In this episode, we’re joined by Debbie Compton—author, caregiving advocate, and the founder of The Purple Vine. Debbie brings compassion and hard-won wisdom from years spent caring for her father, her mother, and her mother-in-law.

Debbie opens up about the personal journey that led her to leave her job in order to become a full-time caregiver. Like many, she initially saw herself as simply "a daughter taking care of her parents," not realizing she was part of a much larger community of caregivers.

We discuss the emotional and practical challenges she faced, including the experience of caregiver burnout and the many lessons she wishes she had known before beginning her caregiving journey. Debbie shares how hospice care changed her family's story and urges listeners to consider its benefits sooner rather than later.

A chance encounter with a hospice nurse inspired Debbie to start The Purple Vine, a supportive resource for other caregivers who might feel alone or overwhelmed. She offers advice, encouragement, and tangible tips for those walking a similar path.

If you are a caregiver, know someone who is, or simply want to better understand the realities of caregiving, this episode is filled with empathy, honesty, and hope.

Topics Include:

• Debbie’s personal caregiving journey for three loved ones

• The decision to leave work and take on full-time caregiving

• Why so many people don’t ‘identify’ as caregivers

• The realities of caregiver burnout

• The comfort and relief hospice care brought her family

• Things Debbie wishes she had known at the beginning

• The inspiration behind The Purple Vine and its mission

• Advice for new caregivers

Resources:

• Learn more about Debbie and discover support for your caregiving journey at thepurplevine.com

Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if this episode helped you or someone you know in their caregiving journey!

Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:

• Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
• For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
• For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
• For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
• Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.