Straight Talk for Giving-Care

What Would You Want?

When a loved one faces illness or injury, caregiving becomes a shared journey—not just their experience, but ours too.
In this episode, we explore how reflecting on what we would want in a time of need can shape how we care for others. We discuss:
The importance of including your own experience in caregiving decisions
How recognizing the relationship as a two-way journey reduces stress
Why clear thinking and low stress are key to finding the right support
By honoring both perspectives, caregiving becomes more sustainable, compassionate, and satisfying for everyone involved. Tune in to learn how.
 
For guesting opportunities, send me a message at ⁠slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com⁠ 
For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit ⁠praxisforcare.com⁠
Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book 
Follow me on Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/praxisforcare⁠
Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com 

Revisiting Taking AIM at Caregiver Stress

Caregiving is already challenging, but when outside forces—like political decisions—affect those we care for, stress levels can rise even higher. This episode isn’t about politics, but about how caregivers can manage stress in uncertain times.
We revisit the AIM framework with a fresh perspective:
A – Acknowledging your feelings and the impact of external factors
I – Identifying the outlets you need to process and cope
M – Making a commitment to engage in the strategies that support you
By recognizing how we feel and actively working toward solutions, we can stay strong for ourselves and those we care for. Tune in to learn how to navigate stress and uncertainty while maintaining balance in your caregiving journey.
 
For guesting opportunities, send me a message at ⁠slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com⁠ 
For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit ⁠praxisforcare.com⁠
Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book 
Follow me on Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/praxisforcare⁠
Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com 

Team Building for Care-giver Stress Reduction

As family caregivers, it's easy to feel like you have to do it all. The pressure to manage every task, every responsibility, and every emotion can be overwhelming. But the truth is, we can only do so much as one person.
In this episode, I explore the power of creating a care team to break the cycle of doing it all alone. We talk about:
Why caregivers often push aside their own needs to prioritize their loved ones
How a care team can reduce stress and prevent burnout
Practical steps to build a support network that lightens your load
Remember, caregiving isn’t just about your loved one—it’s about ensuring you have the support to show up fully. You don’t have to do it all alone. Tune in to learn how you can take care of yourself while continuing to care for others.
 
For guesting opportunities, send me a message at ⁠slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com⁠ 
For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit ⁠praxisforcare.com⁠
Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book 
Follow me on Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/praxisforcare⁠
Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com

Welcome to Straight Talk for Giving-Care

Welcome to my podcast, Straight Talk for Giving-Care. My podcast is for family caregivers created by a family caregiver. I’ve been on a care journey through dementia with my mother for more than 12 years. On our journey I’ve learned that the most difficult part of caring for a loved one isn’t taking on additional responsibilities and performing additional tasks. It’s doing that while feeling what you’re feeling. In these podcasts, I share stories and the life lessons I’ve learned to help family caregivers create a journey that is satisfying for both people.

Wellness for 2

As family caregivers, we've all heard the advice to "go with the flow." But let's be real—going with the flow can sometimes feel like you're completely out of control. Caregiving is full of unpredictable changes, and when you're trying to keep up with those while managing your own emotions, it can take a serious toll on your health.
In this episode, I dive deep into what wellness truly means for caregivers—how to keep your loved one safe while making decisions that prioritize both of you.
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For guesting opportunities, send me a message at ⁠slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com⁠ 
For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit ⁠praxisforcare.com⁠
Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book 
Follow me on Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/praxisforcare⁠
Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com

Taking AIM at Family Caregiver Stress: A Game-Changing Strategy for Your Care Journey

I had no idea that SO MANY EMOTIONS would come with the unexpected change to the relationship with my mother.
In this episode, I share my journey with "AIM" – a strategy that has profoundly shaped my caregiving experience. 
AIM stands for:
Acknowledging Your Feelings
Identifying What You Need to Continue Caring, and 
Making a Commitment to Yourself to Get the Support You Need.
I discuss the importance of recognizing your emotional states as a caregiver and how this awareness can sustain you in the long term. I also provide insights on how to identify your needs and the steps necessary to ensure you receive the support you deserve. 
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For guesting opportunities, send me a message at ⁠slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com⁠ 
For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit ⁠praxisforcare.com⁠
Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book 
Follow me on Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/praxisforcare⁠Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com

Giving-care and Self-care: The Importance of Including Oneself on the Care Journey

If I had a nickel for every time I’ve been told I have to take care of myself, I’d never have to work again. There is good intent behind those words, but they never come with a guide on how to act on them.
Self-care has to be done consistently to prevent caregivers from burning out while fulfilling their life role.
Giving-care is extending the same kind of care to yourself that you extend to your loved one. 
___________________________________
For guesting opportunities, send me a message at ⁠slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com⁠ 
For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit ⁠praxisforcare.com⁠
Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book 
Follow me on Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/praxisforcare⁠
Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com

Journeying Through Giving-Care: The Hardest Part

Dementia had eroded my mom’s judgment, leading to choices that caused frustration and more work for me. But one unfortunate day, I learned that her decline had also greatly impacted her safety. One moment of distraction on my part led to a broken hip and the possibility of Mom being bed-bound for the rest of her life.
I felt like I had failed in my commitment to keeping her safe. It was then that I was confronted with how I truly felt about Alzheimer’s dementia.
Through this experience, I learned my first care-giver life lesson: the hardest part of being a family care-giver is doing everything you have to do while you’re feeling what you’re feeling.
___________________________________
For guesting opportunities, send me a message at ⁠slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com⁠ 
For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit ⁠praxisforcare.com⁠
Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book 
Follow me on Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/praxisforcare⁠
Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com

Leaving the Past Behind to Heal and Move Forward: Introducing the Praxis for Care

How do you heal a broken relationship with someone who no longer has the capacity to process complex emotions?
My mother and I have always had a rocky relationship marked by cycles of anger and unfulfilled expectations. After becoming her caregiver, I realized the need to confront our past and find a new way forward.
In this episode, we’ll discuss:
📌"The Praxis for Care" and its role in reshaping the relationship with my mother
📌Practicing forgiveness to release the weight of past resentment
📌The importance of patience in coping with the uncertainties of caring for a loved one
📌How patience and acceptance became guiding principles for navigating the complexities of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's Dementia
___________________________________
For guesting opportunities, send me a message at ⁠slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com⁠ 
For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit ⁠praxisforcare.com⁠
Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book 
Follow me on Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/praxisforcare⁠

The Journey Toward Giving-Care: How a Cancer Diagnosis Shifted My Perspective on Family Caregiving

Have you ever faced a moment that completely changed the way you approach life? 
In this episode, I share the story on how mom’s breast cancer diagnosis reshaped my perspective on caregiving and my role in the care relationship.
Today I’ll discuss:
The unexpected impact of a cancer diagnosis on my caregiving role
The struggle of making critical decisions about treatment without comprimising mom’s wishes
How this experience led me to integrating my needs into the caregiving relationship
The difference between “care-giving” and “giving-care”
___________________________________
For guesting opportunities, send me a message at ⁠slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com⁠.
 
For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit ⁠praxisforcare.com⁠
Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book 
Follow me on Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/praxisforcare⁠
Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com