S4E09: Caregiver Mastery: Finding Peace in the Chaos of Emotions | Rick Henkin
- Author
- Pooja A. Patel, DrOT, OTR/L, BCG, CDP, CFPS
- Published
- Sat 30 Aug 2025
- Episode Link
- None
Summary
Rick Henkin shares his personal journey as a caregiver for his wife Sonia, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. He discusses the challenges of obtaining a diagnosis, the emotional toll on caregivers, and the importance of acceptance and mindfulness. Rick created the Caregiver Mastery System to help others navigate the complexities of caregiving while maintaining their own mental health. He emphasizes the need for caregivers to prioritize their well-being and offers practical advice for managing stress and guilt.
Takeaways
- Rick's journey into caregiving began with Sonia's diagnosis of Alzheimer's.
- The diagnosis process can take months and is often frustrating.
- Caregiver burden can lead to significant health risks for caregivers.
- Mindfulness and acceptance are crucial for managing caregiver stress.
- Rick created the Caregiver Mastery System to support other caregivers.
- The course is designed to be short and practical for busy caregivers.
- Humor can be a valuable tool in caregiving.
- Caregivers must prioritize their own well-being to provide better care.
- It's important to recognize that feelings of guilt stem from love.
- Every caregiver's journey is unique, and support is essential.
About the Guest
Rick Henkin is a husband, father, grandfather to 6 girls, and a caregiver for his wife. He became a caregiver when his wife, Sonia, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in Jan. 2020 at the age of 65. Based on his experiences, Rick is the creator of the Caregiver Mastery System.
- CaregiverMasterySystem.com or https://forfamilycaregivers.com/
- facebook.com/groups/forfamilycaregivers
- https://www.youtube.com/@ForFamilyCaregivers
- https://www.instagram.com/forfamilycaregivers/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/forfamilycaregivers/
- email: [email protected]
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The Aging Together Caregiver Hub is a FREE community for family caregivers of older adults. Join us today to find a peer network and access our learning studio with simple, bite-sized content, resources, and a support group.
S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility
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