Claiming the Care Role with Dan Contreras

Claiming the Care Role with Dan Contreras

Author: Elizabeth Miller Featured on The Whole Care Network October 22, 2025 Duration: 53:39

Dan Contreras is a U.S. Army veteran, proud husband, and devoted caregiver to his wife, Teresa. After years of service and leadership with DAV (Disabled American Veterans)—including his role as National Commander—Dan has become a strong advocate for both caregivers and care receivers.


Like many military spouses and family members, Dan didn’t initially see himself as a “caregiver.” That changed when, as a DAV leader, he sought to better understand the DAV’s Caregiver Support Program by completing the onboarding process. Now, he’s on a mission to raise awareness and provide resources for the 70% of veterans who are caring for loved ones.


In this episode of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, Dan shares:

  • The resources DAV offers to support veterans who are also caregivers
  • How his perspective on self-care has shifted as Teresa’s cancer journey has progressed
  • The creative outlets he and Teresa enjoy together, including Legos, crafts, and hobbies that bring them joy
  • How something as simple as a karaoke app helps him relieve stress and recharge


Show notes with product and resource links:

http://bit.ly/HHCPOD216

Receive the podcast in your email here:

http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv

Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal:

http://bit.ly/HHCjournal

For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth:

https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/

The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast:

https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW


Juggling the needs of aging parents or other family members with your career, your children, and your own aspirations can feel like an endless, solitary marathon. Happy Healthy Caregiver is a space dedicated to those navigating this complex reality, offering genuine conversation and practical strategies for sustaining your own well-being alongside your caregiving duties. Host Elizabeth Miller, a Certified Caregiving Consultant featured on The Whole Care Network, brings both personal experience and professional insight to each episode. She doesn’t just share her own stories; she creates dialogues with other family caregivers, exploring how they carve out moments for fitness, mental clarity, and personal joy amidst their responsibilities. Tuning into this podcast, you’ll hear honest discussions about setting boundaries, managing stress, and redefining what health and happiness look like during a demanding chapter of life. It’s a resource that acknowledges the weight of your role while providing tangible ideas to help you carry it, reminding you that caring for yourself isn’t a distraction from your duties-it’s what makes them sustainable.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Happy Healthy Caregiver
Podcast Episodes
Self-Care for Caregivers with Susanne White - Caregiver Spotlight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:18
Susanne White is the founder of Caregiver Warrior. She cared for her parents and this caregiving adventure changed her life. She blogs about this journey on her website, caregiverwarrior.com and shares her experience, st…
Advice for the Solo Family Caregiver [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:40
Caregiving happens. My upcoming guest needed to reschedule – dad in hospital. Family always comes first. I’m not as batched up with episodes as I’d like and the show must go on with a new episode every other Wednesday. S…
Mother and Son Chat About Caregiving and Self Care with Jacob Miller [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:33
Meet my son Jacob at age 20. Jacob was eight when our caregiving season started. He’s witnessed a lot during his adolescent and young adult years…we reflect on this, share family memories. and talk about how caregiving m…
Financial Self-Care with Kimberly Whiter - Caregiver Spotlight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:22
Meet Kimberly Whiter who is on a mission to guide families to a more financially-positive caregiving and aging experience. With her unique and personalized process, families gain multiple professional perspectives and ca…
Cocktails and Caregivers with Amanda Clark - Caregiver Spotlight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:21
Meet Amanda Clark who cared for her late husband Joe after he was diagnosed at age 28 with colon cancer. This diagnosis came two months before their wedding. Blogging helped she and her husband through this journey until…