370: Being a Lone Ranger is the Riskiest Role for a Care Partner

Some headlines stop you cold. Care partners have a 63% higher mortality rate than people the same age who aren't supporting someone. In this episode, Greg and Teepa look past this statistic and ask a better question: who exactly is dying early? Teepa's answer, drawn from forty-five years of experience, is that the risk isn't in supporting another individual — it's in doing it alone, without knowledge, without skill building, and without anyone to call. You'll hear why nobody can take care of them like I do is a warning sign rather than a badge of honor, what happens to the person living with dementia when the lone care partner goes down first, and why learning to pause and breathe is truly essential for survival. If you're carrying this alone, you don't have to. The Care Partner Support Series from Positive Approach to Care® is a place to bring your real questions, build practical skills, and connect with people who understand the road you're on. No judgment, no overwhelm, just support and a next step. Explore more about the Care Partner Support Series (link).