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Stepping into a hospital house is entering a world most caregivers never know exists until they're suddenly immersed in it. After 45+ days living at Kathy's House while my husband undergoes stem cell transplant treatment, I've discovered the raw, complex reality of caregiving away from home—and the unexpected community that forms in these spaces of collective vulnerability.

Between the shared kitchens where caregivers exchange whispered stories over coffee, the laundry rooms where tears and laughter flow equally, and the quiet corners where we all seek momentary solitude, these medical housing communities become more than just places to sleep near the hospital. They become lifelines of support when everything familiar has been stripped away.

The daily rhythm at Kathy's House constantly shifts between early morning hospital visits, meal preparation in communal spaces, finding moments for essential self-care, and navigating the practical logistics of living in an unfamiliar city. From discovering the safest grocery stores to handling car maintenance between appointments, caregiving doesn't pause for real-world responsibilities. Through it all, fellow caregivers become unexpected sources of strength—offering to wash your dishes when you're exhausted or simply sharing knowing glances across the dining room during community meals.

What I've learned most profoundly is how caregiving transforms across different settings. Hospital caregiving focuses on advocacy and emotional support, while hospital house caregiving blends direct care with creating normalcy in an abnormal situation. The weight of homesickness—missing my garden, my pets, my own bed—is balanced by the deep connections formed with others walking similar paths. Through bringing small comforts from home, establishing new routines, and embracing micro-connections with fellow caregivers, I've discovered you can create a sense of belonging even in the midst of medical uncertainty.

If you've experienced hospital house living or extended caregiving away from home, I'd love to hear your story. What small comforts did you bring to create a sense of home? How did you maintain your own well-being while supporting someone else's healing? Send me a text—because sharing these hidden caregiving journeys reminds us all that even in our most isolating moments, we're never truly alone.

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Have you ever found yourself in the chaos of caregiving thinking, "I can't do this anymore"? That feeling of wanting to give up is universal among caregivers, especially during prolonged challenges and setbacks.

When I hit emotional walls during Denis' stem cell transplant journey, I discovered a powerful truth: our feelings, while real, aren't always factual. We might feel like everything is falling apart, but distinguishing between emotional reactions and objective reality can be our anchor in stormy times. I've developed a simple practice called "the what, the why, and the check-in" to navigate overwhelming moments. First, I acknowledge what I'm feeling without judgment. Then I examine the facts of the situation, separating what I know for certain from what my fears are projecting. Finally, I identify one small action I can take today to move forward - whether that's talking to a doctor, taking a reflective walk, or practicing gratitude.

Think of yourself as either a sailor holding onto your compass during a storm or a farmer tending your field regardless of weather conditions. Your caregiving journey requires attention and care every day, not because it's easy but because it matters. Your "storm plan" might look different from your regular routine, but maintaining some structure helps you stay grounded when everything feels chaotic. Ask yourself: Where have your feelings been steering you lately? When have you felt tempted to abandon your plan? What does holding onto your focus during difficult times look like for you?

You're stronger than you feel in your hardest moments. You don't need to feel strong to be strong - you just need to keep going one step, one breath, one moment at a time. Bookmark this episode for those days when giving up seems like the only option. Remember, we're not alone in this journey. Together, we can show up as our best selves, even through the storms.

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Fear, worry, and uncertainty often feel like unwelcome yet permanent companions on the caregiving journey. After receiving a heartfelt message from a listener worried about her husband's upcoming bone marrow transplant, I knew this topic needed addressing – not just for her, but for all of us navigating these turbulent emotional waters.

These powerful emotions aren't signs of weakness or failure. They're natural human responses that actually demonstrate how deeply you care for your loved one. The fear of medical unknowns, the worry about what recovery might look like, and the overwhelming sense that no one truly understands what you're going through – these universal caregiver experiences deserve acknowledgment and compassionate attention.

Drawing from my own experiences with my husband Denis's ongoing stem cell transplant journey, I share how quickly the mind can spiral from a minor medical hiccup to worst-case scenarios. This mental pattern isn't unusual; it's your brain's misguided attempt to protect you. The key isn't eliminating these emotions (impossible!) but learning to work with them through practical techniques like mindfulness exercises, creating small pockets of routine, focusing on what you can control, journaling to externalize racing thoughts, and practicing radical self-compassion.

Perhaps most critically, no caregiver should shoulder this emotional burden alone. Whether it's family members taking shifts with your loved one, friends handling practical matters at home, or connecting with fellow caregivers who truly understand your experience, building your support network isn't optional – it's essential. I've learned to be specific about what support looks like for me: not problem-solving but simply listening and asking thoughtful questions.

Remember this: you're making a profound difference every single day, even when you don't feel particularly strong or capable. Your presence matters immensely to your loved one. Take each day one step at a time, fill your own cup when possible, and know that your fear doesn't diminish your strength – it simply reveals the depth of your love.

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Send Cathy a text:)

Ever reached that breaking point where your body simply won't let you power through anymore? That's exactly where I found myself this week as my husband Dennis faced serious complications following his stem cell transplant for cancer.

This raw mini-episode takes you through the emotional rollercoaster we experienced—from the joyful bell-ringing ceremony marking Dennis's hospital discharge to the crushing setbacks that followed just hours later. You'll hear about the gut-wrenching moment when I had to choose between being at my granddaughter's graduation and staying with my struggling spouse, and the Sunday when everything came crashing down around me. I share openly about hitting my lowest point as a caregiver, when terrifying thoughts spiraled and I felt completely paralyzed by fear and exhaustion.

The journey through caregiving rarely follows a straight line, and sometimes hope appears just when you need it most. I reveal the turning point that helped me finally exhale, and why my body's stress response is still on high alert days later. For anyone juggling medications, appointments, and the emotional weight of caring for a loved one through serious illness, this episode offers validation and a powerful reminder: your nervous system needs rest too.

When was the last time you gave yourself permission to not be okay? To step off the hamster wheel, even for five minutes? Remember, filling your cup isn't selfish—it's essential. Join our community of caregivers who understand that we're all in this together, one breath, one step, one mindful moment at a time. Subscribe now and know you're never alone on this journey.

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What happens when your support just isn't helping? When encouragement falls flat? When your loved one withdraws completely? These are the unspoken challenges of caregiving that leave us feeling helpless and questioning our effectiveness.

Drawing from my current experience supporting my husband through his transplant journey, I share the raw reality of watching him struggle with severe physical pain and emotional withdrawal. Despite my best efforts to lift his spirits, there were moments when nothing seemed to help. But through this experience, I discovered something profound about emotional caregiving that's rarely discussed.

Sometimes, the most powerful support isn't about motivating or finding silver linings – it's about presence. Your loved one may be carrying physical pain, grief for their former capabilities, fear, and overwhelming uncertainty. In these moments, they don't need cheerleading; they need someone willing to sit beside them in that darkness without trying to fix it. Your quiet presence says, "I see you, and you're not alone," which can be more meaningful than any pep talk.

For caregivers accustomed to problem-solving, this shift from performance-based to presence-based support can be challenging. We often measure our effectiveness by visible results – a smile, gratitude, improvement. When those indicators are absent, we conclude we're failing. But here's the truth: You are not failing. You're facing a hard reality and still showing up.

Equally important is setting boundaries without guilt. I've learned to establish a rhythm that honors both my husband's needs and my own wellbeing – being present during key medical interactions while also taking necessary breaks to recharge. These boundaries aren't selfish; they're essential for maintaining emotional capacity to provide quality support for the long haul.

What emotional boundary could you establish this week to protect your energy? Whether it's a daily break, asking for help, or simply saying "not right now," honor that boundary as a gift to yourself and your loved one. Remember: Rest is not quitting. Boundaries aren't walls that shut people out; they're bridges that help sustain the care we offer.

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Emotional support isn't just something we provide as caregivers—it's often the most exhausting yet invisible part of our role. When our loved ones are in pain, frustrated, or losing hope, we become their cheerleaders, their comforters, and their gentle push to keep going, sometimes when we barely have enough emotional energy for ourselves.

This episode explores what emotional support truly looks like in caregiving relationships and how to provide it in ways that are sustainable for both you and your loved one. Drawing from my current experience supporting my husband Denis through his stem cell transplant at Froedtert Hospital, I share honest reflections on what it means to hold someone's hope while managing your own emotional wellbeing.

We unpack the many unseen roles caregivers juggle—from medical assistant to financial administrator—with special focus on being an "emotional motivator." You'll discover practical approaches for offering compassionate support without trying to fix everything, creating micro-moments of motivation when big celebrations aren't possible, and establishing simple routines that anchor both of you during chaotic times.

Most importantly, this episode gives you permission to acknowledge how exhausting emotional labor can be, even when you're "just sitting there" beside your loved one. Learn strategies for checking in with your emotional tank, protecting your energy, and showing up with genuine presence rather than forced cheerfulness.

This is part one of a two-part series on emotional support in caregiving. Next week, we'll tackle the harder questions: what to do when your loved one doesn't want motivation, how to set healthy emotional boundaries, and when to call in reinforcements for yourself.

What's one way you can offer emotional support to your loved one this week without draining your own energy? I'd love to hear your thoughts—text me and share your experience!

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Send Cathy a text:)

Caregiving seasons constantly shift, and finding your rhythm during these transitions can make all the difference between barely surviving and maintaining your wellbeing. This episode explores how creating meaningful routines becomes your anchor when everything else feels unpredictable.

Cathy opens up about her current reality as her husband Denis undergoes a stem cell transplant, sharing how she's had to completely reimagine her daily schedule. From juggling hospital visits to maintaining her own health, she walks through the practical challenges of adapting to a new caregiving landscape. Her vulnerability about feeling emotionally overwhelmed while trying to establish normalcy offers a relatable perspective for caregivers in similar situations.

The heart of this episode focuses on the five key benefits of establishing routines: creating structure amid uncertainty, reducing decision fatigue, carving out essential space for self-care, supporting physical health, and providing emotional comfort during unfamiliar circumstances. Rather than prescribing a rigid schedule, Cathy offers a framework for building personalized "anchor points" throughout your day—morning activities to start positively, midday resets, and evening wind-downs that honor your current capacity.

What makes this guidance particularly valuable is its adaptability. Whether you're in a manageable season with some breathing room or completely maxed out, there are practical suggestions for incorporating small moments of self-care without adding more to your plate. From listening to calming music while washing dishes to creating "pause cards" with encouraging mantras, these accessible practices can be woven into existing activities.

Ready to reclaim even five minutes of your day for yourself? This episode might just show you how those few minutes could become your most powerful tool for sustainable caregiving. Share what season you're in and what routine is helping you stay grounded—your experience might be exactly what another caregiver needs to hear.

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Send Cathy a text:)

Have you ever felt completely lost in a hospital, frantically searching for your loved one while juggling bags, security badges, and your own mounting anxiety? In this raw and surprisingly humorous episode, I take you through my first chaotic days at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, where what should have been a straightforward procedure for my husband Dennis turned into a maze-like adventure of miscommunication, construction detours, and badge readers that simply wouldn't cooperate.

The healthcare system does an admirable job caring for patients, but as caregivers, we're often left navigating the periphery with minimal guidance. From wandering parking garages in search of elusive elevators to sweating through my clothes from stress (yes, I literally could have wrung out my bra in the bathroom!), these experiences highlight a universal truth about caregiving: no matter how prepared you think you are, chaos finds a way.

What saves us in these moments? Small acts of self-care—taking deep breaths in elevators, feeling the grass under our hands when overwhelm strikes, finding humor in absurdity, and connecting with fellow blue-lanyard-wearing caregivers who get it without explanation. These tiny moments of grounding become lifelines when everything feels overwhelming.

Whether you're currently in the caregiving trenches or supporting someone who is, this episode offers both practical wisdom and emotional solidarity. Remember: caregiving is a marathon, not a sprint. You don't have to have it all figured out, and it's okay when things get messy. The strength is in showing up anyway—for your loved one and for yourself.

Share your most chaotic caregiving story with me! Text the number in the show notes. Your experiences matter, and in sharing them, we remind each other that while this journey is challenging, we're never truly alone in navigating it.

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💌 Want more inspiration, information, and a deeper connection? Join the Caregiver Cup Community Newsletter for my weekly email filled with support and encouragement.

Get my free resource: 17 Shifts To Reduce CAREGIVER STRESS & Say Good-bye To CAREGIVER BURNOUT