Caffeinated Caregivers Erica Stearns & Alyssa Nutile

This week, we're not bringing you stats or data or research... we're just bringing ourselves and our friend Karley. Because the truth is, data can only tell you so much, but for the three of us, some of the most impactful information we've ever received about navigating this caregiving life is through other's individual experiences.So today, we're getting a little vulnerable in sharing the moments that convinced each of us that we needed mental health support, the fear and shame that kept us ...

Hey caregiver. How are you doing? No, we mean, how are you *really* doing?Because according to the research (both our informal research and the many published academic studies), mental health for caregivers isn't great. The "why" probably isn't surprising: lack of support, stress, poor health for our children, lack of time, and a ton of other barriers that keep us from accessing the mental health support that we need. But what can help to improve our mental health might surprise you a little ...

When it comes to being a caregiver to a medically complex and/or disabled child especially in 2024, life can feel.... uncertain. Covid-era legislation that helped caregivers in many states is now being rolled back, support that our families and children need to thrive can be taken away at a moment's notice, and the threat of unexpected changes can make planning for our children's futures incredibly difficult. And these aren't just random examples. Erica and Alyssa are both navigating th...

When it comes to the careers of caregivers… things are complicated. While some caregivers are able to maintain a wide variety of careers with the help of flexible work, home health nursing, understanding employers, and other supports, it’s not like that for every caregiver, including those who need income desperately.And on the other hand, the systemic supports in place to support caregivers and their families, whether they wish to continue their careers or devote all of their time to caring ...

The Caregiver Continuum. The continuum on which we as caregivers find ourselves looping around and around… and around again. We’ve gone through it. We’ve watched our fellow caregivers go through it. And today, we’re giving it a name.On this episode of Caffeinated Caregivers, we’re explaining what the Caregiver Continuum is, why it’s such a powerful tool for understanding both your journey and your capacity at any given time in your life as a caregiver, and how you can use it to give yourself ...

Today’s conversation is a little lighter than usual becaaaaaaaause Erica and Alyssa are both still recovering from the holidays. Alyssa, because she always travels on holidays, and Erica, because she was literally sick the whole week. But don’t worry, this conversation is still packed full of holiday thoughts for you. Erica and Alyssa both share glimpses of what their holidays often look like (and let’s just say, their holidays look very different.) They also share their favorite ho...