In this heartfelt episode, Laura speaks with Rick Henkin, a spouse-turned-caregiver whose wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at age 65. Rick shares his powerful story of navigating the emotional toll of caregiving, learning acceptance, and discovering how to care for himself so he could better care for his wife. From humor and heartbreak to practical wisdom, Rick offers a moving look at what it truly means to show up with love, even in the face of dementia. Meet Rick HenkinRick Henkin is a family caregiver and advocate who began his caregiving journey when his wife, Sonya, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2020. In response to the emotional challenges of caregiving, he launched the Facebook group For Family Caregivers: Eliminate Stress, Anger, and Guilt and developed the Caregiver Mastery course to help others find peace, presence, and emotional resilience. Rick brings humor, insight, and hope to a journey many walk alone. Topics DiscussedRecognizing the early signs of dementia and navigating diagnosisThe emotional impact of Capgras Syndrome and memory care transitionsHow Rick reframed caregiving through mindset and self-careThe importance of acceptance, humor, and being presentMale caregivers and the unique challenges they faceHow Rick supports other caregivers through community and education⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate)00:00 – Introduction and Rick’s story 05:40 – Receiving the Alzheimer’s diagnosis 11:15 – Capgras Syndrome and emotional toll 17:00 – Realizations about the burden of caregiving 22:30 – Launching his Facebook group and course 29:45 – Choosing memory care and building relationships with staff 40:00 – What it’s like now having Sonya back at home 49:20 – Humor as a survival tool 56:00 – Male caregivers, mindset, and emotional regulation 1:04:30 – Rick’s advice for caregivers and the importance of community Key TakeawaysCaregiver stress is often more about your reaction than your loved one’s behaviorAcceptance of the disease is key to finding peaceHumor can be a powerful tool in difficult momentsTaking care of yourself is essential to being a good caregiverMale caregivers need community and emotional support tooYou don’t have to believe every thought—mindset can be changed Resources MentionedRick’s Facebook group: For Family Caregivers: Eliminate Stress, Anger, and GuiltRick’s course: caregivermasterycourse.comJournal of the American Medical Association caregiver risk studyQuote by Maya Angelou: “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”Quote by Wayne Dyer: “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” Connect with Rick Henkin Website: caregivermasterycourse.com Email: rick@forfamilycaregivers.com Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/forfamilycaregivers Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast Website: lifeonrepeatpodcast.com Instagram: @lifeonrepeatpodcast Facebook: Life on Repeat...