Just as it’s not easy being a family caregiver, it’s not easy being married to one. My special guest is Bill Schlosser, DMD, my husband and a general dentist who regularly interacts with patients who are caring for family members through chronic illness, extended sickness, or disability. Bill relates easily to them, as he’s witnessed me serve as primary caregiver for our son, diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2006, and my mom, who suffered from multiple strokes and progressive dementia over seven years, until her passing in 2021.
Bill and I will celebrate our 34th wedding anniversary this week. In an unexpected twist, half of those years I’ve been a family caregiver. Bill has been my sounding board, often listening to understand, sometimes stepping up to problem-solve with me, sometimes advocating on my behalf, sometimes nudging me to better self-care. Bill and I have known couples whose marriages imploded under the strain of family caregiving. We understand how easily the mess of caregiving could result in the end of a marriage. With God’s help and lots of dialogue, we’ve managed to stay (mostly 😊) happily married, despite the added strain.
Bill shares his perspective on the challenges inherent in supporting the family caregiver. He talks very transparently about navigating negative emotions and lessons learned about gratitude, suffering, patience, and forgiveness. He offers words of encouragement with his own brand of humor. (If you know Bill, you’re not surprised by his slightly off-color comments, designed to lighten the conversation, just as they have in so many difficult caregiving situations.)
If you’ve struggled with your spouse over caregiving in your family…if you’ve wondered how best to support your husband or wife in this role…if you’re caring for your spouse or are caregiving without a partner (thinking of all the single moms and dads who are getting it done solo), I invite you to listen in!
Let’s Connect:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lorischlosserspeaks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorischlosserspeaks/
Website: https://www.lorischlosser.com/

Ver todos los episodios