In today’s episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, we sit down with Brian Lerch, a seasoned executive in healthcare who works at a rehabilitation hospital that supports individuals recovering from traumatic events—such as car accidents or major strokes.

Brian shares valuable insights into the journey of rehabilitation, where the goal is not just physical recovery but also emotional and mental transformation. Patients at his facility participate in three hours of therapy a day, focusing on regaining the ability to perform daily tasks. But the journey doesn’t stop there. A crucial part of healing, he explains, is working on one’s mindset—regardless of whether the outcome is returning to independent living or transitioning into hospice care.

He emphasizes the importance of accepting change, embracing the good that remains, and learning to appreciate the present. According to Brian, healing includes discovering new sources of joy—like trying a hobby or exercising in ways that weren't part of your routine before. These activities not only help people cope with their new reality but also allow them to explore aspects of themselves they may have never known.

Brian reminds us that it's okay to feel uncomfortable when trying something new. In fact, feeling “bad at something” is the first step toward eventually becoming good at it. Whether it’s painting, yoga, or simply walking again—small efforts can lead to big emotional wins.

He also discusses how some people naturally possess a positive mindset, while others may struggle. For caregivers and family members, he advises practicing empathy by putting yourself in your loved one’s shoes and highlights how a strong support system can make a world of difference—for the person in recovery and for those supporting them.

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that recovery is not just about returning to the past—it’s about rewriting your story with hope, patience, and new possibilities.

Tune in, reflect, and share this with someone who needs encouragement in their caregiving or healing journey.

To get in touch with Brian Lerch:

linkedin.com/in/brianlerch

about.me/brianlerch

brianl1@live.com

In this deeply moving episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, we speak with Rick Henkin, who shares his personal journey as a caregiver for his wife after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Faced with overwhelming emotions, unanswered questions, and a heart heavy with grief, Rick found little external guidance to help him cope. So, he turned inward.

What followed was a profound internal transformation—a path toward peace, self-acceptance, and emotional resilience.

Rick opens up about the lessons he’s learned in this intimate caregiving journey. He encourages caregivers not to be too hard on themselves and reminds us that we are just as deserving of compassion as the people we care for. "Treat yourself like you treat your dearest friends," he says.

One of Rick’s most powerful tools for emotional well-being is reshaping our internal narrative. He suggests asking yourself:

• How is this thought helping or harming me?
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• Does this thought reduce or increase my stress?
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• What would happen if I chose to think differently?
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By taking a step back and actively reframing negative or guilt-driven thoughts, caregivers can regain emotional clarity and strength. Rick emphasizes a vital insight: Our thoughts create our feelings, and that means we can choose what to think—and ultimately, how we feel.

When a caregiver is emotionally calm, it profoundly affects the person they are caring for. Peace is contagious, and even in the midst of Alzheimer’s or other difficult conditions, a calm presence can bring unexpected moments of connection and comfort.

Rick leaves us with this simple but transformative mantra: Rephrase and Replace.

Tune in for a powerful conversation that will inspire you to care not only for your loved one—but for yourself—with tenderness, grace, and intentional thought.

In today’s episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, we sit down with Traci Poe, a communication expert with a powerful message—not about how we speak to others, but how we speak to ourselves.

Traci explains that one of the most damaging and overlooked forms of communication is our inner dialogue. Far too often, we mistreat ourselves with negative self-talk, using harsh labels or being overly critical. This internal narrative can quietly erode our confidence, especially during challenging life stages like caregiving or retirement.

To help shift this dynamic, Traci offers a simple yet transformative three-step process:

1. Recognize the Pattern – Notice when you’re being unkind or critical to yourself. Awareness is the first step toward change.
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3. Relabel the Negative Names – Replace those harmful labels (“lazy,” “bad,” “not good enough”) with more accurate and compassionate terms.
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5. Reframe the Story – Learn to see challenges through a new lens. Instead of “I failed,” try “I’m learning something new.”
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Traci also shares practical tips to help rebuild self-esteem and foster a healthier relationship with yourself:

• Understand that self-care is not selfish—it’s essential.
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• Surround yourself with people who lift you up.
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• Be your own ally; treat yourself like you would a dear friend.
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• Celebrate your wins, especially the small ones—they matter.
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• Laugh more—it lightens the soul.
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• Increase your sense of gratitude.
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• And most importantly, give yourself grace and mercy. We're all human. We make mistakes, and that's part of the journey.
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This conversation is a gentle reminder that the words we speak to ourselves matter. By shifting our inner voice, we can better care for others—starting with ourselves.

Tune in and discover how a little kindness on the inside can change everything on the outside.