ADVICE FOR CAREGIVERS

WAKE UP! with Robbie Gawel

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, or simply want to understand the hidden struggles millions of families face, this conversation is one you don’t want to miss.