Ep.80 The Conscious Caregiver: A Mindful Approach to Caring for Your Loved One Without Losing Yourself

Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife

My friend, Claudia, thought this would be a timely topic for many us, and it did not take me long to find an expert in the field of eldercare.
There can be many rewards for caring for ill or aging parents, a spouse, relative, or a special neighbor. It is truly a labor of love, but with that there can be some very challenging and trying moments that come with the territory of having this honor. The role requires patience, tenderness, selflessness, and hard work.
The emotional toll and physical stress of caregiving can lead to burnout and exhaustion, causing caregivers to put themselves and their own well-being in the background. How do we put aside the guilt, sadness, and isolation to be kind to ourselves and prioritize self-care?
Linda Abbit was a caregiver for more than 25 years. She, too, faced many of the same demands other caregivers experience. Many of us have aging family members, and Linda's work in the eldercare field and volunteering for the Alzheimer's Association, has provided her the wisdom and knowledge to help us all reduce stress, avoid burnout, and be a more relaxed caregiver.
Linda is the founder of Tender Loving Eldercare, and the author of the book The Conscious Caregiver: A Mindful Approach to Caring for Your Loved One Without Losing Yourself. She addresses the topics that are vital for anyone who is in the midst of this sometimes dramatic life change.
In this episode Lina Abbit and I discuss:
- Techniques for mindful communication with the person in our care
- What to do if siblings are not willing to help out and tips for doctor appointments
- How to keep daily self-care top of mind
- When to consider in-home care or assisted living
- What to do when the whole family is not on-board
- The dreaded end-of-life conversation
- The grieving process for the caregiver
- There are resources, so you don't have to go it alone
Resources:
Office on Aging
Alzheimer's Association
Google - Geriatric Care Managers in your area
You can find Linda Abbit at:
https://tenderlovingeldercare.com/
or on Facebook
She is available for speaking engagements locally or on Zoom.
Linda's book is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
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*Transcripts are done with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.
**This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Chapters

1. The Conscious Caregiver (00:00:00)

2. Caregiving Challenges and Resources (00:04:01)

3. Self Care and Difficult Conversations (00:17:47)

4. Caregiver Resources and Book Promotion (00:32:16)