In this heartfelt episode, I share my mom’s experience as a full-time Caregiver for my dad, who has Stage 4 Alzheimer’s. After 50 years of marriage, their day-to-day life changed almost overnight—suddenly, Dad needed help with everything from walking to remembering his name. This journey opened my eyes to the power of Family Caregiving, the challenges of Pre-Grief, and how one dignity-focused question can change the entire care plan.

I’m Steph—a Nurse Leader and Patient Advocate at Lumani Health—and in this episode, I’m breaking down the Practical Tips that helped my mom navigate the emotional roller coaster while staying hopeful. From Tiny Rituals to building a Care Team (including neighbors, a Pharmacist, and local Respite Care), these insights could be a lifeline for anyone facing Alzheimer’s, Elder Care, or general caregiving stress.

Ready to take the first step? Subscribe for more real-world tips on Healthcare Navigation, Emotional Wellbeing, and how to stay empowered when caring for a loved one.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Gratitude

01:03 Empowering Caregivers: My Mom’s Journey

03:44 Emotional Roller Coaster of Caregiving

05:59 Practical Tips for Caregiving

09:26 Building a Care Team

11:51 Conclusion and Community

Share your thoughts or personal experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear from you. Let’s keep this community strong and remind each other that no caregiver has to walk this path alone.

Dive Deeper on Substack: I just published a companion article with the full scoop on my parent's journey. Read their beautiful love story, connection and Ways to Empower Caregivers. [Link here: https://www.lumaniunfiltered.com/p/when-love-dances-through-alzheimers]

VIP Circle Waitlist: I’m opening a limited number of spots for the upcoming VIP Circle—a member-only community for deeper healthcare strategies and live support. Slots usually fill up quickly, so if you want in, now’s the time to claim your spot. [Link here for more info: https://lumanihealth.com/vip-overview]