My story began with my dad’s move into long-term care, followed closely by my husband Ty’s journey with a rare and incurable disease. The narrative unfolded over years of navigating through hospitals, care facilities, and the inevitable (and tough) transitions that come with changing needs and circumstances. From acute care to assisted living, I grappled with the transformation from wife, to caregiver.
The pivotal moment arrived when I was faced with the heartbreaking decision to move Ty into long-term care at the age of 63. This decision, though difficult (to say the least), really highlighted the emotional toll and the unexpected challenges families encounter in the journey of caregiving. It showed me there was a need for more- more empathy, more communication, and more understanding.
Amidst these personal trials, I really found purpose advocating for these things- improved communication and empathy between caregivers and families. My experiences, shared through workshops and my podcast, highlight the transformative power of empathy—an emotional bridge that connects caregivers and families in their shared goal for the best possible care and quality of life.
“The Empathy Exchange” isn’t just a podcast; it’s a platform for dialogue, understanding, and mutual support. I think my insights from both sides of the caregiving spectrum—staff and family— highlight a common goal: to enhance the resident’s experience and support families through the emotional challenges of long-term care transitions. After all, it is a challenge and a journey that really didn’t have a guidebook when I was going through it. My goal is that these conversations serve as a beacon of hope & education in an industry often riddled with challenges- trust me, I know. By bridging the gap between staff and families, I want to create a community where stories are shared, perspectives are broadened, and empathy becomes the standard of caregiving.
Through this podcast, consulting work, and my two books ‘Recipe for Empathy’ and ‘Now What?’, I want to advocate for a shift in perspective—one that acknowledges the emotional landscapes of both caregivers and families. I encourage caregivers to understand and connect with families’ experiences & grief- and vice versa.
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