In this heartfelt conversation, Author and Spiritual Director Michelle Ruetschle shares her journey of love, resilience, and caregiving after her husband Steve's life-altering motorcycle accident that left him a quadriplegic. From her childhood as a global nomad to the challenges of losing every material marker in her life, Michelle discusses the importance of faith, community support, and the emotional toll of caregiving. She reflects on the dark moments of her journey, the healing power of writing, and the ongoing challenges of intimacy and relationships post-injury. Through it all, the amazing author, wife, and mother emphasizes the significance of gratitude, resilience, and the need for caregivers to find their own rhythms, support, and engage in self-care.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to an Inspirational Journey

02:00
A Global Nomad's Childhood

02:55
Falling in Love and New Beginnings

04:15
Life in the Philippines

04:37
The Accident: A Life-Changing Moment

05:53
The Reality of Paralysis

08:03
Family Support and the Power of Prayer

09:46
Explaining the Situation to the Children

11:01
Facing Uncertainty and Loss

11:57
The Long Road to Recovery

14:06
Community Support and Caregiving

14:40
First Outing: A Trip to the Zoo

16:41
Strengthening Bonds Through Adversity

18:15
Navigating Caregiver Challenges

20:01
Finding Restoration Amidst Caregiving

21:50
Wrestling with Faith and Grief

23:08
The Dark Night of the Soul

24:52
Writing as a Healing Process

27:02
Living Richly Within Suffering

28:19
Steve's Ongoing Challenges

30:12
Intimacy and Relationship Changes

32:12
The Importance of Open Conversations

33:18
Spiritual Direction and Support

35:33
The Role of Community in Caregiving

36:55
Optimism for the Future

38:15

CONTACT:

Michelle Ruetschle

Portland, OR

Spiritual Director

michelleruetschle@gmail.com

Summary

In this candid and pragmatic conversation, actress Antoinette Green Fisher shares her journey through love, marriage, and the challenges of caregiving for her husband who developed dementia in his late 40's/early 50’s. She reflects on their early relationship, the impact of his illness on their lives including physical violence, and the emotional toll it took on her as a caregiver. Antoinette discusses the importance of seeking support, legal considerations, and the necessity of self-care during such a challenging time. Ultimately, she emphasizes the need for hope in discovering life after loss.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to Dementia and Personal Stories

05:18

The Early Years: Love and Friendship

06:19

Building a Life Together

07:43

The Onset of Dementia

09:50

Navigating the Challenges of Caregiving

12:27

The Decision to Seek Help

14:26

Coping with Loss and Grief

16:48

Finding Support and Resources

18:23

The Journey of Acceptance

20:25

Life After Loss and Moving Forward

34:18

Dave Ziaya wasn't buying it, until he witnessed the transformation first hand. The powerful impact that horse therapy can have on people with a wide range of conditions, including his son - Andrew who suffers from seizures from Dravet Syndrome.

In this candid , and at times, emotional conversation Tracey Neale takes us to Cloverleaf equine Center, to see how a group of special horses offer physical and emotional benefits to young Andrew, and to - get this - Tracey's elderly mother battling dementia and how technology is enhancing these therapeutic experiences.

You'll be encourage caregivers to consider equine therapy as a viable option for improving the quality of life for your loved ones.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Equine Therapy

00:55
Understanding Equine Therapy Types

02:33
Real-Life Impact: Andrew's Journey

07:06
The Emotional Bond Between Horses and Riders

08:56
Physical Benefits of Riding for Special Needs

11:55
Broad Applications of Equine Therapy

13:13
The Role of Technology in Equine Therapy

13:55
Future of Equine Therapy for Andrew

16:17
Encouragement for Caregivers

18:58
Final Thoughts and Reflections

The old approach to caregiving is out, making way for Teepa Snow and her positive approach to care! Teepa's highly sought-after program is improving caregiving worldwide by cleverly using fresh hands-on strategies.

In this conversation and demonstration, Tracey Neale and Teepa Snow break down her successful strategies through roleplaying. And, while Teepa is renowned for dementia care training, the practical skills she teaches can better equip all caregivers. Learn how to help your loved one eat & bathe, toileting tricks, and how to use your hands to help them feel safe and calm.

Also in this jam-packed episode, we'll explore the emotional and physical toll that not being properly trained can have on caregivers, and see how to use your phone or alarm clock to avoid burnout. This is the good stuff!

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Positive Caregiving
05:04 Understanding Dementia and Its Impact
07:46 Strategies for Bathing and Personal Care
10:30 Navigating Dietary Changes and Preferences
13:04 Addressing Incontinence with Compassion
15:49 The Stigma of Dementia and Advocacy
18:37 Recognizing Caregiver Burnout
21:14 Resources for Caregivers
23:37 Challenges in Dementia Care
26:31 Self-Care for Caregivers
28:18 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
30:13 NEWCHAPTER

REACH TEEPA: https://teepasnow.com/

Summary

In a bold and rare move, an unconventional pastor speaks out about how losing both of her parents to dementia tested her faith and mental health. And, learn how overcoming depression and loneliness led Dawn Jefferson to become a dementia support professional. Her real stories and thoughtful, smart advice are - fire!

In this conversation, Tracey and Dawn explore the emotional challenges caregivers face, the importance of community support, and the need to embrace imperfection in caregiving. Dawn shares her personal experiences with her parents, emphasizing the significance of doing less and being present rather than perfect! The conversation is real & raw, and highlights the intersection of faith, identity, and the caregiving journey, ultimately encouraging caregivers to acknowledge their struggles and seek support.

Chapters

1. 00:00
2. Introduction to Caregiving and Support Groups
3. 03:56
4. The Journey of Caring for Miss Alma
5. 07:32
6. Navigating Dementia and Its Challenges
7. 12:55
8. The Importance of Doing Less
9. 15:27
10. Faith and Caregiving: A Minister's Perspective
11. 19:12
12. The Role of Community in Caregiving
13. 24:58
14. The Healing Power of Support Groups
15. 25:05
16. Processing Grief and Finding Purpose
17. 28:18
18. Final Thoughts on Caregiving and Self-Care
19. 34:31

The Nitty Gritty of Modern Caregiving Episode 2

In this powerful conversation, Tracey Neale sits down with Lindsey Vajpeyi of Insight Memory Care to explore the life-changing impact of the SHARE Program - a groundbreaking initiative designed to support, educate, and empower families caring for loved ones with dementia. The lessons learned can help all caregivers!

Tracey offers a personal account of how the program transformed caregiving in her own home, as she cares for her mother living with dementia. Together they unpack how SHARE helps families navigate the emotional and practical challenges of caregiving - now and in the future. Watch it on Youtube or listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

1. [00:00] Welcome and Introduction - Tracey Neale introduces the episode and welcomes Lindsey Vajpeyi.
2. [02:00] What is the SHARE Program? - Lindsey explains the SHARE Program's purpose and structure.
3. [05:30] Personal Experiences - Tracey shares her personal journey with the SHARE Program.
4. [10:00] Program Structure and Goals - Discussion on the five-week program format and its objectives.
5. [15:00] Family Involvement - The importance of family sessions and open communication.
6. [20:00] Future Planning - Strategies for planning and preparing for future needs.
7. [25:00] Resources and Support - How the program helps families access resources and support.
8. [30:00] Conclusion and Call to Action - Final thoughts and encouragement to explore the SHARE Program.

Stay connected with the Nitty Gritty Caregiving Community:

https://open.spotify.com/show/5WtIcTe..

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

https://www.youtube.com/@NittyGrittyModernCaregiving

https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2507416.rss

https://thenittygritty.buzzsprout.com

Summary

In this conversation, Tracey Neale and Kristine Braden discuss the journey of caregiving, particularly in the context of adoption and raising a child with special needs. Kristine shares her experiences of navigating different countries and educational systems while caring for her son Tully, who has Smith-Magenis Syndrome. They explore the importance of diagnosis, the challenges of family dynamics, and the necessity of self-care for caregivers. Kristine emphasizes a positive approach to caregiving, the value of community support, and the importance of finding joy in the journey.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Caregiving Journeys
00:48 Navigating Adoption and Special Needs
03:33 Understanding Smith-Magenis Syndrome
08:07 International Experiences in Special Needs Education
11:57 Family Dynamics and Attention Balance
15:59 Positive Caregiving Approaches
21:37 Self-Care for Caregivers
24:01 Lessons Learned in Caregiving