Lana Wilhelm: Caregiver Advocate Helping Families Thrive (ep. 900)

John O’Leary welcomes caregiver advocate Lana Wilhelm to the Live Inspired Podcast to share how her husband’s stroke transformed their marriage and inspired her to support caregivers through CarePower Connect.

Lana Wilhelm is a nurse, case manager, and caregiver advocate. After her husband suffered a stroke in 2021, Lana found herself on the other side of the healthcare system and discovered how little support exists for those caring for the people they love. Now, as the founder of CarePower Connect and host of the Both Sides of the Bed podcast, she helps caregivers feel seen, supported, and less alone.

Today, Lana shares how her husband’s stroke transformed their marriage, why caregivers must allow themselves to be vulnerable, and how even the smallest acts of kindness can provide meaningful relief. She opens up about grieving the husband she once knew while learning to love and accept who he is now, and offers practical ways friends, family members, and communities can better support caregivers.

My friends, if you or someone you love is caring for others, walking through an unexpected change, or struggling to ask for help, this conversation is for you. You’ll be reminded that vulnerability is a sign of strength, difficult moments can coexist with hope, and none of us are meant to carry life’s heaviest burdens alone.

Subscribe &  listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio or listen here:

Or click here to watch the full conversation on YouTube!

•  “It allowed me an opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.” Lana shares what drew her to a career in healthcare and how that experience shaped the caregiver she would later become.
• On June 23, 2021, Lana’s husband suffered a stroke, changing the trajectory of their lives and igniting her desire to help others facing similar challenges.
• After weeks in the ER, ICU and rehabilitation, Lana’s husband finally returned home. While standing in an aisle at Home Depot searching for ways to make their house accessible, Lana broke down. It was the moment she fully realized their roles had changed.
• “There’s plan A and there’s plan B. As a caregiver, you have plan Z.”
• Lana reflects on why caregivers often become invisible and how her role has evolved from caregiver to care partner. While she still manages medications, appointments and other important needs, she is no longer as involved with his daily personal care.
• “I decided to love him for who he is, not who I wish he would be.”
• For new caregivers and care partners, Lana offers two powerful reminders: You are not alone, and you must advocate for yourself.
• Guidance for families supporting a loved one, including:
  • Adult children: Be realistic about the support you can provide the primary caregiver, and recognize that you are grieving, too.
  • Siblings of children with special needs: Make time for focused, one-on-one connection so they feel seen, heard and valued.
• When facing difficult times, Lana encourages us to pause before our thoughts take control, remind ourselves that we can do hard things and vulnerably reach out for support, whether through a higher power, a trusted friend or even a journal.
• Get a copy of Lana Wilhelm’s books Stroke and the Spouse here and Stroke and the Caregiver here.
• Learn more about CarePower Connect here.

Did you enjoy today’s episode?