A family caregiver's story
There are more than 50 million unpaid family caregivers in America. Too often, their work – and the physical, emotional, and financial toll it takes – goes unseen and unheard. At 42 years old, Kate Washington never expected to be one of them. But when her husband was diagnosed with a rare form of T-cell lymphoma, she became his primary caregiver. A journalist and writer by trade, Kate wrote about her emotional journey as a caregiver, wife, and mother of two young girls in a revealing new book, Already Toast: Caregiving and Burnout in America. Kate joins us to share her story and give advice to the millions of people who are in the shadows caring for a spouse, parent, or adult loved one while also doing the best they can to care for their families and themselves. Listen to this episode to learn: -Where family caregivers can find outlets to cope with burnout and feelings of worry, stress, exhaustion, anger, and anxiety -The importance of therapy, support groups, and relying on the help of friends and loved ones -How a caregiver’s life and identity can too easily become erased, and tips to regain your sense of self -Advice for parents who are starting their own family caregiving journey -Why national policies like paid family and medical leave and tax credits are critical to giving family caregivers the help and support they need For more information, visit https://www.kawashington.com/ and read Kate’s New York Times Op-Ed, 50 Million Americans Are Unpaid Caregivers. We Need Help