A Better Way to Care: Practical Support for Families Navigating Illness Together with Ashley Blackington

What happens when caregiving meets the heart of advocacy, balance, and resilience?

Ashley Blackington, founder of Dovetail and board-certified occupational therapist, shares her insights on caregiving, managing cancer journeys, and supporting families through complex health experiences. With over 15 years in the healthcare industry, Ashley opens up about the emotional and practical challenges of caregiving, the importance of self-care, and the ways caregivers can build a supportive network without losing themselves in the process.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The emotional weight of caregiving: Ashley discusses the toll caregiving can take on families, and how to manage the physical and emotional exhaustion while still providing the best care.
• Creating a caregiving network: Learn how Dovetail's platform empowers caregivers & families to manage tasks, communicate, and collaborate with others in real-time, making caregiving a shared responsibility.
• Why self-care is non-negotiable for caregivers: Ashley highlights the importance of caregivers prioritizing their own well-being in order to better support their loved ones.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(02:07) Ashley’s background as an OT

(04:22) Challenges of caregiving in cancer treatment

(07:30) Emotional impact of caregiving on families

(10:45) Creating a supportive caregiving network

(15:20) Dovetail: Platform for shared caregiving

(18:40) Managing caregiver fatigue and stress

(22:10) Importance of self-care in caregiving

(26:30) Strategies for balancing caregiving and personal life

(30:15) Role of humor and connection in caregiving

(35:00) Advice for new caregivers

Resources:

• Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/
• Connect with Dovetail on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydovetail.app/
• Check out Dovetail: https://dovetaildesigns.co/
• Get the Dovetail app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822
• Connect with Amri on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amri-kibbler-71333b15/
• Connect with The Space Between on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespacebetween_cancer.family
• Connect with Amri on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amrikibbler/
• Amri’s official website: https://www.amrikibbler.com/
• Check out S.E.A. Waves of Support Healing Selenite Bracelets: https://seawavesofsupport.com