As hurricane season hits, host Jeff Edwards brings in a special guest to offer essential safety tips for caregivers—and anyone preparing for the unpredictable storms ahead. In this episode, Jeff sits down with retired Weather Service Meteorologist, David Gilhousen, to discuss what caregivers should know in the event of a hurricane. With practical advice and years of meteorological expertise, David shares what to expect, how to prepare, and how caregivers can protect their loved ones during storm season.

Additionally, Jeff revisits key caregiver strategies, including the importance of self-care, building a support network, and creating helpful lists to stay organized. Tune in for some real-world tips on how to manage caregiving during an emergency, and get a refresher on the "rules" Jeff follows at GutPunched to stay grounded in tough times.

This episode is a perfect balance of preparedness, care, and friendship—as David has been Jeff’s go-to source for accurate weather intel for years, and now he’s here to share it with all of us.

Upcoming in our next episode:

We’ll be talking about the things that can be learned from my wife’s recent severe reaction to an Alzheimer’s drug. If you are a Caregiver, we hope it will be as informative as it was an education for me.

Don’t miss it!

Thank you for listening to GutPunched: Alzheimer’s & Caregivers | Episode 68 – Hurricane Season Safety Tips for Caregivers

In this heartfelt episode of Alzheimer’s and Caregivers, host Jeff Edwards invites you into a conversation that shines light on the powerful, yet often overwhelming, journey of caregiving. Caregiving, especially for those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, is one of the most important roles anyone can undertake. Today, Jeff is joined by guest George Cecere, who opens up about his own personal experience, sharing both the challenges and the meaningful moments that come with caring for a loved one.

As always, GUTPUNCHED follows a simple, compassionate set of principles to help guide caregivers through the emotional and practical aspects of their journey. In this episode, Jeff emphasizes the following essential tenets:

1. Take care of yourself: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Self-care is crucial because if something happens to you, your loved one is left without support.

2. You don’t have to do this alone: Lean on your community. Whether it’s a caregiver support group, family, or close friends, don’t hesitate to ask for help.

3. Get organized: Make lists of people who have offered to help, and create a list of tasks that are overwhelming for you to handle on your own. Take it one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to ask for help to get things done.

4. Create a “Help Signal”: Establish a simple phrase or cue that lets your loved one know it’s okay to accept help. This can ease anxiety and make caregiving moments more comfortable for both of you.

5. Caregiving: Love it or hate it, it’s your life until it’s not: Pour your heart into it because caregiving, while challenging, brings profound moments of love and connection.

This episode is a warm reminder that while caregiving can sometimes feel like an isolating experience, you are not alone. There are resources, support, and hope to be found, and GUTPUNCHED is here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

If this episode resonates with you, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review. And, if you know someone who might need a little extra support in their caregiving journey, share this podcast with them. There’s help and hope out there; all you need is to know where to find it, and that’s exactly what we’re here to help with.

Thank you for listening to Gut Punched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers

In this heartfelt and candid episode of GutPunched: Alzheimer’s and Caregivers, host Jeff Edwards opens up about the unexpected challenges that life threw his way. Originally planned as a thoughtful interview with a Very Special Caregiver, the episode takes a different turn when Jeff shares a deeply personal and emotional update on his wife’s health.

Jeff’s wife experienced a severe side effect from an amyloid-clearing drug, resulting in brain swelling and a brain bleed, leading to hospitalization. For a brief period, she lost the use of her left arm, leg, and vision in both eyes. Jeff reflects on the intense fear and uncertainty of the situation, offering thanks to the dedicated doctors, nurses, and the powerful network of prayer warriors who supported them through this crisis. The episode's tone is warm, serious, and raw, as Jeff expresses his gratitude for the care his wife received, and assures listeners that a more in-depth discussion will come in a later episode.

Despite the setback, GutPunched carries on, delivering valuable resources for caregivers facing their own struggles. In a condensed format, Jeff shares insightful articles highlighting advancements in Alzheimer’s research, offering hope for those living with and caring for loved ones affected by the disease.

In true GutPunched style, Jeff revisits the podcast’s essential tenets for caregivers, emphasizing self-care, the importance of asking for help, and utilizing a network of support. He also introduces the idea of a “Help Signal,” a simple yet effective way for caregivers and their loved ones to communicate and ensure that help is received with ease and comfort.

This episode may be shorter than usual, but it’s filled with the same compassion, understanding, and practical advice that make GutPunched a vital resource for caregivers.

Remember, you’re not alone—whether it’s the hard days or the good days, you’ve got a community here to lean on.

Stay tuned for the upcoming full interview in the next episode!