Kelly O'Connor joined my program today to discuss how she's helping families navigate the complexity of caregiving - particularly with seniors.  Kelly and Gracie grew up together - and Kelly is one of us. Not only does she have SIGNIFICANT caregiving experience, but look what she's done with it. With specialized certifications in Gerontology, Dementia Care, and Life Coaching and a master's degree in Spiritual Psychology, Kelly brings over 14 years of dedicated experience to the table. Having assisted nearly 2,000 individuals and their families, her insights are a treasure trove for those ..read more

Many caregivers struggle with decades-old promises to make sure to “never put Mom in a nursing home.” When making that promise, most recall healthier times when the thought of entering a facility seemed far on the horizon. Reality sneaks up on the best of us, and we find ourselves faced with uncomfortable circumstances.  The promise’s tether can quickly transform into a noose around the neck of a family caregiver unable to meet the demands of a horrific condition. From personal safety to medical expertise, caregivers easily find themselves outmatched by an affliction—and overpowered by gu ..read more

A close pastor friend of mine called me after burying his beloved dog. While digging the hole, he wept while angrily reflecting on how much he hated death. The conversation turned to the countless funerals he presided over during his ministry—I played the piano for many of those services. We talked a bit longer about some of the cherished families we ministered to during those funerals and discussed our shared anger at death. Then he said something that’s never left me. “Do you know who hates death more?” “God hates death,” he stated quietly. Pausing, he added, “He hates it so much that He too ..read more

From the challenges of finding one's footing in music to navigating the fog of fear and obligation, we explore the caregiver's journey - and what happens when we lose our way. How do we get back on track? Listen for a compelling discussion shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of caring for a loved one. www.hopeforthecaregiver.com       ..read more

Winston Churchill stated, "We Are masters of unsaid words and slaves to those we let slip out."  As caregivers, we live in a pressure cooker - and often spout of things we wish we could reclaim. Sometimes, we have to bit our tongues and learn to like the taste of blood. In this opening monologue from the program, I discuss this issue that affects everyone - it is the human condition - but we, as caregivers, can be exceptionally prone to this.    TRANSCRIPT (there may be typos) Welcome to Hope for the Caregiver here on American Family Radio. This is Peter Rosenberg ..read more

Host of the popular podcast Nutshell Sermons, recording artist Bryan Duncan (Grammy and Dove award winner) shares his journey as a caregiver for his wife - and his book, "Dear God ...Really? Prayers You Won't Hear in Church ..read more

As caregivers, we often must make decisions that benefit the whole unit - not Just one person.   We get into the trap as caregivers where we're thinking of someone almost to the exclusion of everyone else,. I understand why - because that person has extreme needs.  But as a caregiver, YOU are meeting many of those extreme needs. What happens if you don't consider the person meeting the extreme needs?  You must think of the whole unit.    SHOW TRANSCRIPT: (May Contain Typos)     If you feel that you are operating out of guilt or fear or any of those things, wh ..read more

Comedian and long-time Sinatra pal Tommy Dreesen tells a wonderful story about Frank Sinatra and a pair of cufflinks. This story has a powerful lesson for all of us, but particularly for those of us serving as caregivers. This and more from our broadcast on March 9, 2024 “None of this belongs to us, and as soon as we die, someone else is going to get it. It's going to transfer. Somebody will be wearing our stuff, driving our car, living in our home, and living on our land.” - Frank Sinatra  ..read more

When I launched a caregiver outreach, I established a goal to help provide caregivers with a vocabulary that helped identify their feelings and needs. Without understanding, help remains elusive.   In this bonus segment from our broadcast, I provide two unusual examples of how caregivers feel on any given day. I do this to not only give fellow caregivers that understanding, but those who seek to help them, as well.  ..read more

Covering a lot of ground in this episode as I delve into how we choose to view our circumstances as caregivers in light of what Scripture teaches.  www.hopeforthecaregiver.com    ..read more