Episode 54: The Caregiver's Journey - Lessons Learned with Author Matthew Ames
What's it like to be the main caregiver to a loved one living with a medical condition? In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman talks with devoted husband and father Matthew Ames, as they explore the unique challenges of caregiving for adults under the age of 50. Matt shares his personal journey as a caregiver for his wife, Liz, who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, appendiceal carcinoma. The conversation explores the emotional and mental toll of caregiving, the importance of support systems, and the need for resources tailored to younger caregivers. Matt shares his insights from his experiences and the book he wrote based on them, entitled THROUGH THE IMPOSSIBLE: Lessons in Caregiving From a Husband Who's Been There.
Matt also delves into the identity shifts that come with caregiving, the significance of self-care, and the urgency of living with intention in the face of uncertainty, which Liz, now a six-year cancer survivor, and Matt do every day.
🎧 Tune in now, and don’t forget to share this with a friend or loved one who is currently or has been in the caregiving role.
Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction to Caregiving in Young Adults
(01:01) Matt Ames' Caregiving Journey
(02:58) The Importance of Caregiver Resources
(07:59) Identity Shift in Caregiving
(09:43)Time as a Precious Commodity
(11:16) Mental Health of Caregivers
(14:07) Finding Support as a Caregiver
(19:10) Self-Care and Exercise
(21:04) Living with Intention
(23:05) Navigating Uncertainty in Health
(26:41) The Untold Story of Caregivers
Are you a millennial interested in learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Start here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/ and follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/
Interested in sponsoring the YMyHealth podcast? We'd love to partner with brands and organizations that align with our mission of providing healthcare education to millennials. Contact us at ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com for sponsorship opportunities.
You can purchase Matthew Ames’ book, THROUGH THE IMPOSSIBLE, here: https://www.amazon.com/THROUGH-IMPOSSIBLE-Lessons-Caregiving-Husband-ebook/dp/B0CKFH2PSG
Have a question about one of our podcast episodes? Email us at ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com. Will answer it in our fall Q&A episode in September.
Learn about YMyHealth's Founder, Melissa Schenkman here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/melissa-schenkman
Thanks again to our sponsor, Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com