Heart of the Home: The Professional Newsman
From the Anchor Desk to the Bedside: Bryan Jenkins' Journey Through the "Pandemic You Don't See"
Bryan Jenkins spent his career as a "Town Crier," a professional newsman trained to hunt for the truth and report on the human impact of public policy, social shifts, and court rulings. But in 2018, a blizzard-driven phone call shifted his beat from the world at large to the four walls of a ranch-style home.
When his sister's husband and sole caregiver passed away suddenly, Bryan walked away from a burgeoning business venture to become "the man" for his sister, Linda—who was battling dementia—and his 83-year-old mother. Bryan's story is a masterclass in resilience, creative problem-solving, and the "journalistic curiosity" required to navigate a complex healthcare system while simultaneously battling his own progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
The Journalist's Toolset in the Caregiver's World
For Bryan, the transition from newsman to caregiver wasn't about learning new skills; it was about applying a professional edge to a 24/7 personal crisis.
- Human Impact as a Compass: In news, the story is always about how people are affected. In caregiving, Bryan found his "perspective" was always centered on the measure of human impact—only now, it was more intense because the crisis involved his own family.
- "Conversational Butter": Bryan learned quickly that legal and medical systems can be rigid. He used his "people person" skills to "slather a little conversational butter" on every interaction, knowing his loved ones' well-being depended on his ability to mine information and build rapport.
- The Investigative Edge: Facing the ever-changing demands of dementia, Bryan was constantly asking, "What do I do now?" He treated the search for answers like a lead story, refusing to be sidelined by the complexity of the system.
Navigating the "Double Challenge": Caregiving with a Disability
One of the most profound aspects of Bryan's story is his "double challenge." While managing his family's declining health, Bryan was adjusting to his own slowly progressive Multiple Sclerosis.
As his mobility decreased, his creativity increased to meet the labor of love:
- The Wanderer-Friendly Sanctuary: He landscaped his backyard to be a safe haven for his sister and installed extra locks and grab bars to accommodate the fact that all three residents faced equilibrium issues.
- Adapting the Labor: When he moved from a cane to a walker, Bryan's 6'3" stature became a tool. He would sit on his walker at the bedside, using it as a rolling perch to change his sister's diapers and reposition her, ensuring she was cared for even when his own legs were failing.
"Being there for your loved ones is your gift and despite the costs, you'll find no purpose more fulfilling!" — Bryan Jenkins
The Turning Point: A "Thank You" in the Dark
Caregiving can feel like "Chinese water torture on the soul," filled with repetitive questions and physical exhaustion. Yet, Bryan found his transformation in a fleeting moment of connection.
During the final year of his sister's life, after months of her being mostly non-vocal, Bryan was "jabbering on" and teasing her to get a reaction. In a sudden moment of recognition, she squeezed his hand and pushed out two words: "Thank you." That moment transformed his perspective. Bryan stopped seeing himself as "surviving in a dungeon" and began seeing himself as "thriving in a garden" he was cultivating for his family.
Bryan's "Day-One Blueprint" for Caregivers
Bryan's upcoming book, "Surviving Dementia – Caregiver Tactics for Living," aims to sound a public alarm. He offers a vital Day-One Blueprint for anyone thrust into this role:
- Get a Probate Lawyer: Spend the money for an hour's consultation on Asset Protection, Power of Attorney, and Family Trusts. It is the best investment you will make.
- Information is Armor: Don't wait for a crisis. Prepare for the legal, medical, and behavioral minefields before they arise.
- Mindset Transformation: Follow the "Happiness Lab" philosophy. Cherish the gift of each step conquered and find the "little things" that bring joy, even in the middle of the struggle.
We Want to Hear Your Story
Bryan's story is a powerful reminder that preparation is an act of love, and clarity is the best antidote to caregiver burnout. Help us shine a light on the grit and grace of caregiving.
Are you a medical professional, a family caregiver, or do you know someone whose dedication deserves to be recognized? We want to hear from you.
Please reach out to Kevin Lambing at customerservice@enhdme.com to share your story or nominate a caregiver in your community.
You are not alone. You CAN care, cope, survive, and thrive!