The Empowered Caregiver

Caregiving brings many questions, especially when considering the move from part-time to full-time caregiving.  In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB discusses how caregivers know when it’s time to consider full-time caregiving. In this episode, she will discuss: *Some of the signs that it is time to shift.* Facing the decision of this major turning point or crossroad. * Warning signs to look for. * The emotional side of this shift. The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers to find encouragement, wisdom, practical tools, and real, honest conversations about the realities of caring for an aging loved one.  If you are feeling overwhelmed, take the Caregiver Burnout Check-In that will help you gauge your stress level and provide some solutions to address it: https://valerieb.podia.comIf you need a short reset or recharge after a challenging day, visit Caregiver Calm on Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com

Caregiving is a challenging role that brings about purpose, however, it can also bring  overwhelm and exhaustion. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB discusses the importance of patience in caregiving in this bonus episode of the Dementia, Dignity, and Care series for the month of April.She will talk about: * Why your patience is running thin.* What to do in your moments of impatience with your loved one.* What to do if you have already been impatient. The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space created for caregivers and provides ongoing encouragement, practical tools, wisdom, and more.  If you are feeling stressed, check out the Caregiver Burnout Check-in that will gauge your stress level and provide you with steps for relief :  https://valerieb.podia.comIf you just need a reset or recharge after a challenging or long day, try one of the caregiver resets called Caregiver Calm on Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com

Caregiving brings purpose and care however it can also be overwhelming and heavy.  In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB continues the Dementia, Dignity, and Care series.  In this final episode in the series, the focus will be on a caregiver’s brain health. In this episode ValerieB discusses: * Why brain health is so important. * Change the question of can dementia be prevented. * 5 areas that support brain healthThe Empowered Caregiver is a safe space for caregivers.  This podcast provides practical tools, wisdom, and honest conversations.  If you are feeling overwhelmed, check out the free Caregiver Burnout Check-In: https://valerieb.podia.comIf you are in need of periodic resets or recharges after a challenging day, visit Caregiver Calm: https://insighttimer.comThese episodes are for educational and informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for medical help and support.  

Caregiving brings purpose, love, and care however it can feel heavy especially when caring for a loved one living with Dementia.  In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB will continue the April series, Dementia, Dignity, and Care and talks about dealing with hallucinations. In this episode, ValerieB will: * Define hallucinations* Explain why they sometimes occur. * Recommend how a caregiver can respond in the moment. The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers to receive encouragement, wisdom, and practical tools. If you are feeling stressed by caregiving, checkout the Caregiver Burnout Check-In at: https://valerieb.podia.comIf you would like time to reset and recharge then look for the guided meditations on Insight Timer called “Caregiver Calm”: https://insighttimer.comAll episodes are for educational and informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for professional help. 

Caregiving brings, purpose, love, and knowledge, however it can also bring burnout, anger, and a vast amount of emotions.  In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about some of the hidden emotions caregivers may experience, especially if you are doing it all alone.  In this episode, ValerieB will discuss: * The moments a caregiver feels truly alone. * How to grieve the absentee family. * How to build villages of your own even without family and/or friends. *How to put in place some practical anchors for yourself.The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers to find wisdom, encouragement, practical tools, and talk honestly about the realities of caring for an aging loved one. Check out the short meditation resets to help caregivers recharge:  https://insighttimer.comFeeling overwhelmed, checkout the Caregiver Burnout Check-In to help you gauge your stress level:  https://valerieb.podia.comThese podcasts are for informational and educational purposes only.  Please do not use them as a replacement for seeking professional assistance.  

Caregiving brings love, purpose, and sometimes extended care.  It can also be overwhelming and exhausting especially when caring for a loved one with Dementia.  We are still in our April series, focused on Dementia care. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about sundowning, what she knows all too well.  In this episode she will discuss: *What sundowning is. * Why sundowning occurs. * What a caregiver can do help to plan for it and during this time. The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers to find practical tools, real conversations, encouragement, and wisdom about the realities of caring for an aging loved one. If you are feeling a bit overwhelmed, check out the Caregiver Burnout Check-In at: https://valerieb.podia.comIf you need a short reset or recharge, visit Caregiver Calm on Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.comThese episodes are for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for any professional help.

Caregiving brings so much purpose however it can be quite exhausting.  In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB will continue the Dementia, Dignity, and Care series for the month of April by talking about “How to Talk With a Loved One Who Has Dementia”.  In this episode, ValerieB will discuss: *Why communication is different with a person living with Dementia. * One of the biggest communication mistakes a caregiver makes. * How to effectively use redirection.* Practical communication strategies. This is a safe space for caregivers who are looking for some practical tools, wisdom, encouragement, and guidance on their caregiving journey. Feeling overwhelmed?  Check out the Caregiver Burnout Check-In, a free resource to help you determine your current stress level.  https://valerieb.podia.com

Caregiving brings love and purpose, however it can be challenging especially for a loved one who is living with Dementia and/or Alzheimer’s. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks about the hidden emotions many caregivers do not freely express when caring for a loved one with this disease. In this episode ValerieB will talk about “What a Dementia Caregiver Needs”.  She will discuss: * Why a caregiver of Dementia/Alzheimers is effected a lot by caregiving. * What five (5) things a dementia caregiver needs most and don’t really ask for. * Why a dementia caregiver hesitates to ask for help. * Some steps a dementia caregiver can begin taking to ask for support today. The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for all caregivers to find encouragement, wisdom, practical tools, and do some self-reflection about the realities of caring for an aging loved one. If you are feeling overwhelmed, check out my free Caregiver Burnout Check-In athttps://valerieb.podia.com. 

This month, the Empowered Caregiver podcast will do a special series on Dementia.  In this first episode of Dementia, Dignity, and Care, ValerieB will explore “The Early Signs of Dementia that Families Sometimes Miss”.   What can be viewed as normal aging, stress, or forgetfulness is sometimes the start of something more serious. In this episode, ValerieB will discuss: *The common early warning signs of Dementia. * The signs that families sometimes miss. * Why families dismiss the signs.* How paying attention, observing, and journaling can make a big difference. Caregiving for a loved one living with Dementia can be overwhelming and may require more attention, patience, and care.  This episode will help you respond with awareness, wisdom, and more clarity. If you are feeling overwhelmed, check out the free Caregiver Burnout Check-In athttps://valerieb.podia.com

Caregiving brings love, purpose, and hope, however it can also bring anger, burnout, exhaustion, and more.  In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about the hidden emotions that caregivers dont usually talk about but experience on a regular basis. In today’s episode: * I just want to check-in with you and let you know that you are in my thoughts. * i want you to pause, and listen to your body, your mind, and your heart. * I want you to answer 10 questions so you can gauge your stress level.* I want you to listen to the recommendations. The Empowered Caregiver is a safe space for caregivers to find encouragement, wisdom, guidance, and some practical tools that may help you on a daily basis.  I will always keep the conversations real and honest and share some of the realities of caring for an aging loved one. 

Caregiving brings love and purpose, however it can also bring fear, burnout, anger, and a heaviness.  In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about the hidden “what ifs” that caregivers sometimes feel.In this episode ValerieB will: * Share one of a caregiver’s greatest fear.* Give you signs that tell you that you are getting close to your breaking point. * Give you signs of what you can do before reaching your breaking point. * Help you to reframe the fear you are feeling. The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers to find encouragement, real talk about real issues, wisdom, practical tools, transparency about the realities of caring for an aging loved one. If you are feeling overwhelmed, check out the Caregiver Burnout Check-In athttps://valerieb.podia.com

Caregiving brings love and purpose, however it can also bring burnout, anger, overwhelm, and more.  In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about the emotion of guilt caregivers sometimes experience.  In this episode ValerieB will: * Discuss why caregivers feel guilty. * Discuss the necessity of a mindset shift. * Discuss how to allow yourself permission to be free of guilt. The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers to find encouragement, wisdom, and practical tools about the realities of caring for an aging loved one. 

The Caregiver Calm reset is for the caregiver who is feeling burned out and needs a few moments to breathe, release, tension, recharge, and ground yourself.  If caregiving feels heavy and overwhelming, this short guided reset offers caregivers emotional support, reassurance, and a calm space to exhale.  

Caregiving brings love and purpose; however it can also bring burnout, worry, and fear.  In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about the emotions that come with knowing it’s time to take the car keys from your loved one. In this episode ValerieB will: * Discuss what driving means to an aging loved one. * Discuss some gentle approaches to the conversation.* Explain how to provide support through other ways. The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers to find support, encouragement, practical tools, and wisdom about the realities of caring for an aging loved one. 

Caregiving brings love and purpose, however, it can also be more challenging when there is a loved one who refuses help.  In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks about the emotions that occur when a caregiver desires to help a loved one who refuses the help. In this episode she will discuss: * Why a loved one resists and refuses help.* How a caregiver can best handle the rejection. * Provide some gentle approaches that will prove helpful. * What to do when the situation is serious.The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space where caregivers find encouragement, confidence, wisdom, practical tools, and honest conversations about the realities of caring for an aging loved one.

Caregiving brings love and purpose, however, it can also bring some anger.  In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about an emotion that caregivers often feel but does not readily talk about. In this episode she discusses: * Why anger shows up in caregiving. * Reveal some hidden sources of caregiver anger. * Why some caregivers feel guilty about being angry. * Provides some healthy ways caregivers can respond to anger. The Empowered Caregiver podcast it’s a safe space where caregivers can find encouragement, confidence, resets, wisdom, practical tools, and honest conversations about the realities of caring for an aging loved one.  If you are feeling overwhelmed, checkout the free Caregiver Burnout Check-In athttps://valerieb.podia.com

This Caregiver Calm reset is for the caregiver who doesn’t feel he or she is doing enough and who is questioning himself or herself.  You need a few moments to breathe, reaffirm yourself, recharge, and quiet your thoughts. If caregiving feels overwhelming, you constantly criticize yourself, and you feel you need to be perfect, this short guided reset offers caregivers emotional support, reassurance, and a calm space to exhale.  Take a few quiet moments for yourself because you deserve care too.

Caregiving brings love and purpose, however it can also teach us lessons that will help us on our caregiving journey.  In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about the hidden emotions experienced when a caregiver learns the hard way. In this episode she discusses: * The importance of getting an elder care attorney early.* Choosing the right facility. * Having no basic knowledge of my loved one’s disease. * Dementia-proofing my home. * Self-care as a necessity. * Anger and resentment as a huge obstacle. The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space where caregivers find support, encouragement, resets, practical tools, and honest conversations about the realities of caring for an aging loved one. 

This Caregiver Calm reset is for the caregiver who rarely takes time for themselves and feels that you are alone.  You may need a few moments to breathe, release some tension, recharge, and give yourself permission to pause. If caregiving feels overwhelming, this short guided reset offers caregivers emotional support, recovery, focus on what’s in front of you right now, and a calm space to exhale. Take a few moments for yourself because you deserve care too. 

Caregiving brings love and purpose; however it also brings a heaviness.  In this episode, of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about the hidden emotion of grief caregivers sometimes do not openly express. In this episode, ValerieB will discuss: *How to understand grief.* Explain why caregiver grief is so complicated. * Discuss the quiet loneliness of grief that caregivers experience. The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers to find encouragement, wisdom, practical tools, and honest conversations about the realities of caring for an aging loved one. 

Caregiving brings love, care, patience, and purpose; however it can sometimes be overwhelming.  In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about the emotions associated with caregiving and working.  In this episode, ValerieB will discuss: * The risks that working caregivers experience. * The 3 things that makes working and caregiving so hard. * Implementing micro-recovery moments. * Reclaiming your identity The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers to find encouragement, a place to recharge, wisdom, practical tools, and honest conversations about the realities of caring for an aging loved one. 

Caregiving brings love and purpose; however it can also be overwhelming and cause burnout.  In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about the hidden emotions caregivers sometimes experience as it relates to feeling unqualified.  In this episode ValerieB will: * Squash the myth that caregiving requires classes, certification, or a title.  * Explain why you are qualified to be a caregiver. * We explore the traits necessary to be a caregiver. The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers to find encouragement, feel empowered, find wisdom, practical tools, and honest conversations about the realities of caring for an aging loved one.  

Caregiving brings love and purpose; however it can also bring burnout.  In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB continues to talk openly about the hidden emotion of burnout and what it takes to break it. In this episode ValerieB will: * Help you shift from just knowing what burnout is to breaking it.*Shifting your mindset. *Five steps to help you break burnout.  The Empowered Cargegiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers to find encouragement, wisdom, practical tools, and honest conversations about the realities of caring for an aging loved one. If you are feeling overwhelmed or exhausted, check out the Caregiver Burnout Check-In at https://valerieb.podia.com

Caregiving brings love, patience, and purpose; however it brings quite a bit of burnout.  In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about the hidden emotion of burnout that caregivers experience on a regular basis.  In this episode ValerieB will: * Explain the sources of burnout. * Share seven (7) signs of burnout. * Help you name it honestly and not minimize it. *Re-introduce yourself to yourself. The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers to find peace, calm, wisdom, encouragement, practical tools, and honest conversations about the realities of caring for an aging loved one. If you are feeling overly exhausted, checkout out the Caregiver Burnout Check-In at https://valerieb.podia.comFeel free to purchase the book that contains wise words for caregivers:  https://bit.ly/4eeNIR1Check out Caregiver Calm, resets for caregivers:  https://insighttimer.com

This episode is a continuation of my caregiver story, however the focus today is caring for my dad who lived with Alzheimer’s and Vascular Dementia.  

I will share my journey of caring for my mother and tell you how it all began. 

Today’s episode is to launch the podcast and welcome all caregivers.  In this episode I share how this podcast will help and support caregivers who are caring for aging loved ones.  I will give you a taste of future episodes that will provide resets, discuss how to address burnout, teach you how to ask for help, detox guilt, and provide some practical tools that caregivers can use on a daily basis to assist with caregiving.