1. The Power of Preparedness and Parenting while Caregiving: Stories of Hope with Christy Byrne Yates Rayna Neises 29:17

Imagine the peace of mind that comes with being prepared for the inevitable. Christy Byrne Yates, an educational psychologist, author, speaker, coach, and consultant, shares how her parents' careful planning for their later years gave her the valuable gift of preparedness. Christy explains how being prepared helped her transition into the role of Caregiver for her parents, who both had dementia, and how it affected her and her family.

Treading further down the path of caregiving, we delve deep into the challenging terrain of Grief while our loved ones are still alive. Christy shares a peek into her emotional journey, highlighting the significance of embracing and expressing these raw feelings. She found writing letters to God, as a robust pillar of strength and Resilience during these trying times. Christy inspires caregivers to be kind to themselves, find strength in God, and navigate the caregiving journey with grace and patience by sharing hopeful personal stories. 

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of caregiving, a testament to the power of preparedness, and a guide to finding strength amidst Grief. Tune in to my conversation with Christy Byrne-Akes, and embark on a journey towards compassionate caregiving.

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.