In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, I created a video series to raise awareness about the financial impact of caregiving. The videos share heartfelt stories from caregivers like me, who have faced similar challenges and discovered the importance of seeking support.
Nobody should have to give up a career they’ve worked hard for simply because a loved one has developed dementia. Jennifer Fink shares her journey from professional photographer to full-time caregiver for her mom, navigating the emotional and financial challenges that come with caregiving. After retiring from photography, she’s working hard to rebuild her career, but regaining financial stability remains a challenge. Watch as Jennifer shares how caregiving changed her life and career.
Being a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be emotionally exhausting—but it’s also financially draining. Carlos Olivas shares his experience caring for his father, Carlos Olivas, and the hidden financial responsibilities caregivers often face. From home repairs to balancing side jobs, the constant pressure to keep up can feel overwhelming. Watch as he opens up about the sacrifices he made and the struggle to make ends meet.
Navigating the challenges of caregiving often requires tough financial decisions. Barry Jacobs, a clinical psychologist, and his wife took on the care of his mother and stepfather, both struggling with dementia. At a time when their primary focus was on saving for their children's college tuition, they found themselves covering expenses for his bankrupt parents. Barry shares his journey of financial sacrifice, emphasizing the reality caregivers face when balancing family responsibilities.
Balancing caregiving and career adjustments is something Dana Twight knows well after supporting her parents through Alzheimer’s and other health challenges. With her father’s recent passing and her mother still requiring costly care, Dana has navigated numerous financial sacrifices, from pausing her private practice to taking on a full-time job with essential benefits. Watch as she shares her experiences and encourages caregivers to seek professional guidance and community support.
Caregiving during the pandemic presents unique challenges for families. Crystal Gallo shares her experience moving her grandmother and uncle across the country, which brought logistical hurdles and emotional stress. Managing insurance and caregiving costs became complex, as health needs couldn’t wait for support. Watch as Crystal reflects on the dedication required and the challenges her family faced during this time.
Caregiving often requires unexpected sacrifices, as Traci Lamb learned when she became the full-time caregiver for both of her parents after her father fell seriously ill. With the loss of her siblings and minimal financial support, Traci was left to manage both her parents' care and mounting financial strain. Watch as Traci reflects on the financial burdens of caregiving and emphasizes the importance of planning ahead for those who may one day take on this role.
Caring for a loved one often brings unexpected sacrifices, as Scott Olson experienced while supporting his father-in-law. What began as small acts of help gradually grew, contributing to the loss of his job, benefits, retirement savings, and eventually, his marriage. Looking back, Scott stresses the importance of having a plan for long-term care to ease the burden on the family. Watch as he shares his caregiving journey and the lessons learned about the critical need for proactive care planning.
Women often find themselves navigating the dual responsibilities of work and caregiving, creating unique challenges. Lynn Abate Johnson shares her experience caring for her mom, Rosemary Ann Hakim, after her ovarian cancer diagnosis in 2011. While working in Silicon Valley, Lynn felt she couldn't reveal her personal circumstances to her bosses. This led her to compartmentalize her struggles, taking a toll on her well-being. Watch as Lynn discusses the responsibility of balancing these roles.
Navigating caregiving's demands often requires patience, adaptability, and support. Sheryl Hickerson reflects on her decades-long journey as a caregiver—first for her former mother-in-law and now for her husband following a traumatic brain injury and other severe health complications. With financial challenges mounting from out-of-pocket medical expenses and caregiving responsibilities, Watch as she shares insights on resilience and the importance of empathy.
Caregiving can require lifelong commitment, something Peter Rosenberger knows well after caring for his wife, Gracie, for four decades. Facing extensive medical bills, multiple insurance policies, and constant financial adjustments, Peter has learned the importance of both physical and financial resilience. Watch as he emphasizes that caregivers shouldn’t face these challenges alone and encourages them to reach out for support, prioritizing their own well-being alongside their loved ones.
Caring for loved ones with dementia is challenging—especially when it requires stepping away from a career. In this touching video, Debbie Compton opens up about her journey as a full-time caregiver for her parents and mother-in-law, navigating Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and vascular dementia. While the financial and emotional toll was significant, Debbie’s choice to put family first is one she would never change. Watch as she reflects on the sacrifices, challenges, and rewards of caregiving.
Traveling to support a loved one in need can be both emotionally rewarding and financially draining. Paul Richardson reflects on his journey as a caregiver for his mother, who lives with mental illness. From frequent travel to missed work, the financial and emotional costs add up. Watch as he shares insights on navigating the challenges of caregiving while prioritizing well-being and seeking support.
Being a caregiver for a premature child can be an incredibly challenging experience. Cindy Sim shares her journey as a young mom caring for her daughter during a long hospital stay far from home. At just 20 years old, she faced immense emotional and financial strain, with her funds quickly depleting due to medical expenses, gas and parking expenses. Lacking support and resources, Cindy often struggled in isolation. Watch as she opens up about how caregiving shaped her resilience and life.
Being a caregiver often brings unforeseen financial challenges. Katie Kristofic shares her experience caring for her mom, Vicki Einsig, with Alzheimer’s and the unexpected expenses they faced. As her mom’s condition progressed, they needed specialized clothing that wasn’t covered by insurance, which added to the financial strain. Watch as Katie reflects on how they navigated these challenges over the years and the emotional toll it took on their family.
Being a caregiver can lead to unexpected financial difficulties. Kitty Norton shares her experience caring for her mother, Gloria, who lived with vascular dementia for 11 years. Leaving her job as a postproduction assistant editor put her career on hold during her prime earning years, and now she faces ageism and changing technology. Kitty feels overwhelmed and is accruing more debt, including medical expenses. Watch as she reflects on the financial challenges that worry her about her future.
Unexpected health issues in children can have a profound financial impact on families. Lisa Tschudi shares her journey as a mother and caregiver for her daughter, who began experiencing seizures at just 13 months old. After choosing to stay home with her kids, Lisa managed her daughter’s complex medical needs without compensation for 18 years. Watch as Lisa discusses her experience and her commitment to improving the future for parents of children with disabilities.
Being part of the sandwich generation can bring immense pressure as caregivers juggle multiple responsibilities. John Stoj has been a caregiver for his mom since his dad passed away six years ago while also raising his 11-year-old son. Despite the emotional challenges and impact on his business growth, John is dedicated to caregiving and wants others to know they’re not alone. Watch as he shares the ups and downs of his journey, encouraging fellow caregivers to recognize their value.
Navigating the challenges of caregiving often requires tough financial decisions. Patti LaFleur cared for her mom, who had younger-onset dementia and faced staggering costs for skilled nursing care—around $15,000 a month. As an elementary school teacher with a master’s degree, Patti left her job to provide care, resulting in a pay cut. Watch as she shares her journey of sacrifice and dedication, highlighting the reality many caregivers face when prioritizing family over career.
Caring for a child with special needs often leads to significant financial pressures. Otto Rivera has been a devoted caregiver for his 8-year-old daughter, who is on the autism spectrum, since her diagnosis 6 years ago. Managing the costs of medical care and specialized schooling has been challenging, but Otto remains committed to providing her with the best support possible. Watch as he discusses his experiences and encourages caregivers facing similar hurdles to stay proactive in planning.
Caring for someone with multiple health challenges can be emotionally and financially draining. Christina Keys shares her journey caring for her mother, Patricia Keys after a life-changing stroke left her paralyzed. Initially hopeful about insurance coverage, she quickly realized it didn’t cover essential needs, leading to the depletion of both their life savings. Watch as Christina reflects on the profound financial impact of caregiving and the lessons learned throughout her journey.