Caregiving Reimagined
by Dr. Claudia Cassidy Bennett
My name is Dr. Claudia Cassidy Bennett. I've spent over 40 years as an occupational therapist, the last 15 working specifically with family caregivers navigating one of life's most demanding journeys. I've also lived this alongside you, caring for my own mother through Alzheimer's. I've learned what caregivers actually need: practical help, honest support, and someone who genuinely gets it. Until you’re part of the club, it’s hard to understand. We'll tackle the everyday challenges — bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting, medication management, and doctors’ appointments. We'll go deep into the emotional and spiritual side of caregiving that rarely gets talked about. You'll hear real stories from real caregivers. And yes — we'll laugh too. At the missteps, at the unexpected things our loved ones do, at the moments that are equal parts exhausting and absurd. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Because caregiving can be a messy job — physically and emotionally. Caregiving is not just somethi
Episodes
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Before the Crisis: Planning Care While Dad Still Drives
Crystal is the youngest of five siblings and lives downstairs from her 87-year-old father on the horse farm he built. She is at the very start of caregiving and is planning ahead deliberately. She explains how she protects his independence and sense of purpose, finds joy in small rituals like a...
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The Second Time Around: Advocacy, Aides, and Planning Ahead
Norm cared for his father in a facility and later for his mother at home, and he did things differently the second time. He talks about advocating in hospitals and ERs, hiring and keeping good aides, and the financial planning most families skip, including long-term care insurance and the limits…
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Consensus, Not Control: Caring for Both Parents Together
Jane cared for her parents through overlapping years of decline. Her priority was making decisions her parents and sister could stand behind. She explains why keeping her parents together mattered, how "slow medicine" changed what she paid attention to, and why the hours she spent on what-ifs…
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"You're Not My Wife": Dementia, Devotion, and Daily Prayer
Melodie spent five years pushing doctors for answers before her husband Dennis was diagnosed with early-onset dementia. She shares how she handled the hardest moments: the day he didn't recognize her, quietly taking his car keys, and riding out sundowning without confrontation. She also talks…
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A Blessing I Wouldn’t Wish on My Worst Enemy
When Erin moved her mother into her home, she brought her mother's own towels, dishes, and furniture with her, so the house would feel like her mother's home too. Over the next eight years, the two loved each other but didn't always like each other. Erin talks about learning boundaries the hard...
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Welcome to Caregiving Reimagined
My name is Dr. Claudia Cassidy Bennett. I've spent over 40 years as an occupational therapist, the last 15 working specifically with family caregivers navigating one of life's most demanding journeys. I've also lived this alongside you, caring for my own mother through Alzheimer's. I've learned...
About this show
My name is Dr. Claudia Cassidy Bennett. I've spent over 40 years as an occupational therapist, the last 15 working specifically with family caregivers navigating one of life's most demanding journeys. I've also lived this alongside you, caring for my own mother through Alzheimer's. I've learned what caregivers actually need: practical help, honest support, and someone who genuinely gets it. Until you’re part of the club, it’s hard to understand. We'll tackle the everyday challenges — bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting, medication management, and doctors’ appointments. We'll go deep into the emotional and spiritual side of caregiving that rarely gets talked about. You'll hear real stories from real caregivers. And yes — we'll laugh too. At the missteps, at the unexpected things our loved ones do, at the moments that are equal parts exhausting and absurd. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Because caregiving can be a messy job — physically and emotionally. Caregiving is not just somethi
Hosted by
Dr. Claudia Cassidy Bennett