Just returned from a rejuvenating weekend away, and I'm here to dive deep into a topic that's been on my heart—projections and assumptions in caregiving. ✨ Join me as I unravel the emotions hidden beneath my mom's words, like her oft-repeated "you're so busy," which speaks volumes about her loneliness and desire for connection. In this episode, I'll share personal insights into understanding these cues, embracing patience, and finding ways to create meaningful moments amidst the challenge of Lew...
Feb 13, 2025•13 min
Today, I’m diving deep into the importance of maintaining a detailed medication log for our loved ones. Having juggled numerous meds for my mom, I've learned the hard way about the significance of recording not just the 'what,' but the 'why' of every shift. This log has become my lifesaver in tracking changes and managing side effects. Plus, always make time for a little self-care! We're in this journey together.
Jan 30, 2025•9 min
In this heartwarming episode, I guide you through the holiday season, offering practical tips on balancing cherished traditions with mindful caregiving for your loved ones with dementia. Join me as we explore ways to honor and celebrate together while nurturing our own well-being, ensuring a joyful and peaceful holiday season for us all. Tune in for inspiration and support on this meaningful journey.
Dec 19, 2024•13 min
In this heartfelt episode, I dive deep into the invaluable lessons and reflections shared by fellow caregivers on what they wish they'd known sooner. Join me as I explore the emotional nuances of caregiving, from self-care strategies to navigating the tough road of regrets and making peace with them. Let’s embrace this journey together and find joy amidst the challenges.
Dec 12, 2024•20 min
In this heartfelt episode of Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving, I open up about the emotional and physical challenges of navigating my mom's declining health. From the guilt of missing a call in the night to honoring her wishes for comfort care, join me as I share the tough decisions and moments of self-care that define this caregiving journey. Your support and understanding mean the world to me as I advocate for her with love and compassion. *In this podcast, I mention My mom is in hospice care....
Nov 28, 2024•22 min
I'm taking you on a deeply personal journey. Caring for my mom since 2018 has been both a blessing and a challenge, especially as her condition has evolved. This episode digs into my struggle with caregiver burnout, those sleepless nights worrying about her safety, and the emotional toll it took on me. I open up about reaching a breaking point where I felt shattered and overwhelmed, despite my best efforts at self-care. You'll hear how I came to the realization that I couldn’t do it all on my ow...
Nov 21, 2024•17 min
Today, I delve into the nuanced differences between "how are you doing?" and "how are you feeling?" This conversation is vital for caregivers like us who often mask our true emotions. But first, let's talk self-care. With the first snow here, I cozied up with a warm blanket, a book, and tea for half a day - a much-needed pause. Throughout this episode, I share insights from a pivotal discussion with my therapist, examining how acknowledging our feelings and recognizing our caregiving efforts can...
Nov 14, 2024•11 min
In this episode of Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving, I delve into the world of hallucinations that accompany Lewy Body Dementia. Join me as I share personal insights on understanding and navigating these experiences, while offering heartfelt strategies to maintain peace and connection with our loved ones. Let's journey through this challenging path together, finding moments of calm and compassion along the way. _______________________ FIRST TIME HERE? Hey, there! I’m Krystal Jakosky - a teacher,...
Nov 07, 2024•10 min
Join me on this week's episode of "Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving" as I dive into the emotional landscape shaped by Lewy Body Dementia. I share personal insights from caring for my mom, whose emotions often mimic those of a child—joyful, sudden, raw. We'll explore managing these emotional waves and the crucial role of self-care in maintaining balance. Whether you're soaking in this knowledge for yourself or your loved one, may it offer comfort and empower your caregiving journey. ❤️ Self-Care ...
Nov 04, 2024•11 min
Join me, Krystal, as we delve into the world of Lewy body dementia and its ties to sleep disturbances. From night wanderings to sleep eating, I'm sharing practical tips to ensure both you and your loved one find a peaceful night’s rest. Learn from my own journey with my mom—a simple CPAP changed our lives. Remember, your self-care is just as crucial. Let's tackle these challenges together. Tune in and let's find peace in mindful caregiving. #LewyBodyDementia #MindfulCaregiving #SleepWell _______...
Oct 24, 2024•8 min
In this episode of "Lewy Body and Mind for Caregiving," I open up about the deeply personal and unique journey of caregiving and the weight of making difficult decisions for our loved ones. I share how pottery has been my solace and self-care, a space where I can let go and create. We delve into the importance of personalized choices and understanding that every path is unique—whether it’s about medication decisions or care arrangements. It's a raw, honest conversation about the pressures of jud...
Oct 17, 2024•16 min
In today's episode of Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving, I open up about the sensitive journey of embracing medications for loved ones with Lewy Body Dementia. While these meds don't cure the illness, they can enhance the quality of life by reducing symptoms like hallucinations and anxiety. I share personal experiences with my mom's care and the tough decisions caregivers face—such as choosing whether or not to keep Narcan on hand. Join me for an honest conversation on navigating medication choic...
Oct 10, 2024•13 min
This week on Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving, I delve into the reality of watching a loved one with dementia and the importance of trusting tangible changes. From playing pickleball as a self-care practice to sharing insightful conversations with my sister, join me in uncovering how documenting those small, everyday changes can provide clarity and assurance in the caregiving journey. Let’s explore how these moments help us see the full picture of our loved one's experience. ____________________...
Oct 03, 2024•17 min
This week on Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving, I'm sharing a heartfelt story about how little lies can bring big comfort to our loved ones with dementia. Join me as I explore the balance of honesty and empathy, and how a simple 'I understand' can transform confusion into peace. Let's navigate this journey with compassion and self-care. _______________________ FIRST TIME HERE? Hey, there! I’m Krystal Jakosky - a teacher, writer, and transformational life coach based in CO. I release weekly podcas...
Oct 03, 2024•13 min
In this heartfelt episode of Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving, I delve into the deeply personal and challenging experience of caregiving for a loved one with Lewy Body dementia. Often, past wounds resurface and our buttons are pushed in ways we never expected. But amidst it all, self-care is paramount. Join me as I share how I navigate these emotional landmines and strive to respond with kindness and compassion, not just for my mom, but for myself too. Tune in and let's take this journey togethe...
Sep 19, 2024•25 min
Today on Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving, I’m sharing the importance of finding a companion for your loved one and how it ties into essential self-care. Join me as I discuss my personal journey of seeking support, not just for my mom, but for myself too. Let’s dive into practical strategies that can help you breathe a little easier and improve the quality of care. Tune in now! _______________________ FIRST TIME HERE? Hey, there! I’m Krystal Jakosky - a teacher, writer, and transformational life...
Sep 11, 2024•16 min
In this episode of "Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving," I delve into the critical importance of self-care. I'm Krystal Jakosky, your host, and today I share a personal journey emphasizing why self-care is not a luxury, but an absolute necessity. With a staggering statistic that 60% of caregivers pass away before their loved ones due to neglecting their own health, I can't stress enough how vital it is to prioritize your well-being. From taking a break with lifelong friends to finding joy in small...
Sep 05, 2024•18 min
Today, I'm tackling an emotional topic: who are we really keeping our loved ones around for? I dive into the heart-wrenching decisions caregivers face, the balance between self-care and caregiving, and the importance of honoring the wishes of those we love. Plus, a personal story about my own mom's journey. Let’s navigate these challenging discussions together. _______________________ FIRST TIME HERE? Hey, there! I’m Krystal Jakosky - a teacher, writer, and transformational life coach based in C...
Aug 28, 2024•23 min
Hey there, listeners! Welcome back to another episode of 'Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving.' I hope you're taking good care of yourself. Today, we're diving into the challenges of anxiety in Lewy body dementia, but first, let's talk about self-care. I recently went on an incredible, yet nerve-wracking, early morning hike with a friend. The trail was new to me, and we didn't go all the way up, but the views from a beautiful rock halfway were breathtaking. It was an emotional release that I didn’t...
Aug 22, 2024•17 min
After our brief hiatus for some much-needed self-care, I'm excited to be back with you on Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving. In this episode, I dive into my unique analogy comparing my mom to a teenager and how it perfectly illustrates the caregiving journey. Whether it's navigating their unpredictability or supporting their increasing needs, caregiving for someone with dementia is a deeply emotional and challenging quest. Join me as we explore how understanding their regression can shift our per...
Aug 15, 2024•16 min
As I share my experience of taking a much-needed break to focus on gratitude and relaxation, I invite you to also prioritize self-care and embrace moments of respite. Let's navigate the ups and downs of caregiving together, knowing that we are never alone in this challenging yet rewarding journey. Stay tuned for more insights and guidance when we return from our break. Remember to take care of yourself and others along the way. Until next time, be kind to yourself and those around you __________...
May 23, 2024•7 min
Tune in to this episode of Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving, where I delve into the importance of always doing your best when caring for a loved one. Join me as I share my personal experiences, struggles, and triumphs in providing quality care while prioritizing self-care. Stay tuned and take care until next time. _______________________ FIRST TIME HERE? Hey, there! I’m Krystal Jakosky - a teacher, writer, and transformational life coach based in CO. I release weekly podcasts about self-care, ha...
May 16, 2024•11 min
Join me in this powerful and eye-opening episode of Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving, where we explore the transformative impact of the third agreement from Don Miguel Ruiz: "Don't Make Assumptions." Through personal stories and practical examples, learn how letting go of assumptions can bring clarity, understanding, and deeper connections in caregiving and beyond. Tune in for valuable insights and a fresh perspective on caring for loved ones with dementia. It's a lesson in self-care and compass...
May 09, 2024•15 min
Join me on the journey of compassionate caregiving as we explore the transformative power of not taking things personally. Discover how understanding and empathy can shift your perspective and bring peace to both you and your loved one. _______________________ FIRST TIME HERE? Hey, there! I’m Krystal Jakosky - a teacher, writer, and transformational life coach based in CO. I release weekly podcasts about self-care, hard truths, journaling, meditation, and radical self-ownership. All are wholehea...
May 02, 2024•12 min
In this episode of Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving, I delve into the transformative power of being impeccable with your word in caregiving. Join me as I share personal insights, practical tips, and heartwarming anecdotes that showcase the profound impact of honesty, compassion, and understanding in the caregiving journey. Tune in to learn how embracing the first agreement from Don Miguel Ruiz's book can enhance your connection with your loved one and foster a deeper sense of trust and empathy. ...
Apr 25, 2024•13 min
In this episode of Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving we are digging deep into the dementia 'yo-yo'. Sharing my personal journey, I highlight the ups and downs of caring for a loved one with dementia, and shine a light on the importance of self-care amidst managing demanding responsibilities and the substantial role medications play in the lives of those battling dementia. Tune in to hear compelling insight and advice on navigating through these challenging times with grace and understanding. ____...
Apr 18, 2024•16 min
Join me on this episode of Lewy Body and Mindful Caregiving as we delve into the intricate balance between being a caregiver and a loved one for someone with dementia. Discover the importance of self-care, understanding your roles, and embracing emotional connections. Explore how wearing the caregiver hat and the loved one hat can bring harmony, energy, and fulfillment to your caregiving journey. Tune in for valuable insights and practical tips to navigate the complexities of caregiving with gra...
Apr 11, 2024•16 min
In this video we into the complex world of medications in dementia care, exploring the good, the bad, and the ugly. Join me as I share my personal experiences and invaluable insights on how to navigate the challenges of medications while providing mindful caregiving. Stay tuned for expert advice, touching stories, and practical tips on managing symptoms, advocating for your loved one, and finding what truly works. _______________________ FIRST TIME HERE? Hey, there! I’m Krystal Jakosky - a teach...
Apr 04, 2024•22 min
Balance, joy, and self-care amidst the overwhelming responsibilities of caregiving - This is Lewy Body and Mind: What Caregiving? I'm your host, Krystal Schakowsky, and in this intriguing episode, we dive into finding harmony amidst chaos by adding a dash of joy and fun to your life. Say "yes" to self-care, learn a new skill, maybe take up pickleball like I did, or even learn to play a viola! I share my experiences and how a simple mental scale shifting can transform your life even when burdened...
Mar 28, 2024•13 min
This week we delves= into the crucial differences between palliative care and hospice care. Join her as she shares personal insights on navigating these care options and emphasizes the importance of self-care along the caregiving journey. Tune in to gain clarity on these essential topics and discover how to best support your loved ones. Stay informed and supported on your caregiving path with Krystal on the next episode. _______________________ FIRST TIME HERE? Hey, there! I’m Krystal Jakosky - ...
Mar 21, 2024•12 min
