126 episodes
Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver JJ, Natalie, and Emilie
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- Society & Culture
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5.0 • 33 Ratings
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The Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver podcast offers a candid, unfiltered space to confess the good, the bad, and the ugly of being a caregiver through storytelling, guest interviews, and information sharing. JJ, Natalie, and Emilie are a trio of sisters supporting their mom living with Parkinson's and a husband who survived cancer. Along with their guests, they discuss their shared experiences in caregiving. Viewers and listeners alike will relate to our reluctance, be affirmed in their ability to be caregivers and gain the courage to confidently step out of the shadows to express their own needs. You are sure to laugh, cry, and everything in between but in the end, all will leave feeling better for the journey and part of the sisterhood of care. So grab your favorite guilty pleasure, and let's get to confessing!
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Bridging Gaps in Care: Ali Ahmadi's Caregiver Revolution
Ready for even MORE honest caregiver conversations? Become a supporter of "Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver" and unlock bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes peeks, and resources you won't find anywhere else! Plus, your support makes this podcast possible! Sign up at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2101429/subscribe
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Ali Ahmadi's caregiving journey began unexpectedly when his mother-in-law was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma cancer over seven years ago. As a former Navy aviator and aerospace engineer, Ali prided himself on navigating difficult situations. However, nothing could have prepared him for the challenges of caring for his ill mother-in-law while balancing work and family responsibilities. Ali and his wife decided to bring her into their home without hesitation. Still, they soon found themselves overwhelmed trying to manage her complex medical needs and navigate the healthcare system alone.
At his wit's end, Ali was introduced to the TCARE protocol. Developed by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, TCARE helped Ali and his family better understand the emotional toll of caregiving through clinical assessments. To Ali's surprise, the recommended care plan focused on marriage counseling rather than just medical support. This unexpected recommendation opened Ali's eyes to how caregiving impacted every aspect of his life. Through TCARE, Ali also discovered local resources he didn't know existed, like free family counseling. Inspired by the difference TCARE made, Ali developed the program into the caregiver support platform it is today.
Now, Ali dedicates his career to helping other caregivers avoid burnout through TCARE's individualized support plans and focus on preventing emotional hardships. Driven by his caregiving experiences and commitment to family, Ali continues working tirelessly to validate caregivers' challenges and connect them with the resources needed to care for their loved ones without sacrificing their well-being.
About Ali:
Ali Ahmadi is a veteran of three venture-backed tech startups, having raised over $100 million in funding. A former U.S. Naval Aviator, he holds an M.S. and B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and an Executive MBA from Washington University in St. Louis. Ahmadi has vast experience in the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) industry and has developed strategic partnerships with Fortune 100 companies, including Microsoft, RGA, PwC, SAP, Salesforce, McKinsey, and Aflac.
Currently, he serves as the CEO and Co-Founder of TCARE, a company that provides a CMS-approved platform aimed at reducing family caregiver burnout and delaying nursing home placement through predictive analytics. TCARE has formed significant partnerships with companies such as Aflac, BlueCross BlueShield, Microsoft, Unum, Anthem, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare.
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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver
Sisterhood of Care, LLC
Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com
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🔒 After the Confession with Paul Ptashnick
Subscriber-only episode
Thank you for your support! Here's the link to watch the behind-the-scenes bonus episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/Nr31UY7-O3c
Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver
Sisterhood of Care, LLC
Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com
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The Hidden Caregiver: A Male Perspective on Providing Support to Aging Parents
Ready for even MORE honest caregiver conversations? Become a supporter of "Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver" and unlock bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes peeks, and resources you won't find anywhere else! Plus, your support makes this podcast possible! Sign up at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2101429/subscribe
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Paul Ptashnick shares his personal journey as a caregiver for his aging parents, both battling Parkinson's disease. His caregiving role intensified in his late 30s, especially after his father's significant fall. Navigating the healthcare system, Paul made tough decisions about his father's care facilities. Balancing work and caregiving, he highlights the importance of consistent caregivers for his parents.
Amid trials, Paul addresses caregiving's financial and mental toll. He emphasizes support systems, suggesting home healthcare and care concierge services. Paul advocates adaptability, learning quickly, ensuring interaction and mobility for parents. Despite challenges, he urges caregivers to treasure joy, prioritize personal happiness, take trips, and enjoy simple pleasures.
Paul's candid sharing offers invaluable insights into the reality of male caregiving, particularly for those managing the progression of diseases like Parkinson's. His story is a testament to the significance of open communication, persistence in advocacy, and the delicate balance between caring for loved ones and self-care.
About Paul:
Paul Ptashnick is a freelance copywriter and fractional marketer focused on B2B startups in the InsurTech, FinTech, and AgeTech spaces. In addition, Paul’s wife Ana is also an entrepreneur, opening Red Apron Charcuterie in 2023.
When Paul and Ana aren’t working or playing with their fur baby Marty, they are usually traveling. They have visited Peru many times and have also spent time in England, Ireland, France, Colombia, and Mexico.
For Paul’s 50th birthday, they have another European vacation planned with stops in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Croatia.
Support the show
Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver
Sisterhood of Care, LLC
Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com
Like us on Facebook!
Tweet with us on Twitter!
Follow us on Instagram!
Watch us on Youtube!
Pin us on Pinterest!
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Tune in on Whole Care Network -
Breaking the Mold: The Unexpected Role of a Male Caregiver
Ready for even MORE honest caregiver conversations? Become a supporter of "Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver" and unlock bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes peeks, and resources you won't find anywhere else! Plus, your support makes this podcast possible! Sign up at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2101429/subscribe
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Carlos Olivas left everything - his home, job, family and friends to care for his father with Alzheimer's dementia. He shares stories about their family, his childhood, and the hurdles of caregiving. Like so many caregivers, his journey began in a critical moment when a call from the dentist about his father's health prompted Carlos to become his main caregiver, putting his career and personal life on hold. This move highlights the deep value of family and the extensive sacrifices caregivers make.
In the discussion, Carlos talks about quitting his job due to the lack of remote work opportunities in his sector. His decision was driven by a sense of familial duty and a desire to support his father. He notes the impact on his social life and the guilt over not choosing professional care. Carlos emphasizes the importance of seeking help, overcoming obstacles, and personal development in the caregiving journey. He also discusses the role of male caregivers, the use of humor to maintain connections, and the formation of a support network, praising his dad's girlfriend's positive impact. Offering advice to fellow caregivers, Carlos stresses the significance of accepting mistakes, practicing self-care, and gratitude, and the lessons he continues to learn from his father.
About Carlos:
Carlos Olivas, a family man and caregiver, began a transformative journey in 2015 by leaving his career to care for his father with Geriatric Alzheimer's & Dementia. As a Caring Across Generations fellow, Alzheimers Association advocate, and Into the Dark Blue men's group ambassador, he passionately promotes compassionate caregiving and mental health awareness. Through his role as a social media content creator, he shares heartfelt narratives and valuable insights globally. Carlos is a member of We are HFC’s Care Squad and a caregiving.com Champion, engaging as a speaker on various media platforms, blogs, and podcasts. His experiences highlight themes of love, resilience, and life's vibrant hues.
Connect with Carlos:
Website: https://linktr.ee/charlierobot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlierobot
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charliedoescharliethings
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carloseveryday/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Charlierobot
Support the show
Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver
Sisterhood of Care, LLC
Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com
Like us on Facebook!
Tweet with us on Twitter!
Follow us on Instagram!
Watch us on Youtube!
Pin us on Pinterest!
Link us on LinkedIn!
Tune in on Whole Care Network -
🔒 Carlos Olivas - After the Confession
Subscriber-only episode
Thank you for your support! Here's the link to watch the behind-the-scenes bonus episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/RRjvSfV6LrU
💙 JJ and Natalie
Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver
Sisterhood of Care, LLC
Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com
Like us on Facebook!
Tweet with us on Twitter!
Follow us on Instagram!
Watch us on Youtube!
Pin us on Pinterest!
Link us on LinkedIn!
Tune in on Whole Care Network -
🔒 Todd Keitz - After the Confession
Subscriber-only episode
Thank you for your support! Here's the link to watch the behind-the-scenes bonus episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/z5kM6OKC0wM
💙 JJ and Natalie
Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver
Sisterhood of Care, LLC
Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com
Like us on Facebook!
Tweet with us on Twitter!
Follow us on Instagram!
Watch us on Youtube!
Pin us on Pinterest!
Link us on LinkedIn!
Tune in on Whole Care Network
Customer Reviews
Are you a reluctant caregiver? Need to confess? Here’s your podcast!
I recently had a wonderful, wide-ranging and empathetic conversation with the Elliott sisters, Natalie and JJ, on their “Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver” podcast. They are rapidly climbing the ranks of popular, well regarded podcasters, particularly in the caregiving space. Now I know why after listening and being a guest.
Yes, I shared my story, experience, and journey. In addition, we discussed how and why I found my passion supporting family caregivers after caring for my mother. I also offered tips and insights on how to be the best caregiver you want to be for your loved one with dementia…and for yourself.
Coming from the southeast states, the “Elliott Girls’” podcast connects and relates by sharing others’ stories about caregiving challenges, family dynamics, and, yes, life’s heavy and humorous aspects. They ask insightful questions and add their own perspective…all with a lot of laughter. I am honored to be admitted to their sisterhood as a brother.
I can’t wait to hear and share my episode!
Bill Cohen 💜
Tualatin, OR
Best podcast ever
I have laughed, cried and agreed with every episode. I relate to every single one. Thanks ladies for putting this out there. I needed it. ❤️❤️
Grateful
I am so grateful that I found this podcast. Listening is such a pleasure and I look forward to every episode. Thank you guys for doing what you do to make it possible for all of us to tune into this Podcast!
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