The Care Collective Podcast

Have you ever been told, “you chose this” as a caregiver… even when it never felt like a real choice?In this episode of The Care Collective, we’re talking about the emotional weight caregivers carry when others don’t understand their reality. From caregiver guilt and burnout to family dynamics and feeling unseen, this conversation validates the truth so many caregivers live every day, that stepping into this role often comes from love, responsibility, and necessity, not choice.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, misunderstood, or frustrated when people tell you to “just step back,” this episode will remind you that your feelings are valid, and you’re not alone.Topics covered: caregiving stress, caregiver burnout, caregiver guilt, family dynamics in caregiving, emotional support for caregivers, and feeling unseen as a caregiver.Listen to The Care Collective PodcastFollow the podcast and find all episodes here: https://linktr.ee/CarecollectivepodcastAbout The Care Collective PodcastThe Care Collective Podcast shares honest conversations about caregiving, aging, grief, resilience, and the emotional realities of supporting the people we love. Our goal is to help caregivers feel seen, supported, and less alone.

As a caregiver, when was the last time you had a truly decent meal? Between doctor’s appointments, work, family, and the daily demands of caregiving, finding the time (and energy) to eat well can feel like an impossible task.The truth is, caregiving takes a massive physical and mental toll. When you skip meals or survive on snacks, your brain loses the energy required to make the critical executive decisions needed to care for yourself and your loved ones. Neglecting your nutrition isn't just a personal sacrifice, it can actively hinder your ability to provide care.So, how do we find the balance?In this episode of The Care Collective Podcast, host Mikayla Cluxton sits down with Alex Fleet, a nutritionist and nutritional therapist. Together, they dive into realistic strategies for eating better on a hectic schedule and how to implement small, attainable changes that actually stick.In this episode, we discuss:The Caregiver Mindset: Shifting how you view your body and your health.The "Treat Yourself" Balance: Learning when and how to indulge without guilt.Micro-Goals: Starting your health journey with small, achievable wins.Resource Mapping: Where to find food and nutritional support when you’re overwhelmed.This episode is perfect for:High-Priority Caregivers managing patients with intensive needs.The Overwhelmed Parent struggling to find a moment of peace.Anyone looking to break the cycle of poor eating habits.Mental Health Advocates looking for the link between food and positive mindset.Resources:Reach out to Alex Fleet at [email protected] for more personalized advice.Looking for a therapist or nutritionist? This might be a good place to start: https://myrestoredpurpose.com/Find your local foodbanks or other programs here: https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbankListen to The Care Collective PodcastFollow the podcast and find all episodes here: https://linktr.ee/CarecollectivepodcastAbout The Care Collective PodcastThe Care Collective Podcast shares honest conversations about caregiving, aging, grief, resilience, and the emotional realities of supporting the people we love. Our goal is to help caregivers feel seen, supported, and less alone.

After 25 episodes of The Care Collective, I’m sharing the biggest lessons I’ve learned from talking to real caregivers.In this episode, we dive into the emotional realities of caregiving, including burnout, guilt, grief, identity loss, family dynamics, and the loneliness so many caregivers quietly carry.These are real insights from caregivers who have lived this experience every day.If you’re a caregiver, or you love someone who is, this episode will help you feel seen, and better understand what caregiving really feels like.💛 Topics covered:Caregiver burnout and emotional overwhelmGrief in caregiving (even before loss)Feeling unseen or unsupportedFamily dynamics and resentmentRedefining self-care as a caregiverThe importance of community and supportListen to The Care Collective PodcastFollow the podcast and find all episodes here: https://linktr.ee/CarecollectivepodcastAbout The Care Collective PodcastThe Care Collective Podcast shares honest conversations about caregiving, aging, grief, resilience, and the emotional realities of supporting the people we love. Our goal is to help caregivers feel seen, supported, and less alone.

Caregiving in a digital world often feels like it should be easier, yet staying connected has never felt more complicated, especially when a loved one is living with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other cognitive challenges.Whether it’s a grandparent who isn't "tech-savvy" or a parent living across the country, maintaining a meaningful bond can feel out of reach when traditional tools just don’t work for them. We want to stay connected, but we struggle to find a way that fits their reality.In this episode of The Care Collective Podcast, Mikayla sits down with Tyler Zannini, the creator of Memory Board. Tyler developed an innovative electronic message board designed specifically to bridge the gap between families and their loved ones, no matter the distance.Together, they discuss how simple technology can restore a sense of presence, reduce isolation, and provide practical support for daily life.In This Episode, We Cover:✔️ The Story Behind Memory Board: Why Tyler created a tool specifically for those with cognitive barriers✔️ The Power of Presence: How consistent, simple messages can reduce anxiety and "sundowning"✔️ Beyond Memories: Using digital boards for daily reminders, medication prompts, and scheduling✔️ Simplifying Tech: How to introduce new tools to seniors or those with executive functioning challenges without causing overwhelm✔️ Long-Distance Caregiving: Practical ways to feel "there" when you’re miles awayThis episode is a must-listen for caregivers supporting someone with:Dementia or Alzheimer’sADHD or executive functioning challengesLong-distance caregiving needsIf you’ve ever felt the ache of wanting to reach out but didn't know how to make it "click" for your loved one, this conversation will give you a simple, beautiful way to bring your family closer together.Connect with Our Guests​​https://memoryboard.com/Listen to The Care Collective PodcastFollow the podcast and find all episodes here: https://linktr.ee/CarecollectivepodcastAbout The Care Collective PodcastThe Care Collective Podcast shares honest conversations about caregiving, aging, grief, resilience, and the emotional realities of supporting the people we love. Our goal is to help caregivers feel seen, supported, and less alone.

If you’ve ever said “let me know how I can help” to a caregiver… this episode is for you.Caregiving is more than just physical support, it’s emotional, mental, and often invisible. And while most people mean well, many don’t realize that asking a caregiver what they need can actually add more pressure during an already overwhelming time.In this episode of The Care Collective Podcast, we’re breaking down:What caregiving really feels like behind the scenesWhy “let me know how I can help” doesn’t always workWhat caregivers actually need from friends, family, and partnersSimple, practical ways to support a caregiver without adding to their mental loadThis is an episode caregivers can send to the people in their lives to help them better understand how to show up.If you love a caregiver, or you are one, this conversation will help you feel more connected, supported, and seen.🎧 Share this episode with someone who’s been trying to support you.Listen to The Care Collective PodcastFollow the podcast and find all episodes here: https://linktr.ee/CarecollectivepodcastAbout The Care Collective PodcastThe Care Collective Podcast shares honest conversations about caregiving, aging, grief, resilience, and the emotional realities of supporting the people we love. Our goal is to help caregivers feel seen, supported, and less alone.

Caring for a loved one is more than just a responsibility, it often feels like a full-time commitment that demands every ounce of your physical, mental, and emotional energy.From the constant worry about a loved one falling to the struggle of staying connected across long distances, the weight of caregiving can easily lead to burnout. It leaves many caregivers asking: How do I take care of myself without losing sight of the person I love?In this episode of The Care Collective Podcast, Mikayla sits down with Sara Shum, a physical therapist, to discuss the intersection of professional care and personal well-being. Sara shares how caregivers can protect their own health while continuing to love, honor, and remember the stories of those they care for.Together, they dive into practical strategies to help you stay grounded, connected, and physically supported through the most stressful seasons of caregiving.In This Episode, We Cover:✔️ The Power of Connection: Why socialization is a vital health tool for both the caregiver and the patient✔️ The "Self-Care 5": Simple, actionable tricks to prevent burnout even on your busiest days ✔️ Legacy & Honor: Meaningful ways to remember and celebrate a loved one’s story while navigating their care✔️ Safety & Support: How to manage the physical fears of caregiving, like fall prevention and mobility support✔️ The Emotional Shift: Moving from "surviving" the day to finding moments of connection and joyThis episode is especially helpful for:Caregivers supporting someone with Dementia or Alzheimer’sThose navigating Hospice or terminal careAnyone feeling the heavy weight of caregiver burnoutIf you’ve ever felt like you’re running on empty while trying to give your all to someone else, this conversation will give you the permission, and the tools, to care for yourself too.Resources MentionedConnect with Sara Here:https://www.instagram.com/dr.sara.shum/Listen to The Care Collective PodcastFollow the podcast and find all episodes here: https://linktr.ee/CarecollectivepodcastAbout The Care Collective PodcastThe Care Collective Podcast shares honest conversations about caregiving, aging, grief, resilience, and the emotional realities of supporting the people we love. Our goal is to help caregivers feel seen, supported, and less alone.

Caregiving doesn’t just affect your schedule and emotions; it affects your brain.In this episode of The Care Collective Podcast, Mikayla sits down with Dr. Christine Powell, an education therapist and executive functioning coach, to explore the brain science behind caregiving stress.Many caregivers experience mental exhaustion, forgetfulness, decision fatigue, and emotional overwhelm. But according to brain science, these experiences aren’t personal failures, they’re often the result of prolonged stress impacting the brain’s executive functioning systems.Dr. Powell shares both professional insight and personal experience as her family supports her nearly 90-year-old father. Together, we discuss practical tools caregivers can use to reduce cognitive overload, support aging loved ones, and care for their own mental wellbeing.In this episode, you’ll learn:• What executive functioning is and why it matters for caregivers • How chronic stress impacts memory, focus, and decision making • Why caregivers often experience “brain overload” • Simple systems that can reduce mental strain (checklists, calendars, visual tools) • How to support autonomy in aging parents and loved ones • Strategies to prevent caregiver burnout • Why self-compassion is essential for caregiver wellbeingDr. Powell also shares helpful tools for supporting both caregivers and aging loved ones, including visual timers, structured routines, and ways to stimulate the brain through connection, memory, and meaningful engagement.If you’re caring for a parent, spouse, or loved one and often feel mentally overwhelmed, this conversation will help you better understand what’s happening in your brain, and give you practical ways to lighten the load.Resources MentionedExecutive Function Assessment (Free) https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfrrS2eef1-rbGMvgguXUzHryXvSmRaBojfg_4mx5yo1gzRFg/viewformYou can connect with Dr. Christine Powell through the ADHD Success Lab on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.https://learningbyconnecting.com/Listen to The Care Collective PodcastFollow the podcast and find all episodes here: https://linktr.ee/CarecollectivepodcastAbout The Care Collective PodcastThe Care Collective Podcast shares honest conversations about caregiving, aging, grief, resilience, and the emotional realities of supporting the people we love. Our goal is to help caregivers feel seen, supported, and less alone.

Morning routines can become surprisingly difficult for people experiencing memory loss, dementia, or executive functioning challenges.Tasks like brushing teeth, getting dressed, or preparing for an appointment may seem simple, but they actually require multiple brain functions working together. When those functions change, everyday routines can become confusing and overwhelming.In this solo episode of The Care Collective Podcast, Mikayla explains why daily routines often break down for people with cognitive changes and shares a simple tool that can help: visual routines.Visual routines use pictures and clear step-by-step prompts to help someone move through daily tasks with more independence and less frustration.In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why executive functioning challenges make simple routines difficult • Why repeating instructions often doesn’t work • How visual cues and environment prompts can help • How to create a simple morning checklist for a loved one with memory challenges • Practical caregiver strategies to make mornings smootherMikayla also shares a free Visual Morning Routine Guide that caregivers can customize using their own photos to support loved ones with memory loss or cognitive changes.This episode is especially helpful for caregivers supporting someone with:dementia or Alzheimer’straumatic brain injurystroke recoveryParkinson’s diseaseADHD or executive functioning challenges🎧 Download the free Visual Morning Routine Guide Here

What happens when you start noticing small changes in a parent, missed appointments, unpaid bills, or confusion over everyday tasks, and suddenly realize the caregiving journey has begun?In this episode of The Care Collective Podcast, Mikayla sits down with Ellen Frazier to talk about stepping into the role of caregiver for her mother while navigating the uncertainty of an ongoing dementia diagnosis.Ellen shares how her journey began when she started noticing changes in her mom’s memory and daily routines. What started as frequent visits to help with small things, like finding the remote or adjusting the thermostat, eventually led to a major life decision: renovating her home so her mom could move in and live with her family.This conversation explores the emotional, logistical, and relational realities of caregiving, from advocating within the healthcare system to managing caregiver burnout and finding moments of connection along the way.If you are caring for an aging parent, supporting someone with dementia symptoms, or preparing for a future caregiving role, this episode offers both practical insights and emotional encouragement.In this episode, we discuss:The early signs that a parent may need caregiving supportHow Ellen navigated the long and often frustrating process of seeking a dementia diagnosisWhat it looks like to advocate for a loved one within the healthcare systemThe emotional shift from occasional help to full-time caregivingCreating a living situation that supports both independence and safetyThe importance of caregiver mental health and avoiding compassion fatigueBuilding a support system and learning to accept helpSelf-care practices that help caregivers avoid burnoutWhy compassion and patience are essential when caring for someone experiencing memory changesEllen also shares how her background as a recovery coach and her own sobriety journey have shaped how she approaches caregiving with empathy, patience, and intentional self-care.At the heart of this conversation is a reminder that caregiving is not just about tasks — it's about relationships, dignity, and meeting people where they are.As Mikayla says throughout the podcast:The Care Collective is here from the first emergency… all the way through the identity crisis of figuring out who you are after caregiving.If you’re navigating this journey right now, you are not alone.Resources MentionedFamily Caregiver Support Resources https://www.caregiver.orgYou can learn more about Ellen and her work here: https://ellenfrazier.comConnect with The Care CollectiveFollow the podcast for more conversations about caregiving, resilience, and navigating the realities of supporting aging loved ones.https://linktr.ee/Carecollectivepodcast

What is it really like to build a 30-year career in professional caregiving?In this episode of The Care Collective Podcast, I sit down with Christina Potts, a retired home health aide turned caregiver advocate, to talk about the realities of working in home care for three decades.We discuss the hidden grief caregivers carry when clients pass away, why caregiving is often misunderstood as “just a job,” and the emotional resilience required to stay in the field long-term. Christina shares how formal training shaped her approach, what families should look for when hiring caregivers, and why background checks and credentials matter more than people realize.We also dive into caregiver burnout, sexual harassment in home care, the national caregiver shortage, Medicaid and Medicare concerns, and the urgent need for better pay and benefits, including the push toward $20/hour wages and long-term retirement support for care workers.If you are: • A professional caregiver • A family caregiver • Considering caregiving as a career • Hiring in-home care for a loved one • Or advocating for better caregiver wages and protectionsThis conversation will give you insight, validation, and practical perspective.Caregiving is real work. It is skilled work. And it deserves recognition.—Follow The Care Collective for more honest conversations about caregiving, grief, burnout, and building sustainable support systems for those who care for others.

Caregiver loneliness is real, and no one talks about it enough.In this solo episode of The Care Collective Podcast, we’re diving into a hidden layer of caregiving: losing friends and feeling isolated while caring for someone you love.If you’ve ever felt like your world has gotten smaller… Like you’re canceling plans more than you’re making them… Like friendships have quietly shifted since you became a caregiver…You are not alone.Caregiver isolation and social loneliness are incredibly common among family caregivers. Between managing appointments, emotional stress, anticipatory grief, and burnout, maintaining friendships can feel overwhelming, and sometimes impossible.In this episode, we talk about:• Why caregiving changes friendships • The emotional impact of social isolation • The “double grief” of losing connection while caregiving • Why friends may struggle to show up (without villainizing them) • How to find support in this seasonIf you're caring for a parent, spouse, child, or loved one, and feeling alone in the process, this conversation is for you.The Care Collective Podcast exists to support caregivers navigating burnout, grief, resilience, and the emotional weight of care. Because when caregivers feel seen and supported, everyone benefits.🎧 Listen in, share with someone who needs it, and remember: you are not too much. You’re carrying something heavy.Find more information on the podcast here: https://linktr.ee/Carecollectivepodcast

Caregiver burnout is real, and it doesn’t mean you’re failing.In this episode, we’re talking about the emotional stress of caregiving, the warning signs of caregiver burnout, and how to prevent exhaustion when you’re caring for an aging parent, spouse, or loved one with dementia.I’m joined by Kevin Lambing, co-owner of enhdme.com and longtime advocate for family caregivers. With a background in caregiver education, and personal experience in caregiving, Kevin shares practical insight into what burnout actually looks like in real life.We discuss:The emotional toll of dementia caregivingHow falls can impact both physical and mental healthSleep deprivation and caregiver anxietyWhy “self-care isn’t selfish” is essential for survivalThe importance of respite care and support systemsHow to prepare your home to reduce stress and prevent crisesWhy caregiver stories matter, and how community reduces isolationCaregiver burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It builds in the constant responsibility, the grief, the decision fatigue, and the feeling that you always have to be “on.”Whether you’re in the early stages of caregiving or deep in the thick of it, this episode will remind you that you are not alone, and that protecting your own mental health is part of being a good caregiver.Resources mentioned in this episode:Kevin’s free home safety checklist for families Fall prevention tools and dementia support resources (Links in show notes.)ENDHME for personal care productsIf this episode resonates, share it with another caregiver who may need encouragement today.You deserve support, too. 💛Find more information on the Podcast Here

Who takes care of the caregiver?In this special Valentine’s Day episode of The Care Collective Podcast, Mikayla shares a love letter to caregivers who are feeling exhausted, invisible, or emotionally overwhelmed.Caregiving is one of the most loving roles a person can step into, but it’s also one of the most unseen. If you’re experiencing caregiver burnout, caregiver stress, grief while your loved one is still alive, or the quiet emotional weight that comes with supporting someone else, this episode is for you.This is not a productivity episode. This is not advice on how to “do more.”This is emotional support for caregivers, words of affirmation, encouragement, and reminders that:• Being tired does not mean you are failing • Burnout is not a personal weakness • You deserve support that does not require you to earn it • Love does not require losing yourselfYou’ll also hear reflection questions designed to help you reconnect with your own identity outside of caregiving.If you’ve ever felt invisible as a caregiver, struggled with limits, or wondered how to care for yourself while caring for someone else, this episode offers reassurance and practical emotional grounding.Share this with another caregiver who needs to hear it.Because caregivers deserve to be cared for too.____________________________________________Find more information about the Care Collective Podcast here: Link

How do you advocate for yourself at the doctor, especially when appointments feel rushed, medical records don’t always match, and you’re trying to explain months of symptoms in just a few minutes?In this episode of The Care Collective Podcast, Mikayla sits down with two nurse practitioners to answer one of the most common healthcare questions patients and caregivers ask:👉 How do you navigate medical appointments and make sure your voice is heard?Together, they break down practical, real-life strategies to help you feel more confident and prepared when managing your healthcare or advocating for a loved one.In This Episode, We Cover:✔️ How to prepare for a doctor appointment ✔️ What to bring (including medication lists and health history notes) ✔️ How to ask better questions during medical visits ✔️ How to coordinate care between specialists and primary care providers ✔️ Why medical record errors and medication mix-ups happen (and how to catch them) ✔️ How caregivers can advocate for loved ones without conflict ✔️ How to navigate a fragmented healthcare system with more confidenceIf you’ve ever left a medical appointment feeling confused, unheard, or overwhelmed, this episode will give you tools to better advocate for your health and make the most of your time with providers.Connect with Our Guests:👉 Learn more about Storyline and their patient advocacy services here: Story Line Health NavigationConnect with Mikayla & The Care Collective:👉 Follow along for caregiver support, advocacy education, and community resources: Find our Info HereAbout The Care Collective Podcast:The Care Collective Podcast helps caregivers and families feel empowered, seen, and less alone while navigating healthcare, aging, mental health, and complex medical decisions. Each episode shares expert insight, lived experiences, and emotional support for those caring for themselves or someone they love.

Talking about nursing homes, funeral planning, advanced directives, or medical decisions can feel overwhelming, and for many caregivers, these conversations feel almost impossible to start.If you’ve ever avoided end-of-life planning conversations with someone you love, you are not alone… and you are not doing anything wrong.In this episode of The Care Collective Podcast, we’re stepping away from checklists and paperwork and focusing on something caregivers are rarely taught:👉 How to emotionally prepare for end-of-life conversations before a crisis happens.Because end-of-life planning isn’t just practical preparation, it’s emotional preparation, nervous system regulation, and learning how to navigate fear, grief, guilt, and love all at the same time.This episode is a gentle, supportive space to help caregivers begin processing these difficult topics without pressure, shame, or overwhelm.Download the episode guide here: linkFollow us on Instagram here: Link

Making end-of-life decisions can feel overwhelming, emotional, and incredibly isolating, especially when you’re trying to do “the right thing” for someone you love.In this episode of The Care Collective Podcast, I’m joined by Kristy from @ownyourend.co (on Instagram), who is changing the way we approach end-of-life planning with more clarity, compassion, and humanity. We talk about the emotional weight caregivers carry when navigating end-of-life decisions, why these conversations are so hard to have, and how planning ahead of crisis can actually reduce guilt, fear, and burnout.Kristy also shares more about her new product launch, designed to help individuals and families navigate end-of-life wishes with less stress and more confidence, without feeling cold, rushed, or transactional.If you’re caring for a parent, partner, or loved one, and feeling anxious, stuck, or unsure about next steps, this episode is for you.You don’t have to have everything figured out today. You’re allowed to slow down. You’re not alone in this.Topics covered:End-of-life decision anxietyCaregiver stress and emotional burnoutHow to talk about end-of-life wishesPlanning ahead vs. crisis decision-makingCompassionate end-of-life resources for familiesFind more info about Kristy here: Link to Kristy's Information

SummaryIn this episode, Mikayla Cluxton reflects on her recent absence from the podcast, sharing personal challenges and the importance of community support for caregivers. She discusses her plans for a caregiver conference, the significance of grace in caregiving, and the healing process after personal trauma. Mikayla emphasizes the value of relationships and being present in the moment, especially during life's ups and downs.Chapters00:00 Welcome Back and Reflections01:35 Navigating Personal Challenges05:08 Healing and Coping Strategies06:44 Life's Roller Coaster: Engagement and Growth08:13 The Importance of Relationships09:01 Introduction and Accountability09:55 Upcoming Caregiver Conference and Podcast Changes11:09 Community Engagement and Resources11:34 Encouragement and Reflection

In today’s powerful episode, Mikayla sits down with Logan Lee Lamson, a writer, cancer survivor, and former primary caregiver for his mom, Linda May.Logan first stepped into caregiving at just 26 years old when his mom was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Fifteen months later, she passed away. Years after losing her, Logan received his own devastating diagnosis: Hodgkin lymphoma. Suddenly, he found himself navigating the same hospitals, treatments, and fears he once walked through as a caregiver.In this conversation, Logan opens up about: What it was like to care for his mom during her cancer journeyThe moment he realized his own symptoms were being overlooked Why patients and caregivers both struggle to advocate for themselves The reality of anticipatory grief and watching someone you love change How humor, community, and small joys kept him going What he wishes the media told the truth about when it comes to cancer And the unexpected parallels between his mom’s treatment and his ownLogan also shares about his book, Losing Linda May: A Cancer Caregiving Memoir. a first-person, present-tense account that captures the day-to-day reality of caregiving with honesty, love, and vulnerability. His book is available exclusively on Amazon as an ebook and through Kindle Unlimited.The link to Logan's Book:https://www.amazon.com/Losing-Linda-Mae-Cancer-Caregiving-ebook/dp/B0FDGW7F9JIf you want to continue following Logan’s journey, you can find him here: Instagram / TikTok : @justsomehindsightThis episode is a reminder that caregivers deserve support too, and that even in the hardest moments, there can still be connection, humor, and hope.If this conversation speaks to you, please share it with another caregiver or leave a review to help more people feel seen and supported. 💛

In this episode of The Care Collective, Mikayla dives into one of the most overlooked forms of grief that caregivers face: anticipatory grief. This is the grief that begins long before the final goodbye. Through real stories from past episodes, including Alicia’s grief over her mom never getting to hold her future baby and Sadie’s experience losing her dad to dementia as a teenager, this conversation brings voice to the kind of pain many caregivers carry silently.You’ll learn:What anticipatory grief actually is and why it shows upResearch-backed signs and symptoms caregivers often experienceHow caregiver burden, uncertainty, and emotional exhaustion contribute to early griefPractical, evidence-based ways to navigate anticipatory griefTangible grounding tools you can use right awayWhether you’re caring for a parent with dementia, supporting a loved one through illness, or grieving the future you imagined, this episode offers compassion, clarity, and community.Listen in and remember: you don’t have to carry this alone.Find more information on Origins Training & Consulting (and how to build resilience) here: https://learn.originstraining.org/Listen to Alicia's Episode here: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-care-collective/2318624Listen to Sadie's Episode here: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-care-collective/2267182Want to be a guest? Fill out this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeVabBbtdiZepNpjgPaewQdmfmjIV_RXqoQ-N-C8i1gyntRTA/viewform

When you’re in your 30s, you don’t expect to be caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s. But for Alicia, that became her reality, and it changed everything.In this episode of The Care Collective Podcast, host Mikayla Cluxton sits down with Alicia to talk about the hidden side of caregiving in your 30s, from the emotional weight of moving her mom into memory care, to the financial strain of selling her childhood home, to the grief of losing pieces of her mom long before goodbye.Alicia opens up about the guilt, anxiety, and strength it takes to make impossible decisions, and how she’s slowly learning to give herself grace.Whether you’re caring for a parent, supporting someone with dementia, or just trying to survive the holidays while missing the person your loved one used to be, this conversation is a reminder: you’re not alone, and what you’re doing matters.💛 Listen for:What it’s really like caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s at 33The emotional and financial realities of choosing memory careHow to cope with guilt, grief, and the loss of “what could have been”Why self-care isn’t selfish, it’s survivalPractical advice for friends and family who want to help caregivers✨ Keywords: Alzheimer’s caregiver, young caregiver, dementia support, adult children caregiving, memory care decisions, caregiver guilt, caregiver stories, caregiving in your 30s, caregiver mental health, caregiver grief

In this heartfelt episode of The Care Collective Podcast, author Jocelyn Jane Cox joins Mikayla to share the story behind her memoir Motion Dazzle, a powerful reflection on losing her mother to dementia while becoming a mother herself.Jocelyn opens up about navigating grief, the emotional and financial realities of caregiving, finding humor in hardship, and learning to hold both joy and sorrow at once. Together, we talk about redefining self-care, the challenges of the “sandwich generation,” and what it truly means to be a caregiver.🦓 Order and read Motion Dazzle now—available wherever books are sold or at jocelynjanecox.com.💛 Enjoyed this episode? Take a second to leave a review and share it with another caregiver who could use a little encouragement today. It truly helps more people find our community!00:00 – Introducing Jocelyn Jane Cox & Motion Dazzle 02:45 – Losing a parent while becoming a mother 09:00 – Finding family through friendship and caregiving 14:30 – The financial cost of 24-hour dementia care 19:50 – Balancing newborn life and caregiving burnout 24:00 – Grieving without your mom to call for advice 31:00 – The meaning behind “Motion Dazzle” 42:00 – Caregiving as heroism and honoring the journey 45:40 – Final reflections + where to get the book

Episode Description In this powerful episode of The Care Collective Podcast, Mikayla sits down with Ashley Larimore, a caregiver, entrepreneur, and third-generation farmer who splits her time between Charleston, South Carolina and her family’s farm in Maryland.At just twenty-three, Ashley became the primary caregiver for her mother during an aggressive breast cancer battle, an experience that changed her life and led her to advocate for caregivers and patients everywhere. She shares what it was like to navigate long drives to treatment, advocate in medical appointments, balance work with care responsibilities, and process the layers of grief that come after loss.As we honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Ashley’s story is a reminder that behind every patient is a caregiver carrying an invisible load, and that asking for help, setting boundaries, and finding gratitude are essential parts of healing.Whether you’re a caregiver yourself or simply love someone who is, this episode will leave you feeling seen and inspired.Key Topics CoveredWhat it’s like to be a caregiver for a parent with breast cancerHow caregiving can inspire advocacy and purposeBalancing work, grief, and family responsibilityLearning to accept help and set healthy boundariesThe emotional ripple effect of caregiving within familiesWhy advocacy matters in medical settingsThis episode blends real stories and emotional truth with practical lessons about resilience, empathy, and what it means to show up for the people you love, even when it’s hard.📣 We want to hear from you!If this conversation moved you, please follow, rate, and review The Care Collective Podcast wherever you’re listening. Every single review helps more caregivers find this community and reminds them they’re not alone.Tag @carecollective.podcast on Instagram and share your favorite moment from the episode, we’d love to hear your story too.

When we talk about caregiving, we often focus on keeping someone alive, but what about helping them finish well?In this week’s episode of The Care Collective Podcast, host Mikayla Cluxton sits down with Kristy, a nurse practitioner with over 20 years of experience in palliative and end-of-life care.Together they explore what it means to prepare for the end with peace, love, and legacy in mind, and how these conversations can transform the way we live, not just how we die.You’ll hear stories from Kristy’s time at the bedside, learn how to start difficult end-of-life conversations, and gain new insight into how caregivers can find meaning in moments of loss.💛In this episode:• How to start honest conversations about death• Why legacy planning matters for families and caregivers• Simple ways to leave love and guidance behind for those you care about• How caregivers can find peace and purpose in letting goFind more information about the work Kristy is doing here:👉 Check out @ownyourend.co on Instagram🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on Instagram → @carecollective.pod💌 Have a caregiving question or situation you’d like advice on? Submit it to us! We feature listener questions in weekly posts and future episodes, and if we can’t answer, we’ll find a professional who can.

At just 11 years old, Sadie became a caregiver for her dad after he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.In this emotional and inspiring conversation, she shares what it’s really like to be a young caregiver — navigating grief, anger, and resilience while learning how to heal.Join us as we explore the emotional journey of caregiving through Sadie’s story — a powerful and heartfelt look at what it means to grow up too soon. From the exhaustion of balancing responsibilities to the moments of connection and love that make it all worth it, Sadie’s honesty and courage remind us that caregiving isn’t just about sacrifice — it’s about strength, love, and holding on to hope.Through vulnerability and reflection, Sadie opens up about:💛 Becoming a caregiver at age 11💛 Learning to separate the disease from the person💛 The hidden grief of dementia and loss💛 Anger, fear, and finding peace💛 Growing through therapy and faith💛 Her advice for other caregivers who feel alone--- About The Care Collective PodcastThe Care Collective is supportive space for caregivers and those who love them, a place to feel seen, encouraged, and less alone.Each week, we share real stories, honest conversations, and reminders that you don’t have to carry it all by yourself.

In this conversation, Michelle Scolaro, a therapist and transformational coach, shares her journey from working in senior care to focusing on helping individuals break free from burnout. She discusses the blend of therapy and coaching, the signs of burnout, and the importance of self-care, especially for caregivers. Michelle emphasizes the need for community support and the significance of finding one's identity amidst caregiving responsibilities. She also shares personal self-care practices and the role of autonomy in maintaining mental health. In this conversation, Mikayla Cluxton and Michelle Scolaro, LMHC, delve into the intricacies of therapy, caregiving, and mental health. They explore the importance of self-discovery in therapy, the challenges caregivers face, and the significance of mental health awareness. The discussion emphasizes the need for self-compassion, validation in relationships, and the power of community support. Michelle shares insights on combating burnout and reframing mindset, highlighting the privilege of caregiving and the transformative experiences offered through her retreats. The conversation concludes with a focus on creating accessible mental health resources for individuals seeking support.

In this episode, Sydney, a dedicated caregiver with a rich background in elder care, shares her story and experience. They discuss the emotional weight of caregiving, the challenges faced in long-term care, and the impact of COVID-19 on both caregivers and residents. Sydney shares her experiences balancing family life with her caregiving responsibilities, the importance of connection and teamwork in care settings, and the prevalence of burnout among caregivers. They also explore the role of family in caregiving and suggest ways to improve the landscape of long-term care, emphasizing the need for more volunteers and intergenerational connections.

In the first episode of the Care Collective Podcast, Mikayla Cluxton introduces the purpose of the podcast, which is to support caregivers and address the issue of loneliness among the elderly. She shares her personal journey in caregiving, the impact of loneliness on mental health, and the importance of community support for caregivers. The episode emphasizes the need for recognition and resources for caregivers, aiming to create a space where they feel seen and heard.