Ep. 115 Parenting Your Parents with Anna Edmonds

Caregiving is one of the toughest, most overlooked roles, often done in silence. In this episode of The Beauty in the Mess, Anna Edmonds shares her journey from journalist to founder of a caregiver-focused magazine and podcast. She opens up about “caregiver trauma,” the toll of caring for a loved one, and the broken systems that make the role even harder. We cover burnout, financial strain, isolation, and the need for families to plan ahead. Anna also shares practical advice on resources, self-care, and tough conversations—reminding us there is beauty in caregiving, even in the mess.

Content Advisory: This episode discusses caregiver burnout, dementia-related changes, emotional strain, and end-of-life care. While not graphic, it includes emotionally heavy content.

2:25 Intro & backstory – journalism to caregiver magazine.

4:25 “Caregiver trauma” – PTSD, missed signs, why acknowledgment matters.

6:25 Burnout, depression, decision fatigue.

8:25 Hidden epidemic – 40M caregivers, isolation, speaking up.

9:25 Senior care costs, fewer caregivers, corporatization.

11:25 Lack of quality activities in facilities.

13:25 Planning ahead & lobbying roadblocks.

15:25 Financial strain & overmedication.

16:25 Unpaid caregivers & aid limits.

18:25 Resources – state agencies, respite care.

20:25 Gap that inspired Reverse Magazine.

22:25 Elder law, Medicare, Medicaid help.

24:25 Caregivers’ 63% higher mortality risk.

25:25 Dementia care & communication.

27:25 Guilt over taking breaks.

29:25 Self-care as survival.

30:25 Opposite-sex caregiving & dignity.

31:25 Family planning talks.

33:25 Downsizing & emotional impact.

35:25 Taking away the keys as freedom.

38:25 Finding beauty in the mess.

40:25 Connect with Anna – Reverse Magazine, FB, LinkedIn.

🌿 Connect with Anna Edmonds:

• Reverse Magazine: https://reversemagazine.us
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/reversemagazine

·        LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/reverse-magazine

✨ Connect with Michele Simms:

• Website: thebeautyinthemess.com
• Instagram: @the.beauty.in.the.mess
• Facebook Group: The Beauty in the Mess Podcast

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