Today on Your Caregiving Journey, Bette joined us to talk about her caregiving days. (You can listen to Bette’s previous appearances here and here. You can listen to today’s show via the player at the bottom of the post.)
During our previous shows, Bette spoke about the guilt she feels when she leaves her mother. Today, she spoke about how she leaves—and leaves without guilt. Overcoming her guilt took time and it involved a process, but she did it. You’ll hear her confidence in her decision to take time for herself during our discussion.
How do you overcome your guilt? Share your best beating-the-guilt-trip tips in our comments section.
(And, speaking of trips! I hope you will join Bette and I in Chicago November 6 and 7 for our First Annual Caregiving Conference. Reduced hotel rates are available until October 6. You can register for the conference here. Look for our agenda on Monday. And, help us raise $1,500 to offset the costs of the conference for five family caregivers. Buy a copy of Take Comfort, Reflections of Hope for Caregivers, your go-to book to feel good. Details and a 10% coupon are here.)
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- Making the Best Decision During Tough Circumstances (caregiving.com)
You are a disruptor. The delivery of health care starts with you, continues because of you, and ends with you. Let's disrupt together to make the world better for family caregivers. 
Sharon
I was able to listen to Bette’s talktalk show with Denise for first just now. Great show! Good job, Bette!
Bette
We just got back from Greg’s company picnic at the amusement park. We had a great time, despite the rainy weather here today. Funnel cakes, french fries and ice-cream…I was thinking on the way home, about last year’s picnic, same place, same time frame.
I was able to focus fully this year on the kids, Greg and just having a nice time. Last year that wasn’t the case at all–I called home to talk with the aide several times, worried that my mother was angry that we went, and did take that guilt with me then.
I am so grateful for my coaching calls with Denise and the support on this site. Not only does age and dementia take away familiarity from our carees, it takes away what the caregiver once knew as well.
Caregiving is much harder than I would have ever imagined. I’m glad I know why I’m doing it, so I can continue, and I’m especially grateful for each of you. I’m excited about the conference in Chicago that will continue to help me be strong in caregiving, and I’m excited to meet some of you there!