In this heartfelt episode, I share my mom’s experience as a full-time Caregiver for my dad, who has Stage 4 Alzheimer’s. After 50 years of marriage, their day-to-day life changed almost overnight—suddenly, Dad needed help with everything from walking to remembering his name. This journey opened my eyes to the power of Family Caregiving, the challenges of Pre-Grief, and how one dignity-focused question can change the entire care plan.

I’m Steph—a Nurse Leader and Patient Advocate at Lumani Health—and in this episode, I’m breaking down the Practical Tips that helped my mom navigate the emotional roller coaster while staying hopeful. From Tiny Rituals to building a Care Team (including neighbors, a Pharmacist, and local Respite Care), these insights could be a lifeline for anyone facing Alzheimer’s, Elder Care, or general caregiving stress.

Ready to take the first step? Subscribe for more real-world tips on Healthcare Navigation, Emotional Wellbeing, and how to stay empowered when caring for a loved one.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Gratitude

01:03 Empowering Caregivers: My Mom’s Journey

03:44 Emotional Roller Coaster of Caregiving

05:59 Practical Tips for Caregiving

09:26 Building a Care Team

11:51 Conclusion and Community

Share your thoughts or personal experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear from you. Let’s keep this community strong and remind each other that no caregiver has to walk this path alone.

Dive Deeper on Substack: I just published a companion article with the full scoop on my parent's journey. Read their beautiful love story, connection and Ways to Empower Caregivers. [Link here: https://www.lumaniunfiltered.com/p/when-love-dances-through-alzheimers]

VIP Circle Waitlist: I’m opening a limited number of spots for the upcoming VIP Circle—a member-only community for deeper healthcare strategies and live support. Slots usually fill up quickly, so if you want in, now’s the time to claim your spot. [Link here for more info: https://lumanihealth.com/vip-overview]

Medical gaslighting can feel like the ultimate betrayal—especially when you’re seeking help and end up questioning your own sanity. In this episode, I draw on my experience as a nurse leader and patient advocate to break down what medical gaslighting is, why it happens, and most importantly, how to stand up for yourself in the exam room. From Megan’s painful journey with undiagnosed endometriosis, to the red flags that might indicate you’re being dismissed, we’ll explore how biases and misunderstandings in the healthcare system can lead to misdiagnosis—and how you can flip the script.

If you’ve ever been told “It’s just stress” or left an appointment feeling unheard, this video is for you. Learn empowering phrases that can shift the balance of power, help you secure a second opinion, and ultimately lead to real answers. No one should have to navigate their health in the dark. You know your body best—let’s make sure the healthcare world knows it, too.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Medical Gaslighting
02:16 Understanding Medical Gaslighting
04:44 Real-Life Example: Megan’s Story
07:12 Identifying Signs of Medical Gaslighting
09:30 Empowering Phrases to Use with Doctors
12:15 Final Thoughts and Recap

I hope this episode reminds you that you’re never “too dramatic” for seeking the care you deserve. Let’s break the cycle of dismissal and help each other stand up for our health. Stay curious, and keep advocating for yourself—you’re worth it.

Ready for More?Subscribe Now with @LumaniUnfiltered Don’t miss future deep dives on medical gaslighting, women’s health, and real patient wins. (If you’re reading this, you might still catch my next big Q&A before it goes live!)Dive Deeper on Substack: I just published a companion article with the full scoop on Megan’s journey. Hear how she turned the corner on ‘you’re fine’ to finally finding answers. [Link here: https://www.lumaniunfiltered.com/p/not-in-your-head-megans-endometriosis]VIP Circle Waitlist: I’m opening a limited number of spots for the upcoming VIP Circle—a member-only community for deeper healthcare strategies and live support. Slots usually fill up quickly, so if you want in, now’s the time to claim your spot. [Link here for more info: https://lumanihealth.com/vip-overview]#medicalgaslighting #Endometriosis #DismissiveDoctors #nurselife #selflove #lumaniunfiltered #lumanihealth #megansstory

Insurance denied your child’s medication—now what? As a nurse case manager and mom, I was stunned by a $700 pharmacy bill for my daughter’s mental health meds. In this episode, I’m sharing five steps to fight a medication denial, from peer reviews and formal appeals to discount programs and patient assistance options.

Here’s the roadmap I used to transform that shocking “Not covered” moment into an affordable solution:

1. Get the exact reason in writing (never rely on phone calls alone).

2. Push for a peer-to-peer review—doctor vs. insurance doc can flip “No” to “Yes.”

3. File a formal appeal (it’s paperwork, but worth it).

4. Check patient assistance programs (sometimes cheaper than insurance).

5. Consider a healthcare advocate (because you don’t have to do this alone).

At Lumani Health & Unfiltered, we believe no family should have to choose between groceries and vital meds. That’s why 15% of our VIP memberships go directly to youth mental health—helping another child avoid the “Not covered” crisis.

Need hands-on help? Book a free 15-minute consult (link in the show notes). We’ll tackle your insurance denial or pharmacy bill problem and find a path forward—together.

Disclaimer: I’m a nurse, but not your treating provider—this is educational info based on my personal and professional experiences. For personalized medical advice, please consult a licensed professional.