Dr. Lakelyn is joined by retired nurse and stroke caregiver Lana Wilhelm for a deeply personal and practical conversation about what happens after a stroke. In 2021, Lana’s husband Rick suffered a severe stroke, and overnight she transitioned from bedside nurse to full-time caregiver.

Drawing from both her professional background and lived experience, Lana shares the emotional realities of stroke caregiving, including navigating uncertainty, managing behavioral changes, coping with guilt, and finding support when the initial wave of help fades. She also discusses the unique aspects of stroke recovery, why caregiver support directly impacts patient outcomes, and how she is working to build community through Stroke Caregiver Connection and her two books.

Episode highlights include:

-From nurse to caregiver, one family’s overnight transition

-Finding steadiness in the “wait and see” journey of stroke recovery

-Feeling grateful and overwhelmed at the same time

-Why supporting caregivers is essential, not optional

-Creating community so no stroke caregiver feels alone

Helpful links from the episode:

-Stroke Caregiver Connection: www.strokecaregiverconnection.com

-Book: Stroke and the Spouse: A Guide for the Survivor's Care Partner by Lana Wilhelm

-Book: Stroke and the Caregiver: The Definitive Caregiver Guide by Lana Wilhelm

To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com.

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