In this episode of The Might Delete Later Podcast, the hosts reconnect with Ana, an old high school friend whose fascinating past includes working as a mermaid at the Playboy Mansion. The conversation centers on Ana’s current life as a full-time caregiver for her elderly aunt Sherri, who suffers from vascular dementia and blindness. Ana candidly discusses the emotional, financial, and practical challenges of caregiving, while also sharing moments of humor, resilience, and personal growth. The episode offers an honest look at family, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love and community.

Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:00:10)
The hosts introduce Ana, an old high school friend, and tease her interesting life story and professions.
Ana’s Playboy Mansion Experience (00:01:26)
Ana shares about working at the Playboy Mansion, being a mermaid at parties, and her experiences there.
Transition to Caregiving (00:05:14)
Ana explains leaving her job to care for her elderly aunt, Sherry, and how that responsibility came to her.
Aunt Sherri’s Background and Personality (00:05:33)
Ana describes her aunt’s personality, independence, and their family relationship.
Onset of Sherry’s Health Issues (00:08:03)
Ana recounts noticing changes in Sherri, her stroke, estrangement from her sons, and the beginning of her decline.
Sherri’s Dementia and Blindness (00:09:57)
Ana details Sherri’s vascular dementia, blindness from glaucoma, and the challenges these bring.
Behavioral Changes and Care Challenges (00:10:44)
Discussion of Sherri’s inappropriate behaviors due to dementia, her sweet tooth, and Ana’s efforts to manage her care.
Financial and Emotional Struggles (00:15:03)
Ana talks about the financial strain, difficulty getting state support, and the emotional toll of caregiving.
Faith, Prayer, and Coping (00:18:15)
Ana shares how caregiving has renewed her faith and the role of prayer in coping with stress.
Philosophical and Religious Tangents (00:19:04)
The group discusses beliefs about God, heaven, and spirituality in a lighthearted way.
Uncertainty and Waiting for Support (00:21:08)
Ana describes waiting for social worker responses, losing benefits, and selling clothes to make ends meet.
Ana’s Skating Passion (00:22:55)
Ana talks about her love for roller skating, working at a skating rink as a teen, and returning to skating as an adult.
Sherri’s Remaining Independence (00:25:06)
Ana reflects on how Sherri retains parts of her personality and preferences despite dementia.
Personal Growth Through Caregiving (00:25:44)
Ana discusses how caregiving has changed her, made her calmer, and taught her about herself.
Medical Appointments and Health Management (00:27:01)
Ana describes managing Sherri’s medical care, diet, and the importance of nutrition.
Nutrition and Dementia (00:28:36)
Conversation about the impact of diet on dementia, healthy foods, and the challenges of eating well.
Daily Care Routines and Showering Challenges (00:30:42)
Ana shares the difficulties of bathing Sherri, her fears, and how Ana adapts to help her feel safe.
Estrangement from Sherri’s Sons (00:39:32)
Ana explains the family estrangement, lack of contact with Sherri’s sons, and their absence from her care.
Financial Sacrifices and Family Concerns (00:45:16)
Ana discusses using her own savings, concerns about Sherri’s sons returning for money, and her commitment to caregiving.
Rescuing Sherri and Bringing Her Home (00:46:15)
Ana recounts the moment she decided to bring Sherri home and the initial challenges.
Decline in Sherri’s Vision and Mobility (00:47:37)
Ana talks about Sherri’s worsen

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