Episode Summary:
In this first part of a two-part conversation, Melissa Miller welcomes author and speaker Christy Yates, who shares her journey as a working mom caring for parents with dementia through keynotes, workshops, coaching, and her podcast Untangling Alzheimer’s & Dementia, a podcast by AlzAuthors.com to support caregiving families.
Melissa and Christy talk about the challenges of balancing work and caregiving, emphasizing the importance of navigating the healthcare system, implementing effective systems, and prioritizing self-care. Christy shares her personal experiences and provides practical advice for first-time caregivers, particularly those in the "sandwich generation."
Key Takeaways:
- The Sandwich Generation: Understand the growing phenomenon of individuals caring for both aging parents and children.
- Leverage Existing Skills: Recognize and apply skills from your professional and personal life to caregiving.
- Navigating Healthcare: Learn to identify and creatively utilize available resources within the healthcare system.
- Importance of Systems: Implement organizational systems to manage caregiving tasks and responsibilities effectively.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Recognize the necessity of self-care to prevent burnout and maintain well-being.
- Educate Yourself: Seek out resources, mentors, and coaches to enhance your caregiving skills.
Discussion Points:
- Christy's journey as a caregiver while working full-time and raising children.
- The challenges of balancing professional and caregiving responsibilities.
- Strategies for navigating the complexities of the healthcare system.
- The role of systems in organizing and managing caregiving tasks.
- The importance of self-care and setting boundaries.
- The "sandwich generation" and its impact on caregivers.
- How to leverage existing skills for effective caregiving.
Guest Bio:
Christy is a Licensed Educational Psychologist, author, speaker, and coach. In Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation, she shares her journey as a working mom caring for parents with dementia. A retired school psychologist, she now delivers keynotes, workshops, and coaching to support caregiving families. Christy co-hosts Untangling Alzheimer’s & Dementia, a podcast by AlzAuthors.com, and has been featured in Women’s World Magazine (Jan 2025) and over 20 podcasts. She’s also a contributing writer on Sandwich Generation caregiving topics. Christy is a Licensed Educational Psychologist, author, speaker, and coach.
Call to Action:
- Like, follow, and subscribe to the Caregiving and Entrepreneurship Reimagined podcast.
- Share this episode with anyone who might benefit from it.
- Visit Christy Yates' website and explore her resources.
- Sign up for Melissa Miller's free email course for practical caregiving tips.
- Tune in next week for part 2 of the conversation with Christy Yates, focusing on caregiving on the go.
Connect with Christy:
- Website: ChristyYates.com.
- Christy's book: "Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation" which you can buy anywhere you buy books online.
- Christy's LinkedIn program. "Conversations We Need to Have," which you get via her Linkedin page.
- You can also connect with Christy via her email, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Blue Sky.
Connect with Melissa:
