EPISODE · Jun 14, 2026 · 25 MIN
How a Nurse Balanced Alzheimer’s Care, Career, and Her Own Sanity
from WSNtv · host Barbara Beach, Charles McFall
In this heartfelt episode of Be Your Own Advocate, hosts Isabel Dassinger and Isaiah Fliessbach sit down with nurse and caregiver Kathy Dent to discuss her journey caring for her mother through a 13-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Drawing from her experience as both a healthcare professional and a daughter, Kathy shares the realities of balancing caregiving, work, personal responsibilities, and self-care. The conversation explores the emotional toll of long-term caregiving, the challenges families face when loved ones begin losing independence, and the importance of finding purpose and support along the way. Kathy served as the primary caregiver for her mother from diagnosis in 2007 until her passing in 2020, while also maintaining professional and volunteer commitments. She discusses the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s, including changes in memory, smell, taste, and behavior, and how denial can delay recognition of symptoms. Working with veterans suffering from PTSD and traumatic brain injuries became a crucial emotional outlet that helped her maintain balance while caregiving. Kathy emphasizes that caregivers must care for themselves as well, sharing how years of prioritizing others eventually impacted her own health. “If you're not taking care of yourself, you really can't take care of the other person.” — Kathy Dent Caregiving affects millions of families, yet many people enter the role with little preparation. Kathy’s story provides practical insight, emotional honesty, and encouragement for anyone supporting a parent, spouse, veteran, or loved one facing cognitive decline or chronic illness. Her experiences serve as a reminder that advocacy begins with both caring for others and protecting your own well-being. Follow Be Your Own Advocate on WSNtv and across our platforms:YouTube: Youtube.com/@WeServeNetworkVimeo: Vimeo.com/wsntvFacebook: Facebook.com/WeServeTvWebsite: Weservenetwork.orgSpotify: Tiny.cc/WSNtvAlso available on RokuJoin us for more conversations that empower you to be your own advocate in every area of life.HighlightsMemorable QuoteWhy This Episode MattersFollow Be Your Own Advocate
What this episode covers
In this heartfelt episode of Be Your Own Advocate, hosts Isabel Dassinger and Isaiah Fliessbach sit down with nurse and caregiver Kathy Dent to discuss her journey caring for her mother through a 13-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Drawing from her experience as both a healthcare professional and a daughter, Kathy shares the realities of balancing caregiving, work, personal responsibilities, and self-care. The conversation explores the emotional toll of long-term caregiving, the challenges families face when loved ones begin losing independence, and the importance of finding purpose and support along the way. Kathy served as the primary caregiver for her mother from diagnosis in 2007 until her passing in 2020, while also maintaining professional and volunteer commitments. She discusses the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s, including changes in memory, smell, taste, and behavior, and how denial can delay recognition of symptoms. Working with veterans suffering from PTSD and traumatic brain injuries became a crucial emotional outlet that helped her maintain balance while caregiving. Kathy emphasizes that caregivers must care for themselves as well, sharing how years of prioritizing others eventually impacted her own health. “If you're not taking care of yourself, you really can't take care of the other person.” — Kathy Dent Caregiving affects millions of families, yet many people enter the role with little preparation. Kathy’s story provides practical insight, emotional honesty, and encouragement for anyone supporting a parent, spouse, veteran, or loved one facing cognitive decline or chronic illness. Her experiences serve as a reminder that advocacy begins with both caring for others and protecting your own well-being. Follow Be Your Own Advocate on WSNtv and across our platforms:YouTube: Youtube.com/@WeServeNetworkVimeo: Vimeo.com/wsntvFacebook: Facebook.com/WeServeTvWebsite: Weservenetwork.orgSpotify: Tiny.cc/WSNtvAlso available on RokuJoin us for more conversations that empower you to be your own advocate in every area of life.HighlightsMemorable QuoteWhy This Episode MattersFollow Be Your Own Advocate
NOW PLAYING
How a Nurse Balanced Alzheimer’s Care, Career, and Her Own Sanity
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
No similar episodes found.
Similar Podcasts
No similar podcasts found.