Some of Our Episode Guests

My Location: San Diego, CA

Loved one I care(d) for: My mom

Best advice I’ve been given about caregiving: If the decisions are made out of love for those you care for, they can never be wrong

Best advice I can give fellow caregivers: It's so critical to build a support system! For me, joining a group where I had a safe place to chat about my experience with others in the same boat pulled me out of isolation and into community

My Location: San Diego, CA

Loved one I care(d) for: My Dad

Best advice I’ve been given about caregiving: To be considered a caregiver all you have to do is care about somebody with Alzheimer's. Any decision made with love is the right decision.

Best advice I can give to fellow caregivers: Take care of yourself in addition to the person you're taking care of - you can't pour from an empty cup.

My Location: San Diego

Loved one I care(d) for: My Mom

Best advice I’ve been given about caregiving: You're not alone in how you feel; take care of yourself so you can take care of them.

Best advice I can give to fellow caregivers: Take care of yourself first. Forgive and have compassion that starts with you first.

My Location: Greenville, SC

Loved on I care(d) for: Mother

Best advice I’ve been given about caregiving: To make the most meaning out of each moment. To just "be" with your person and focus on where they are now, not who they used to be. This allows moments of joy to happen.

Best advice I can give to fellow caregivers: When your loved one does die from their dementia, realize that you are going to have to "practice" being normal again. It will get better and easier as time goes by, even though you will always miss -- and even ache for -- your person who is gone.

My Location: San Diego, CA

Loved one I care(d) for: My Mother

Best advice I’ve been given about caregiving: Do not correct, argue with or try to reason with someone with dementia. These cause more aggravation and stress for all parties involved.

Best advice I can give to fellow caregivers: Remember someone with dementia cannot help themselves. Dementia has stolen their capabilities and they are suffering greatly.

My Location: San Diego, CA

Loved one I care(d) for: My Mother

Best advice I’ve been given about caregiving: Meet your loved one in their reality

Best advice I can give to fellow caregivers: Maintain as much normalcy as possible and retain your sense of humor.

My Location: Philadelphia, PA

Loved one I care(d) for: My Mama

Best advice I’ve been given about caregiving: Nap early and often! Acknowledge and accept that caregiving, its mix of beautiful and very difficult moments, is tiring, and carve out the space you need to rest.

Best advice I can give to fellow caregivers: In addition to seeking the medical and logistical information you need to be a carer, find a community of support plus a good--and don't settle for anything less--therapist to accompany you. And, balance your caregiving with something joyful...whether your daily cup of coffee, side project, silly movies, or something else, and commit to keeping that joy close to you!

My Location: San Diego, CA

Loved one I care(d) for: My Father

Best advice I've been given about caregiving: The best advice that I've received in this process was to make sure and accept assistance from people who are offering to be there to help you.

Best advice I can give to fellow caregivers: The best advice I can offer to other caregivers is to make sure to honor your limitations and take care of your own needs throughout the journey, you will be a better caregiver for your loved one if you care for yourself as well.

My Location: Auburn, CA

Loved one I care(d) for: My Mom

Best advice I’ve been given about caregiving: Caregiving is a role, not a relationship.

Best advice I can give to fellow caregivers: Maintain your own dreams & ambitions even if it takes longer to achieve them.

My Location: San Diego, CA

Loved one I care(d) for: My husband

Best advice I’ve been given about caregiving: Let your spouse do whatever they can by themselves, so that they will feel a sense of accomplishment.

Best advice I can give to fellow caregivers: Walk out of the room when tension occurs.

My Location: Watertown, MA

Loved one I care(d) for: My husband/soulmate

Best advice I’ve been given about caregiving: He’s not giving you a hard time, he’s having a hard time.

Best advice I can give fellow caregivers: Words cost nothing, how your loved one is made to feel means everything! Take time to align your words and reactions to accommodate your loved one’s reality in the moment. Everyone’s day is improved when we are able to implement this little strategy. It is a way of taking back some control on this journey where control can be lost.

My Location: Walnut Creek, CA

Loved one I care(d) for: My mother

Best advice I’ve been given about caregiving: Put your oxygen mask on first, relax and go with the flow, now their oxygen mask.

Best advice I can give to fellow caregivers: Get into a supportive community/support group, find things to be grateful for everyday.

My Location: San Diego, CA

Loved one(s) I care(d) for: A number of beautiful residents that I care for at the care facility where I work

Best advice I’ve been given about caregiving: Don’t get burned out. Take time for yourself.

Best advice I can give to fellow caregivers: Always have understanding and patience.