In this episode of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, meet caregiver advocate Erin Galyean. As a young adult, Erin lost her dad to Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and in 2018 lost her sister, Meghan, to a rare lung disease. In this episode, we talk about Erin’s eight badass strategies to help care and advocate for a loved one who is either home-bound or hospitalized. We also talk about how to prepare to take a planned break, our badass songs, morning routines, and one of the most underutilized resources in healthcare.

Episode Sponsor – Just for You: a Daily Self-Care Journal

The Just for You: a Daily Self-Care Journal blends a full year’s worth of daily writing prompts with monthly ‘fun’ activity pages. Great gift for family caregivers and non-caregivers.

Listen to the show: Erin Galyean – Caregiver Spotlight

*warning: there is some explicit content in this episode

Watch the show

*warning: there is some explicit content in this episode

Words of Encouragement

Each episode starts off with a few words of inspiration or motivation that is pulled from the Happy Healthy Caregiver Jar. Create your own jar by downloading the Caregiver Jar inserts. Enhance your jar with the Caregiver Jar refill pack.

You have to stick up for yourself. Decide that you’re going to take care of yourself. Decide again. And again…until it becomes a new habit. #caregiverjar

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Links & Resources Mentioned

Erin’s book is Badass Advocate: Becoming the Champion Your Loved One Deserves

Erin and her sister, Meghan, had a tiger as their high school mascot. Naturally, their song to make them feel like a badass is ‘Eye of the Tiger’ by Survivor.

Elizabeth’s pump up song is ‘This is Me’ from ‘The Greatest Showman’ soundtrack:

Under the desk Stationary Bike and Mini Tread options:

Erin learned how to focus and feel less overwhelmed from the book Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod.

Three smartphone apps for meditation: Insight Timer, Calm, and Headspace.
Youversion Bible app has guided reading plans.
Dream vacation for Erin: Belgium
If you love to travel, Elizabeth suggests getting on Travel Zoo’s email list so their weekly Top 20 deals get delivered to your inbox. Check out Miller family vacations she mentions to Italy, Ireland, Barcelona, and Paris).
Elizabeth is a Certified Caregiving Consultant and there are consultants around the US to talk to.
Erin was recently a guest on Palliative Care Chat podcast. Listen to learn more about your palliative care services and options:

Palliative Care Chat – University of MD Baltimore · Episode 42 – Erin Galyean – Badass Advocate

All of the prompts from the lightning round segment of the show are borrowed from Elizabeth’s book Just For You: a Daily Self-Care Journal.

Connect with Erin on her website BadassAdvocate.com. On her site you’ll find more information about her book as well as several free resources, including Patient Care Instructions, Mind Mapping template, and a Medication Tracker.

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. When you click on a product and choose to purchase it, I receive a small thank you from the associated company which helps reimburse me for my blogging, podcast, & site expenses. There is no additional cost to you.

Favorite moments & quotes from the episode

“Being a badass advocate is about sticking up for yourself and for your loved one. It’s about having that voice that sometimes we’re really afraid to have.” – Erin @BadassAdvocate #caregiving

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“Sometimes it’s so scary, especially when it comes to health care providers. We think they’re so smart. We have something to offer, as well. We are the experts in ourselves and in our family members.” – Erin @BadassAdvocate #badassadvocate

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“I couldn’t keep this knowledge to myself. I wanted to share it, and it’s in me to teach because I’m a trainer.” – Erin @BadassAdvocate #badassadvocate

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“We feel like we have to take care of everything, but you have to take care of yourself. You can’t do it 24/7. That’s why you need to create a support team and have people help.” – Erin @BadassAdvocate #caregiversupport

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“We can’t hold it all inside and think we’re going to be fine. It’s gonna come out at some point, and it may not come out the way you want it to. So, talk to somebody. Get the emotion out.” – Erin @BadassAdvocate #caregiversupport

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“If you are just starting this journey, and your loved one has a serious illness, and whether they’re in the hospital or not, make sure you tap into the #palliative care team.” – Erin @BadassAdvocate #badassadvocate

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Palliative care is actually not necessary for someone that’s dying. It can be for anyone with a serious illness. They are such an asset to you. So use it. Use the asset that you have. – Erin @BadassAdvocate #palliativecare

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