54: The Cost of Caring: How Caregivers Heal While Giving

Soul Shift Sessions Podcast: The Cost of Caring – How Caregivers Can Heal While GivingIn this heartfelt episode of Soul Shift Sessions, host Coach Sapphire Star and co-host Coach Kyle McLeod welcome Carla Prayer (Inner Beauty By Design), an 8-year caregiver, self-care coach, speaker, and advocate, to unpack the emotional, physical, and mental toll of caregiving—and how to thrive through it.Key Highlights:Carla's Journey: After closing her 40+ year salon to care for her husband Patrick (diagnosed with mixed Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's in 2018 after 4 years of symptoms), Carla pivoted to full-time caregiving. She emphasizes holistic self-care (spiritual, mental, physical, emotional, financial) via nutrition, exercise, faith, positive energy, and support groups to handle "shockwaves" without burnout.Lewy Body Dementia Insights: Often misdiagnosed (mimics Parkinson's/Alzheimer's), patients are aware of their decline—unlike other dementias. Advocate fiercely: Research, join groups, update doctors with symptoms, secure healthcare directives/power of attorney. Carla fought for Patrick's diagnosis and helped pass California AB 2047 for better doctor training.Emotional Toll & Healing: Don't go alone—many caregivers die first from isolation. Shift mindset: Protect yourself first (oxygen mask analogy), use positive self-talk ("I can do all things"), borrow others' strength, laugh through hallucinations (hilarious "truck on the fence" story), and find joy in furry companions (Carla's doggy daycare pivot from "no pets indoors" skeptic!).Practical Gems: Warm water/lotions for care rituals; choose hospices wisely (Carla's was "beautiful"); prepare pre-diagnosis (legal docs, finances). Now, Carla coaches caregivers, turning pain into purpose via her upcoming book (August 18, 2026, anniversary release) on her "by design" life from age 5.Pivots & Rewards: From salon chair to self-care coaching and doggy daycare (under 40lbs!), Carla models unconditional love, vulnerability in safe spaces, and openness to change.Soul-Shifting Quote: "You cannot or should not do it on your own... When impacted physically, mentally, and emotionally, don't do it alone."Rapid Fire Gems:One word: Blessed.Books: Boundaries (Bruce Wilkinson), No Matter What (Lisa Nichols).Presence: Bring light, hope, joy.Mirror note: "Girl, you got this. You were created for this. Let's go get it."Final Words: "Gratitude isn't always about what's going right. It's about finding a little light in the moment that we're in."Connect: Inner Beauty By Design (all platforms) https://innerbeautybydesign.com/. Watch documentary Facing the Wind. Caregivers: You're not alone—reach out!Subscribe, rate, share if this shifted you—join at soulshiftsessions.com. #CaregiverHealing #LewyBodyDementia #SelfCare #SoulShiftSessionsPlease Like, Comment, & Share!About us - www.soulshiftsessions.comCoach Sapphire Starr - www.sapphirestarr.comCoach Kyle McCloud - www.inspirelegacyai.comBecome A Guest - www.soulshiftsessions.comBusiness inquiry - [email protected] us on IG - @soulshiftsessions