This week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Drew Brenner. Drew is the founder of the Kansas Caregiver Network, an organization that links caregivers with the support and resources they need. His ideas for this group grew from his personal Caregiving experience with his mother. Unfortunately, between the time of this recording in late 2020 and today, she passed away. This episode is in memory of Drew’s, mom, Barbara Brenner.
- As a Family caregiver, you are not alone in this battle and sometimes you just need a voice, an ear to listen, a pat on the back, or someone to say, “You’re doing a great job.”
- Family Caregiver Day, created by the Kansas Caregiver Network, is celebrated annually in December.
- The “I Care For” Program is a free card for caregivers to carry that alerts others that this person is responsible for the care of someone else.
- The Kansas Caregiver Network also provides a free Caregiver Bag containing a gait belt, gown, gloves, masks, and a journal.
- When you clash with the person you are caring for, it is a sign that you need to take a step back:
- Go outside
- Take a breath
- Drive around the block
- Walk the dog
- Talk with someone
- Scream
- Find a respite program
- Caregiver Burnout is real and can happen to anyone. Learn the signs and then seek out the help and support that you need.
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.
