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The Empowered Caregiver

ValerieB

The Empowered Caregiver with ValerieB is a supportive podcast for caregivers of aging loved ones.Through honest conversations about caregiver stress, burnout, family tension/absence, exhaustion and Dementia stress, ValerieB offers practical tools and compassionate encouragement to assist caregivers find peace, calm, and strength while honoring the wisdom, dignity, and humanity of their loved one. The caregiver behind the care deserves care too.

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20 episodes
Avg 12 min
English

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#46
August 28 · 11 min
Burnout Recovery Series #7: Overcoming Anger, Resentment, and More
The Emowered Caregiver podcast was developed for caregivers who do the self-less work of caring for their loved one. While caregiving is rewarding work, it is also exhausting and can be overwhelming. In this episode of the Burnout Recovery series, ValerieB shares the dark emotions that few caregivers voice out loud: anger, resentment, frustration, and more. ValerieB discusses: * How resentment and other hidden emotions are a psychological alarm that should not be ignored. * 3 steps you can use to help you neutralize those emotions. * Steps to help you do an “emotional purge”. This podcast is a safe space for caregivers to receive support, encourage, and wisdom to use on your journey. I wish I had some guidance when I cared for both of my aging parents, one with a pulmonary disease and the other with Dementia. Please share this podcast with other caregivers and feel free to check out our caregiving guided meditations on Insight Timer https://insighttimer.com under Caregiver Calm.
#45
August 14 · 11 min
Burnout Recovery 6: Addressing the Physical Toll
The Empowered Caregiver podcast was created to assist caregivers who may feel overwhelmed and exhausted, no matter how rewarding the role is. ValerieB continues to discuss strategies to help caregivers overcome burnout. In this sixth episode of the Burnout Recovery series, she discusses: * How to identify and address somatic stress. * How to de-escalate somatic stress. * How to create a bedtime routine to help relax your body. The Empowered Caregiver podcast was created to support, encourage, and give hope to caregivers. This podcast talks about the realities of caregiving that are sometimes overlooked. Please share this podcast with other caregivers and feel free to visit Caregiver Calm on Insight Timer https://insighttimer.com for guided meditations designed specifically for caregivers.
#44
August 3 · 11 min
Burnout Recovery 5: Find Your Identity
Caregiving is a big job that requires so much of our attention, that we forget who we are. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver, ValerieB continues to help caregivers recover from burnout. She will discuss: * How to find out who you are outside of caregiving. * Share how to take small steps to regain your identity. This podcast is a safe space for caregivers who are seeking support, creative ideas, and real talk about the realities of caregiving. Please share this podcast with other caregivers who also need encouragement, support, and hope. If you are looking for guided meditations or resets to help you on your journey, join us at Caregiver Calm on Insight Timer https://insighttimer.com
#43
July 24 · 12 min
Burnout Recovery: The Sibling Split
Caregiving can be rewarding and overwhelming at the same time. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB will provide you with assistance on recovering from burnout. In this 4th episode of 10, she will discuss the sibling split. The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers who need encouragement and support on their caregiving journey. Checkout the guided meditations on Insight Timer called Caregiver Calm, that will help you cope on a daily basis. Go to https://insighttimer.com
#42
July 9 · 11 min
Burnout Recovery 3: Anticipatory Grief
Caregiving is both rewarding and stressful at the same time. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB continues the series on recovering from burnout. She will discuss: *What anticipatory grief is. * How to grieve a loved who is still alive. * How an emotional release valve will help you. The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers who are in need of encouragement, wisdom, and daily useful tools on this caregiving journey. Whether you are new to caregiving or have been a caregiver for years, this podcast is designed for real talk about the realities of caregiving. Please share this podcast with other caregivers.
#41
July 1 · 10 min
Burnout Recovery 2: How To Say No
Caregiving can be meaningful and overwhelming at the same time. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB (the voice of caregiving) will walk you through a 10-episode series on how to recover from burnout. In today’s episode we will discuss: * The importance of setting boundaries * Describe how to eliminate secondary demands * Scripts you can use to help you set boundaries. The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers looking for encouragement and some daily practical tools. ValerieB talks about the realities of caregiving and reveals the hidden emotions that no one wants to talk about. Please share this podcast with other caregivers who could use the support, encouragement, and wisdom on their caregiving journey.
#40
June 24 · 13 min
Burnout Recovery 1: The Empty Cup
Caregiving brings purpose however, it can also bring overwhelm and exhaustion. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB (the voice of caregiving) talks about the importance of recovering from burnout. The next ten episodes will be dedicated to helping caregivers recover from burnout. This episode discusses: *The myth of the empty cup. * The physiology of burnout. * The importance of micro rest. * How to create a “not my job” list. The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers who are in need of encouragement and daily practical tools to help manage the caregiver journey. Because breath work is so important for burnout recovery, check out Caregiver Calm on Insight Timer for guided meditations and breath work: https://insighttimer.com
#39
June 16 · 13 min
When To Contact An Attorney About Facility Neglect or Abuse
Caregiving is a heavy load that can be rewarding and overwhelming at the same time. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB (the voice of caregiving) talks about the reality of contacting an attorney about facility abuse and neglect of your loved one. She discusses: *The definition of neglect. *What signs of abuse/neglect to look for. *Recommendations on things to do before contacting an attorney. This podcast is a safe space for caregivers who are seeking support, encouragement, wisdom, and some practical tools. If you are a caregiver who is in need of a quick, guided meditation after a hard day, visit Caregiver Calm on Insight Timer at: https://insighttimer.com
#38
June 10 · 15 min
Why I Removed My Dad From A Facility After 5 Months
Caregiving is sacred and important work, however it can be overwhelming. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB will talk about the emotions of removing her dad from a memory care facility after only 5 months. Today’s episode will discuss: * The importance of remaining our loved one’s advocate, after they move into a facility. * Five reasons I had to remove my dad from the facility. The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers who need encouragement, support, and practical tools needed on this caregiving journey. This podcast is used to discuss the realities and emotional challenges that caregivers sometimes face. Please don’t forget to share these episodes with another caregiver as we endeavor to help each other.
#37
June 5 · 12 min
Count the Costs: Breaking Down Long-term Care Costs
The Empowered Caregiver podcast was created by ValerieB, the voice of caregiving who talks about the realities and emotions experienced on the caregiving journey. In this episode, she discusses the importance of counting all the facility costs. She talks about: *Ensuring you understand all facility costs, to avoid surprises. * Three underutilized funding resources available to help cover facility costs. This podcast is a safe space for caregivers who are seeking encouragement and practical tools needed on this caregiving journey. If you are in need of a reset or recharge after a hard day, visit Caregiver Calm on Insight Timer for free guided meditations: https://insighttimer.com These episodes are for educational and training purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for professional advice. Please share this podcast with another caregiver as we work to help one another thrive.
#36
June 3 · 16 min
Facility Red Flags
Welcome to the Empowered Caregiver podcast where your host, ValerieB serves as the voice of caregiving by discussing the realities of the caregiving journey. In this episode, she discusses the red flags in facilities that some families see too late. She will discuss: *Identifying red flags. * Listening to your loved one’s concerns or watching their body language. * Being your loved one’s advocate. The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers to receive encouragement, wisdom, and practical tools that will help them on the caregiving journey. If you are feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, take the Caregiver Burnout Check-In at https://valerieb.podia.com If you are in need of a recharge or reset after a hard day, check out Caregiver Calm on Insight Timer for some short guided meditations to help you through the stress: https://insighttimer.com
#35
May 30 · 13 min
How to Complain Gently and Effectively: Facility Concerns
Welcome to the Empowered Caregiver podcast where we talk all things caregiving. In this episode, ValerieB (the voice of caregiving) will have an honest conversation about the reality of learning how to gently complain when you see red flags in a facility. She will discuss: * How to put aside the fear of complaining. * How to document your concerns, with specifics. * How to escalate your concerns. The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers seeking encouragement, wisdom, and practical tools as they manage caring for an aging loved one. Feeling overwhelmed? Take the Caregiver Burnout Check-In at: https://valerieb.podia.com If you are in need of a reset or recharge after a hard day, visit Caregiver Calm on Insight Timer at: https://insighttimer.com These episodes are for educational/training purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for professional assistance.
#34
May 29 · 12 min
How To Make The Facility Room Feel Like Home
Caregiving brings love and purpose however it can also bring a heavy load and burnout. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about the realities and emotions that some caregivers experience while trying to make a facility comfortable for their loved one. In this episode, ValerieB discusses: * How to make the facility feel familiar, like home. * How to help your loved one acclimate to a facility. * How you can help the staff engage with your loved one right away. The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers who are seeking encouragement, support, and practical tools on the caregiving journey. Feeling overwhelmed? Take the Caregiver Burnout Check-In at https://valerieb.podia.com If you are in need of a reset or quick recharge, visit Caregiver Calm on Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com
#33
May 28 · 7 min
Behind Closed Doors: Family Presence as Calm Observers and Advocates
The caregiving journey is like no other. While it can bring a sense of purpose, it can also be very exhausting. In this episode of The Empowered Caregiver, ValerieB talks about the importance of family presence when your loved one is in a facility. This episode shares: * Why family presence is so important. * The effectiveness of being a calm observer. * How to complain or escalate a concern and to whom. The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers who need encouragement and practical tools. ValerieB shares the realities and hidden emotions that are a part of the caregiving journey. Feeling overwhelmed? Take the Caregiver Burnout Check-In at https://valerieb.podia.com If you are in need of a reset or recharge, check out short, guided meditations at Caregiver Calm on Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com
#32
May 27 · 10 min
When No One Visits Anymore!
Caregiving is important and life-changing; however it can be a very heavy weight that turns into anger, stress, burnout, and exhaustion. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB has become the voice of caregivers and talks about what happens when family stops visiting their loved one who is now living in a facility. She discusses: *Why families stop visiting. * The importance of being present. * Ways that will make visiting more meaningful. The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers who are seeking encouragement, daily practical tools, and wisdom. This podcast talks about the realities of caregiving through honest, direct, and encouraging episodes. If you need a short reset or recharge after a tough day, visit Caregiver Calm on Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com Feeling overwhelmed? Take the Caregiver Burnout Check-In at: https://valerieb.podia.com Don’t forget to subscribe so you are notified when a new episode is loaded. All information in these podcast episodes are for educational purposes and should not be a replacement for professional assistance.
#31
May 22 · 14 min
The Care Plan Meeting: Caregiver Confident, Clear and In Control
Caregiving brings love, care, and sense of purpose; however it can also bring burnout. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about the caregiver’s experience as it relates to the care plan meeting. In this episode, the host discusses: * What a care plan meeting is for. * Why a care plan meeting is necessary. * Your role in the care plan meeting. The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers in need of encouragement and practical tools. This space will share the realities of caring for an aging loved one. If you haven’t already subscribed, follow the Empowered Caregiver podcast so you will never miss an episode. Do you need a quick reset and recharge after a hard day, check out Caregiver Calm on Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com Feeling overwhelmed, check out the Caregiver Burnout Check-In at: https://valerieb.podia.com
#30
May 19 · 12 min
The First 48 Hours In A Facility
Caregiving brings purpose and also stress, anxiety, anger, and burnout. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about the emotions attached to the first 48 hours after putting a loved one in a facility. She discusses: * How to make the transition better for your loved. * How to begin establishing relationships with the staff. * What some caregivers feel and should do. The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers to find encouragement, practical tools, wisdom, and honest conversations about the realities of the caregiving journey, even after placing your loved one in their new home.
#29
May 15 · 10 min
Choosing A Facility: A Place to Call Home For Your Loved One
Caregiving brings love and purpose however it can bring burnout and frustration. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about the emotions behind selecting a facility for your loved one. In this episode, she discusses: * Things to look for in a facility. * Why choosing a good facility is important. * Bigger cost does not mean better care. The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space where caregivers can find encouragement, practical tools, and wisdom about the realities of caring for an aging loved one. If you are looking for a reset or recharge, go to Caregiver Calm on Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com If you are feeling stressed or burned out, check out the Caregiver Burnout Check-In: https://valerieb.podia.com These episodes are for educational purposes and should not be a replacement for professional advice.
#28
May 12 · 10 min
When Siblings Don’t Help!
Caregiving brings purpose, however it can also bring resentment especially if siblings don’t help. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about the emotions that settle in when sibling don’t provide any assistance. In this episode, the host discusses: * The emotional side of absentee siblings. * How to recognize the difference between who your sibling is today vs who you desire them to be. * Healthy ways to respond when siblings don’t help. 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.
#27
May 6 · 14 min
Is It Time to Move From Part-Time to Full-Time Caregiving?
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.com If you need a short reset or recharge after a challenging day, visit Caregiver Calm on Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com

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