Coming off of three weeks of being sick, Allison talks with Justin about what it’s been like to be under the weather while caregiving. The two of them talk about what drives them to do all that they do and discuss how challenging it is when they are out of commission.
In this episode, Justin and Allison talk about how Covid being a worldwide phenomenon provides an opportunity for all of us to talk about and work through our grief around it more easily, using our common language and experiences. They dig into how these moments can be used as a practice ground for having conversations about and processing hard things, as well as making room and time to celebrate amidst it all.
Justin and Allison talk about several moments in recent days when they have found themselves in the midst of a medical crisis with their partners and what it felt during and in the aftermath of those situations.
Allison and Justin discuss how the unusual circumstances of this holiday season may better allow our families’ needs to be met and how this year can be used to reimagine what family gatherings can look like in the future.
Allison and Justin talk about how Covid has impacted their households recently and how the toll and stress of waiting doesn't end when we get good news. They also follow up on toxic positivity.
Allison and Justin talk about how toxic positivity is used by and towards caregivers, and can lead to feelings of being dismissed and unheard. They share ideas of how to share and hear hard things without always going to the bright side.
Allison and Justin talk about the extra challenges they face as caregivers of people who live with rare conditions, including education of family members, friends, and medical staff. Also, Allison got a puppy.
Allison and Justin talk about how friends and family have shown up to support them throughout their caregiving journey. They offer advice to supporters for ways to provide support and give some suggestions to those caregivers who are lacking support.
Allison and Justin talk about how caregivers need community care in order to practice self care, how they each practice acts of micro-care throughout the day, and what supporters can do and say instead of, “Are you taking care of yourself?”
Allison and Justin talk about the challenges and stresses of working full time jobs while caring for their spouses. They discuss what their employers have done to support them, how they advocate for themselves at work, and just how hard it is to balance it all.