How to Armor Up and Be Prepared to Help a Loved One Through a Health Crisis

In the Graced Health Podcast, Amy Connell sat down with Dawn F. Landry for an informal, yet informative and fun interview. 

Sometimes, despite doing all the things right, we still find ourselves in a health crisis. Today I’m speaking with Dawn Landry, author of the book Armored, about her experiences as a caregiver for her very health-minded husband who suffered three major health crises.

One of my favorite podcasts is Everything Happens with Kate Bowler. I have learned so much from this podcast, especially as it relates to grief and hard things. One thing Kate mentions at the beginning is sometimes tough things happen for no reason at all. Today’s story is one of those.

I’m speaking with Dawn Landry and her experience of being a caregiver, or as she calls it, a “care coach” to her husband for not one, not two, but three separate times. The last one was a stroke that left him paralyzed on the right side of his body. We talk about very applicable ways to support others who are going through a health crisis, ways to help patients in their recovery, and the importance of paying attention to those God-whispers. 

We discuss:

• Some of the tangible ways to help a friend in a health crisis

• Ideas for encouraging your loved one in their recovery

• Applicable tips to prepare for unforeseen circumstances

• The importance (and vulnerability of) asking for help

• Why Dawn prefers the term “Care Coach” rather than “Caregiver”

• One thing you shouldn’t ignore

— Amy Connell, Graced Health Podcast