Over the course of several years, Angela Ibarra faced a series of profound losses, including her husband, her mother, her job, and eventually her father. Her caregiving journey began early, shaped by a childhood spent supporting a sister with muscular dystrophy and later intensified as she became the primary caregiver for her mother, who suffered from Alzheimer’s. Angela candidly shares the emotional toll of watching her mother’s personality change, the exhaustion of managing her care, and the heartbreak of feeling both anger and love during her mother’s decline. She describes the unique pain of grieving someone long before their physical passing and the complicated relief that can accompany the end of a loved one’s suffering.

Angela’s story is also one of adaptation and self-discovery. After losing her husband and mother within weeks of each other, and later her father, Angela was forced to confront not only her grief but also the impact these experiences had on her career and sense of self. She speaks openly about the challenges of returning to work, the lack of understanding from colleagues, and the eventual loss of her job, which became a catalyst for seeking therapy and reevaluating her life’s direction. Through writing, connecting with others, and embracing her vulnerability, Angela has found new purpose in sharing her story and supporting others who are navigating similar journeys. Her reflections underscore the importance of self-compassion, the messiness of caregiving, and the ongoing process of healing after loss.

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Angela Ibarra is a former VP of HR who spent over 30 years at HP in a variety of leadership roles. Now, she helps entrepreneurs launch their own staffing agencies. She is still figuring out who she wants to be when she grows up. What she can say is that she is a survivor, a storyteller, and a lifelong work in progress.

She has raised an incredible and very spirited daughter who has taught her the importance of having several bottles of red wine on hand at all times.

She now proudly answers to "Gigi" to a growing crew of grandkids, which is a whole different level of joy.

When she's not coaching future business owners, she's probably writing, cooking, sipping wine, or watching animal videos, which is one of her passions. She is known as the animal whisperer.

Whether through poetry, songwriting, or her in-progress book, she believes in the power of sharing stories—the real ones, with heart, grit, and humor. And yes, she’s got a few to share.

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Michelle Cain’s journey as a caregiver began when her mother was diagnosed with Lewy Body dementia during the pandemic, a time already fraught with uncertainty and stress. At 47, Michelle found herself in the “sandwich generation,” balancing the needs of her own family—her husband and two sons—with the increasing demands of caring for her mother. The diagnosis came as a shock, and Michelle quickly had to navigate the complexities of her mother’s delusions, the challenges of finding appropriate care, and the emotional toll of watching a parent’s health decline. Despite a complicated relationship with her mother, Michelle became the primary caregiver, a role shaped by both proximity and necessity.

Throughout this experience, Michelle confronted not only the practical aspects of caregiving but also deep-seated emotional issues. Her mother’s illness unearthed decades of unresolved resentment and anger, forcing Michelle to process and ultimately find forgiveness. This journey was made even more challenging by the pressures of the pandemic and personal struggles within her own family, including her son’s eating disorder and her ongoing commitment to sobriety. Michelle’s story is one of resilience and growth—she openly shares how her caregiving role, though difficult, became a catalyst for healing and self-discovery.

Michelle’s insights, captured in her book “Did Mom Drop Acid?”, offer valuable lessons for others in similar situations. She emphasizes the importance of accepting help, maintaining a sense of humor, and recognizing that grief and forgiveness are complex, ongoing processes. Her candid reflections provide hope and guidance for caregivers facing their own challenges, illustrating that even in the midst of chaos, there can be unexpected gifts and opportunities for personal transformation.

Thank you to sponsor: CareScout

Learn more about Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver: https://confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com/

** Caregiver Action Network Caregiver Help Desk offers free support to family caregivers via phone, chat, or email Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Eastern. Get answers, resources, support group info, or a listening ear. Visit www.caregiveraction.org/helpdesk/ or call 855-277-3640.**

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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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The story of Mollie and Maureen powerfully illustrates the emotional depth and complexities of family caregiving when ALS profoundly impacts a household. Maureen, a pediatric nurse from Philadelphia, took on the primary caregiving role for her mother after her father's death. This decision was driven by both her medical background and a deep sense of love and responsibility. She skillfully managed the demands of her career, family, and caregiving, coordinating her siblings and extended family to honor her mother's desire to remain at home. The path to an ALS diagnosis was uncertain, involving multiple specialists and a gradual understanding of the disease's progression. Despite her professional experience, Maureen found herself learning extensively about ALS, underscoring how even healthcare professionals face significant learning curves when caring for loved ones.

Maureen's daughter, Mollie, offered a distinct perspective as a support to her mother and as a member of the next generation grappling with the implications of a genetic disease. After her grandmother's diagnosis and passing, Mollie's career shifted toward pharmaceuticals and rare disease case management, fueled by her connection to ALS. She also confronted the difficult decision of genetic testing, discovering she carried a mutation linked to ALS. This knowledge influenced significant life choices, including family planning and open discussions with her now-husband about their future.

Their narrative highlights the importance of workplace flexibility for caregivers, the value of transparent family communication, and the necessity of support systems, both within and outside the family. Through their involvement, they are contributing to a more informed and compassionate approach to ALS and caregiving, offering hope and guidance to others navigating similar journeys.

Thank you to sponsor: CareScout

Learn more about Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver: https://confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com/

** Caregiver Action Network Caregiver Help Desk offers free support to family caregivers via phone, chat, or email Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Eastern. Get answers, resources, support group info, or a listening ear. Visit www.caregiveraction.org/helpdesk/ or call 855-277-3640.**

Support the show

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

Like us on Facebook!

Tweet with us on Twitter!

Follow us on Instagram!

Watch us on Youtube!

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Tune in on Whole Care Network