Tips for Understanding Caregiver Challenges

The partner of a young hospice patient greeted me with this statement, “If one more person talks to me about self care, I’m going to smack them.” Luckily, I knew better and had no plans to talk to her about self care. But, apparently, a lot of people have been. Family Caregivers who have been alongside their person for months, sometimes years and years have heard the self-care talk countless times. It starts to sound like the teachers on Charlie Brown. The lips are moving but the message is no longer heard. We can do better. Caregivers know they need to eat, drink water, sleep as much as possible, and accept help. You aren’t the first to suggest this and are probably the 100th. Instead of launching into a lecture, try just sitting with the family caregiver. Ask what’s on their mind today. Reassure them that they are doing a beautiful job taking care of their loved one. Acknowledge how challenging this can be. Allow for silence. Wait for them to share what’s underneath the surface. If there are opportunities to offer resources because of what’s being shared, ask if it’s okay to share an idea before just launching into it. Do NOT just tell people to take care of themselves. They KNOW!

Alzheimer's doesn't just steal memories - it can also rob caregivers of their sense of self. 💔 This powerful article reveals the hidden neurological and emotional struggles that come with caring for a loved one with dementia. Key takeaways: * Caregivers often find themselves arguing, blaming, and taking symptoms personally - even when they know better. It's not a character flaw, but a natural consequence of the brain's wiring. * Alzheimer's erodes the shared reality and emotional reciprocity between patient and caregiver. This profound sense of isolation and unfairness takes a neurological toll. 😞 * Self-control is a limited resource. Constantly accommodating delusions and managing anger depletes the very mental energy caregivers need to adapt. * Self-care isn't selfish - it's essential! Caregivers must invest in their own well-being to better support their loved ones. 💪 To all the devoted caregivers out there: be kind to yourselves. Your struggles are valid, and your sacrifices are immeasurable. 🙏 Remember, taking care of yourself is an act of love - for both you and those you care for. 💖

Over the past 2.5 years, my world was forever changed. I became a caregiver to my husband, Chuck, as he fought an extraordinary battle with brain cancer, and then I faced the heart-wrenching reality of his passing. Now, six months after his passing, five months back in the office, and going through all the “firsts” without him, I find myself reflecting on how this journey has transformed me by turning pain into purpose - not just as a person, but as a leader: 1. Empathy First - Watching Maddie care for her dad reminded me that compassion speaks louder than words. In leadership, it’s the same. You don’t need to know the full story to extend grace. Lead with empathy, always. 2. Acknowledge the Invisible Struggles - Everyone is carrying something unseen. Whether it’s caregiving, grief, or personal challenges, we all deserve understanding and flexibility. A little kindness goes a long way. 3. Be Present - In caregiving, I learned the power of being fully present—whether it was holding Chuck’s hand or just sitting in silence. As a leader, presence matters. I value them as individuals, not just contributors. 4. Lead with Vulnerability - Sharing this video and my journey isn’t easy, but I believe in leading by example. Vulnerability isn’t a weakness; it’s a bridge to connection. 5. Celebrate the Living Moments - Just as Maddie and I made the most of Chuck’s final days, it’s important to celebrate the small wins in life and at work. Those moments matter more than we often realize. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about the decisions we make—it’s about the way we make people feel. Leaders have the power to create spaces where people feel seen, supported, and understood—no matter what they’re facing. This journey has changed me for the better - it’s made me stronger, more empathetic, more courageous and more human. To those navigating caregiving, grief, or loss, especially during the holidays - as alone as you may feel, you are not alone. #nationalgriefawarenessweek

A mother receiving cancer treatment still packs lunches every morning. A nurse managing chronic pain continues her hospital shifts. A daughter undergoing physical therapy coordinates her father's medical appointments. These aren't just patients - they're caregivers whose own health journey intertwines with their responsibility to others. We often design healthcare experiences assuming patients can focus solely on their own healing. Yet for many, pausing their caregiver role isn't an option. They navigate treatment while maintaining their essential role in others' lives. This reality demands more thoughtful design. These individuals need scheduling flexibility that acknowledges their dual roles. They need clear information they can process while distracted. They need spaces that accommodate the children or parents they can't leave at home. Their support needs differ too. Traditional support groups might be inaccessible to those caring for others. Education materials designed for focused attention might miss their mark. Even simple things, like appointment scheduling, take on new complexity when balancing multiple care responsibilities. Understanding these intersecting journeys becomes crucial. How might we design care experiences that support not just the patient's healing, but their ability to maintain their caregiver role? How could we create spaces that accommodate both receiving and giving care? The opportunity lies in recognizing these dual roles and designing healthcare experiences that acknowledge this reality. Because sometimes the most supportive care is the kind that helps patients continue caring for others. The best solutions will come from truly understanding these overlapping journeys - seeing patients not just as individuals seeking care, but as essential threads in the fabric of others' lives.

You are never prepared for hearing the words “You have cancer.” I know because those words were said 20+ years ago with my father’s diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer. Like the rest of the world, I learned the news of the Princess of Wales and her diagnosis. What came through loud and clear is her not only having to navigate her treatment plan, but figuring out how to communicate and protect her young children as a mother. As an adult, English-speaking daughter, I was somewhat better prepared to help navigate the disjointed healthcare system and care for my father. But no matter your age, watching a parent battle cancer or any debilitating illness is always difficult. The caregiving journey does not come with a “How To” manual or strategic plan. What I have learned as a caregiver: 📍 Be an unapologetic advocate- Navigating through the countless appointments, doctors, or specialists will require you or your loved one to actively engage and advocate for care. 📍 Protect your time and energy- When family, friends, and colleagues hear the news, there may be a bit of overwhelm at first with the outreach and messages of care. Let people know how best to stay connected with you and find ways to provide updates on your own terms. 📍 Give yourself permission- Grace and space are needed for you during the emotional and mental roller coaster ride of caregiving. Ask for the support and respite when needed. For anyone going through healthcare challenges, sending out massive energy and love your way. 💙🙏 ________ What’s your advice for other caregivers? #healthcare #publicaffairs #ShastaAdvisory

Have you interacted with the mental healthcare system in the past 4 years? And if you've had to do this for your kids, how long did it take for you to find and see the right providers? Right. Just the waiting list can take nearly a year, or longer, for pediatric providers. The mental healthcare crisis impacts everyone. And many of us support our neurodiverse, anxious or depressed children, in parallel with the very full professional lives we lead. Parenting is wonderful and stressful. And when you're supporting a child with any mental, physical or academic challenges whatsoever, it's extra-stressful. I had the pleasure of speaking with the fabulous Dr. Karen Wilson all about this. Here are the key points from our conversation: 1. Children's needs can intensify at any time Karen said, “When you have a child who is struggling there’s no guidebook on what to do to figure things out. Or when to seek outside help..." Finding the right diagnosis, doctors or school support for kids with anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder or dyslexia, is often a fraught, multi-year process. 2. And amplify friction in our careers The professional and financial stakes are high for caregivers. Most parents are in the paid workforce, and raising kids is expensive. But as the economy tightens, many employers are less flexible, despite its many benefits. Karen said, " ...You might be trying to advance in your career, when you also have all of these childcare responsibilities. If your child has unique needs, and you don’t understand some of those needs, it takes a whole other level of effort and time to do your research, keep up with appointments and figure out what’s going on. It can be really hard journey.” 3. Stress is not only bad for you, it's bad for kids Countless studies validate what many of us experience. Elevated levels of stress in parents, leads to elevated stress in kids. Stress ripples through families, and it's very difficult to manage when we are under pressure. 4. So, increase your self-care time But increasing your self-care, like quality sleep, movement, nutritious meals and mindfulness, is critical. It likely means revisiting your to-do list, reassigning household roles, eliminating unnecessary projects and if the psychological safety is there, a candid conversation with your colleagues or manager about your schedule and needs. #workingmothers #workingparents #neurdiverseparenting #mentalhealth #selfcare #worklifeintegration