C17-51 Who takes care of the caregivers? with Peter Rosenberger

Choose Positive Living with Sara Troy and her guest Peter Rosenberger, on air from December 19th

HOW DO YOU DO IT? HOW DO YOU NOT GET OVERWHELMED?

Peter Rosenberger, is an author of 7 Caregiver Landmines And How You Can Avoid Them AND Hope For The Caregiver: Encouraging Words To Strengthen Your Spirit.

“For an increasing number of families, the holidays result in stress, drama, and conflict as they gather together to celebrate. Many families are faced with the issues of ageing parents or loved ones who now have significant caregiving needs. With the massive baby-boomer population racing into their senior years, the conversation around many festive tables this year will turn to caregiving concerns.

In order to protect and cherish these family moments, here are four suggestions to navigating the holiday season, based on my experience as a caregiver for over 30 years.

As families — as caregivers — we can, and we must navigate through this journey with a calmer and more joyful heart, especially during the holidays. It’s hard to carve a turkey with clenched fists. I know, I’ve tried. Instead of rushing to grasp more drama, let’s slow down and appreciate the memories and small victories, while embracing the often overshadowed, but always present, beauty in life.

Let’s find happiness in knowing we protect the one thing standing between our loved one and even harsher challenges.

After all, it is the season of gratitude and joy.”

JOIN SARA AND PETER AS THEY NAVIGATE THE NEED FOR SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS

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Targeting the vast population of America’s 65 million volunteer caregivers of vulnerable loved ones, Peter compiles his lifetime of experience to offer a lifeline to his fellow caregivers. With an unparalleled journey as his wife’s sole caregiver for three decades, Peter has navigated through a medical nightmare that has mushroomed to 78 operations, the amputation of both legs, treatment by more than 60 doctors in 12 hospitals, 7 medical insurance companies, and $9 million in medical bills. Peter brings an astonishing understanding of health care issues, a deep compassion for the heartache of caregiving, and an outrageous humour to bring the fresh air of laughter into the painful places faced by America’s exponentially growing number of caregivers.

Peter W. Rosenberger is the president of Standing With Hope, a non-profit prosthetic limb outreach founded by Peter and his wife, Gracie. He has an extensive media, speaking, and writing history where he covers such issues as chronic pain, caregiving, disability, and God’s provision in suffering. Whether in writings, live appearances, or his weekly radio show, Peter combines a well-honed sense of humour with practical tips to those buckling under the strain of caring for a loved one. He lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where he has been the primary caregiver for Gracie, a double amputee, for nearly 30 years.