ADVICE FOR CAREGIVERS

WAKE UP—Season 2, Episode 2

 

🎙️ Host: Robbie Gawel

👤 Guest: Mike Menster – Advocate for Caregivers

 

What happens when caregiving takes over your life? In this powerful episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Mike Menster, whose story will open your eyes to the reality millions of caregivers face every day.

 

Mike and I first met as real estate agents in the early 2000s—he was the person with the cool ads (and the great hair), while I was still figuring out how to market myself.

 

Years later, we reconnected at the gym, where I learned that Mike’s life had taken a very different turn. For over 12 years, Mike was the full-time caregiver for both of his parents. Along the way, he faced challenges that many families silently endure: 💔 Watching dementia and Alzheimer’s slowly take hold 💊 Battling overmedication and medical negligence ⚖️ Losing his mother to a failed surgical procedure—with no real legal recourse 🕰️ Sacrificing career opportunities, finances, and personal health to care for loved ones.

 

 Now, Mike has become a passionate advocate for caregivers, working to bring awareness to the lack of resources, support, and rights available to those who give so much of themselves. In this episode, we cover:

 

✅ The difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s

✅ The four phases of Alzheimer’s disease

✅ The emotional and financial toll of caregiving

Caregivers urgently require increased support and protection.

 

 This isn’t just Mike’s story—it’s a wake-up call for all of us. Whether you’re currently a caregiver, know someone who is, o