5: Managing Relationships: Caring for a Spouse

In this episode, Dr. Lakelyn dives into part two of a three part series on caregiving relationships with a discussion on spousal caregiving. Dr. Lakelyn talks with Laurel Wittman, President and Board Member of Well Spouse Association. Laurel is a spousal caregiver herself and also helps to run a non-profit dedicated to supporting those who care for a spouse or partner. Episode highlights include: - Insights on who spousal caregivers are and the prevalence - Differences between spousal caregivers and other types of caregivers - Isolation experienced by spousal caregivers - Changing relationship dynamics, including impact on intimacy - The emotional rollercoaster of caring for a spouse, especially guilt - Resources to support spousal caregivers Helpful links from this episode: - Well Spouse Association: wellspouse.org - Caregiving in the U.S. 2020 Report To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at [email protected]. Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media: Facebook: @homeinsteadinc Instagram: @homeinsteadinc YouTube: @homeinsteadinc 00:00 - Intro 01:29 - Introducing Laurel Wittman 04:44 - Well Spouse 06:44 - Who are spousal caregivers? 10:23 - Unique differences of spousal caregivers 13:45 - Providing more hours of care 17:39 - Longevity of the care journey 20:28 - The choice in providing care 22:27 - Home Instead 23:11 - Feelings of isolation 26:20 - Financial impacts 28:24 - Positives of the role 31:58 - Impact on intimacy 36:09 - Managing feelings of guilt 39:18 - When to consider respite care 42:09 - Complicated relationships 45:15 - What to expect from Well Spouse 48:47 - Advice to spousal caregivers 49:49 - Outro