Caregiving Mindset Shifts That Heal and Empower | with Dr. Aaron Blight

In this deeply meaningful episode, Laura sits down with Dr. Aaron Blight, founder of Caregiving Kinetics, to explore how caregiving reshapes our identity, relationships, and personal growth. Drawing from his experience as a family caregiver, home care business owner, and scholar of caregiving, Dr. Blight shares transformative insights on why reflection—not just action—is vital for caregivers.

Together, they discuss how caregiving calls us to step off the “hamster wheel” of survival mode, face uncomfortable truths, and ultimately find deep meaning in the caregiving journey.

👤 Meet Dr. Aaron Blight:

Dr. Aaron Blight is the founder of Caregiving Kinetics, an international speaker, consultant, and author specializing in caregiving, aging, and healthcare workforce development. A former policy leader at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Aaron’s personal caregiving experience profoundly shaped his career. His award-winning book, "When Caregiving Calls: Guidance as You Care for a Parent, Spouse, or Aging Relative," provides caregivers with practical strategies and reflective tools for navigating the complex emotional terrain of caregiving.

📌 Topics Discussed:

• Aaron’s personal story of unexpected family caregiving
• How caregiving reshapes identity, relationships, and emotions
• The importance of reflection—not just action—for caregivers
• Highlights from Aaron’s book When Caregiving Calls
• Why traditional healthcare often overlooks caregiver needs
• Introducing the Caregiver Mind Shift framework
• How support groups and community reduce caregiver isolation
• Using reflection questions to unlock deeper healing and meaning
• Why connection and storytelling matter in the caregiving journey

⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):

00:00 – Welcome and introduction of Dr. Aaron Blight

01:50 – How unexpected family caregiving changed Aaron’s life

06:00 – Launching a home care company after caregiving experience

09:30 – Why reflection is vital for caregivers' growth

13:45 – Exploring When Caregiving Calls and its 18 key chapters

18:40 – The role of caregiver identity theory in understanding struggles

23:20 – How reflective journaling can transform caregiving

30:00 – Stories from caregivers who found healing through reflection

36:15 – Caregiver isolation, grief, and the need for connection

40:50 – Introducing the Caregiver Mind Shift model

48:10 – How community support can extend beyond caregiving seasons

52:00 – Final thoughts and where to find Aaron’s work

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Caregiving fundamentally changes who we are—but that change can lead to growth.
• Reflection and intentional self-inquiry are powerful tools for caregivers.
• A growth mindset helps caregivers adapt, survive, and ultimately thrive.
• Building or finding community can ease isolation and emotional burden.
• Caregiving deserves acknowledgment, support, and compassionate resources.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• When Caregiving Calls: Guidance as You Care for a Parent, Spouse, or Aging Relative
• Caregiving Kinetics Free Resources & Models

🤝 Connect with Dr. Aaron Blight:

Website: caregivingkinetics.com

Subscribe to his newsletter: Caregiving Kinetics Blog

🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast:

Website: lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

Instagram: @lifeonrepeatpodcast

Facebook: Life on Repeat Podcast

YouTube: Life on Repeat Podcast Channel

✨ Like this episode? Please like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to hear it. You’re not alone.