In this caregiver spotlight episode, meet ‘recovering caregiver’ Breeda Miller who cared for her mom from the independent living stage through home hospice. Like many, Breeda found herself in the sandwich generation. She was helping her Irish mom while working full time and raising her children, two with special needs. Listen to the show to find out how Breeda’s slam caregiving story went viral and learn what she is doing now to help caregivers carry on.
Listen to the show: Caregiver Spotlight – Breeda Miller
Episode Sponsor
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Words of Encouragement
Each episode starts off with a few words of inspiration or motivation that is pulled from the Happy Healthy Caregiver Jar.
Links & Resources Mentioned
- Breeda and Elizabeth have both used hospice to help care for their aging parents.
- Breeda shares a bit about her Irish heritage including some of her favorite dishes including Traditional Irish Boxty
- In 2015, Elizabeth and her family took a road-trip in Ireland.
- Watch Breeda’s story that took place when she was caring for her mom who had much anxiety due to vascular dementia. Breeda calls this story ‘The Ticket to Heaven’:
- The Moth podcast is a favorite for Breeda and Elizabeth. Breeda’s story was featured on The Moth.
- Find a story slam event near you through the Moth’s website.
- Learn tips and tricks on how to share a slam story.
- Power of Positivity and Chicken Soup for the Soul have also shared Breeda’s story.
- The Incontinence Community Facebook Group is a safe place to share stories and ask embarrassing stories
- Breeda’s ‘distilled wisdom’ is in a pocket-sized book called The Caregiver Coffeebreak. In the show Breeda talks about playing ‘Mental Bingo’ which is a great re-framing tool.
- Elizabeth’s family has a lake front rental in Hubbard Lake, Michigan they call The Acorn Cottage.
- Breeda says this Kiehl’s body lotion is worth the extra dollars:
- Breeda suggests taking a break for yourself on the porch and being mindful while sipping on Trader Joe’s Irish Breakfast. She suggests enjoying it with a Kind bar.
- Another tip from Breeda is to take a “nappuccino” and recommends wearing a sleeping mask.
- 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. This journal is for anyone (not just caregivers) who can use a little daily reminder to love on themselves. Beth owns a journal and gave one away as a gift. Beth says “the journal is excellent and so full of light and anyone who feels like they are in a rut should go out and buy one.”
- Check out BreedaMiller.com to connect with Breeda Miller and find out about her speaking, training, and other products and services.
Some of the links on this page are Amazon affiliate links. When you click on a product and choose to purchase it, I receive a small thank you from Amazon which helps reimburse me for my blogging, podcast, & site expenses. There is no additional cost to you.
Favorite moments & quotes from the episode
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