The Empowered Caregiver

Burnout Recovery 6: Addressing the Physical Toll

ValerieB — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 22:00:21 -0500

The Empowered Caregiver podcast was created to assist caregivers who may feel overwhelmed and exhausted, no matter how rewarding the role is.

ValerieB continues to discuss strategies to help caregivers overcome burnout.

In this sixth episode of the Burnout Recovery series, she discusses:

* How to identify and address somatic stress.
* How to de-escalate somatic stress.
* How to create a bedtime routine to help relax your body.

The Empowered Caregiver podcast was created to support, encourage, and give hope to caregivers. This podcast talks about the realities of caregiving that are sometimes overlooked.

Please share this podcast with other caregivers and feel free to visit Caregiver Calm on Insight Timer https://insighttimer.com for guided meditations designed specifically for caregivers.

Burnout Recovery 5: Find Your Identity

ValerieB — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 21:40:46 -0500

Caregiving is a big job that requires so much of our attention, that we forget who we are. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver, ValerieB continues to help caregivers recover from burnout. She will discuss:

* How to find out who you are outside of caregiving.
* Share how to take small steps to regain your identity.

This podcast is a safe space for caregivers who are seeking support, creative ideas, and real talk about the realities of caregiving.

Please share this podcast with other caregivers who also need encouragement, support, and hope.

If you are looking for guided meditations or resets to help you on your journey, join us at Caregiver Calm on Insight Timer https://insighttimer.com

Burnout Recovery: The Sibling Split

ValerieB — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 19:30:25 -0500

Caregiving can be rewarding and overwhelming at the same time. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB will provide you with assistance on recovering from burnout. In this 4th episode of 10, she will discuss the sibling split.

The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers who need encouragement and support on their caregiving journey.

Checkout the guided meditations on Insight Timer called Caregiver Calm, that will help you cope on a daily basis. Go to https://insighttimer.com

Burnout Recovery 3: Anticipatory Grief

ValerieB — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 22:57:55 -0500

Caregiving is both rewarding and stressful at the same time. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB continues the series on recovering from burnout.

She will discuss:
*What anticipatory grief is.
* How to grieve a loved who is still alive.
* How an emotional release valve will help you.

The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers who are in need of encouragement, wisdom, and daily useful tools on this caregiving journey. Whether you are new to caregiving or have been a caregiver for years, this podcast is designed for real talk about the realities of caregiving.

Please share this podcast with other caregivers.

Burnout Recovery 2: How To Say No

ValerieB — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 09:46:51 -0500

Caregiving can be meaningful and overwhelming at the same time. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB (the voice of caregiving) will walk you through a 10-episode series on how to recover from burnout.

In today’s episode we will discuss:
* The importance of setting boundaries
* Describe how to eliminate secondary demands
* Scripts you can use to help you set boundaries.

The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers looking for encouragement and some daily practical tools. ValerieB talks about the realities of caregiving and reveals the hidden emotions that no one wants to talk about.

Please share this podcast with other caregivers who could use the support, encouragement, and wisdom on their caregiving journey.

Burnout Recovery 1: The Empty Cup

ValerieB — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Caregiving brings purpose however, it can also bring overwhelm and exhaustion. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB (the voice of caregiving) talks about the importance of recovering from burnout.

The next ten episodes will be dedicated to helping caregivers recover from burnout. This episode discusses:

*The myth of the empty cup.
* The physiology of burnout.
* The importance of micro rest.
* How to create a “not my job” list.

The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers who are in need of encouragement and daily practical tools to help manage the caregiver journey.

Because breath work is so important for burnout recovery, check out Caregiver Calm on Insight Timer for guided meditations and breath work:
https://insighttimer.com

When To Contact An Attorney About Facility Neglect or Abuse

ValerieB — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Caregiving is a heavy load that can be rewarding and overwhelming at the same time. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB (the voice of caregiving) talks about the reality of contacting an attorney about facility abuse and neglect of your loved one.

She discusses:
*The definition of neglect.
*What signs of abuse/neglect to look for.
*Recommendations on things to do before contacting an attorney.

This podcast is a safe space for caregivers who are seeking support, encouragement, wisdom, and some practical tools.

If you are a caregiver who is in need of a quick, guided meditation after a hard day, visit Caregiver Calm on Insight Timer at: https://insighttimer.com

Why I Removed My Dad From A Facility After 5 Months

ValerieB — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Caregiving is sacred and important work, however it can be overwhelming. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB will talk about the emotions of removing her dad from a memory care facility after only 5 months.

Today’s episode will discuss:
* The importance of remaining our loved one’s advocate, after they move into a facility.
* Five reasons I had to remove my dad from the facility.

The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers who need encouragement, support, and practical tools needed on this caregiving journey. This podcast is used to discuss the realities and emotional challenges that caregivers sometimes face.

Please don’t forget to share these episodes with another caregiver as we endeavor to help each other.

Count the Costs: Breaking Down Long-term Care Costs

ValerieB — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

The Empowered Caregiver podcast was created by ValerieB, the voice of caregiving who talks about the realities and emotions experienced on the caregiving journey. In this episode, she discusses the importance of counting all the facility costs.

She talks about:
*Ensuring you understand all facility costs, to avoid surprises.
* Three underutilized funding resources available to help cover facility costs.

This podcast is a safe space for caregivers who are seeking encouragement and practical tools needed on this caregiving journey.

If you are in need of a reset or recharge after a hard day, visit Caregiver Calm on Insight Timer for free guided meditations: https://insighttimer.com

These episodes are for educational and training purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for professional advice.

Please share this podcast with another caregiver as we work to help one another thrive.

Facility Red Flags

ValerieB — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the Empowered Caregiver podcast where your host, ValerieB serves as the voice of caregiving by discussing the realities of the caregiving journey. In this episode, she discusses the red flags in facilities that some families see too late.

She will discuss:
*Identifying red flags.
* Listening to your loved one’s concerns or watching their body language.
* Being your loved one’s advocate.

The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers to receive encouragement, wisdom, and practical tools that will help them on the caregiving journey.

If you are feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, take the Caregiver Burnout Check-In at https://valerieb.podia.com

If you are in need of a recharge or reset after a hard day, check out Caregiver Calm on Insight Timer for some short guided meditations to help you through the stress: https://insighttimer.com

How to Complain Gently and Effectively: Facility Concerns

ValerieB — Sat, 30 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the Empowered Caregiver podcast where we talk all things caregiving. In this episode, ValerieB (the voice of caregiving) will have an honest conversation about the reality of learning how to gently complain when you see red flags in a facility.

She will discuss:
* How to put aside the fear of complaining.
* How to document your concerns, with specifics.
* How to escalate your concerns.

The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers seeking encouragement, wisdom, and practical tools as they manage caring for an aging loved one.

Feeling overwhelmed? Take the Caregiver Burnout Check-In at: https://valerieb.podia.com
If you are in need of a reset or recharge after a hard day, visit Caregiver Calm on Insight Timer at: https://insighttimer.com

These episodes are for educational/training purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for professional assistance.

How To Make The Facility Room Feel Like Home

ValerieB — Fri, 29 May 2026 15:03:40 -0500

Caregiving brings love and purpose however it can also bring a heavy load and burnout. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about the realities and emotions that some caregivers experience while trying to make a facility comfortable for their loved one.

In this episode, ValerieB discusses:
* How to make the facility feel familiar, like home.
* How to help your loved one acclimate to a facility.
* How you can help the staff engage with your loved one right away.

The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers who are seeking encouragement, support, and practical tools on the caregiving journey.

Feeling overwhelmed? Take the Caregiver Burnout Check-In at https://valerieb.podia.com

If you are in need of a reset or quick recharge, visit Caregiver Calm on Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com

Behind Closed Doors: Family Presence as Calm Observers and Advocates

ValerieB — Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

The caregiving journey is like no other. While it can bring a sense of purpose, it can also be very exhausting. In this episode of The Empowered Caregiver, ValerieB talks about the importance of family presence when your loved one is in a facility.

This episode shares:
* Why family presence is so important.
* The effectiveness of being a calm observer.
* How to complain or escalate a concern and to whom.

The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers who need encouragement and practical tools. ValerieB shares the realities and hidden emotions that are a part of the caregiving journey.

Feeling overwhelmed? Take the Caregiver Burnout Check-In at https://valerieb.podia.com

If you are in need of a reset or recharge, check out short, guided meditations at Caregiver Calm on Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com

When No One Visits Anymore!

ValerieB — Wed, 27 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Caregiving is important and life-changing; however it can be a very heavy weight that turns into anger, stress, burnout, and exhaustion. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB has become the voice of caregivers and talks about what happens when family stops visiting their loved one who is now living in a facility.

She discusses:
*Why families stop visiting.
* The importance of being present.
* Ways that will make visiting more meaningful.

The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers who are seeking encouragement, daily practical tools, and wisdom. This podcast talks about the realities of caregiving through honest, direct, and encouraging episodes.

If you need a short reset or recharge after a tough day, visit Caregiver Calm on Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com

Feeling overwhelmed? Take the Caregiver Burnout Check-In at: https://valerieb.podia.com

Don’t forget to subscribe so you are notified when a new episode is loaded.

All information in these podcast episodes are for educational purposes and should not be a replacement for professional assistance.

The Care Plan Meeting: Caregiver Confident, Clear and In Control

ValerieB — Fri, 22 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Caregiving brings love, care, and sense of purpose; however it can also bring burnout. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about the caregiver’s experience as it relates to the care plan meeting.

In this episode, the host discusses:
* What a care plan meeting is for.
* Why a care plan meeting is necessary.
* Your role in the care plan meeting.

The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers in need of encouragement and practical tools. This space will share the realities of caring for an aging loved one.

If you haven’t already subscribed, follow the Empowered Caregiver podcast so you will never miss an episode.

Do you need a quick reset and recharge after a hard day, check out Caregiver Calm on Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com

Feeling overwhelmed, check out the Caregiver Burnout Check-In at: https://valerieb.podia.com

The First 48 Hours In A Facility

ValerieB — Tue, 19 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Caregiving brings purpose and also stress, anxiety, anger, and burnout. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about the emotions attached to the first 48 hours after putting a loved one in a facility.

She discusses:
* How to make the transition better for your loved.
* How to begin establishing relationships with the staff.
* What some caregivers feel and should do.

The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers to find encouragement, practical tools, wisdom, and honest conversations about the realities of the caregiving journey, even after placing your loved one in their new home.

Choosing A Facility: A Place to Call Home For Your Loved One

ValerieB — Fri, 15 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Caregiving brings love and purpose however it can bring burnout and frustration. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about the emotions behind selecting a facility for your loved one.

In this episode, she discusses:
* Things to look for in a facility.
* Why choosing a good facility is important.
* Bigger cost does not mean better care.

The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space where caregivers can find encouragement, practical tools, and wisdom about the realities of caring for an aging loved one.

If you are looking for a reset or recharge, go to Caregiver Calm on Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com

If you are feeling stressed or burned out, check out the Caregiver Burnout Check-In: https://valerieb.podia.com

These episodes are for educational purposes and should not be a replacement for professional advice.

When Siblings Don’t Help!

ValerieB — Tue, 12 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Caregiving brings purpose, however it can also bring resentment especially if siblings don’t help. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about the emotions that settle in when sibling don’t provide any assistance.

In this episode, the host discusses:
* The emotional side of absentee siblings.
* How to recognize the difference between who your sibling is today vs who you desire them to be.
* Healthy ways to respond when siblings don’t help.

The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers to find encouragement, wisdom, practical tools, and honest conversations about the realities of caring for an aging loved one.

Is It Time to Move From Part-Time to Full-Time Caregiving?

ValerieB — Wed, 06 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Caregiving brings many questions, especially when considering the move from part-time to full-time caregiving. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB discusses how caregivers know when it’s time to consider full-time caregiving.

In this episode, she will discuss:
*Some of the signs that it is time to shift.
* Facing the decision of this major turning point or crossroad.
* Warning signs to look for.
* The emotional side of this shift.

The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers to find encouragement, wisdom, practical tools, and real, honest conversations about the realities of caring for an aging loved one.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, take the Caregiver Burnout Check-In that will help you gauge your stress level and provide some solutions to address it: https://valerieb.podia.com

If you need a short reset or recharge after a challenging day, visit Caregiver Calm on Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com

When You Feel Like You Are Losing Your Patience (Dementia bonus)

ValerieB — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:27:45 -0500

Caregiving is a challenging role that brings about purpose, however, it can also bring overwhelm and exhaustion. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB discusses the importance of patience in caregiving in this bonus episode of the Dementia, Dignity, and Care series for the month of April.

She will talk about:
* Why your patience is running thin.
* What to do in your moments of impatience with your loved one.
* What to do if you have already been impatient.

The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space created for caregivers and provides ongoing encouragement, practical tools, wisdom, and more.

If you are feeling stressed, check out the Caregiver Burnout Check-in that will gauge your stress level and provide you with steps for relief : https://valerieb.podia.com

If you just need a reset or recharge after a challenging or long day, try one of the caregiver resets called Caregiver Calm on Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com

Can Dementia Be Prevented? Supporting Our Brain Health

ValerieB — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Caregiving brings purpose and care however it can also be overwhelming and heavy. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB continues the Dementia, Dignity, and Care series. In this final episode in the series, the focus will be on a caregiver’s brain health.

In this episode ValerieB discusses:
* Why brain health is so important.
* Change the question of can dementia be prevented.
* 5 areas that support brain health

The Empowered Caregiver is a safe space for caregivers. This podcast provides practical tools, wisdom, and honest conversations.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, check out the free Caregiver Burnout Check-In: https://valerieb.podia.com

If you are in need of periodic resets or recharges after a challenging day, visit Caregiver Calm: https://insighttimer.com

These episodes are for educational and informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for medical help and support.

When Dementia Brings Hallucinations (Dementia, Dignity, and Care series)

ValerieB — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Caregiving brings purpose, love, and care however it can feel heavy especially when caring for a loved one living with Dementia. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB will continue the April series, Dementia, Dignity, and Care and talks about dealing with hallucinations.

In this episode, ValerieB will:
* Define hallucinations
* Explain why they sometimes occur.
* Recommend how a caregiver can respond in the moment.

The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers to receive encouragement, wisdom, and practical tools.

If you are feeling stressed by caregiving, checkout the Caregiver Burnout Check-In at: https://valerieb.podia.com

If you would like time to reset and recharge then look for the guided meditations on Insight Timer called “Caregiver Calm”: https://insighttimer.com

All episodes are for educational and informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for professional help.

When It’s All On You: The Silent Weight of Solo Caregiving (Dementia Series)

ValerieB — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Caregiving brings, purpose, love, and knowledge, however it can also bring burnout, anger, and a vast amount of emotions. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about some of the hidden emotions caregivers may experience, especially if you are doing it all alone.

In this episode, ValerieB will discuss:
* The moments a caregiver feels truly alone.
* How to grieve the absentee family.
* How to build villages of your own even without family and/or friends.
*How to put in place some practical anchors for yourself.

The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers to find wisdom, encouragement, practical tools, and talk honestly about the realities of caring for an aging loved one.

Check out the short meditation resets to help caregivers recharge: https://insighttimer.com
Feeling overwhelmed, checkout the Caregiver Burnout Check-In to help you gauge your stress level: https://valerieb.podia.com

These podcasts are for informational and educational purposes only. Please do not use them as a replacement for seeking professional assistance.

When Evening Changes Everything: Sundowning (Dementia, Dignity, and Care Episode 4)

ValerieB — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Caregiving brings love, purpose, and sometimes extended care. It can also be overwhelming and exhausting especially when caring for a loved one with Dementia. We are still in our April series, focused on Dementia care. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about sundowning, what she knows all too well.

In this episode she will discuss:
*What sundowning is.
* Why sundowning occurs.
* What a caregiver can do help to plan for it and during this time.

The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers to find practical tools, real conversations, encouragement, and wisdom about the realities of caring for an aging loved one.

If you are feeling a bit overwhelmed, check out the Caregiver Burnout Check-In at: https://valerieb.podia.com

If you need a short reset or recharge, visit Caregiver Calm on Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com

These episodes are for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for any professional help.

How to Talk to a Loved One With Dementia Without Constant Conflict

ValerieB — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Caregiving brings so much purpose however it can be quite exhausting. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB will continue the Dementia, Dignity, and Care series for the month of April by talking about “How to Talk With a Loved One Who Has Dementia”.

In this episode, ValerieB will discuss:
*Why communication is different with a person living with Dementia.
* One of the biggest communication mistakes a caregiver makes.
* How to effectively use redirection.
* Practical communication strategies.

This is a safe space for caregivers who are looking for some practical tools, wisdom, encouragement, and guidance on their caregiving journey.

Feeling overwhelmed? Check out the Caregiver Burnout Check-In, a free resource to help you determine your current stress level. https://valerieb.podia.com

What a Dementia Caregiver Needs (Dementia, Dignity, and Care: Episode 2)

ValerieB — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Caregiving brings love and purpose, however it can be challenging especially for a loved one who is living with Dementia and/or Alzheimer’s. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks about the hidden emotions many caregivers do not freely express when caring for a loved one with this disease.

In this episode ValerieB will talk about “What a Dementia Caregiver Needs”. She will discuss:
* Why a caregiver of Dementia/Alzheimers is effected a lot by caregiving.
* What five (5) things a dementia caregiver needs most and don’t really ask for.
* Why a dementia caregiver hesitates to ask for help.
* Some steps a dementia caregiver can begin taking to ask for support today.

The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for all caregivers to find encouragement, wisdom, practical tools, and do some self-reflection about the realities of caring for an aging loved one.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, check out my free Caregiver Burnout Check-In at
https://valerieb.podia.com.

The Early Signs of Dementia that Families Miss (Dementia, Dignity, and Care: Episode 1)

ValerieB — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

This month, the Empowered Caregiver podcast will do a special series on Dementia. In this first episode of Dementia, Dignity, and Care, ValerieB will explore “The Early Signs of Dementia that Families Sometimes Miss”. What can be viewed as normal aging, stress, or forgetfulness is sometimes the start of something more serious.

In this episode, ValerieB will discuss:
*The common early warning signs of Dementia.
* The signs that families sometimes miss.
* Why families dismiss the signs.
* How paying attention, observing, and journaling can make a big difference.

Caregiving for a loved one living with Dementia can be overwhelming and may require more attention, patience, and care. This episode will help you respond with awareness, wisdom, and more clarity.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, check out the free Caregiver Burnout Check-In at
https://valerieb.podia.com

The Caregiver Burnout Check-In

ValerieB — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 16:46:01 -0500

Caregiving brings love, purpose, and hope, however it can also bring anger, burnout, exhaustion, and more. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about the hidden emotions that caregivers dont usually talk about but experience on a regular basis.

In today’s episode:

* I just want to check-in with you and let you know that you are in my thoughts.
* i want you to pause, and listen to your body, your mind, and your heart.
* I want you to answer 10 questions so you can gauge your stress level.
* I want you to listen to the recommendations.

The Empowered Caregiver is a safe space for caregivers to find encouragement, wisdom, guidance, and some practical tools that may help you on a daily basis. I will always keep the conversations real and honest and share some of the realities of caring for an aging loved one.

What If I Can’t Do This Anymore

ValerieB — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 13:39:19 -0500

Caregiving brings love and purpose, however it can also bring fear, burnout, anger, and a heaviness. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about the hidden “what ifs” that caregivers sometimes feel.

In this episode ValerieB will:
* Share one of a caregiver’s greatest fear.
* Give you signs that tell you that you are getting close to your breaking point.
* Give you signs of what you can do before reaching your breaking point.
* Help you to reframe the fear you are feeling.

The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers to find encouragement, real talk about real issues, wisdom, practical tools, transparency about the realities of caring for an aging loved one.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, check out the Caregiver Burnout Check-In at
https://valerieb.podia.com

Releasing Caregiver Guilt

ValerieB — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Caregiving brings love and purpose, however it can also bring burnout, anger, overwhelm, and more. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about the emotion of guilt caregivers sometimes experience.

In this episode ValerieB will:
* Discuss why caregivers feel guilty.
* Discuss the necessity of a mindset shift.
* Discuss how to allow yourself permission to be free of guilt.

The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers to find encouragement, wisdom, and practical tools about the realities of caring for an aging loved one.

Caregiver Calm - Emergency Burnout Reset

ValerieB — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

The Caregiver Calm reset is for the caregiver who is feeling burned out and needs a few moments to breathe, release, tension, recharge, and ground yourself.

If caregiving feels heavy and overwhelming, this short guided reset offers caregivers emotional support, reassurance, and a calm space to exhale.

When It’s Time to Take the Car Keys

ValerieB — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Caregiving brings love and purpose; however it can also bring burnout, worry, and fear. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about the emotions that come with knowing it’s time to take the car keys from your loved one.

In this episode ValerieB will:
* Discuss what driving means to an aging loved one.
* Discuss some gentle approaches to the conversation.
* Explain how to provide support through other ways.

The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers to find support, encouragement, practical tools, and wisdom about the realities of caring for an aging loved one.

“I Don’t Need Help”

ValerieB — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Caregiving brings love and purpose, however, it can also be more challenging when there is a loved one who refuses help. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks about the emotions that occur when a caregiver desires to help a loved one who refuses the help.

In this episode she will discuss:
* Why a loved one resists and refuses help.
* How a caregiver can best handle the rejection.
* Provide some gentle approaches that will prove helpful.
* What to do when the situation is serious.

The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space where caregivers find encouragement, confidence, wisdom, practical tools, and honest conversations about the realities of caring for an aging loved one.

I’m a Caregiver…But I’m Angry

ValerieB — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Caregiving brings love and purpose, however, it can also bring some anger. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about an emotion that caregivers often feel but does not readily talk about.

In this episode she discusses:
* Why anger shows up in caregiving.
* Reveal some hidden sources of caregiver anger.
* Why some caregivers feel guilty about being angry.
* Provides some healthy ways caregivers can respond to anger.

The Empowered Caregiver podcast it’s a safe space where caregivers can find encouragement, confidence, resets, wisdom, practical tools, and honest conversations about the realities of caring for an aging loved one.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, checkout the free Caregiver Burnout Check-In at
https://valerieb.podia.com

Caregiver Calm Reset - You Are Doing Better Than You Think

ValerieB — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

This Caregiver Calm reset is for the caregiver who doesn’t feel he or she is doing enough and who is questioning himself or herself. You need a few moments to breathe, reaffirm yourself, recharge, and quiet your thoughts.

If caregiving feels overwhelming, you constantly criticize yourself, and you feel you need to be perfect, this short guided reset offers caregivers emotional support, reassurance, and a calm space to exhale.

Take a few quiet moments for yourself because you deserve care too.

Caregiver Calm Reset - You Are Allowed to Pause

ValerieB — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

This Caregiver Calm reset is for the caregiver who rarely takes time for themselves and feels that you are alone. You may need a few moments to breathe, release some tension, recharge, and give yourself permission to pause.

If caregiving feels overwhelming, this short guided reset offers caregivers emotional support, recovery, focus on what’s in front of you right now, and a calm space to exhale.

Take a few moments for yourself because you deserve care too.

I Learned the Hard Way - Part 1

ValerieB — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Caregiving brings love and purpose, however it can also teach us lessons that will help us on our caregiving journey. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about the hidden emotions experienced when a caregiver learns the hard way.

In this episode she discusses:
* The importance of getting an elder care attorney early.
* Choosing the right facility.
* Having no basic knowledge of my loved one’s disease.
* Dementia-proofing my home.
* Self-care as a necessity.
* Anger and resentment as a huge obstacle.

The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space where caregivers find support, encouragement, resets, practical tools, and honest conversations about the realities of caring for an aging loved one.

The Grief in Caregiving

ValerieB — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0500

Caregiving brings love and purpose; however it also brings a heaviness. In this episode, of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about the hidden emotion of grief caregivers sometimes do not openly express.

In this episode, ValerieB will discuss:
*How to understand grief.
* Explain why caregiver grief is so complicated.
* Discuss the quiet loneliness of grief that caregivers experience.

The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers to find encouragement, wisdom, practical tools, and honest conversations about the realities of caring for an aging loved one.

The Caregiver Second Shift

ValerieB — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0600

Caregiving brings love, care, patience, and purpose; however it can sometimes be overwhelming. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about the emotions associated with caregiving and working.

In this episode, ValerieB will discuss:
* The risks that working caregivers experience.
* The 3 things that makes working and caregiving so hard.
* Implementing micro-recovery moments.
* Reclaiming your identity

The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers to find encouragement, a place to recharge, wisdom, practical tools, and honest conversations about the realities of caring for an aging loved one.

But, I’m Not Qualified To Be a Caregiver

ValerieB — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0600

Caregiving brings love and purpose; however it can also be overwhelming and cause burnout. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about the hidden emotions caregivers sometimes experience as it relates to feeling unqualified.

In this episode ValerieB will:
* Squash the myth that caregiving requires classes, certification, or a title.
* Explain why you are qualified to be a caregiver.
* We explore the traits necessary to be a caregiver.

The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers to find encouragement, feel empowered, find wisdom, practical tools, and honest conversations about the realities of caring for an aging loved one.

Breaking Caregiver Burnout Before It Breaks You!

ValerieB — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0600

Caregiving brings love and purpose; however it can also bring burnout. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB continues to talk openly about the hidden emotion of burnout and what it takes to break it.

In this episode ValerieB will:
* Help you shift from just knowing what burnout is to breaking it.
*Shifting your mindset.
*Five steps to help you break burnout.

The Empowered Cargegiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers to find encouragement, wisdom, practical tools, and honest conversations about the realities of caring for an aging loved one.

If you are feeling overwhelmed or exhausted, check out the Caregiver Burnout Check-In at https://valerieb.podia.com

When “I’m Fine” Isn’t Fine: Caregiver Burnout Explained

ValerieB — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0600

Caregiving brings love, patience, and purpose; however it brings quite a bit of burnout. In this episode of the Empowered Caregiver podcast, ValerieB talks openly about the hidden emotion of burnout that caregivers experience on a regular basis.

In this episode ValerieB will:
* Explain the sources of burnout.
* Share seven (7) signs of burnout.
* Help you name it honestly and not minimize it.
*Re-introduce yourself to yourself.

The Empowered Caregiver podcast is a safe space for caregivers to find peace, calm, wisdom, encouragement, practical tools, and honest conversations about the realities of caring for an aging loved one.

If you are feeling overly exhausted, checkout out the Caregiver Burnout Check-In at https://valerieb.podia.com
Feel free to purchase the book that contains wise words for caregivers: https://bit.ly/4eeNIR1
Check out Caregiver Calm, resets for caregivers: https://insighttimer.com

My Caregiver Story - Dad

ValerieB — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0600

This episode is a continuation of my caregiver story, however the focus today is caring for my dad who lived with Alzheimer’s and Vascular Dementia.

My Caregiver Story - Mom (Part 1)

ValerieB — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 13:16:13 -0600

I will share my journey of caring for my mother and tell you how it all began.

Welcome Caregivers

ValerieB — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 21:40:00 -0600

Today’s episode is to launch the podcast and welcome all caregivers. In this episode I share how this podcast will help and support caregivers who are caring for aging loved ones. I will give you a taste of future episodes that will provide resets, discuss how to address burnout, teach you how to ask for help, detox guilt, and provide some practical tools that caregivers can use on a daily basis to assist with caregiving.