Ep 6: The Caregiver Continuum: This Is Why We’re Always Tired

Caffeinated Caregivers

The Caregiver Continuum. The continuum on which we as caregivers find ourselves looping around and around… and around again. We’ve gone through it. We’ve watched our fellow caregivers go through it. And today, we’re giving it a name.

On this episode of Caffeinated Caregivers, we’re explaining what the Caregiver Continuum is, why it’s such a powerful tool for understanding both your journey and your capacity at any given time in your life as a caregiver, and how you can use it to give yourself —and your fellow caregivers— the grace and space we all deserve.
Aaaaaand, also why the constant worry about restarting the Caregiver Continuum is exhausting. You know, just typical caregiver stuff.

In this episode:

[00:00] Gemma refuses to be left out of the conversation

[00:37] Alyssa waxes poetic about eyebrow waxing

[03:50] Erica & Alyssa get down to business, introduce the Caregiver Continuum and why it’s so important

[10:28] Erica & Alyssa describe why it’s useful to understand the Caregiver Continuum

[13:23] Alyssa’s Caregiver Continuum HOT TAKE

[18:20] Erica introduces the three stages of the Caregiver Continuum (and how they constantly loop back to each other)

[19:31] Alyssa describes stage number one, The Just Surviving Stage, and how you might constantly find yourself returning to this stage as a caregiver

[24:49] Erica & Alyssa share some of the rougher mistakes and pitfalls associated with the Just Surviving stage

[28:29] Alyssa describes the second stage, The Burnout Stage, and the crash that often accompanies it

[35:30] Erica & Alyssa share their own stories of experiencing the Burnout stage

[41:37] Erica coins the name for stage three, The Eff Around and Find Out Stage, and why not everyone may spend a lot of time in this stage

[47:53] Alyssa & Erica wrap-up and give a little glimpse at the next episode

For the transcript, our blog, links, and more, visit our website: https://www.caffeinatedcaregivers.com/podcast/ep6
Follow us on Instagram for research, validation, and a lot of memes @caffeinated_caregivers.

Subscribe to our show in your favorite podcast app so you don't miss a single episode!

Thanks friends! Talk soon!