Before, During, and After: The Caregiver’s Journey

Before, During, and After: The Caregiver’s Journey

There are critical moments in caregiving that don’t get discussed enough. It starts with the before, then the during, and the after. This episode not only addresses those three stages, but what happens when you get through these stages with one loved one, and begin the process again with another. In Episode 6 of Who Cares About Me?, we hear from Alex Fenech, Founder & CEO of Closure [https://www.closureclub.com/], a business designed to help people prepare for and navigate both pre- and post-loss moments with clarity and confidence.  Alex experienced the painful loss of loved ones and the administrative challenges that come along with being a caregiver, all while balancing a career, motherhood and life's daily responsibilities.  Alex shares what happens before, during, and after caregiving, and how those experiences inspired her to create Closure. Together, we discuss anticipatory grief, accepting support, preparing for the inevitable, and starting the process all over again. We also discuss preparing documents and organizing your life, and how this act is one of the most important gifts you can leave your family.

Partners Carrying The Load: The Quiet Role of the In-Law Caregiver

Why aren’t we talking about the partners who stepped into caregiving without being asked?  Who is caring about them and their sacrifices? The ones who didn't grow up calling this person "Mom" or "Dad," but found themselves showing up anyway, managing medications, helping with mobility, sitting in waiting rooms, and holding space for the person they love. In Episode 5, “Partners Carrying The Load: The Quiet Role of the In-Law Caregiver,” Clarence Steele, partner to Who Cares About Me? host, Jackee de Lagarde, shares his experience caring for his mother-in-law alongside his partner, reflecting on the emotional complexities, relationship dynamics, and sacrifices that come with supporting someone else's parent, especially when you’ve been in this role already. Family isn't always who raised you. Sometimes family is who you respect and love. Do you know an in-law caregiver who has taken on this role?  Shout them out in the comments.

Caregiving While Working Full-Time

For the caregivers who have full-time jobs, and have to balance demanding work schedules with 24/7 care needs, requirements for workplace flexibility and balance, and the long-term economic consequences of potential reduced work hours. Often times, these caregivers face a complex, high-stress, and often hidden crisis that severely impacts their career, finances, and mental health. In Episode 4, David Casey, an 8-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps, and seasoned Fortune 50 senior executive in Strategic Diversity Management, shares how he balanced caregiving for his Mom, Dad and Grandmother, with his demanding career, and the emotional toll it took on him.

Bonus: What This Journey Is Teaching Me Now: Why Who Cares About Me? Exists – Part 2

In Part 2 of this bonus content series, host Jackee de Lagarde touches on the first month of the podcast, what it’s teaching her, and reflects back on the challenges of being a new caregiver early on, the affects it had on her mentally and physically, and how advocating for your loved one is so crucial. “I launched my podcast, "Who Cares About Me?" to create a space where caregivers feel seen and heard. Through honest conversations, I’ve learned that reflecting on my own caregiving journey has been both enlightening and emotional. It’s tough to navigate the complexities of caregiving, from dealing with a rare disease to managing everyday challenges.” Caregivers know this isn’t just a role; it’s a journey full of unexpected challenges. Can you relate? Share your journey or the journey of someone you know, in the comments.

Taking Ownership of the Hand You’re Dealt

Caregiving often arrives without permission. No training, no warning, no roadmap. One day you’re living your life, and the next, you’re managing medications, appointments, emotions, and decisions you never imagined making. It’s about more than the tasks at hand. It’s about ownership, but not ownership in a controlling way, but ownership as acceptance, and choosing to engage with the reality in front of you, instead of fighting the fact that it exists. In this episode our guest, Peter Tannenbaum, addresses something deeper than logistics and responsibilities, he talks about the acceptance of it all.