holidays feels a lot like decorating a Christmas tree:

🎁 You start with good intentions...
🎁 Halfway through, you’re untangling more than lights.
🎁 And by the end, you’re just hoping it doesn’t topple over.

But let’s be honest: sometimes the best way to handle holiday chaos is with a sense of humor and a little help from Santa’s smallest helpers.

Here’s our confession: We’ve bribed these two with treats more times than we’d like to admit... but honestly, that’s the spirit of the season, right? 😂

💬 Your Turn:
What’s the funniest or most relatable moment you’ve had as a caregiver during the holidays? Let’s share some laughs while we sip our hot cocoa and remember: 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐎𝐊 𝐢𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐞.

Follow us for more: Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨! 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙚’𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪. After months (or even years) of pouring your heart and energy into others, it’s time to ...
12/19/2024

𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨! 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙚’𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪. After months (or even years) of pouring your heart and energy into others, it’s time to pour back into yourself.

Introducing the 𝕊𝕖𝕝𝕗 ℂ𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕒𝕥 𝕊𝕖𝕒! Ready to sail away with us?
A perfect blend of relaxation, rejuvenation, and connection, all while sailing through breathtaking destinations. Whether you’re a caregiver or loved one, this is your chance to honor the superheroes who make life easier for others.

🎁 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙂𝙞𝙛𝙩:
Looking for a holiday present that says, “𝘐 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘐 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶”?
This cruise isn’t just a trip; it’s a love letter to caregivers everywhere.

✨ 𝙒𝙝𝙮 𝙅𝙤𝙞𝙣 𝙐𝙨?
Give yourself (or a loved one) this gift of rest and adoration amongst peers who understand the caregiving journey. Self-care is not selfish; it’s essential.

📅 𝙎𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘿𝙖𝙩𝙚: October 19th-26th, 2025
✨Link to sign up: https://lnkd.in/gsRZ2kTR

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

12/18/2024

As we count down to the holiday season, it's time to think outside the box (or should we say inside the stocking?).

Big shoutout to our incredible sponsor, TENA, the global leader in continence care. They’re redefining dignity and quality of life with products that make a real difference.

This holiday season, why not wrap up a little comfort and confidence? TENA products might just be the thoughtful (and unexpected) stocking stuffer you never knew you needed. Now, that's what we call a gift that keeps on giving. 😉

Thank you, TENA, for empowering professionals and families alike with care at the heart of everything you do.

✨Check out the video and share your thoughts! What's the most unique stocking stuffer you've ever gifted or received?


https://www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com/

In this "looking back" episode of Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver, we had an amazing discussion with Charisma Sydno...
12/17/2024

In this "looking back" episode of Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver, we had an amazing discussion with Charisma Sydnor. She met her husband, Cole, while working at a rehabilitation center where he was undergoing therapy for a spinal cord injury he sustained at 16. They started dating soon after they met and married a couple of years later, in 2020.

As Cole's caregiver, Charisma took on many of his care responsibilities, including helping with transfers, cooking, and cleaning. She talked about the challenges she faced when transitioning from his mother being his primary caregiver to taking on that role herself. Charisma emphasized the importance of communication in their relationship and the need to maintain intimacy, even amidst her caregiving duties. She also spoke about the significance of promoting Cole’s independence whenever possible. Charisma and Cole openly shared their experiences on social media to raise awareness and demonstrate that individuals with disabilities can lead fulfilling lives and have meaningful relationships.

You can listen to it on your favorite streaming platforms, such as Apple and Spotify!

🍎 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/confessions-of-a-reluctant-caregiver/id1661715005










12/16/2024

Self-care matters, especially for caregivers. This week's guest, Charisma Sydnor, discusses the importance of putting your needs first to support those you care for more effectively. Hear her story about tackling challenges and finding new solutions, like learning skills to share responsibilities. Catch the full episode tomorrow!

12/13/2024

✨ Feeling the weight of change this holiday season? ✨

The holidays can bring mixed emotions whether it's from grief, distance, or caregiving challenges. Even in tough times, you can create meaningful moments. Focus on gratitude, act with love, and honor loved ones. Light a candle, cook a favorite dish, or start a new tradition. Grief and joy can coexist. Your well-being is what matters. What intention will you set this year?

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