In this vulnerable episode, I share my personal health crisis while caring for my mom with dementia - and the wake-up call that taught me sustainable caregiving starts with self-care.According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, over 40% of family caregivers report feeling emotionally strained, and 1 in 3 say their health has gotten worse since caregiving began. If you're running on fumes, waiting for "the right time" to ask for help, or feeling guilty about needing support - this episode is for you.

I discuss:- My health crisis and what led to it- Why caregivers wait until crisis to ask for help- The difference between sustainable care and perfect care- Austin resources for caregiver support and respite care- Permission to prioritize your own health

AUSTIN RESOURCES MENTIONED:🧠 Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area- Caregiver support and respite care information- Website: aaacap.org

💜 Family Eldercare- Various support services for Austin caregivers- Phone: (512) 450-0844

🏠 Tour Senior Living - Austin Area- Respite care options at local communities- Website: tourseniorliving.org/area/austin

📚 Alzheimer's Association Greater Austin Chapter- Caregiver support groups (not just for dementia!)- 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900

Remember: Taking care of yourself isn't selfish - it's essential. Your loved one needs the best version of you, not the burnt-out version.---ABOUT THE HOST:Stella Herrera Williams is a Senior Placement Advocate in Austin, author of "The Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Your Senior Housing Solutions," and a daughter navigating dementia care with her own mom.

📧 Connect: stella@stellawilliamstx.com🌐 Learn more: stellawilliamstx.com📚 Get the book: click here for your FREE Book!New episodes helping Austin families navigate senior care with confidence!

Episode Number: 2 Episode Title: Understanding Dementia: What I Wish I'd Known Sooner Duration: 6-7 minutes Season: 1 Category: Health & Wellness / Self-Help Explicit Content: No

In honor of World Alzheimer's Month, Stella gets deeply personal about her journey with her mother's dementia. As a professional senior care advocate, you'd think she would have spotted the signs early. But love sometimes makes us blind to what we don't want to see.

In this heartfelt episode, Stella shares:

• The subtle early signs of dementia she missed in her own mother
• Why raw meat in the pantry and lost teeth were actually red flags
• How different types of dementia can present differently
• The guilt of being a "professional" who missed the signs in her own family
• Essential Austin resources for families facing dementia
• Why trusting your instincts matters more than medical expertise

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Whether you're just starting to notice changes in a loved one or are deep in the caregiving journey, this episode offers both professional insight and personal understanding.

Featured Austin Resources:

🧠 Alzheimer's Association Greater Austin Chapter

• 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900
• Website: alz.org/texascapital
• Local support groups and educational programs

🏥 Dell Medical School Memory Care Program

• Phone: (512) 324-7000
• Website: dellmed.utexas.edu

🏠 Tour Senior Living - Greater Austin Area

• Website: tourseniorliving.org/area/austin
• Specialized memory care communities

📚 Stella's Book: "The Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Your Senior Housing Solutions"

• Available on LuLu: purchase Book

Stella introduces herself as a Senior Placement Advocate in Austin and daughter caring for her mom with dementia. Real talk about navigating senior care from both sides.