71: Self-Care Is Not Enough: Real Strategies and Resources with Ashley Stevens

<p>Dr. Lakelyn sits down with fellow gerontologist, licensed clinical social worker, and dementia educator Ashley Stevens for an honest conversation about what caregivers truly need beyond traditional self-care advice. With 16 years of professional experience and a personal connection to Alzheimer’s disease, Ashley brings both expertise and lived insight to the discussion. Together, they unpack the emotional weight of being the sibling who stepped up, the importance of setting healthy boundaries, and the complex dynamics that often surface within families. Ashley also shares tangible, real-world resources, including national and local support programs, and reflects on the meaningful dialogue she is fostering through her Dementia Guru Instagram community.</p><p><strong>Episode highlights include:</strong></p><p>-Why self-care without structural support is not sustainable </p><p>-How boundaries protect both the caregiver and the relationship</p><p>-The emotional complexity of sibling dynamics</p><p>-When you are the only one who stepped up and how to come to terms with it</p><p>-Federal and local caregiver supports and resources</p><p><strong>Helpful links from the episode:</strong></p><p>- Learn more about in-home care:<a href="http://homeinstead.com" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> HomeInstead.com</a></p><p>-Ashley Stevens on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thedementiaguru" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thedementiaguru </a></p><p>-Ashley Stevens’ website:<a href="http://thedementiaguru.com" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> thedementiaguru.com</a></p><p>-<a href="https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/guide" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Medicare GUIDE Model for dementia care</a></p><p>-<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/aging/state-resources/index.html" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Your local Area Agency on Aging</a></p><p>-<a href="https://acl.gov/programs/support-caregivers/national-family-caregiver-support-program" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">National Family Caregiver Support Program</a></p><p>To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving  newsletters, visit <a href="http://www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats</a>. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at <a href="mailto:caregiverchats@homeinstead.com" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com</a>.</p><p>Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform.</p><p>Follow us on social media:</p><p>Facebook: @homeinsteadinc</p><p>Instagram: @homeinsteadinc</p><p>YouTube: @homeinsteadinc</p><p>TikTok: @homeinstead.inc</p><p><br /></p>