“Caregiving never ends. No, it never stops.” - Natalie and JJ

Caregiving is a journey—full of love, lessons, and let’s be honest, a few laughs along the way. In this candid conversation, we dive into the realities of caregiving: navigating skilled nursing facilities, managing emotional and financial stress, and finding strength in community. We’re also sharing what’s in store for 2025 and beyond. Too good to miss!

💡 This episode is a reminder that you’re not alone—and that support, humor, and honest conversations make all the difference.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Caregiving is tough—but also deeply rewarding.
• Teamwork and community support are everything.
• Humor helps lighten the load.
• Advocacy matters—so do financial tools like qualified income trusts.
• Self-care isn’t optional.
• Your story matters—let’s share it.

THANK YOU to Sponsor: CareScout

#Caregiving #CaregiverSupport #AgingParents #SkilledNursing #ElderCare #FamilyCaregivers #HealthcareAdvocacy #SelfCare #QualifiedIncomeTrust #HumorHeals

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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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“I was in therapy, that was a lifeline.” - Allyson Schrier

This is a powerful one! Natalie and JJ sit down with Allyson Schrier as she opens up about her deeply personal and emotional journey caring for her husband, who was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD).

Allison candidly shares the early signs of FTD, the heartbreaking misdiagnosis, and the uphill battle of navigating a complex healthcare system. From the shifting family dynamics to the emotional weight of caregiving, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really means to care for a loved one with dementia.

🌼 Key Takeaways:

• Recognizing early behavioral changes in FTD
• Coping with misdiagnosis and delayed answers
• The emotional toll and resilience required of caregivers
• The importance of self-care and community support
• How Zinnia TV is transforming dementia care through thoughtful, therapeutic content
  
  

About Allyson:

Allyson Schrier, co-founder and President of ZinniaTV was a caregiver for her husband with dementia, who turned that experience into a career focused on helping both people with dementia and those who care for them. Allyson became a dementia educator teaching both family and professional caregivers about best practices around supporting people with dementia. Following that, Allyson helped launch, then managed an education program at the University of Washington to equip primary and allied healthcare providers to better diagnose and support patients living with dementia. Allyson was honored to be a recipient of a 2020 Maude’s Awards for Innovation in Alzheimer’s Care, and was named Visionary Caregiver of 2020 by caregiving.com. She sits on the Health and Medical subcommittee of the Washington State Dementia Action Collaborative, facilitates support groups for spouses of people with dementia, and lectures on topics about dementia caregiving.

Social Media:

Instagram: Al.lyson80

Instagram: zinnia_tv

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avschrier/

Website: www.zinniatv.com

Allison’s story offers both inspiration and practical wisdom for professionals, family members and friends alike

💡 Hit subscribe to hear more raw, real stories from the caregiving frontlines.

#CaregiverSupport #FrontotemporalDementia #FTD #DementiaAwareness #ConfessionsOfACaregiver #ZinniaTV #CaregivingJourney #PodcastForCaregivers

Support the show

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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“Never say never in your journey.” - Eleni Paris

Natalie and JJ sit down with Eleni Paris, a licensed therapist and devoted mom, as she shares her deeply personal journey raising her daughter Sophia, who has cognitive and speech impairments.

Eleni opens up about navigating cultural expectations, emotional burnout, and the realities of parenting a child with developmental delays—all while juggling her professional identity. From the search for a diagnosis to managing anxiety in public spaces, she speaks candidly about grief, joy, faith, and the power of vulnerability.

If you're a caregiver, a parent of a child with special needs, or simply looking for real talk about love, resilience, and finding purpose through challenges—this one’s for you.

🧠 Topics Covered:

• The emotional highs and lows of caregiving
• Cultural impacts on care in the Greek-American community
• Why self-care isn’t selfish—it’s survival
• Faith, family, and building a support system
• Coping with the evolving needs of a child with disabilities

Eleni Paris is a licensed marriage and family therapist, proud Greek-American, and devoted mother of two daughters—one of whom is cognitively disabled and speech impaired. Born and raised in Northern Virginia, Eleni holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Virginia Tech. She grew up surrounded by a vibrant “Big Fat Greek” family culture while also enjoying the rhythms of a classic American upbringing—a blend she considers a true blessing.

With over 27 years of marriage and a lifetime of caregiving experience, Eleni brings deep empathy and lived wisdom to her therapy practice. Her personal journey, particularly in raising a daughter with complex and undiagnosed needs, has shaped her approach to supporting families, couples, and fellow caregivers. Today, Eleni runs a thriving online practice, where she combines clinical expertise with heartfelt understanding to help others navigate life’s most personal challenges.

Social Media:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/eleniparislmftllc

Website: www.eleniparislmft.com

💬 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs a little hope today.

#CaregiverSupport #SpecialNeedsParenting #CulturalCaregiving #ConfessionsPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #ParentingWithPurpose #EleniParis

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