Caring for Caregivers: Visibility, Support and Systems Change
Caregiving is a central theme for many in midlife, yet those providing the care are often overlooked. In this episode, TMA Program Manager Bri Smith talks with Allison Breininger, founder of the nonprofit The Negative Space, about shifting the focus from the patient to the person supporting them. Drawing on over 15 years of experience caring for her husband through a rare genetic disease, Allison discusses the physical and emotional toll of caregiving and the dire need for systemic change in how medical and community spaces acknowledge caregivers.
The conversation explores the "sandwich generation" reality of juggling care for parents and children while maintaining a career. Allison offers practical strategies for navigating burnout, reclaiming identity beyond the caregiving role, and moving toward "community care". For friends and family looking to help, she provides specific advice on how to offer support that truly lightens the load without adding to a caregiver's mental burden.
Episode Highlights
00:01:11 – The Negative Space: Allison shares her journey into caregiving and founding a nonprofit for those in the background.
00:03:00 – Visibility Initiatives: Partnering with health systems to ensure caregivers feel seen and acknowledged in clinical spaces.
00:05:08 – The Next Patient: Discussing how the intense demands of caregiving directly impact the caregiver's own health.
00:05:53 – Sandwich Caregiving: Navigating the pressures of caring for multiple generations while managing work and life.
00:08:28 – Sustainable Pacing: Evaluating the long-term sustainability of caregiving and learning when to put down "spinning plates".
00:11:03 – Burnout Tools: Using micro-moments and realistic self-care to return to a "thinking brain" during exhaustion.
00:14:16 – Identity and Adjectives: Shifting self-perception from nouns and roles to personal traits and values to maintain identity.
00:17:13 – Community Care: Moving beyond "bright-siding" toward specific, actionable help and validated listening for caregivers.
Allison Mentions
The Negative Space: — A hub for caregiver tools, coaching, and support groups.
"In Sickness" Podcast: A podcast specifically dedicated to the caregiving experience.
The Storyline: A collection of free tools for caregivers regarding work-life balance and self-care.
Listen and Subscribe
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