Caregiver Secrets
Welcome to Caregiver Secrets, the podcast created to empower and uplift family caregivers. Hosted by Reginald D. Reglus, a seasoned caregiver with over 10 years of experience, this show dives deep into the challenges, triumphs, and untold truths of caregiving. Whether you’re looking for practical tips, emotional support, or just a reminder that you’re not alone, Caregiver Secrets delivers heartfelt stories and actionable insights to help you thrive while caring for your loved ones. Join us on this journey to uncover the secrets that make caregiving both rewarding and transformative.
Episodes

7 days ago

Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
If you’ve ever felt like dementia caregiving is a chaotic mess of appointments, medications, and unanswered questions—you’re not imagining it. In this powerful episode of Caregiver Secrets, host Reginald Reglus exposes the hard truth: the system is broken, and caregivers are left to pick up the pieces.
Backed by fresh data from the Alzheimer’s Association, we break down why 70% of caregivers report care coordination as their top stressor, and what the new Medicare GUIDE model is doing to change that. You’ll learn about global movements toward dementia care navigation, what’s working, and how you can advocate for the help you deserve.
This isn’t just another venting session—it’s a roadmap. You’ll walk away with fact-driven tips, trusted resources, and the bold reminder that you are not the problem.
In this episode:
Why care coordination feels like a second full-time job
The shocking statistic about caregiver stress you need to know
What the 2024 Medicare GUIDE model offers (and who qualifies)
Real-world steps to make the chaos more manageable
How The Risen Caregiver AI tool can help you stay sane
Resources Mentioned:
🎧 The Get Risen Podcast – Find a related episode using the [Risen Mantra Index]
📘 Grab the book: Get Risen: Unleash the Elevated Caregiver Within
🤖 Tap into 24/7 clarity and comfort with The Risen Caregiver AI
Verified Mantra of the Episode:"I don’t need to do it all alone. Help is holy, too." — from Get Risen
Feeling overwhelmed by systems that don’t serve you? This episode is your proof that you’re not alone—and your permission slip to demand better.
#CaregiverSecrets #DementiaCare #CaregiverSupport #GetRisen #TheRisenCaregiver #GUIDEModel #CareCoordination #YoureNotCrazy #MedicareSupport #DementiaAdvocacy

Monday Jun 02, 2025
Monday Jun 02, 2025
🎧 How to Face the Loss Everyone Pretends Isn’t Happening
Description:
What do you do when the person you love is still alive… but slipping away? In this gripping episode of Caregiver Secrets, host Reginald Reglus exposes the hidden grief many dementia caregivers face but rarely name—ambiguous loss and anticipatory grief.
Discover the psychology behind why you’re grieving someone who hasn’t passed, the impact this has on your mental health, and science-backed strategies to help you navigate the emotional fog. This is the episode caregivers didn’t know they desperately needed.
Whether you’re new to caregiving or deep in the long goodbye, you’ll walk away with clarity, comfort, and concrete tools to process the pain no one prepared you for.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
What ambiguous loss really is—and why it haunts so many dementia caregivers
The difference between grief after death and grief during decline
Practical ways to cope when your loved one is still physically here but mentally fading
How naming your loss can begin your healing
Resources Mentioned:
🧠 The Risen Caregiver AI – Your 24/7 support companion for dementia care: https://bit.ly/RisenCaregiverAI📖 Get Risen: Unleash the Elevated Caregiver Within – The book that will strengthen your heart and spirit: https://bit.ly/GetRisen🎙️ Get Risen Podcast – For encouragement rooted in faith and resilience. Start with the episode inspired by the mantra: “You can’t hold someone up if you fall apart inside first.”

Friday May 30, 2025
Friday May 30, 2025
Show Notes for Season 6, Episode 20: “Caregiver Toolkit: Your Ultimate Resource Roundup”
Feeling overwhelmed by all the little (and big) decisions caregiving demands? This episode of Caregiver Secrets is your guide to building a personal caregiver toolkit—so you’re not scrambling in the chaos, but ready for it. From practical checklists to powerful emotional lifelines, discover how to equip yourself with everything you need to show up strong, steady, and supported.
You’ll meet Deborah, a devoted wife-turned-caregiver who turned her binder of survival notes into a beacon of hope for others. Her story will stir your heart and show you how tools aren’t a sign of weakness—they’re the secret to resilience.
🎧 Tune in and learn:
What to include in your caregiver toolkit (you may be missing a few game-changers!)
Why being prepared helps prevent burnout and restores peace
How to use tools to create breathing room—and build moments of connection
🔥 NEW! Meet The Risen Caregiver — your AI-powered companion created just for caregivers. Whether you need real-time encouragement, helpful advice, or a moment of calm, The Risen Caregiver is available 24/7 to support you with wisdom and warmth.Try it here: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-682ce5b7d210819197e95817d849c25e-the-risen-caregiver-by-reginald-d-reglus
Love this episode? Dive even deeper into the art of elevated caregiving in Get Risen: Unleash the Elevated Caregiver Within. Grab your copy today and transform your caregiving journey: https://bit.ly/GetRisen

Thursday May 29, 2025
Thursday May 29, 2025
Show Notes for Season 6, Episode 19: Late-Stage Love — Choosing Comfort Over Chaos
When the final chapter of caregiving begins, the decisions get heavier—but so does the love.
In today’s powerful episode of Caregiver Secrets, we explore what it means to show up with compassion, grace, and unwavering presence during late-stage dementia care. Through the heartfelt story of Marcus and Evelyn, you’ll experience the raw truth of shifting from treatment to comfort, from doing to simply being.
Whether you’re facing late-stage care now or know it’s on the horizon, this episode is a must-listen. It’s an honest, emotional, and empowering reminder that choosing comfort is not giving up—it’s choosing love in its most selfless form.
Discover:
What hospice and palliative care really mean for caregivers
How to recognize pain and distress when your loved one can’t speak
Practical and emotional ways to bring dignity to your loved one’s final days
Why presence—not perfection—is your greatest gift in this sacred season
This one will stay with you.
Love this episode?Dive even deeper into the art of elevated caregiving in Get Risen: Unleash the Elevated Caregiver Within. Grab your copy today and transform your caregiving journey: https://bit.ly/GetRisen

Wednesday May 28, 2025
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Show Notes: Season 6, Episode 18 – Telehealth 101: Getting the Most from Virtual Doctor Visits
What if doctor visits didn’t have to mean rushing, waiting, or rearranging your entire day? In this eye-opening episode of Caregiver Secrets, we explore how telehealth can become a lifeline—not just for your loved one’s medical needs, but for your peace of mind as a caregiver.
You’ll hear the emotional story of Nina, a long-distance caregiver struggling to keep up with her father’s health as his dementia progresses. One virtual visit changes everything—giving her back her time, her confidence, and her ability to advocate powerfully for her dad.
You’ll walk away with:
Real-life inspiration on how telehealth can transform your caregiving
Practical tips to prepare, participate, and follow up on virtual visits
Encouragement to trust technology as a partner in your caregiving journey
If you’ve ever felt rushed, unheard, or overwhelmed at medical appointments, this episode is for you. Caregiving is hard enough—let’s make access to care a little easier.
Love this episode? Dive even deeper into the art of elevated caregiving in Get Risen: Unleash the Elevated Caregiver Within. Grab your copy today (while I am still able to offer it for free) and transform your caregiving journey: https://bit.ly/GetRisen

Tuesday May 27, 2025
Tuesday May 27, 2025
Episode 17: Community Corner – Finding Local Support Groups & Online ForumsSeason 6: The Advocacy Series | Caregiver Secrets Podcast
In today’s heartfelt episode, we dive into one of the most powerful but overlooked tools in a caregiver’s survival kit: community. You’ll hear the story of Sandra, a weary caregiver who discovers an unexpected lifeline in a late-night online forum, and Marcus, a stoic veteran who finds strength in brotherhood. Their journeys remind us that support doesn’t always come from those closest to us—but it can come when we’re brave enough to reach out.
You’ll learn:
How to find local support groups in your area
What to look for in online caregiver communities
Tips for joining your first group (even if you’re nervous)
Why starting your own small circle might be the healing step you’ve been craving
If you’ve been feeling alone in your caregiving journey, this episode is for you. Let today be the moment you remember: connection changes everything.
Love this episode? Dive even deeper into the art of elevated caregiving in Get Risen: Unleash the Elevated Caregiver Within. Grab your copy today and transform your caregiving journey: https://bit.ly/GetRisen

Monday May 26, 2025
Monday May 26, 2025
Show Notes for Season 6, Episode 16: Emotional First Aid—Managing Caregiver Stress & Burnout
What happens when the caregiver hits a wall?
In this raw and emotional episode of Caregiver Secrets, we explore the silent struggle so many caregivers face: burnout. Through the story of Tara—a devoted daughter and caregiver who nearly lost herself in the process—we shine a light on the hidden toll caregiving can take when we push through without support.
You’ll discover how stress shows up quietly… and how unchecked exhaustion can spiral into danger. But most importantly, you’ll hear how small, consistent acts of emotional first aid can be the lifeline you didn’t know you needed.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, numb, or like you're running on empty, this episode is for you.
We’ll unpack:
The early warning signs of emotional burnout every caregiver should watch for
A powerful reminder that your emotions matter—and deserve space
What it really looks like to begin healing in the middle of the chaos
How one caregiver found her way back to herself—one breath, one boundary, one brave moment at a time
Love this episode? Dive even deeper into the art of elevated caregiving in Get Risen: Unleash the Elevated Caregiver Within. Grab your copy today and transform your caregiving journey: https://bit.ly/GetRisen
If today feels heavy, take this as your reminder—you are not alone. And your healing matters just as much as your helping.

Friday May 23, 2025
Friday May 23, 2025
Show Notes for Episode 15 – One Wrong Move: The Caregiver Mistake That Sends Too Many to the ER
When it comes to caregiving, one of the most overlooked dangers is the everyday act of helping a loved one move. Whether it’s getting out of bed, transferring to a wheelchair, or walking to the bathroom in the middle of the night—one wrong move can lead to serious injury for them and for you.
In this powerful episode of Caregiver Secrets, we unpack the critical importance of safe transfer and mobility techniques. You’ll hear the emotional story of Miguel and his mom, Teresa, whose lives were forever changed by a single misstep—and how they found healing through knowledge, teamwork, and dignity.
We’ll also break down practical, real-world steps caregivers can take to protect themselves and their loved ones, including:
Why waiting until something goes wrong is too late
How to use verbal cues and body positioning for safer transfers
Why proper tools like transfer belts aren’t a weakness—they’re a sign of wisdom
The mindset shift from “doing it all” to “doing it right”
If you’ve ever felt nervous lifting your loved one or unsure if you’re doing it safely, this episode will give you the insight and confidence you need to move forward smarter—not just stronger.
Love this episode? Dive even deeper into the art of elevated caregiving in Get Risen: Unleash the Elevated Caregiver Within. Grab your copy today and transform your caregiving journey: https://bit.ly/GetRisen
Disclaimer: This episode is based on personal experiences and research. It is not medical, health, legal, or professional advice. Always consult the appropriate professionals for guidance on your unique situation.

Thursday May 22, 2025
Thursday May 22, 2025
Show Notes for Season 6, Episode 14: Wandering & Safety Alarms—Keeping Them Close Without Clipping Wings
What do you do when your loved one with dementia slips out the front door—barefoot, confused, and convinced they’re late for work? In today’s powerful episode of Caregiver Secrets, we dive deep into one of the most frightening and emotionally complex challenges caregivers face: wandering.
You’ll hear the heart-wrenching and inspiring story of Karen, a daughter and caregiver, who discovered her father blocks away from home after a sudden wandering episode. From fear and frustration to insight and grace, her journey uncovers what’s really behind the urge to wander—and how caregivers can respond with both love and strategy.
This episode offers practical, compassionate guidance on:
Understanding the emotional triggers behind wandering
Setting up safety alarms and GPS tools that don’t feel like a prison
Creating routines that redirect energy and reduce risk
Approaching safety with dignity, empathy, and calm
Finding peace in the tension between freedom and protection
Whether this is your first wandering scare or it’s become part of your daily reality, this episode will remind you: you're not alone, and you’re doing an extraordinary job in the most sacred of roles.
Love this episode? Dive even deeper into the art of elevated caregiving in Get Risen: Unleash the Elevated Caregiver Within. Grab your copy today and transform your caregiving journey: https://bit.ly/GetRisen
Caregiver Secrets is based on lived experience and research. This episode does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals for guidance on your unique caregiving situation.