HOME | Conscious Caregiving

stories, rituals and resources for navigating your caregiver's journey

Conscious Caregiving is a free blog and video series designed to assist those caring for a loved one moving toward the threshold of death. Each of the 18 unique modules covers a single topic – such as self-care, grief, family dynamics, dementia, spousal caregiving and more – to help you navigate your caregiver's journey.

Hosted by Kitty Edwards, Conscious Caregiving is a presentation of The Living & Dying Consciously Project.

Kitty Edwards

3 min

Welcome to Conscious Caregiving

[Module One] Conscious caregiving occurs when you are awake to your own physical, emotional and spiritual needs. You are aware of your...

Kitty Edwards

3 min

Grief and Loss

[Module Two] I know personally that grief is a constant companion for a caregiver. I have been swept away by grief when I think the...

Kitty Edwards

3 min

Spousal Caregiving

[Module Three] Spousal caregiving can be a meaningful journey, bringing you together in unexpected ways. It also comes with challenges.

Kitty Edwards

3 min

Activities of Daily Living

[Module Four] This past winter my husband slipped on ice and ruptured his quadriceps tendon. And oh, how quickly I was reminded of the...

Kitty Edwards

3 min

The Importance of Self-Care

[Module Five] Caring for yourself when caring for a loved one is a challenge. As a caregiver, it' crucial to develop self-care practices

Coping with stress and burnout from over-care

Kitty Edwards

3 min

Coping with stress and burnout from over-care

[MODULE SIX] Over-caring can drain your energy, cause burnout and impact your health.

Kitty Edwards

4 min

Caring for Veterans

[Module 7] Caring for a veteran can present a unique set of caregiving challenges.

Kitty Edwards

3 min

The Balancing Act of Caregiving

[MODULE 8] Balancing the everyday realities of caregiving, including the resources, time and support it requires, can be a juggling act.

Kitty Edwards

4 min

Stepping Out of the Drama Triangle

[MODULE 9] Caregiving is a relationship between you and the person you are caring for; Conflicts are a normal part of any relationship.

Kitty Edwards

3 min

Building Community

[MODULE 10] A caregiving community gives you access to companionship, support and other caregivers, as you navigate your caregiving journey.

Kitty Edwards

3 min

Family Dynamics

[MODULE 11] Caring for your parents can be a challenge. Dealing with your siblings while caring for your parents can be difficult too.

Kitty Edwards

3 min

Dancing with Dementia

[Module 12] Caregiving is always a dance. And caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia often requires some extra fancy footwork.

Kitty Edwards

4 min

Communicating with Medical Staff

[MODULE 13] Taking on the challenge of advocating for your loved one can be a daunting task.

Kitty Edwards

3 min

Palliative and Hospice Care

[MODULE 14] Investigating palliative care and hospice programs early for your loved ones better prepares you for the end.

Kitty Edwards

3 min

Legal Guardianship

[MODULE 15] Preparing the necessary legal documents is essential when caring for a loved one.

Kitty Edwards

3 min

Knowing When It's Time

[MODULE 16] It can be difficult to know when your loved one needs more care than you can give.

Kitty Edwards

3 min

End of Life Care

[MODULE 17] Accepting that our loved one is nearing the end of life can be a difficult and heart-breaking experience.

Kitty Edwards

3 min

When Caregiving Ends

[MODULE 18] As difficult as caregiving can be at times, it can be even harder once it ends.