Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Amanda Schaefer.  Amanda is an author, speaker, and podcast host.  Having majored in dramatic writing at New York University, she would never have imagined using everything she learned there to create a Christian podcast that has a worldwide audience.  Amanda’s goal was to provide a platform for people to share their stories and as a result, to share God’s story.  She has a few new books on the horizon and some collective efforts around the bend and is ready for each opportunity to share the gospel in every way that she can.  Amanda shares the following insights based on her Caregiving experience and from her caregiving journey with her parents:

• [3:57] Caregiving is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that comes with difficulties and transitions, but overall, it is something to choose again and again.
• [6:00] A sense of humor can shift everything.
• [6:18] Remember to be on the same team.
• [7:17] Preparing for caregiving:
  • Be prayerful
  • Be intentional
  • Set boundaries
  • Talk about things ahead of time
  • Know what is needed to keep yourself safe and healthy
• [10:57] Include your loved one in the plans for change vs. coming in and taking over.
• [15:09] Caregiving is one of those times when you get to love like Jesus.
• [15:40] Learning how to respond instead of reacting is a key thing.
• [17:23] Be quick to listen and slower to speak.
• [18:22] Be preparatory and think things out.
• Amanda’s podcast, A Cup of Gratitude, is available on all major podcast platforms.

This episode was brought to you by Content Magazine, an electronic quarterly magazine available today to help you find God during your caregiving season. Visit ContentMagazine.online to learn more.

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Rayna Neises A Season of Caring

Rayna Neises understands the joys and challenges that come from a season of caring. She helped care for both of her parents during their separate battles with Alzheimer’s over a thirty-year span. She is able to look back on those days now with no regrets – and she wishes the same for everyone caring for aging parents.

Rayna is the author of No Regrets: Hope for Your Caregiving Season, an ICF certified coach, the host of “A Season of Caring” podcast, Positive Approach® to Care (PAC)Independent Certified Trainer and speaker who is passionate about offering encouragement, support, and resources for regret-free caring aimed at preventing family caregivers from aimlessly wandering through this important season of life.

Rayna lives on a farm in southeast Kansas with her husband, Ron, and small pack of adorable dogs. She is the baby of her family, but most would never guess that. She is a former teacher who enjoys crafts of all kinds and spending time with her grandkids most of all.