Encore: High Seas Respite

Transcript

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Welcome back to take care of time. The podcast where we dive into the lives of caregivers and the loved ones they support. Sharing their struggles, triumphs. And the incredible stories that emerged from their journeys together. I'm your host Beverly Nance and today we take a deeper dive into family caregiving. The challenges of uneven responsibility distribution. And the consequences of burnout. We explore what happens when the burdens are unequally shared. And one caregiver reaches her limit. Meet Kathy Nicole and their mother, Paula. Kathy has been the primary caregiver for their aging mother who requires considerable attention due to her health issues. Nicole. Meanwhile. Has been less involved, often signing her busy work schedule. Kathy has been the rock of the family, stepping up to care for their mother. As her health declined. Nicole living a busy life with her career. Has remained on the sidelines, her involvement limited to occasional visits. Kathy, the elder of the two sisters has always been. the more responsible and nurturing one from a young age, she took on a protective role for Nicole and was heavily involved and family matters. After college, she pursued a career in nursing, which further honed her caregiving skills. She lives close to her mother, Paula, which naturally positioned her as a primary caregiver. When Paul, his health began to decline. Paula was once a vibrant and tenacious woman known in her community for her gardening skills and her active involvement in local charities. It widow for the last decade, she raised her daughters should be strong and independent. As she aged her health issues, including arthritis and mal cognitive impairment. Began to limit her activities leading to her dependence on her daughter, Kathy. Um, Uh, Um, Uh, In the heart of a quiet Florida town. Where every street corner seems to tell a story of times past lives. Cathy. A woman who has devoted much of her adult life to caring for others. First as a nurse and now as a primary caregiver for her aging mother, Paula. But today something is different. Today Kathy is packing, not medical supplies or groceries. But a suitcase. And not for a swift errand or a day trip. But for something much longer. Much needed. Kathy can't decide if she wants to take the blue dress or the floral one, she decides to pack both. Kathy's story. Isn't just about the burdens of care. It's about what happens when those burdens become too heavy to bear alone. We want to caregiver needs care to. And as we'll see, sometimes taking care of oneself might feel like the biggest challenge of all. It's early morning and the sun is barely touched the sky. Cathy's car is packed. Her friends, Beth and Donna are calling. They're headed to the port. We're at cruise ship awaits. Promising a week of relaxation, laughter and distance from daily responsibilities. Distance that Kathy desperately needs. But as the engine home to life. Kathy's mind races. She's left comprehensive care instructions for her sister, Nicole, who albeit reluctantly agreed to step in. Yet as a miles stretch out before her. So does the guilt. It took her with every passing mile. Marker. You see Nicole, isn't a caregiver. She's not accustomed to the meticulous scheduling of medications. The precise preparation of meals or the delicate dance of keeping their mother Paula. Engaged comfortable yet independent. Nicole is a different life. Far from the daily rhythms of caregiving. Fit with meetings, marketing strategies and social gatherings. As Kathy's phone buzzes. Relentlessly in the passenger seat. She's reminded of the delicate balance she left behind. It's Nicole probably calling her with questions that Cathy can answer in her sleep. But this week, sleep is not what she plans to lose over these calls. She lets the call go to voicemail. As the skyline or the port appears on the horizon, a symbolic beacon of respite for Cathy at her friends. Something. Palatable shifts in the air. There's a collective sense of release among them is shared understanding that this journey is not just a departure from location. But from the heavy roles they shoulder her every day. Kathy's phone vibrates. Once again, lighting up with Nicole's name. But today Kathy makes a choice. A choice to truly disconnect. She presses the volume button. silencing the call. Her decision sealed with a determined. Yet weary smile. Her phone slips quietly into the depths of her bag, the screen going dark along with any obligation that carries for this week, Kathy. We like it to be one of open seas and open skies, not a schedules and routines. Cathy Beth and Donna paid extra for priority boarding and are now standing at the railing, Watching the bustling activity of loading and boarding. The air is salty and brisk. feeled with calls, or seagulls and the distance sound of ship horns. It's a symphony of escape. Vacation loading. They laugh. They're words ladden with a deeper meaning. This isn't just a break from work. It's a hiatus from the all-consuming identity of caregiving. And I did not that Kathy wears like a second skin. One she's momentarily. Shedding. Embarkation day on a cruise ship. It's an event filled with excitement and anticipation as passengers arrive to begin their journey at sea. After all the passengers have boarded state rooms available and safety drills complete. Kathy Beth and Donna, make your promise to each other, not to discuss caregiving for the week. They make a toast. No caregiving talk the combination of embarkation day. Is often marked by a sailaway party on the deck. As the ship pulls away from the dock. Passengers gathered to watch. The port recede enjoy live music, dance, and celebrate and start their voyage. That atmosphere is festive. Feel with the sounds of laughter music and the ships horns. Sounding his departure. Kathy looks over the ship schedule. She wants to visit the casino. Bars. Dance sit poolside and read the James Patterson book that she bought with her. And eat some things that are new to her. She is beyond ready for relaxation, entertainment, and discovery that she greatly deserves. And as the land slips away. So does the immediate pull of responsibility. For the first time in a long time, Kathy allows herself to exhale fully deeply. Her breath, mingles. With the sea air. Her cares momentarily, cast into a bass for giving. sea Next week we'll return to the shore and see the world through Nicole's eyes. But for now, we sail with Kathy into a week of deserved peace and recovery.'cause sometimes to take care of others. You first need to take care of yourself. This episode, isn't just about a caregiver taking a break. It's about what happens when the invisible threads that hold a family together, start to unwind. When the one who ties those threads, needs that go. Just for a moment. Join us next week as we explore Nicole's week as Paula's caregiver. We'll see through her eyes, the challenges Cathy faces daily. And perhaps understand a little more about what it truly means to walk in a caregiver shoes. Maybe then we can grasp the weight of the role. Kathy has carried. And what her brief respite means for all involved. Until next week, take care of yourselves and each other. And remember Cain for someone isn't just about meeting their needs. It's also about understanding when you meet your own needs. It's a demanding role of caregiving. Finding a moment to yourself can often feel just out of reach. That's why we created it. The take your time. Respite box. Designed to bring you moments of peace. I delivered directly to your door. Bi-monthly each respite box is carefully curated with items meant to sooth, uplift and rejuvenate. From luxurious bath salts to calming teas, to inspirational books and comforting aroma therapy, candles. Each piece is chosen to support your wellbeing. Subscribe scribe it. Take your time.com and receive these beautifully packaged gifts every other month. Sign up now and enjoy a 10% discount on your first box with the code. Takecare10 that's take care. And the number 10. Because giving is a journey and every journey needs a rest stop. Take your time where every box offers a bimonthly breather to refresh, restore and revitalize because caregivers deserve care too. Please note that this episode features reenactments and dramatize details. While in most cases, the exact verbatim dialogue may not be known. All dramatizations are grounded in research. To respect the privacy and confidentiality of individuals involved names and some identifying details have been changed. Till next week. Take care. Um, Uh, Um, Uh,