Finding Dignity and Grace in Caregiving Decisions: Stories of Hope with Catherine Fitzhugh

A Season of Caring Podcast

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15d ago 33:23

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Caregiving rarely unfolds the way we imagine. Catherine joins us to trace a decades-long journey that started in childhood waiting rooms and led to the moment her father was diagnosed with Huntington’s at 80, long after her mother’s dementia and medical challenges had reshaped daily life. What follows is a candid, hope-filled guide to planning one step ahead, inviting family into specific roles, and choosing dignity over control when everything changes faster than your systems can keep up.
We dig into the hard transitions—selling homes, moving parents in, and turning a new house into a familiar haven with small details that calm the nervous system. Catherine shares how “hire for fit, not ability” became a lifeline: the right caregiver isn’t just technically skilled, they connect, ask better questions, bring humor, and meet emotional needs that checklists miss. From entering the world of dementia instead of correcting it, to medication strategies like adding one drug at a time and tracking side effects, you’ll hear practical tactics you can apply today. We also talk about finances with compassion: transition access early, preserve reassuring rituals, and keep dignity at the core.
Family dynamics get real here. Catherine explains how she “threw away the scale” of who did most, invited relatives into clear roles they could sustain, and let go of bitterness when help didn’t show. Woven through is a steady rhythm of faith—listening, being known, and following the next right step—that turns midnight crises into moments of presence and care. If you’re navigating aging parents, juggling distance, or staring down another unexpected change, this conversation offers grounded wisdom, gentle humor, and tools you can trust.
If this resonates, follow the show, share it with someone who needs encouragement, and leave a review to help other caregivers find these stories and strategies.

Chapters

1. Welcome And Catherine’s Caregiving Roots (00:00:00)

2. From Long Distance To Hands-On Care (00:02:10)

3. Huntington’s Diagnosis And Household Move (00:05:30)

4. Orchestrating The Big Transition Home (00:09:30)

5. Adapting As Needs Change (00:13:20)

6. Inviting Family Into Specific Roles (00:16:40)

7. Letting Go Of Scorekeeping And Bitterness (00:21:00)

8. Hiring For Fit, Not Just Skills (00:24:30)

9. Caregivers Who Bring Joy, Not Just Tasks (00:28:30)

10. Plan Well, Live Well, Care Well (00:31:30)

228 episodes

#Fitness #Mental Health #Rayna Neises #Family Caregivers #Religion #Christianity #Podcasting Education #Caregivers