When Laureen Wysocki stepped into the role of a caregiver for her husband, Kevin, with young-onset dementia, she embarked on a path that would test her strength and resilience. Our heartfelt conversation with this courageous opera singer and dedicated caregiver shines a light on the complexity and beauty of caring for a loved one. Laureen's narrative, intertwined with her music, unfolds like a poignant aria, revealing the power of self-love, the need for a support network, and how she manages to harmonize the many facets of her life. Throughout our time together, Laureen opened up about the c ..read more

As a fellow traveler on the caregiving journey, I know the daily grind can sometimes leave us feeling like mealtime is just another mountain to climb. That's why I'm bringing you tried-and-true meal planning strategies to lift the burden off your shoulders.  We'll tackle everything from the art of crafting a weekly meal plan that syncs with the unpredictable rhythm of caregiving, to the wonders of slow cookers and the hidden gems of local meal service businesses. Join me as we explore ways to keep both our spirits and our loved ones well-nourished, with a nod to our listener Maria, who re ..read more

Years of rushing to catch flights and balancing a career with raising children taught me a crucial lesson: adversity breeds resilience. Today, I'm inviting you on a heartfelt exploration of how a well-stocked caregiver toolkit can turn the daunting into the doable. Reflecting on the anxiety that once gripped me before every work trip, I share the transformative 'three I's' technique that reshaped my approach to life's turbulence—Identify, Implement, and go All IN—and how this can be a lifeline for anyone immersed in the world of caregiving. Venture with me into the depths of managing stress a ..read more

Join us for an insightful discussion on "Dealing with Narcissism: Insights and Coping Strategies for Caregivers." In this episode, we delve into the challenging realm of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and its impact on caregivers. Host Cathy bravely shares her personal journey of recognizing and navigating her mother's NPD, shedding light on the complexities of caregiving amidst mental health disorders. Discover the signs and symptoms of NPD, gaining valuable knowledge to identify and understand narcissistic behaviors in your loved ones. From manipulation and entitlement to fragile se ..read more

Have you ever found yourself staring at the ceiling at 2 AM, worrying about a loved one you care for, instead of sleeping? You're not alone; an overwhelming majority of caregivers experience sleep disturbances, a topic we're addressing head-on in today's heart-to-heart on The Caregiver Cup Podcast. With sleep being as fundamental to health as diet and exercise, we certainly can't afford to keep ignoring it—especially when the stakes involve our capacity to care for others and ourselves.  As a former hospice caregiver, I've personally felt the brain fog and emotional turmoil that come fro ..read more

When dental discomfort knocked at my door, it brought with it a landslide of challenges and revelations about the caregiver journey I never expected to face. The ache became a stern teacher, imparting lessons on resilience, self-advocacy, and the art of managing crises with a clear head. Through my own narrative of navigating a toothache, I peel back the layers on what it means to show up as your best self amidst adversity. This isn't just a tale of physical pain; it's a beacon for anyone who's ever felt swamped by the weight of caregiving, offering guidance on staying the course when the goin ..read more

When I stumbled upon my late father's journals, a 40-year legacy of his thoughts and experiences, it was like finding a hidden doorway to the past and a spark for my future. His perseverance through the blank pages inspired me, Cathy, to embark on my own journaling journey, which I'm thrilled to share with you. As we explore the emotional rollercoaster of starting and maintaining a journal, I dive into the initial challenges and share candidly about the emotions that arise when life tries to crowd out this introspective practice. Discover the simple yet profound practice of gratitude journali ..read more

Discover the keys to navigating the complex waters of hospitalization as we sit down with Dr. Monique Nugent, an experienced hospitalist and the author of "Prescription for Admission: A Doctor’s Guide for Navigating the Hospital, Advocating for Yourself, and Having a Better Hospitalization." Through our enlightening conversation, you'll learn how to be an effective advocate for your loved ones, uncover the pivotal role that hospitalists play, and grasp the significance of aligning with your loved one's values. Dr. Nugent's wisdom is invaluable, providing an list of strategies to de-stress and ..read more

In this episode, I share what to do when it feels like nothing is working in your caregiver life because these times are tough when you are the primary caregiver and feel alone and like you're the only one dealing with hard times.  I share my approach that helps me and my clients navigate the tough times and come out stronger on the other side.   I share my step-by-step process (which includes 7 questions to ask yourself) for assessing the stressful situation and creating a focused and intentional plan to move forward.  All along the way we also check in with your mental health ..read more

Celebrate with us as we uncork the bubbly for the 200th episode of the Caregiver Cup podcast, a journey that's transformed from the humble beginnings of the Caregiver Wife to a haven for all sorts of caregiving champions. We're tackling the role of 'CEO' of our caregiving situations, armed with strategies for juggling the complexities of care without losing ourselves in the process. In today's heartfelt reflection, I'll share the catalyst behind our podcast's name and how we've grown into a spotlight of support and guidance for you, our precious community. Together, we'll marvel at the audacit ..read more