Description

It has been an amazing six months encouraging and supporting family caregivers through my website, social media and the Blessed in This Mess podcast! Seems an appropriate time to reflect on where we’ve been and consider where we’re headed. Today I’m sharing my Five Golden Nuggets, my pick of the important lessons I’ve learned since the podcast debuted in January. You have taught me so much through your feedback in person, on social media and on my website. See if the takeaways below resonate with you, and check out the resources that support your work as a family caregiver.

I’d also appreciate your feedback about the topics or guests you’d like to listen to going forward. Is there some area of caregiving that is particularly challenging for you? What topic has helped you most? You can connect with me through the website or message me on social media. I'd love to hear from you! And THANK YOU for listening and for sharing the podcast with your family and friends!

Resources:

Info on Caregiving in the U.S. in 2020 -  https://www.caregiving.org/caregiving-in-the-us-2020/

The Female Face of Family Caregiving Fact Sheet, 2018 - https://www.nationalpartnership.org/our-work/resources/economic-justice/female-face-family-caregiving.pdf

Website for the Caregiver Action Network - https://www.caregiveraction.org/family-caregiver-toolbox

Today’s Bible touchpoint from Isaiah 41:13 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2041%3A13&version=NIV

Takeaways:

• There is an identity issue around family caregivers; some are unclear about their role, especially if they don't interact with their loved one each day.
• The statistics around the sheer number of family caregivers and the negative health outcomes often associated with this role have surprised most of my audiences.
• Family caregivers benefit from easily accessible, reputable resources, like the Caregiver Action Network.
• Contrary to what some may believe, men care about family caregiving, either because they are caregivers themselves (40 percent), or because their loves ones are serving in this role.
• Listening to understand, not necessarily to respond, may be the greatest gift a family caregiver can receive. Never underestimate the value in finding someone who will listen without judgement or immediately going into problem-solving mode.
• Connect with me to share your ideas about future podcast episodes, potential guests or the topics that have helped you most!

Let’s Connect!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lorischlosserspeaks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorischlosserspeaks/

Website: https://www.lorischlosser.com/