Episode 32: Role Reversal – When the Child Becomes the Caregiver with Tiffany Cardwell

When a person has a stroke, life changes for family members as well. Host Rosa Hart is joined by Tiffany Cardwell, who shares a deeply personal journey of love, responsibility and unexpected role reversal after her father experienced a stroke while traveling overseas. What began as a season filled with travel plans quickly turned into a crisis when her father suddenly was stranded in the Philippines, requiring rehabilitation before he could make the long journey home.

Tiffany opens up about the emotional toll of navigating her father’s stroke from afar, the stress of coordinating international medical care and the moment she realized she had become her father’s primary caregiver. She shares candidly about the heartbreak of watching her strong, independent father face physical and cognitive challenges — and the strength it took to step into a caregiving role while honoring his dignity.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• What it was like coordinating medical care and rehab internationally
• The complexities of flying a stroke survivor home after an overseas hospitalization
• The emotional impact of becoming a caregiver to a parent
• How caregiving redefined their relationship — and deepened their bond
• Tips for others suddenly thrust into long-distance or primary caregiving roles

Whether you’re a caregiver, stroke survivor or loved one, Tiffany’s story is a moving reminder that stroke changes everything — but it also creates space for resilience, connection and reimagined futures.

Key takeaways:

• Stroke recovery doesn’t just impact the survivor — it reshapes family roles and dynamics.
• Long-distance caregiving and international rehab and travel come with logistical, legal and emotional challenges.
• Communication, compassion and flexibility are key to adapting during a medical crisis.
• Even amid grief for what was lost, it’s possible to find new meaning and purpose in the caregiver role.

Want more inspiring stories and real-life resources? Subscribe and share “Stronger After Stroke” with someone who needs a little extra support navigating life after stroke.

For more support after stroke, check out the programs available online and in person through Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Centers: https://nortonhealthcare.com/services-and-conditions/neurosciences/patient-resources/resource-center/

If you enjoyed this podcast, listen to Norton Healthcare’s “MedChat” podcast, available in your favorite podcast app. “MedChat” provides continuing medical education on the go and is targeted toward physicians and clinicians.

Norton Healthcare, a not-for-profit health care system, is a leader in serving adult and pediatric patients throughout Greater Louisville, Southern Indiana, the commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond. A strong research program provides access to clinical trials in a multitude of areas. More information about Norton Healthcare is available at NortonHealthcare.com.

Date of original release: July 14, 2025