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Most people don’t become caregivers gradually.
Sometimes everything changes with one phone call.
For Nicole Smith, it was more like three.
Her mother developed Alzheimer’s, her stepmother was diagnosed with aphasia, and her father dealt with normal pressure hydrocephalus—all while Nicole was navigating family life and the uncertainty of 2020.
That experience eventually led Nicole to become a Certified Senior Advisor, Daughterhood circle leader, caregiving advocate, and author of Diagnosis Dementia: Your Guide to Elder Care Planning and Crisis Management.
In this episode, Nicole and Jeanette talk about what happens when caregiving suddenly becomes your responsibility—and what families can do before reaching that point.
They explore powers of attorney, finding trustworthy professionals, navigating family conflict, support groups, difficult conversations about aging, caregiver isolation, and why delegation can be one of the most important skills a caregiver develops.
Because caregiving involves much more than providing care.
You're suddenly learning medical terminology, financial systems, legal processes, senior living options, insurance, family dynamics, and an entirely new world of decisions—often while already overwhelmed.
Nicole's message is simple: don't wait until the crisis to start talking about caregiving.
Most families are only one phone call away.
Connect with me on my website (you'll find my socials there too!)
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NOW AVAILABLE! From Guilt To Good Enough: A Caregiver’s Journey of Overcoming Burnout Through Healing Childhood by Jeanette Yates. Having been a caregiver for her mother since childhood, Jeanette knows firsthand the emotional toll caregiving can take. In this memoir-turned-self-help guide, she shares her journey of healing, setting boundaries, and reclaiming her life. Click here to purchase your copy!
At The Self-Caregiver LLC we guide women caring for their aging parents overcome burnout and release guilt to create more freedom and fulfillment in their life.
We believe you cannot give more of yourself until you heal the wounds, replenish your being and reconnect to the fullness of who you are, embracing the purpose you‘ve been called to live.
