Inspired Caring: Recent Episodes
Michele Magner
If you are helping out an aging family member, this is the place for you!
As a family caregiver, working in the senior living industry and studying gerontology & dementia, I've learned how important our mindset is as we . Here, you will hear conversations and wisdom from other people's caregiver journey. Plus, knowledge from top experts on what caregivers should know and tools that can help you.
www.InspiredSenior.com michele@inspiredsenior.com
Summary In this episode of Inspired Caring, Michele Magner engages in a heartfelt conversation with Erica Baccus about her journey through her husband's Alzheimer's diagnosis and the decision to pursue assisted dying in Switzerland. They explore the complexities of grief, the importance of open conversations about death, and the emotional challenges faced by families navigating these difficult choices. Erica shares her personal experiences, insights on the process of Dignitas, and the significance of making informed decisions about end-of-life care.
Keywords
assisted dying, Alzheimer's, grief, decision-making, Dignitas, end-of-life options, medical assistance in dying, emotional support, family conversations, personal stories
Takeaways
- Erica emphasizes the need for open conversations about death and dying.
- The decision for assisted dying was made with careful consideration and love.
- Grief can manifest in complex ways, especially after a planned death.
- Erica's husband, John, maintained a positive outlook throughout his illness.
- The process of assisted dying in Switzerland involves thorough documentation and evaluations.
- Erica found solace in writing and journaling during her husband's decline.
- Family dynamics play a crucial role in navigating end-of-life decisions.
- The importance of understanding one's options regarding assisted dying is highlighted.
- Erica's experience reflects the need for supportive medical communities.
- Conversations about death should begin long before a diagnosis.
Sound bites
"I wrote a goodbye letter."
"This was a gift."
"This isn't for everyone."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Right to Die
01:22 Personal Experiences with Assisted Dying
04:20 Navigating the Legal Landscape of Assisted Dying
07:27 The Emotional Journey of Decision-Making
10:17 The Process of Dignitas and Its Requirements
13:04 Traveling to Switzerland for Assisted Dying
15:47 The Experience at Dignitas
18:57 Reflections on Life and Death Choices
30:29 The Process of Assisted Dying
34:56 Reflections on Choice and Grief
37:35 Navigating Conversations About Death
43:19 Communicating with Family About End-of-Life Choices
48:02 The Importance of Timing in End-of-Life Decisions
52:04 Self-Care for Caregivers
53:54 Sharing the Journey: The Book Launch
57:23 Navigating Difficult Conversations About Death
01:00:05 The Emotional Toll of Caregiving
01:02:21 Facing Alzheimer's: A Personal Journey
01:05:23 The Importance of Sharing Stories
Buy Erica's Book A PROMISE KEPT: Honoring His Wishes, Embracing Our Love
Visit Erica’s Website
Buy Amy Bloom’s Book In Love
Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
The Curious Senior Book Review on Being Mortal
Visit Dignitas' Website
Inspired Caring is THE family support & education program that helps families feel calm and confident to make better decisions faster.
Inspired Caring is offered as an annual membership to businesses to provide for the families they work with.
Connect with Michele Magner:
Website: www.InspiredCaring.com
E-mail: hello@inspiredcaring.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredcaring/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michele.magner.90
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-magner-60a99089/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@inspiredcaringwithmichelem3138
Custom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. He does custom songs for any occasion.
Summary In this conversation, Michele Magner interviews Co-Founder and President of Zinnia TV, Allyson Schrier. Allyson shares about the programing created designed to assist families caring for individuals with dementia. Allyson shares her personal journey as a caregiver to her husband and the inspiration behind creating Zinnia TV, which focuses on providing specialized programming that caters to the cognitive needs of those living with dementia. The discussion covers the development of the app, its impact on caregivers and patients, and the importance of education and involvement in caregiving. Allyson emphasizes the need for creativity and flexibility in caregiving, as well as the significance of maintaining a sense of purpose for individuals with dementia.
Takeaways
Zinnia TV was created to provide specialized programming for people living with dementia.
Television can be a powerful tool for engagement if used correctly.
Caregivers need to slow down and allow people to participate in activities.
Education for caregivers is crucial in improving care.
Activities of Daily Living (ADL) videos help maintain routines.
Zinnia TV can reduce agitation and enhance connections between caregivers and the people they're caring for.
"Cognitive ramps" can help individuals with dementia maintain their independence.
Programming diversity is important to cater to different interests.
Mental health professionals need to be more aware of dementia symptoms.
Zinnia TV aims to help people thrive beyond their diagnosis.
Sound bites
"Nobody should be parked in front of any programming."
"The television can actually be an excellent tool."
Keywords Zinnia TV, dementia care, family caregivers, specialized programming, reducing agitation, activities of daily living, caregiver education, cognitive ramps, programming diversity, mental health awareness
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Zinnia TV
03:39 The Need for Specialized Programming
06:51 Development of Zinnia TV
09:40 Research and Impact on Caregivers
12:49 Activities of Daily Living and Engagement
15:39 Reducing Agitation and Enhancing Connection
18:51 Education for Caregivers
21:38 The Importance of Involvement
24:50 Cognitive Ramps and Maintaining Purpose
27:43 Final Thoughts and Future of Caregiving
30:54 Conclusion and Resources
Learn more about Zinnia TV and subscription options!
Lorenzo’s House
Hilarity for Charity advocates, educates and supports families on the dementia journey.
Inspired Caring is THE family support & education program that helps families feel calm and confident to make better decisions faster.
Inspired Caring is also offered as an annual membership tobusinesses to provide for the families they work with.
Connect with Michele Magner:
Website: www.InspiredCaring.com
E-mail: hello@inspiredcaring.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredcaring/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michele.magner.90
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-magner-60a99089/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@inspiredcaringwithmichelem3138
Custom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. He does custom songs for any occasion.
Summary In this conversation, Michele Magner and Christina Keys delve into the complexities of caregiving, grief, and recovery. Christina shares her personal journey through loss, the challenges of being a caregiver, and the importance of self-care and community support. They discuss the emotional toll of caregiving, the need to redefine normalcy, and the resources available for caregivers. The conversation emphasizes the significance of finding peace amidst chaos and the necessity of building a supportive network for caregivers.
Takeaways
Caregiving can lead to emotional and physical exhaustion.
Redefining normal is crucial for caregivers.
Self-care is often overlooked but essential for well-being.
Building a support network can alleviate feelings of isolation.
Grief and caregiver recovery are intertwined processes.
Caregivers often become invisible in their roles.
Finding peace can come from creative outlets and self-expression.
Community resources are vital for caregiver support.
Navigating the complexities of caregiving requires education and awareness.
It's important to acknowledge and address one's own needs as a caregiver.
Keywords
caregiving, grief, self-care, caregiver support, mental health, healing journey, caregiver recovery, community resources, emotional health, family caregiving
Sound bites
"I had to redefine what my normal was."
"I was so used to saying fine."
"I needed to redefine my normal."
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Grief and Loss
06:47 The Journey of Caregiving and Self-Care
12:50 Redefining Normal in Caregiving
18:47 Finding Support and Community as a Caregiver
29:23 The Importance of Caregiver Community
36:59 Navigating Caregiver Challenges
44:38 Understanding Caregiver Recovery
55:16 Redefining Normal After Caregiving
Resources Shared
Caregiver Action Network
Daughterhood
Hero Gen
Connect with Christina Keys –
Caregiver Recovery
Keys for Caregiving
National Text Line: 360-230-7736
Inspired Caringis THE family support & education program that helps families feel calm andconfident to make better decisions faster.
Inspired Caring is also offered as an annual membership tobusinesses to provide for the families they work with.
Connect with Michele Magner:
Website: www.InspiredCaring.com
E-mail: hello@inspiredcaring.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredcaring/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michele.magner.90
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-magner-60a99089/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@inspiredcaringwithmichelem3138
Custom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. He does custom songs for any occasion.
Summary - In this conversation, Michele Magner reflects on the importance of recognizing personal wins and connections throughout the year. She discusses the difference between living the dream and living in a vision, emphasizing the need for intentionality in creating one's life. Michele shares insights on visualizing the future, especially during transitional phases, and encourages listeners to build a clear vision for their desired life. The conversation concludes with a call to action for listeners to actively create their best lives and hold onto their visions amidst life's challenges.
Takeaways
Reflecting on wins can provide clarity and joy.
Living the dream is about recognizing what you have.
Intentionality is key in creating your desired life.
Visualizing your future helps navigate transitions.
It's important to give yourself credit for accomplishments.
Building a vision can guide you through tough times.
Consider what you want your daily life to look like.
Surround yourself with positive energy and people.
Change is inevitable; prepare for it with a vision.
Living your best life requires active participation and reflection.
Chapters
00:00 Reflecting on Wins and Joys
03:58 Living the Dream vs. Living the Vision
07:11 Visualizing Your Future
09:53 Transitioning Through Life's Changes
12:38 Building a Vision for Change
16:04 Introduction and Warm Welcome
16:05 Exploring Key Themes and Insights
Keywords
reflection, visualization, personal growth, living the dream, future planning, family connections, self-care, life transitions, Inspired Caring, vision building
Inspired Caringis THE family support & education program that helps families feel calm and confident to make better decisions faster.
Inspired Caring is also offered as an annual membership tobusinesses to provide for the families they work with.
Connect with Michele Magner:
Website: www.InspiredCaring.com
E-mail: hello@inspiredcaring.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredcaring/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michele.magner.90
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-magner-60a99089/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@inspiredcaringwithmichelem3138
Custom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. He does custom songs for any occasion.
Summary In this conversation, Dr. Cecilia Poon, a Geropsychologist, discusses the complexities of aging and caregiving. She emphasizes the psychological aspects of aging, the importance of communication between caregivers and older adults, and the resilience that can be found in both groups. The conversation also addresses denial in older adults, family dynamics that can complicate caregiving. Dr. Poon highlights the need for understanding and compassion in navigating these challenges, advocating for interdependence rather than dependency as individuals age.
Takeaways
Aging is a lifelong process that affects everyone differently.
Psychological resilience is crucial for both older adults and caregivers.
Communication is key to bridging gaps between caregivers and older adults.
Denial can manifest in various ways and is not always negative.
Family dynamics can complicate caregiving and perceptions of aging.
Older adults often adapt to changes without recognizing them as aging.
Asking for help is essential but can be stigmatized due to ageism.
Resilience in aging involves flexibility and the ability to bounce back.
Trust is fundamental in the caregiver-older adult relationship.
Understanding the function of behaviors can help caregivers respond better.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Aging: The Psychological Perspective
10:42 Navigating Denial: Caregiver and Patient Dynamics
19:25 Resilience in Aging: Embracing Interdependence
24:06 Communication Strategies: Bridging the Gap with Older Adults
28:35 Navigating Conversations with Healthcare Providers
33:36 Addressing Family Denial and Communication Challenges
38:07 Understanding Caregiver Dynamics and Responsibilities
42:59 Navigating Manipulation and Independence in Aging
53:15 Cognitive Impairment and Communication Strategies
Keywords
aging, caregiving, psychology, resilience, communication, denial, family dynamics, manipulation, interdependence, mental health
Resources from Dr. Poon
Plan Your Lifespan
Across the lifespan
Reframing Aging
APA Resolution on Ageism. (We are alsoworking on the one on family caregiving)
Caregiver Family Therapy by Sara Qualls
Inspired Caring is THE family support & education program that helps families feel calm and confident to make better decisions faster. It is offered as an annual membership to businesses to provide for the families they work with.
Connect with Michele Magner:
Website: www.InspiredCaring.com
E-mail: hello@inspiredcaring.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredcaring/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michele.magner.90
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-magner-60a99089/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@inspiredcaringwithmichelem3138
Custom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. He does custom songs for any occasion.
Description: Join Michele Magner as she welcomes Erin Hart from the Ohio Health Care Association and Peter Murphy Lewis, a Documentarian and storyteller, to discuss the transformative power of caregiving. Discover the heartwarming stories behind the series "People Worth Caring About," which highlights the dedication of professional caregivers and the vibrant communities they create. They share the behind the scenes of what's really happening in senior living.
Key Highlights:
Erin Hart shares her journey from corporate roles to advocacy in long-term care. Peter Murphy Lewis discusses his passion for storytelling and capturing the essence of caregiving. The series "People Worth Caring About" aims to change perceptions of long-term care facilities. Insightful discussions on the impact of community and the evolving landscape of senior care. Personal stories that showcase the joy and fulfillment found in caregiving roles.
Listen to the full episode to explore the inspiring stories of those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. Don't forget to subscribe to Inspired Caring for more heartwarming content!
Connect with Peter.
Connect with Erin.
Singleton, OH Episode with Mississippi Jackson
InspiredCaring #Caregiving #Community #LongTermCare #illuminatingseniorliving #seniorliving #caregiving #professionalcaregivers
Summary In this episode, Michele Magner interviews Erin Thompson, an experienced Executive Director in senior living, who shares her journey and insights into the complexities of caregiving, family dynamics, and the role of leadership in senior living communities. They discuss the emotional challenges faced by caregivers, the importance of communication between families and staff, and the financial realities of operating a senior living facility. Erin emphasizes the need for trust, understanding, and the value of adding quality to residents' lives, while also addressing the pressures and turnover in leadership roles. The conversation aims to bridge the gap between families and the leadership of senior living communities, fostering empathy and understanding.
Takeaways
Caregiving is both a joy and a burden.
Family dynamics play a crucial role in senior care decisions.
The executive director connects various departments in a community.
Adding value to residents' lives is the core mission.
Trust and communication are essential for family involvement.
The cost of senior living is influenced by many factors.
Leadership in senior living faces unique emotional challenges.
Effective communication can alleviate family concerns.
Erin's mission is to support leaders in the senior living industry.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Erin Thompson and Her Journey
03:27 The Role of Caregivers and Family Dynamics
06:51 Navigating Senior Living Decisions
09:42 The Executive Director's Perspective
12:35 Adding Value to Lives in Senior Living
15:11 The Importance of Family in Senior Living
18:07 Effective Communication with Families
21:11 Understanding the Role of Executive Directors
31:22 Turning Challenges into Opportunities in Senior Living
34:29 Understanding Executive Director Turnover
41:16 Balancing Head and Heart in Leadership
45:03 The High Costs of Senior Living
51:19 Supporting Leadership in Senior Living
58:45 Empathy and Understanding in Caregiving
Sound Bites
"Senior living is magic."
"Every community has its challenges."
"Families play a huge role in care."
Connect with Erin through her Website or on LinkedIn
Inspired Caring is THE family support & education program that helps families feel calm and confident to make better decisions faster.
Inspired Caring is also offered as an annual membership tobusinesses to provide for the families they work with.
Connect with Michele Magner:
Website: www.InspiredCaring.com
E-mail: hello@inspiredcaring.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredcaring/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michele.magner.90
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-magner-60a99089/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@inspiredcaringwithmichelem3138
Custom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. He does custom songs for any occasion.
Keywords
senior living, caregiving, executive director, family dynamics, leadership, community care, aging population, communication, cost of care, emotional health
Summary In this episode, Michele Magner interviews Erin Thompson, an experienced Executive Director in senior living, who shares her journey and insights into the complexities of caregiving, family dynamics, and the role of leadership in senior living communities. They discuss the emotional challenges faced by caregivers, the importance of communication between families and staff, and the financial realities of operating a senior living facility. Erin emphasizes the need for trust, understanding, and the value of adding quality to residents' lives, while also addressing the pressures and turnover in leadership roles. The conversation aims to bridge the gap between families and the leadership of senior living communities, fostering empathy and understanding.
Takeaways
Erin's journey in senior living began at a young age.
Caregiving is both a joy and a burden.
Family dynamics play a crucial role in senior care decisions.
The Executive Director connects various departments in a community.
Adding value to residents' lives is the core mission.
Trust and communication are essential for family involvement.
The cost of senior living is influenced by many factors.
Leadership in senior living faces unique emotional challenges.
Effective communication can alleviate family concerns.
Erin's mission is to support leaders in the senior living industry.
Sound bites
"Senior living is magic."
"Every community has its challenges."
"Families play a huge role in care."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Erin Thompson and Her Journey
03:27 The Role of Caregivers and Family Dynamics
06:51 Navigating Senior Living Decisions
09:42 The Executive Director's Perspective
12:35 Adding Value to Lives in Senior Living
15:11 The Importance of Family in Senior Living
18:07 Effective Communication with Families
21:11 Understanding the Role of Executive Directors
31:22 Turning Challenges into Opportunities in Senior Living
34:29 Understanding Executive Director Turnover
41:16 Balancing Head and Heart in Leadership
45:03 The High Costs of Senior Living
51:19 Supporting Leadership in Senior Living
58:45 Empathy and Understanding in Caregiving
Keywords
senior living, caregiving, executive director, family dynamics, leadership, community care, aging population, communication, cost of care, emotional health
Connect with Erin Thompson on LinkedIn or visit her Website.
Inspired Caringis THE family support & education program that helps families feel calm and confident to make better decisions faster.
Inspired Caring is also offered as an annual membership tobusinesses to provide for the families they work with.
Connect with Michele Magner:
Website: www.InspiredCaring.com
E-mail: hello@inspiredcaring.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredcaring/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michele.magner.90
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-magner-60a99089/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@inspiredcaringwithmichelem3138
Custom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. He does custom songs for any occasion!
Summary
In this episode, Michele Magner explores the concept of self-identity through the lens of how she wants to show up day to day and the kind of woman she wants to become. She emphasizes the importance of intentionality in defining who we are and who we want to become, particularly as women navigating societal expectations and personal aspirations. The discussion highlights the beauty of aging, the need to let go of perfectionism, and the significance of living in the present while striving for future goals.
Takeaways
We often operate on autopilot, following outdated rules.
Aging allows us to care less about unimportant things.
Perfectionism and control can be exhausting for caregivers.
It's essential to question our intentions behind actions.
Defining who we want to be is a crucial step in self-discovery.
Life is fleeting; we must be intentional about our choices.
Optimism and hope are vital for our future selves.
Recognizing our achievements is important for self-acceptance.
Life is a journey of becoming, not just being.
Looking back helps us appreciate our growth.
Chapters
00:00 Embracing the 'I Am' Concept
03:48 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Aging
06:47 Intentional Living and Future Aspirations
Inspired Caring is THE family support & education program that helps families feel calm and confident to make better decisions faster.
Inspired Caring is offered as an annual membership tobusinesses to provide for the families they work with.
Connect with Michele Magner:
Website: www.InspiredCaring.com
E-mail: hello@inspiredcaring.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredcaring/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michele.magner.90
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-magner-60a99089/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@inspiredcaringwithmichelem3138
Custom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. He does custom songs for any occasion.
Summary In this conversation, Michele Magner and her mother, Deborah Ferris, Founder of The Curious Senior, explore the themes of denial and procrastination, particularly in the context of aging and planning for the future. They discuss the challenges of moving, downsizing, and the importance of living in the present while preparing for what lies ahead. The conversation highlights the emotional attachments to possessions and the necessity of letting go, as well as the significance of maintaining quality of life through proactive planning and embracing change. This is an ongoing family conversation so Michele won't be surprised if there are more episodes to come!
Takeaways
- Denial and procrastination can hinder effective planning for the future.
- It's essential to have conversations about aging and care before it's too late.
- Moving into a new environment can stimulate cognitive function and memory.
- Downsizing requires letting go of emotional attachments to possessions.
- Planning for the future should include more than just end-of-life arrangements.
- Living in the present is crucial for mental well-being.
- Quality of life should be prioritized in healthcare decisions.
- Engaging with different people can enhance cognitive abilities.
- It's okay to change your mind about plans and decisions.
- Finding joy in life is important at any age.
Keywords
denial, procrastination, aging, planning, downsizing, memory, quality of life, healthcare, family, joy
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Denial and Procrastination
10:50 The Importance of Planning for the Future
21:03 Downsizing and Letting Go of Attachments
30:47 Living in the Present and Quality of Life
41:03 Capturing Memories and Embracing Joy
Sound Bites
"There are tipping points where it's just not working."
"You have to have a plan for your future."
"What would give you joy right now?"
Inspired Caring is THE family support & education program that helps families feel calm and confident to make better decisions faster.
Inspired Caring is also offered as an annual membership tobusinesses to provide for the families they work with.
Connect with Michele Magner:
Website: www.InspiredCaring.com
E-mail: hello@inspiredcaring.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredcaring/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michele.magner.90
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-magner-60a99089/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@inspiredcaringwithmichelem3138
Custom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. He does custom songs for any occasion.
Summary In this conversation, Michele Magner and Carrie Aalberts, known as Dementia Darling, delve into the complexities of "sundowning" in dementia care. They discuss the emotional and behavioral challenges faced by individuals living with dementia during the late afternoon and evening hours, exploring the triggers, symptoms, and effective strategies for caregivers. The importance of creating a calm environment, ensuring adequate sunlight exposure, and understanding the nuances of language used in dementia care are emphasized. The conversation also highlights the need for awareness around younger onset dementia and the unique challenges faced by families in this situation.
Takeaways
- Sundowning often leads to increased confusion and agitation in dementia patients.
- Every individual with dementia experiences symptoms differently.
- Under-stimulation during the day can trigger sundowning behaviors.
- Creating a calm and supportive environment is crucial for managing sundowning.
- Sunlight exposure during the day helps regulate circadian rhythms in dementia patients.
- Perseveration refers to the repetitive looping of thoughts in dementia patients.
- Engaging patients with music and sensory activities can alleviate sundowning symptoms.
- Caregivers should document behaviors and concerns when consulting with doctors.
- The term 'sundowning' has historical racist roots that can be problematic.
- Younger onset dementia presents unique challenges that require specific support.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Sundowning and Its Challenges
05:35 Understanding Sundowning: Causes and Effects
10:40 Triggers of Sundowning: Understimulation and Environment
15:43 Creating a Calm Environment for Dementia Patients
20:48 The Importance of Sunlight and Engagement
24:30 Breaking Stigmas: Living Well with Dementia
25:22 Understanding Dementia and Perseveration
32:57 The Power of Music and Multi-Sensory Engagement
36:20 Navigating Medical Conversations and Seeking Support
39:11 Rethinking Language in Dementia Care
43:48 Supporting Younger Onset Dementia Families
Keywords
sundowning, dementia, caregiving, mental health, elder care, memory care, environmental triggers, caregiver support, dementia awareness, younger onset dementia
Connect with Carrie!
Instagram - Dementia Darling
LinkedIn - Carrie Aalberts
Facebook - Dementia Darling
TikTok - Dementia Darling
YouTube - Dementia Darling
Links to what we discussed:
BeLight Care - Adria Thompson
Lorenzos House Youth Summit - June 20 & 21, 2025
Zinnia TV
Dementia Dialers – Coming Soon
**During this episode, Michele learns that the term “Sundowning” is deeply rooted in racism. This is a term that is widely used throughout the medical community and industry so in order to reach the most people who will connect with his topic, she uses the term in the shownotes. Going forward Michele will continue to seek language that can express this time of day in a way that is familiar to the public but changes the cultural language.
Inspired Caring is THE family support & education program that helps families feel calm and confident to make better decisions faster.
Inspired Caring is also offered as an annual membership tobusinesses to provide for the families they work with.
Connect with Michele Magner:
Website: www.InspiredCaring.com
E-mail: hello@inspiredcaring.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredcaring/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michele.magner.90
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-magner-60a99089/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@inspiredcaringwithmichelem3138
Custom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. He does custom songs for any occasion.
Summary: In this deeply personal conversation, Michele Magner interviews Jason Ott, author of 'No Cure, No Problem', discussing the art of healing and the importance of addressing chronic illness through a holistic lens. Jason shares his personal journey of caregiving for his mother, the gaps in the current healthcare system, and the significance of understanding health beyond traditional metrics.
Jason also shares about his experience when he decided to stop stuffing down emotions with drugs and alcohol and consciously participate in his own healing.
He shares his eight principles of healing and speaks to the importance of the spiritual component of health. Our discussion also touches on the challenges of changing relationships and the importance of community support for caregivers.
There are so many chilling mic drop moments from Jason in this conversation I encourage you to listen through the end.
Takeaways
- Chronic illness is often misunderstood and can be reframed.
- The current healthcare system often focuses on 'sick care' rather than true health.
- Personal experiences shape our understanding of health and healing.
- Herbalism can play a significant role in supporting organ health.
- It's essential to look beyond the scale, or other obvious markers, when assessing health.
- Spiritual beliefs can influence healing and recovery.
- Community and connection are vital for caregivers.
- Making lifestyle changes can prevent chronic illness.
- Understanding one's own health history is crucial for healing.
- Filling your own cup is necessary to care for others effectively.
Keywords
healing, chronic illness, caregiving, healthcare, herbalism, wellness, personal growth, resilience, spirituality, community
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Healing and Chronic Illness
02:13 Personal Journey: The Impact of Family Illness
07:23 The Flaws in Current Healthcare Systems
11:09 Understanding Health Beyond the Scale
17:38 Reframing Chronic Illness: A New Perspective
25:04 The Role of Herbalism in Healing
30:37 Finding the Right Professionals for Health
32:02 Nutrient Absorption and Health
33:56 The Eight Healing Principles
36:40 The Spiritual Component of Healing
40:51 Changing Relationships with Alcohol
45:35 Navigating Social Changes and Isolation
50:14 Identifying Personal Kryptonite
54:09 The Ripple Effect of Change
01:00:04 Self-Care for Caregivers - you are not exempt
Connect with Jason Ott:
Buy the BOOK
Visit his Website
Connect on LinkedIn
Connect on Instagram
Inspired Caring is THE family support & education program that helps families feel calm and confident to make better decisions faster.
Inspired Caring is also offered as an annual membership tobusinesses to provide for the families they work with.
Connect with Michele Magner:
Website: www.InspiredCaring.com
E-mail: hello@inspiredcaring.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredcaring/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michele.magner.90
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-magner-60a99089/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@inspiredcaringwithmichelem3138
Custom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. He does custom songs for any occasion.
Summary In this episode I share about the 3 W's that can tear people up and tear families apart. The 'What, Where, and When' of family plans can create a lot of conflict!
Of these three things, narrow down on anything that feels clear in each category. From there which category is giving you the most heartburn? Is there one thing it's time to release the reins on to facilitate collaboration?
Takeaways
- Families often struggle with decision-making about activities and care.
- The 'what, where, and when' framework can help clarify family plans.
- Feeling overwhelmed by choices can lead to frustration and conflict.
- Collaboration is key to resolving family disagreements.
- Sometimes it's beneficial to let others take the lead in decision-making.
- Embracing change and celebrating milestones is important for emotional well-being.
- Finding clarity in family plans can reduce stress and enhance enjoyment.
- Personal experiences can provide valuable insights into family dynamics.
- Celebrating achievements fosters a sense of community and support.
- Acknowledging emotions is part of the human experience.
Inspired Caringis THE family support & education program that helps families feel calm andconfident to make better decisions faster.
Inspired Caring is also offered as an annual membership tobusinesses to provide for the families they work with.
Connect with Michele Magner:
Website: www.InspiredCaring.com
E-mail: hello@inspiredcaring.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredcaring/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michele.magner.90
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-magner-60a99089/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@inspiredcaringwithmichelem3138
Custom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. He does custom songs for any occasion.
Summary: In this episode of the Inspired Caring Podcast, Michele Magner speaks with Erin Render, Founder and CEO of Legato Living Franchises.
We discuss Erin's journey into senior care and the several God moments that led to the creation of Legato Living, a residential memory care franchise.
Legato Living offers the unique model of care of a smaller environment for people living with dementia. This supportive environment helps meet the needs of residents, families and teams, while offering Legato Living Owners a connected way to impact their local community.
Erin shares the many opportunities and benefits of franchising in the senior care industry. Legato Franchise Owners are from various backgrounds, so they focus on providing high level training and ongoing support to ensure success for everyone, especially the residents.
Erin emphasizes the importance of training, communication and support for families as well which were her reasons for choosing Inspired Caring as their family support and education solution.
I am so pleased to have had this conversation with Erin!
If your loved one is living with dementia, I encourage you to see if there is a Legato Living in your area. If you are ready to explore business opportunities and create a special home for people in your community, Legato Living in your answer. All of the contact links are below.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Erin Render and Legato Living
05:42 Erin's Journey into Senior Care
10:23 The Unique Model of Residential Memory Care
15:07 Daily Life in Residential Memory Care
17:28 Understanding Length of Stay and Family Support
24:23 Franchising Legato Living: Growth and Opportunities
30:55 Ongoing Education and Community Support
33:43 Advice for Caregivers on the Journey
Takeaways
The transition to Legato Living was driven by a desire for autonomy in care.
Smaller memory care environments can reduce anxiety for residents.
Daily life in residential memory care is unpredictable but supportive.
Families often struggle with the decision to move loved ones into care.
Effective communication is crucial for families and caregivers in memory care.
Franchising allows for a more personal investment in care homes.
Ongoing education for caregivers is essential for quality care.
The importance of focusing on the individual needs of residents.
Support for families is as important as care for residents.
Connect with Legato Living Franchises
Schedule a Call with Legato Living Franchises
Find a Legato Living Home Near You
Connect with Erin Render HERE
Inspired Caring is the family support & education program that helps families feel calm and confident to make better decisions faster.
Inspired Caring is also offered as an annual membership to businesses who provide all of the valuable content to the families they work with as added value.
Connect with Michele Magner:
Website: www.InspiredCaring.com
E-mail: hello@inspiredcaring.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredcaring/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michele.magner.90 https://www.facebook.com/michele.magner.90
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-magner-60a99089/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@inspiredcaringwithmichelem3138
Custom podcast music written and produced by Colin Roberts. Colin creates custom songs for any occasion!
Summary
This is a Conversation with Caregivers (TM) episode with Nicole Smith, Author of “Diagnosis Dementia; Your Guide for Eldercare Planning and Crisis Management”. Nicole shares with Michele Magner her personal journey through caregiving for her mother who lives with Alzheimer's Disease.
Have the police ever been involved when you’re trying to care for someone you love? She shares with us 2 tough situations where the police had to get involved.
The discussion covers the complexities of navigating legal, medical, and emotional challenges in elder care, the importance of building a support network, and the lifestyle changes that can impact health. Nicole emphasizes the need for awareness and proactive planning in caregiving, while also sharing humorous and poignant stories from her experiences.
By the way, she’s read over 50 books about dementia and caregiving and has done book reviews on them! Purchase her book and connect with her using the links below.
Takeaways
I wrote the book I could not find.
Caregiving is everywhere.
You need to talk about dementia.
Pay attention to your parents.
My holy trinity of sanity is yoga, beer and chocolate.
You can't make this up.
The earlier you start, the better.
It's a marathon, not a sprint.
You have to build your support network STAT.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Caregiving and Dementia
03:41 Navigating Family Dynamics in Caregiving
06:58 The Complexities of Diagnosis and Treatment
09:43 The Overwhelm of Caregiving Responsibilities
12:50 Building a Support Network
15:34 Transitioning to Memory Care
18:49 Crisis Moments in Caregiving
25:03 Navigating Caregiving with Patience
32:44 Understanding Dementia and Its Impact
36:30 Building a Support Network (so important, it's talked about twice!)
42:39 Essential Legal Preparations for Caregivers
Keywords
dementia, caregiving, elder care, memory care, support network, Alzheimer's, family dynamics, crisis management, lifestyle changes, health
Connect with Nicole:
Purchase Diagnosis Dementia on Amazon HERE
Visit her Website
Instagram Dementia Book Review Here
Connect on LinkedIn
As mentioned in this episode, check out Working Daughter by Liz O’Donnell Here.
Learn more about Wine Women & Dementia.
Podcast Music Written & Produced by Colin Roberts.
Summary
In this conversation, Lesley Brandt from The Move Coordinators and I discuss the intricacies of senior move management. We talk about the emotional challenges faced by seniors during the moving process, the importance of empathy, and the need to identify belongings that are truly cherished.
Her unique approach actually blew my mind as a totally different mindset for people as they go through this process! Even though I'm not moving, I've already begun to go through my home with this mindset to begin to curate our spaces for my family.
Lesley outlines a structured approach to downsizing, emphasizing the significance of human connection and gratitude throughout the process. Our conversation also touches on the psychology of belongings, the challenges of letting go, and the importance of having open conversations between adult children and their aging parents regarding future moves.
Takeaways
Lesley Brandt emphasizes the emotional journey of moving for seniors.
The process begins and ends with gratitude, fostering a personal connection.
Identifying items that are needed, used, or loved is crucial in downsizing.
Understanding the psychology of belongings helps in the decision-making process.
Photographs are often the hardest items for seniors to let go of.
Creating a partnership plan is essential for a smooth transition.
Human connection is vital during the moving process.
The Move Coordinators aim to recreate familiar spaces in new homes.
Open conversations between adult children and parents can ease the transition.
Resources for senior move management are available and should be utilized.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Senior Move Management
03:31 The Emotional Journey of Downsizing
06:23 Identifying Favorites: Need, Use, Love
09:33 The Purpose of Belongings and Their Impact
12:19 Understanding Perceived Value and Resale
15:32 Navigating the Challenge of Photographs
18:12 The Discovery Process: Building Connections
21:32 Creating a Custom Move Plan
24:23 The Move Day Experience
27:15 Post-Move Wrap-Up and Gratitude
30:16 Conversations with Adult Children
33:31 Final Thoughts on Senior Move Management
Contact Lesley with The Move Coordinators to learn more how she can support your family with this big move!
Podcast music created, recorded and produced by Colin Roberts Music
Summary
In this conversation, Heather Kearney shares her journey from her honorable military service to becoming a mindfulness and wellness coach, supporting others to meet their health goals. Heather leads us in a quick meditation that you can use any time to recenter and calm your nervous system.
She discusses the importance of self-care, mindfulness techniques, and the mind-body connection, emphasizing how these practices can help individuals manage stress and improve their overall well-being. Heather also introduces her 'Get Happy, Get Healthy' program, which focuses on personalized wellness strategies, and encourages listeners to give themselves permission to change and grow.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
10:03 Mindfulness Techniques and Meditation
20:18 The Science of Meditation and Breathing
31:55 Get Happy, Get Healthy Program
42:42 Embracing Change and Personal Growth
Takeaways
Heather's journey from military service to wellness coaching is especially inspiring after being told by a HS Guidance counselor she wasn't smart enough to go to college.
Mindfulness techniques can be tailored to individual needs.
Self-care is essential for managing stress and improving well-being.
The mind-body connection plays a crucial role in health.
Nutrition impacts mental and physical health significantly.
Everyone has the power to make choices that affect their lives.
It's important to find pockets of time for self-care.
Meditation can be accessible to everyone, regardless of experience.
Personal growth requires self-compassion and permission to change.
Community and support are vital for personal development.
Connect with Heather and learn more about her Get Happy, Get Healthy Program.
You can call her: 402-819-6008 or
E-mail: heather@zenvita.org
Summary
In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Monique Nugent and Michele discuss the often-taboo topic of bowel movements, emphasizing the importance of understanding stool health and its implications for overall well-being. This is such an important topic that in her book, Prescription for Admission, Dr. Nugent has a chapter dedicated to it called Why Number 2 is Number 1!
They explore the composition of stool, the significance of regular bowel movements, and the various factors that can lead to constipation. The discussion also highlights the dangers of severe constipation and impaction, as well as practical strategies for maintaining healthy bowel habits through diet, hydration, and movement. The episode encourages listeners to pay attention to their own bowel health and the bowel movements for those who can't advocate for themselves.
Takeaways
We need to be talking about poop more.
Regular bowel movements can change your life.
Stool is made of undigested food, water, and cells.
Constipation can lead to serious medical issues.
You should have bowel movements every day.
Movement is a big factor in bowel health.
Fiber and water are key for good bowel health.
Pay attention to your bowel movements.
Don't just flush it, look at it.
Your stool can tell you a lot about your health.
Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Discussing Bowel Movements
02:57 Understanding Stool Composition and Health
13:52 Recognizing Constipation and Its Causes
23:51 Strategies for Maintaining Healthy Bowel Movements
29:19 Final Thoughts on Bowel Health and Resources
Keywords
bowel movements, constipation, stool health, digestive health, fiber intake, hydration, medical conditions, bowel movement frequency, dietary changes, health awareness
Website: https://drmoniquenugent.com/
Summary: In this episode I share about the emotional journey of acceptance when caring for loved ones as their needs increase. It's so important to recognize and adapt to the changes in our loved ones, moving away from the painful 'used to' mindset (those words can really sting), and shifting expectations by embracing the present. While navigating relationships amidst change can be tough, it is possible, and I share one of my techniques to move along the scale of acceptance.
Takeaways
Checking in with ourselves is crucial for emotional health.
Moving along the scale of acceptance eases caregiving challenges.
The words 'used to' can hinder our ability to provide care.
Relationships evolve, and acceptance is key to navigating change.
Resistance to change can lead to anger and resentment.
Focusing on the present can enhance our emotional well-being.
Finding joy in new behaviors can shift our perspective.
Professional caregivers bring a different perspective to changes.
Creating new connections can lead to calmer interactions.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Checking In with Ourselves
00:31 The Scale of Acceptance: Understanding Change
01:56 The Impact of 'Used To' on Caregiving
04:19 Navigating Relationships Amidst Change
07:15 Acceptance: A Journey for Families
08:10 The Danger of Resistance
09:49 Embracing the Present: A Shift in Perspective
12:45 Finding Joy in the New Normal
16:10 The Role of Caregivers in Acceptance
18:41 Conclusion: Creating Connections in the Present
Keywords:acceptance, dementia, caregiving, emotional health, relationships, change, self-care, family dynamics, aging, mental well-being
Podcast Music byColin Roberts Music. Colin creates personalized custom songs for every occasion!
Summary
In this conversation, Jeannine Bryant with Easy Rightsizing and I delve into the concept of 'rightsizing,' (I love that term) a multi-layered process that goes beyond mere decluttering. Our stuff holds a lot of emotional meaning to us. We talk about the challenges faced by older adults as they downsize, the importance of family dynamics in the decluttering process, and practical steps to make the transition smoother.
Jeannine shares insights from her experience working with older adults and emphasizes the significance of letting go of items while preserving memories. In her book “Keep the Memories Not the Stuff” you can embark on the right sizing journey with organization and compassion to keep the peace in your family.
She encourages us to "donate along the way" in life so when donations are made, they're not decades outdated and are more likely to find a good home.
Mic Drop "You can't put 10lbs of flour in a 5lb sack" - meaning we can't move all the stuff from bigger houses into smaller homes or apartments. Love this phrase!
She even created "A Year of Letting Go" calendar to help you walk through this process month by month!
Keywords
right sizing, decluttering, emotional aspects, family dynamics, practical steps, letting go, meaningful connections, resources, senior living, downsizing
Takeaways
•Right sizing is more than just decluttering; it's a layered process.
•Emotional challenges arise when downsizing, especially after losing a spouse.
•Having a partner to walk through the decluttering process makes it easier.
•It's important to prioritize people over stuff during transitions.
•Memories are not in the items we own, but in our experiences.
•Starting early with the right sizing process can alleviate stress later.
•Utilizing a calendar can help focus decluttering efforts throughout the year.
•The power of counting can help individuals realize how much they truly have.
•Letting go of items can be a way to help others in the community.
•Creating meaningful connections through gifting items can enhance relationships.
Sound Bites
"It's about so much more than our stuff."
"It's a real challenge."
"It's a privilege to walk alongside people."
"One room per month is doable."
"Your stuff doesn't owe you anything."
"Memories are in us, not in the stuff."
"Start with the low-hanging fruit first."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Right Sizing
02:52 Understanding the Right Sizing Process
06:04 The Emotional Aspects of Decluttering
08:46 Navigating Family Dynamics in Decluttering
12:08 Practical Steps for Right Sizing
14:58 The Importance of Letting Go
18:04 Creating Meaningful Connections Through Decluttering
20:58 Tools and Resources for Right Sizing
24:11 Final Thoughts on Right Sizing
Summary
"We've normalized crisis" was Allison O'Shea's first mic drop moment in this conversation where she inspires us to be educated consumers, learning our options, so we can be a strong Aging Ally to make the best choices for our family members!
As a former Senior Living Executive Director and current Aging Advisor, Allison knows first hand how people can best be prepared when it comes to aging. She wants to ensure that you and your loved ones are set up for success by making sure families have the right information and creating a supportive space to have the hard conversations.
Being proactive doesn't have to be intimidating. The Readiness Roadmap(TM) for what you need to know is outlined in her book, Openly Aging: 4 Pillars to Keep Control of Your Aging Journey.
In this conversation, we also explore expectation management and she shares with us her 4 Pillars of Aging - Social Support, Home, Social Engagement and Supportive Services.
Visit Openly Aging to review your Preparedness Checklist and connect with Allison about how she can help your family!
Takeaways
- Education is crucial for consumers to manage aging expectations.
- Aging is a unique journey for each individual and family.
- Proactive planning can help avoid crises in aging.
- Social engagement is vital for maintaining health and happiness as we age.
- Understanding financial options is essential for aging individuals.
- Open conversations about aging can reduce family tensions.
- Aging advisors play a key role in guiding families through the aging process.
- Support systems should be identified early in the aging journey.
- Denial about aging can lead to negative outcomes for families.
- The four pillars of aging include support systems, home, engagement, and supportive services.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Aging and Its Complexities
01:47 The Role of an Aging Advisor
04:06 Confronting Denial in Aging
05:47 Education as a Tool for Empowerment
07:44 Becoming an Aging Ally
10:24 Empowering Aging with Dignity
16:29 Understanding Unique Aging Journeys
22:29 The Four Pillars of Aging
27:42 Navigating Support Systems and Services
40:35 Fostering Open Conversations about Aging
Summary
It has been a while! In this episode, I'm sharing some personal updates and reflections on caregiving, resilience, and the instinctual responses of fight, flight, or freeze. I discuss insights gained from a recent caregiver summit I co-hosted, with Kaley Johnson and share about how Jess Ronne one of our speakers who has navigated immense challenges, got me thinking about fight, flight or freeze.
Today I unpack the complexities of my caregiver instincts and how mine has shaped my responses to crises.
Ultimately encouraging you to reflect on your own experiences and responses.
Takeaways
Michele shares her recent experiences and updates in life.
The caregiver summit featured impactful speakers discussing various topics.
Jess Ronne's documentary highlights the struggles of parent caregivers.
Resilience in caregiving can manifest in different ways.
Understanding one's instinctual response can aid in personal growth.
Michele reflects on her own freeze response during crises.
The importance of self-awareness in managing caregiverstress.
Instinctual responses can be both protective and isolating.
Michele emphasizes the need for balance in life andcaregiving.
The conversation encourages listeners to reflect on theirown responses.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Life Updates
02:55 Insights from the Caregiver Summit
05:47 The Resilience of Caregivers
12:36 Understanding Fight, Flight, or Freeze Responses
19:55 Reflections on Instinctual Responses and Life Balance
Connect with Jess: Instagram and Facebook
Documentary Trailer: Unseen, How We Are Failing Parent Caregivers and Why It's Important.
Visit The Healthy Caregiver FB Group for replays of the Summit.
Summary
In this episode, Kristen Burke and I discuss the complexities of long-term care insurance and its importance for individuals and families. We explore how complicated Medicare can be and that it does not pay for Assisted Living! There has been an evolution of long-term care insurance policies, and the various options available for coverage. Kristen emphasizes the need for family involvement in planning and understanding insurance policies, as well as the financial implications of long-term care. The conversation highlights the significance of being prepared for future care needs and the peace of mind that comes with having the right insurance in place.
Takeaways
Long-term care insurance is essential for financial planning.
Medicare changes impact insurance decisions significantly.
Medicare does not pay for Assisted Living and Nursing Home Care
Understanding the evolution of long-term care insurance is crucial.
Designing a policy requires consideration of various factors.
Family involvement in long-term care planning is key.
Long-term care insurance can cover both informal and formal caregivers.
It's important to know the waiting periods for benefits to kick in.
Having a plan in place alleviates stress for family members.
You can have multiple insurance policies for better coverage.
Long-term care insurance provides peace of mind for caregivers.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Long-Term Care Insurance
04:49 Navigating Annual Medicare Changes
09:55 The Evolution of Long-Term Care Insurance
15:06 Designing a Long-Term Care Policy
19:52 Activating Long-Term Care Insurance
25:06 Family Involvement in Long-Term Care Planning
29:52 Final Thoughts on Long-Term Care Insurance
Connect with Kristen: www.misomaha.com
Summary
In this conversation, Lacey Jungman and I explore the complexities of being a caregiver in the sandwich generation, the emotional challenges faced by adult children caring for aging parents, and the importance of self-care and boundaries. We discuss her journey into senior care, and how she discovered her passion for helping adutl children. Then we dive in to the impact of hormonal changes on emotions. The hormones are for real y'all whether you're having your babies or stepping through menopause, this is impactful and important to acknowledge. We also touch on the significance of taking pauses in life and how she knew it was time to pause. The conversation also touches on imposter syndrome, the need for personal growth, and the power of storytelling in supporting others.
Lacey shares insights from her experiences as a working mom emphasizing the importance of recognizing one's feelings and finding balance in caregiving roles.
This episode is packed! I know you'll enjoy the conversation as much as I did!
Takeaways
The sandwich generation faces unique emotional challenges.
Adult children often experience guilt and resentment in caregiving.
Self-care is essential for caregivers to avoid burnout.
Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining mental health.
Hormonal changes can impact emotions and decision-making.
Taking pauses can lead to greater clarity and peace.
Imposter syndrome affects both personal and professional lives.
Finding balance is key in managing caregiving responsibilities.
Storytelling can validate and support others in similar situations.
Recognizing one's feelings is the first step to self-care.
Chapters
00:00 Navigating the Sandwich Generation
02:52 The Journey into Senior Care
06:32 The Journey of Adult Children Caring for Aging Parents
09:24 Navigating Emotions and Self-Care
12:38 The Importance of Boundaries
15:21 Finding Peace in the Pause
18:37 Recognizing Imposter Syndrome
21:23 Defining Self-Care
24:11 Balancing Career and Caregiving
27:23 Embracing Abundance Over Scarcity
30:14 Final Thoughts and Resources
Connect with Lacy!
Visit her Website.
Buy her book: The Working Mom Blend: The New Approach to Work-Life Balance
Subscribe to her podcast: Working Mom Moments
Summary
In this episode, Michele and Lakelyn Hogan Eichenberger, Ph.D. with Home Instead (an Honor Company) discuss the importance of in-home care for aging individuals and their families. They explore the various services offered by home care professionals, the differences between home care and home health, and the significance of building relationships in caregiving. The conversation emphasizes the need for caregivers to take care of themselves and the importance of seeking help before a crisis occurs. They also provide insights on how to find the right home care provider and the available funding options for these services.
Takeaways
In-home care is essential for families dealing with aging and dementia.
Home care professionals provide customized support tailored to individual needs.
Building relationships with care professionals enhances the caregiving experience.
Home care can delay the need for moving to a care community.
It's crucial for caregivers to prioritize their own well-being.
Home care services can be flexible and adjusted as needs change.
Understand the difference between home care and home health.
Finding the right home care provider involves asking the right questions.
Home Instead offers a wealth of resources for caregivers.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:19 Defining In-Home Care
05:12 Benefits and Flexibility of Home Care
09:37 Differences Between Home Care and Home Health
16:24 Finding a Home Care Provider
20:12 The Importance of Training and Matchmaking
23:03 Encouraging Early Consideration of Home Care
26:23 Trial Periods and Adjustments
27:52 The Positive Impact of Home Care on Relationships
30:37 Additional Resources and Support
32:44 Final Thoughts and Appreciation for Caregivers
Resources
Home Care Guide
Funding Solutions Guide
Home Instead's Care Resources
Summary - In this episode, Lisa Hamilton is back for part 2 where we discuss the challenges and emotions involved in transitioning her mom from the house she had lived in forever, into a 55+ apartment. She shares personal experiences and insights on the importance of asking for help and acknowledging the grief of letting go. We talk about the importance of creating rituals to honor the past. The conversation highlights the need for support and understanding during these transitions and emphasizes the value of being present and holding space for loved ones. There was a moment between the Realtor and Lisa's mom that helped shift the energy around this big move.
Lisa is so articulate and insightful and I'm so grateful that she has brought us along on this journey.
Keywords - transitioning parents, new living arrangements, asking for help, acknowledging grief, creating rituals, support, understanding, being present, holding space
Takeaways - Transitions involving parents' living arrangements can be emotionally challenging and require support and understanding.
Asking for help and reaching out to others can provide valuable insights and assistance during these transitions.
Acknowledging the grief and emotions associated with letting go of a previous living situation is important.
Creating rituals or ceremonies to honor the past and mark the transition can be meaningful and helpful.
Being present and holding space for loved ones during these transitions is essential for their well-being.
Chapters
00:00 Being the Bridge for Others
01:52 Downsizing and Transitioning to a Senior Apartment
16:37 Honoring the Past: Rituals and Ceremonies
23:23 Challenges and Self-Care in Supporting Loved Ones
24:52 Embracing Change: The Unique Experience of Each Transition
25:10 The Power of Asking for Help
26:36 The Impact of Multiple Perspectives
27:28 Supporting Parents as Adult Children
28:27 The Role of Communication and Trust
Summary - In this episode, Lisa Hamilton shares her experience of transitioning her father from assisted living to memory care. She discusses the challenges of moving belongings, managing logistics, and navigating the emotional aspects of the transition. Lisa emphasizes the importance of keeping things simple and not projecting our own feelings onto our loved ones with dementia. She also highlights the significance of small gestures of kindness and connection from the caregivers in the building. Overall, the transition went better than expected, and Lisa encourages family caregivers to ask for help and remember that each family's experience is unique.
Keywords - transition, assisted living, memory care, logistics, emotions, dementia, caregivers, kindness, connection
Takeaways -
- Transitions in care can be challenging, both logistically and emotionally.
- It is important to keep things simple and not project our own feelings onto our loved ones with dementia.
- Small gestures of kindness and connection from caregivers can make a big difference.
- As family caregivers, it is okay to ask for help and not try to do everything on our own.
- Each family's experience with transitioning to memory care is unique, and it is important for practitioners to remember that.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
04:46 Transitioning to Memory Care
06:51 Managing Emotions and Language
14:07 Changing Language and Communication
19:20 Perspective and Heartache
24:36 Keeping it Simple
29:19 Acknowledging Observations
31:36 Connections and Humanity
34:00 Small Gestures and Support
37:55 Lisa's Mother's Transition will be Part 2!
Summary: In this episode, I interview Tanya Godwin from Oasis Senior Advisors in Lincoln, NE. We discuss the challenges and resources available for seniors and their families in the aging process. Tanya shares her background in the industry and how she came to work with Oasis Senior Advisors. We discuss services provided by Oasis, including connecting seniors with resources, assisting with legal and financial planning, and helping with placement in senior living communities. Tanya emphasizes the importance of education and advocacy in navigating the complexities of senior care.
Keywords:
senior care, aging, resources, Oasis Senior Advisors, services, legal planning, financial planning, placement, education, advocacy
Takeaways:
Oasis Senior Advisors is a one-stop shop that helps seniors and their families navigate the challenges of aging by connecting them with resources, assisting with legal and financial planning, and helping with placement in senior living communities.
Education is key to understanding the complexities of senior care, including the role of Medicare and Medicaid, the cost of senior care, and the importance of planning ahead.
Having an advocate, like Oasis Senior Advisors, can provide support and guidance throughout the aging process, helping families make informed decisions and avoid potential crises.
Successful families are those who have planned ahead, anticipated their needs, and have open and ongoing communication about finances, legal documents, and care preferences.
Uncertainty is a part of the aging process, and being prepared for the unexpected by having an advocate can provide peace of mind and ensure the best possible outcomes for seniors and their families.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
05:20 Overview of Oasis Senior Advisors' Services
10:35 Challenges and Obstacles in Senior Care
15:43 Financial Considerations in Senior Care
20:01 Real-Life Scenarios and the Need for Proactive Planning
28:19 The Role of Advocacy in Senior Care
32:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
35:08 New Chapter
https://www.oasissenioradvisors.com/local-advisors/lincoln/
Dr. Brandy Archie is an Occupational Therapist who routinely witnessed people wanting to remain independent in their homes, but saw they kept hitting roadblocks on how to safely and effectively accomplish this.
She co-created Ask SAMI to help people find the right equipment and services in order to live their best life, wherever they call home. They are able to do virtual assessments of a home to make recommendations on how to make it safer and more functional.
In this episode, she shares some of her top barriers that we don't take into consideration that are a game changer to ensure quality of life and help prevent falls.
Check out the robust catalog of OT-approved items, schedule your virtual assessment, or discover practitioners in your area at https://www.asksamie.com/!
One of the biggest challenges people face when helpingsomeone living with dementia is “getting them” to do activities of daily living. When someone is living with dementia, they may not remember the last time theydid something, may have lost the ability to take the necessary multiple steps to complete a task, or no longer have the biological trigger to do something.
In this episode, Karla Frese with Home Care Partners shares ways to make sure you are 2 steps ahead so you and your loved one can be set up for success!
Karla walks us through the house, going room by room, providing solid strategies to move through a variety of sticky situations in activities of daily living that are often faced. We go through:
The Bathroom – showering, going to the bathroom, brushingteethThe Kitchen – eating, taking medicationsThe Living Room – the routine, things getting lostThe Garage – driving
Connect with Karla!
Website: www.homecarepartners.com
E-mail: Karla@HomeCarePartners.com
In this episode, you will join us for a conversation about developing resilience, purpose, and a growth mindset at midlife and beyond.
Scott Papek, a certified mindset coach at Max Out Mindset, founder of Run Slower, and author of "Age is Your Edge," How to Find Purpose and Fulfillment in Midlife: explores how mindfulness, mentorship, and core values play a crucial role in navigating periods of uncertainty and self-doubt to unlock new possibilities and find fulfillment. Whether you're in midlife transition or simply seeking to cultivate more self-awareness and inner strength, this podcast offers practical wisdom and encouragement to help you write the next chapter of your life with intention and possibility.
Tune in to explore how to reframe adversity, unlock your edge, and step into your greatest potential.
Follow Scott on Instagram @scottpapek or visit runslower.com.
Over the last 5 years, we've had a LOT of joy in our lives and we've also had a lot of bad news we've had to share with our children, family, and friends. Like, an overwhelming amount.
This most recent round, when our kid's beloved childhood dog, Sunny, passed away was tough because our daughters were out of town. It was hard enough not to be together in this moment, then compounded with they were with other people that would make it hard for them to process this loss.
It got me thinking about how we share bad news. In this episode, I talk about some of the factors I consider when something sad or bad needs to be communicated.
- Time of day
- Timing on sharing
- Method of sharing (social media, texting, phone call)
There's a solid chance I've overthought this, HOWEVER, I believe there is something here, so wanted to be sure to share it with you!
www.michelemagner.com
Aaron Marcum has over 2 decades in the home care industry serving seniors and their families. He is an award-winning author, speaker, visionary, and Master of Applied Positive Psychology.
He is also a great guy whose journey down this road started with his Grandpa, who only lived a few miles from his house.
Aaron shares with us the fundamentals of Positive Psychology and how we can integrate these principles into our caregiving role. He is passionate about ensuring that every senior receives the care they deserve and that caregivers have the tools they need in order to thrive, not just survive!
Buy his book EntreThrive.
Check out the Best of Home Care Website.
Visit Breakaway Accelerator the program for Home Care Agencies to have thriving and robust care teams!
Michael Braun has been an Occupational Therapy Assistant for 34 years, helping seniors in a Skilled Nursing and Rehab facility in Sarasota, FL get back on their feet after surgery, illness, or injury.
When a patient who lived out of town was trying to figureout how she would get home, she discovered that Med Flight, a private jet service, would cost her $30K - $40K.
Michael offered to make the trip with her using commercial airlines.
Toppflight was born and took off as a concierge travelcompanion service for seniors needing non-medical transport or relocation travel. Their mission is to provide a hassle-free traveling experience, whether it’s for moving out of state or just returning home.
Their team consists of trained medical professionalscommitted to assisting seniors and providing for all their needs during travel. They handle all the logistics and are by someone’s side to provide a safe and comfortable travel experience. Once at the destination they coordinate and assure transportation to the home or senior care community.
Having about 1 month lead time is great, but typically with1 – 2 weeks’ notice they can help!
Visit their website and check out Google for their 5 Star reviews!
Parenting is HARD! As a mother of 3, I always feel like I'm trying to balance my kids' needs, family and society expectations, and reality and honestly, constantly feel like I'm failing all over the place.
Danielle Bettmann is a parenting coach for strong-willed kids, and the Host of the Failing Motherhood Podcast.
Our kids are constantly growing and changing which requires us to adapt to this new version of them. We don’t want to operate based on what others are doing or a Pinterest board! Our busy lives are constantly changing too.
Her signature coaching program helps parents growconfidence in working with kids at every age and changingcircumstances. In this program, she teaches parents the 3 C's - Communication, Core Needs, and Composure. Approaching children with curiosity helps identify what needs are under the surface. Everyone is seeking to belong, feeling in control, and have attention and connection.
She reassures us that focusing on what we did accomplish in a day helps us keep our priorities aligned and it only takes 15 minutes a day of being present with our child to sustain a close relationship. She emphasizes the importance of playfulness!
She has partnered with Mighty and Bright to create a carddeck to help prioritize our own mental health and encourage engagement with our kiddos.
Purchase the Special Time Cards HERE*.
Enter code: failingmotherhood for 10% off!
*Be sure to subscribe to the Failing Motherhood podcast. Each episode is a storytelling interview about a mom's raw and honest experience of growth that leads to new perspectives and practical strategies.
Stay connected with Danielle on Instagram.
Visit her Website.
Author Michael James and his wife Judy’s life together took an unexpected turn when she was denied long term care insurance because she couldn’t pass the ‘mini mental’, the test given that revealed cognition issues. Ultimately, she was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment that developed into Alzheimer’s.
Michael, faced with this challenge, knew he needed to bethoughtful, calculated, and proactive while continuing to provide Judy with the daily care she needed. As an academic and researcher, he joined several online supportgroups and searched for books to help him navigate this new territory.
Therapy: He observed in the support groups that many caregivers’ downfall is mixing their emotions with responsibilities. Realizing he needed more than anecdotal help from friends, he found a therapist who helped himseparate the reality of the present moment and need to seek answers to the practical day to day challenges, while also preparing for the future.
Daily Care & Move to Senior Living: Michael talksabout his strategy to integrate additional support and resources into their lives. They began with in home care (which she initially rejected) by starting with a couple of hours a week and by the time they reached 30 hours per week it was time for something different. The next phase was a day program that Judy enjoyed. When that grew to 7 days a week and a few other key factors at play, he knew it was time for her to move into the memory care community.
Ultimately, multiple factors influenced this decision. Judy had become fearful of being alone and hallucinations had begun. Michael was struggling to get a full night’s sleep and her incontinence issues were increasing. These were layered with safety concerns because of several incidents that had occurred, and he knew it was time for the move tomemory care.
Plan Ahead: Michael emphasizes the importance of gettingout of denial and talking about getting older. He recommends to adult children not to brush their parents off when they want to talk about planning for the future and for when they die. We all need to be more comfortable talking about aging and death. He recommends not waiting until you are in crisis! Planning ahead will help you be successful because many memory care communities have waiting lists.
Michael ended up writing the book he was looking for andtitled it Dear Judy: A Love Story Rewritten by Alzheimer's.
Visit his website: https://pineedenpress.com
Here are the others he recommended in this episode.
Still Alice by Lisa Jenova (a fictional novel)
Jan’s Story; Love Lost to the Long Goodbye of Alzheimer’s by Barry Peterson
My Father’s Brain; Life in the Shadow of Alzheimer's by Sandeep Jauhar
Rebecca Adelman is an Attorney, entrepreneur, influencer, thought leader, and founder of Adelman Law Firm and Claims Management, established in 2001. The firm is a Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and Tennessee Certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE). For over 30 years, Rebecca has concentrated her practice in healthcare and insurance defense and business litigation.
Rebecca is also a family caregiver, who helped her grandparents, and was her father's caregiver, as he lived with dementia.
Rebecca's huge heart and desire to understand how to prevent suffering for seniors, families, and team members inspired her to dive deeper into the "entry points where risk lives".
What she discovered is, that issues on the surface are masking deeper problems of communication with family systems in a senior's transition of care from home to senior living.
Unmet needs and expectations, combined with a lack ofinformation creates the perfect storm.
She presents a case study that sounds very familiar and represents so many of our families.
Rebecca, determined to provide solutions, created the Guide Path Certification Program for Senior Living Communities to help educate and support teams and families in order to prevent things from escalating to the point of a lawsuit.
She is a brilliant woman and inspiration and I know you'll love this conversation as much as I do!
https://guidepathllc.com/
John Locklair served in our United States Air Force for 10years including a tour in Iraq, earning 2 degrees (and having 2 kids!), before a skin cancer diagnosis medically retired him.
Then several years later during a jujitsu tournament, he heard his neck pop. He had sustained a grade 3 strained neck injury, leading him to explore the pain relief from CBD where he also discovered the tremendous health benefits.
What he found out is there are many therapeutic components to CBD. These range from reducing vomiting and nausea to acting as an anti-inflammatory by reducing joint pain. CBD can also reduce risks of artery blockages, decrease psoriasis, manage psychosis, improve bone growth, strengthen the immune system, and reduce anxiety, and is also FDA approved to treat epilepsy.
His research led him to Sunmed CBD which was founded by a woman living with Crohn’s disease after CBD changed her life. In fact, he learned CBD is helping those who are experiencing everything from seizures and arthritisto ADHD and anxiety.
Unique to Sunmed products, they have a QR code with acertificate of analysis, so you know exactly what you are putting on or in your body and where it came from.
With a strong desire to serve and help others, John purchased the first Nebraska Sunmed CBD Franchise location. As it turns out, this was just in time to help his own daughter who was struggling with ADHD and anxietysymptoms, impacting her ability to focus in school. The treatment worked and her grades immediately improved!
CBD is not marijuana! It’s an oil that comes from anindustrial hemp plant. John is on a mission to demystify and reduce the fear around CBD. He explains the differencebetween full spectrum vs broad spectrum and shares the 3 basic formats CBD comes in which are water soluble, gummies and oil. They can be delivered through a topical crèmes or be ingested. Effectiveness can be as fast as 10 minutes or take up to 2 weeks to feel the benefits.
As a main of faith, he was also thrilled to find out CBD ismentioned in the Bible 4 times.
Exodus 30:22Ezekiel 27:10Psalms 4, Verses 8-14Jerimiah 6:20
John encourages people to do their research and then have a conversation with him. You can call him or visit hisstore. His store has a welcoming atmosphere where you will feel comfortable to ask your questions to ensure you have the right products to improve your health and quality of life!
Store location: 9735 Giles Rd, La Vista, NE 68128Call: (402) 301-7417
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getsunmedlavistane
Website: https://getsunmed.com/?mystore=0018W00002Be4hIQAR
Luba found herself feeling isolated as she was running adaycare from home with her own two young children and reached a tipping point in her mental health.On one particularly tough day, she put her Masters inMathematics to work by locking herself in a room with some art supplies and creating her first Mandala.Drawing the mandala that day allowed her brain fog to clearand she realized it was a meditation tool that helped her feel centered and more like herself. For Luba, a Mandala represents balance and growth. Expanding on this, she combined her art exploration with a gratitude practice, developing gratitude art journals.“Gratitude is your fertilizer, that helps what youappreciate to grow.”Luba encourages people to lean into a regular gratitudepractice, offering key suggestions for you to be successful:Don’t overthink it.You don’t need a lot of timeTake little stepsPay attention to what comes up for youBe mindful and creative with this!She shares the alarming statistic that over 90% of youngerchildren feel they are creative and by the time we hit high school it’s closer to 3%!You ARE creative. Get outside of the journal, color outside the lines. feel free to express gratitude any way you like, give praise, dance, do your make-up how you like, doodle, dig in the dirt, bake. When you are intentional you realize it matters WHY you’re doing a gratitude practice, not HOW.“When you allow yourself to be creative, you allow yourselfto hear your own voice.”Tapping into your creativity will help you identify messages that are dropping in and repeating. The kind, supportive, loving ones? Those are the ones meant for you.https://kalinaartstudio.com/https://www.facebook.com/KalinaArtStudioPapillion
If you have kids that are launching out of the home, you may discover that your identity is taking a hit as your role changes within your family.
However you refer to yourself (empty nester, a bird launcher, manager of free range adult kids, free range parents) you NEED to connect with Jay Ramsden!
Jay is "The Empty Nest Coach" and in this episode helps us understand why this shift can feel challenging and offers ways to connect with the future you so you will make this transition successfully.
Some of the questions we’re asking our kids, apply to us at this stage in life as well.
What are you going to do with the rest of your life?Who are you?Who do you want to become?What do you want to do?
This is not just about finding a hobby. He emphasizes the importance of easing up on the demands we’re putting on ourselves about what comes next. Our first step is gettingour handle on our head and our heart. From there he offers:
· Decide who you want to be now that the kids are gone.
· Have a vision for the future.
· Do some of those ‘retirement’ things NOW, don’t wait!
We’re not in a crisis, we’re in an identity EVOLUTION. If you think you’re in a “Challenging time”, remove the lle in the middle of CHALLENGE and what you have is CHANGE. What does the remaining LLE stand for? Let Life Evolve.
Jay’s motto “Every step has purpose” is the reminder there is no one way, or right way, to make this transition. Connect with him so he can continue to walk with you on your journey.
TikTok, Instagram, Website
The complex medical insurance & billing system can notonly leave our heads spinning unnecessarily costing us thousands of dollars, it can also cost someone their life when they miss out on life-saving treatments that would have been covered.
Nicole Broadhurst BCPA, Founder and CEO of Tennessee Health Advocates helps people Nationwide understand their medical benefits. She reviews every policy from Medicare to VA benefits, marketplace, employers' policies to Workers Comp. Anything healthcare related, Nicole and her team can help you!
The best time to call Nicole is:
- Right now!
- There has been a new Diagnosis
- Medical bills are stacking up
- Open enrollment
- Starting a new job
- Anytime you are feeling uncomfortable
If you are in an urgent situation, always go get the medicalattention you need, she will help you sort through the billing later.
Download her FREE checklist from her Website, and connect with Nicole on LinkedIn or just give her a call at 615-581-7655.
Introduction: In this episode, we delve into the profound journey of Mary Lou, a dedicated caregiver to her husband, the renowned artist and rocker, Nicholas ‘Nicky’ Zann. Mary Lou candidly shares their story of navigating life with Lewy body dementia, shedding light on the challenges, resilience, and the importance of understanding and support.
Key Points Covered:
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Understanding Lewy Body Dementia (LBD):
- Mary Lou describes how LBD differs from Alzheimer’s, with fluctuating symptoms affecting memory and behavior. It's a condition affecting 1.4 million Americans and 11 million globally, though it remains relatively less known.
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The Caregiver’s Perspective:
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Mary Lou emphasizes the need to meet the person with dementia where they are, suspending personal needs to prioritize theirs. Caregiving is described as improvisation, requiring adaptability and a willingness to accept failures.
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Lessons in Forgiveness and Vulnerability:
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She reflects on her book, “I Didn’t See it Coming, Scenes of Love, Loss and Lewy Body Dementia,” as a journey of reconciliation with herself as a caregiver. Forgiveness and vulnerability are central themes, offering insights into the complexities of caregiving.
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Nicky’s Messages and Final Moments:
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Mary Lou shares Nicky’s enduring messages and the profound experience of understanding his needs in his final moments. She highlights the transformative potential of grief, turning it into catharsis.
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Raising Awareness and Encouraging Support:
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Mary Lou advocates for greater awareness of Lewy body dementia, urging celebrities and public figures to help shine a light on this condition. She underscores the importance of creating supportive communities for family caregivers.Notable Quotes from Mary Lou:
“You have to join the person where they are, you can’t expect them to come to you in their former state. It’s just not possible.”
“Suspend what you need and give them what they need.”
“Grief doesn’t have to be your nemesis, it can be yourcatharsis.”
Closing Thoughts:Mary Lou concludes by emphasizing the moments of light and hope amidst the challenges of caregiving. Her story serves as an inspiration and a call to action for increased understanding and support for those affected by Lewy body dementia.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR
Mary Lou Falcone is internationally known as a classical music publicist/strategist who for 50 years has helped guide the careers of celebrated artists – Van Cliburn, Gustavo Dudamel, Renée Fleming, Sir Georg Solti, James Taylor – and advised many institutions including Carnegie Hall, Chicago Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, and Vienna Philharmonic. Combining communication skills with her background as a performer and educator, she now adds another layer: advocate for Lewy body dementia (LBD) awareness. Her late husband, the illustrator Nicky Zann, who died from LBD in 2020, was the catalyst for this, her first book.
Nicholas ‘Nicky’ Zann, the inspiration for this book, was a popular 1950s rock ’n’ roll musician who became a world-renowned cartoonist, illustrator, and painter. His work hangs in the permanent collection of London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, and the illustrations featured throughout this book come from his bestselling fortune-telling card game, The Answer Deck.
Visit Mary Lou's website HERE.
Buy her book HERE.
When DeAnna's Dad began to need more help, she and her husband opened up their home, not realizing they were embarking on a journey that would span many years.
Sharing her home with her dad provided the daily opportunity for him to be around her kids, which brought them all tremendous joy. DeAnna shares how she navigated her role through the frustrations, touching moments, and ultimately end of life care for her dad.
Losing someone you care for creates a unique void that is hard to fill. She was grateful to the Hospice company for their compassionate follow up in the weeks and months after he passed away. Grief is not linear, and she has found comfort in allowing herself to feel whatever comes up and journaling her thoughts.
She mentions that she is an Executive Coach so if that caught your attention, I want to be sure you can reach her!
Next Steps: Be sure to connect with DeAnna,
1) On Facebook
2)On LinkedIn
At the end of this episode, there is a clip of a song created for DeAnna's family about her dad by Singer-Songwriter, Colin Roberts.
When writing lyrics, Colin wants to be sure to touch on what is most meaningful to the family. For DeAnna, this included each of the girls’ names - Dawn, Dixie, DeAnna, and Dana. She recalled that when her Dad would leave a voice message he often said “Hello, it’s your dad, You better call me back” and they have fond memories of how much their dad loved hosting pasta Sundays.
Thank you, DeAnna for sharing this deeply personal gift of music with us, and to Colin Roberts for making it happen.
Episode Summary: Singer-songwriter Colin Roberts shares his journey of writing personalized songs for life's significant moments. From weddings to funerals, his mission is to tell stories by capturing the essence of cherished memories and heartfelt emotions and turning them into music.
Bio: Colin has been performing his entire adult life. He grew up in rural Nebraska and now lives near Omaha. Colin's music combines the soulful vocals of Chris Stapleton and the honest songwriting of Bruce Springsteen. He enjoys various genres like Americana, Alternative, Folk, Country, Rock, and Pop. Some of his biggest influences include Jason Isbell, BJ Barham, Ruston Kelly, The Lumineers, The Head and the Heart, Chris Stapleton, U2, Pearl Jam, and Led Zeppelin, among others.
Summary: Colin’s journey into music was deeply personal, sparked by the therapeutic writing process after his father's passing. This profound experience led him to a realization: “People want to feel,” and he believes that “every story should be allowed to be sung.”
His music is a testament to this belief, a heartfelt expression of the human experience.
Today his music is about crafting songs that genuinely reflect others' experiences; weaving deep meaning into each note. Through collaborative sessions with clients, he shapes their words into lyrics, ensuring that every song is a unique and personal creation.
“The Joy is When Music and Lyrics Marry Each Other”
Colin reflects on music's profound impact on listeners, as it evokes memories and emotions unique to the individual. A chorus can bring goosebumps, and songs can have layers that make one feel deeply moved. Songs written about one’s personal experience could unexpectedly resonate with others, reinforcing the universality of human emotion.
He elaborates on his approach to songwriting, from chord progressions to melody creation, ensuring each element complements the story being told. Colin discusses the collaborative nature of his work, inviting clients into the process and ensuring their stories are authentically represented.
Next Steps:
- Explore song samples and submit your story for a song at https://www.colinrobertsmusic.com/
- Listen to the song he wrote to honor his father "Coffee In The Driveway".
- Personalized songs can be enjoyed privately as you take your recording with you, or they can be shared with others when set to imagery as part of a photo slideshow, further enhancing the emotional impact of music.
- Colin is also available for live shows where musical memories that resonate with listeners form deep, emotional connections.
Current research shows 1 in 2 cases of dementia can beprevented.
In his book, Dementia Prevention, Use Your Head to Save Your Brain, co-written with his wife, Dr. Emily Clionsky, Neuropsychologist Mitchell Clionsky Ph.D., addresses how to prevent dementia. Not surprisingly, earlier interventions are KEY.
This conversation covers a lot of territory and you willhave specific things you can do today to set yourself up for success.
Three key areas to focus on prevent dementia.
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Address underlying Medical Issues
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Get the appropriate medication
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Address daily habits
Medical Issues
We may test at normal folate and B12 levels but vitamins aren’t crossing the brain-blood barrier so absorption is low and you may test low on the amino acid, homocysteine. When it’s time for blood work be sure to ask for this important test.
Sleep apnea must be addressed. People 58 or older have a 50% chance of having sleep apnea disorder. If erectile dysfunction is a concern it’s an oxygen and blood flow issue, so there may be a connection to sleep apnea that needs to be explored. Red flags are if people stop breathing for more than 10 seconds or blood oxygen levels drop 4% during an episode. A simple overnight test (in your own bed!) can give you this information.
Memory Medications
There are 4 medications approved by FDA since the 1990s.
Practitioners have been misled, looking at short-term results rather than the long gains. The evidence for them is they can prevent decline, it’s not going to improve memory, but it keeps you from declining.
Daily Habits
Denial doesn’t help, The first thing is to be aware and honest about your habits!
Exercise - Your brain needs enough exercise to keep working properly. Follow the 10 by 3 rule – 10 minute brisk walk 3 times a day. Exercise is cumulative. 150 -300minutes per week is the range you’re after.
Alcohol consumption matters. This is not a yes or noquestion about if you drink or not. It’s how much, how often, and what you drink that needs to be explored.
Social connection – people who have this habit arebetter protected against dementia. Having connections is important!
Keep learning – not just brain games and reading, do theinterpersonal version of learning/problem solving like playing pool or cards.
Don’t retire from life when you retire from your job. Startplanning for it, and continue to have long-term goals. Be bad at new things you’re trying to learn.
Reframing things is an important part of psychology. Adjusting the way we think about certain things and adapting to being different than how we were, fosters growth. This is especially important with aging.
Pay attention and be mindful, of what you’re doing throughout your day and what you’re eating.
Mitchell also clears up some of my misunderstandings aboutFrontotemporal dementia and reassures me that even by today’s standards, my mother-in-law's dementia is one of the tougher ones to treat.
The mortality rate of caregivers is higher than non-caregivers. Don’t be the person who drowns trying to save someone else!
Download your dementia prevention checklist and roadmap at www.braindoc.com.
Buy the book, Dementia Prevention, Use Your Head to Save Your Brain.
When the love of his life had a stroke, Dave Nassaney quickly fell into the role of caregiver, uncertain of what the future was going to bring.
Determined to beat the alarming statistic of caregivers dying before their loved one, two decades later, Dave is “The Caregiver’s Caregiver” using every platform available to share their love story and help others find success in the caregiver role.
Dave shares his C.A.R.E. formula and encourages people to stay away from guilt. Guilt is like taking poison and expecting the other person to die.
He emphasizes the importance of not allowing yourself to be bullied or abused by the person you are caring for and that finding forgiveness will set you free.
Dave’s programs teach people how to put their own needs first, in order to provide the best care possible.
Dave is confident that God has a plan for him and Charlene. He reflects on them being better people today because of her stroke.
Although she is unable to speak, he credits her ability of being a great communicator to their success. You willhear how he fine tuned his communication skills, having anability to read the nuances of her body language and gestures.
We also discuss the typical caregiver pitfalls and how to avoid them.
His knowledge and wisdom are extraordinary, this is a Conversation with Caregivers you don’t want to miss!
Connect on FacebookRead his BooksListen to his PodcastVisit his Website
One of the greatest fears we have is the day the person living with dementia doesn't recognize us.
While there is really nothing that can prepare us for this moment, there was a progression of things I noticed with my mother in law, Sherry, that led up to it.
While the brutal reality of this moment stings and cannot truly be prepared for, the work that we do here with Inspired Caring around knowing ourselves, learning how to feel our emotions, being mindful, and having present moment awareness, helps us navigate through this experience.
In this episode, I share the stages of what I noticed and how long it took to progress from full recognition to not knowing who we were.
You'll discover the strategies we used to have the most meaningful interactions along the way.
I want to hear from you!
Send me your questions or comments, hello@inspiredcaring.com. I'll get back to you right away.
Wendy Tridle's company, Organize by Design, helps people tackle the big move from their home to a senior living community by providing a lot of understanding and hand-holding along the way.
Wendy shares that the biggest regret she hears from seniors who move to senior living is that they waited so long to make the move. They wish they had taken advantage of their senior living community sooner.
Death, illness, divorce, and job loss may spur on a big move, where emotions are already running high. Her mediation certification has helped many families manage the discomfort of tough situations like intoxicated (adult) children, sorting through who gets what items or simply being the one to break the news that 3 couches will not fit in the new space.
She shares a lot of her client's stories and specific examples of how to make this a smoother process for everyone involved.
Connect with Wendy here!
https://www.facebook.com/OrganizebyDesignNE
https://www.organizebydesign.info/
Rachelle turned her love of cleaning and organization into her passion for helping people feel comfortable and relaxed in their homes.
What she has discovered is decluttering is not just about making spaces look beautiful. Her process helps people live their lives with intention, so they can focus on what is most important to them.
Rachelle shares practical steps and unique strategies on how to move through belongings.
She has found that It is easier for people to lighten the burden of stuff in their homes when they start by organizing items. This helps people know what they have and makes it easier to begin letting things go.
It's also helpful to look for those easy wins like a linen closet, spice cabinet, or simply moving things back into the rooms they belong to get the ball rolling.
Going through sentimental items is like time travel. It's important to breathe, take a minute to process, and take breaks as needed.
Rachelle wants to ensure that clutter doesn't creep back in. Her mindful approach also supports her client's taking a look at their daily habits and how they want to use their time.
This was such a unique way to approach this process, I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!
Connect with Rachelle here:
https://rekempt.com/
https://www.facebook.com/rekempt54
https://www.youtube.com/@RekemptHomeOrganization
Two of the most daunting tasks people face are the decision to move out of a home they've lived in a long time and how to manage all of their stuff.
Patti shares that the clutter, loss of independence, and fear of change are what hold many people back from making a move to a smaller space.
Patti offers some tips about how to better age in place. Like being sure to have the right environment set up, which can include things like paint color to distinguish rooms, handrails, and pulling up throw rugs.
Her perspective that your home/space is supposed to serve you for a certain chapter of your life is a slight shift in thought processes that can help move the needle.
Also, if you're an adult child, be sure your things are out of the house! “Your home is living space, not someone else's storage space.” Francine Jay
Be sure expectations of time working on house clean out projects are being managed. Maybe the person you're helping needs the distraction from treatments, so going through a few things is helpful in that way vs tackling a bigger project.
Starting small with easy spaces like bathroom cabinets or the TV stand can help you gain some momentum!
Connect with Patti on social. She has so many great tips that you won't want to miss!
https://www.instagram.com/shesellsjerseyshore/
https://www.facebook.com/SheSellsJerseyShore
If the thought crossed your mind "I'm not sure they're safe at home anymore", you want to check out Illuminating Senior Living. This will help give you direction on when it is time to start the moving process!
The hospital can be a scary and confusing place so after 15 years of treating patients, Hospitalist, Dr. Monique Nugent, wrote the book on how to have a more successful hospital stay!
Prescription for Admission will help you receive better treatment and improve your experience at the hospital. This complete guide provides the critical information you need to navigate the hospital—so you can stay calm, feel confident, and focus on healing after a health crisis.
In this episode, she talks about:
- Not all hospitals can do everything you may need, it depends on which type you are in.
- Knowing where to access the patient's critical life-saving information, like a medication list and past surgeries, is vitally important.
- There are certain legal documents we all need, MOLST/POLST, Advance Directives, and Healthcare Proxy so decisions can quickly be made in the hospital.
- She offers a pre-hospitalization checklist.
- Setting clear, achievable, reasonable communication goals with hospital staff is vital for success.
- Choosing 1 person for the staff to communicate with makes it easier for the family.
- Do not isolate yourself, you need rest and support, when someone is in the hospital.
- A hospital visit is an active process. Once someone is stable, this is our time to be figuring out what to do next.
- Caregiving does not end with the hospitalization, in fact, most of the time it ramps up after the hospital stay.
- The case manager needs to be communicated with as soon as possible if there is another elderly person at home providing care or if there is no additional support in the home. If you need someone to go to short-term rehab so you can get things lined up at home, tell them!
- Nothing happens in the hospital in isolation. Labs, radiology, and pathology are all working together and these groups don't all necessarily work 7 days a week. Neither does your health insurance.
There is so much great information here and I hope you will connect with Dr. Nugent and grab your copy of her book!
https://drmoniquenugent.com/about-the-author/
Buy Perscription for Admission Here
If you are beginning to think your parent may need senior living. This is your time to act and get the information you need!
Illuminating Senior Living will answer all of your questions and help you take that next important step.
When Robin's brother and dad passed away within 5 days of each other she became the primary caregiver for her mother.
Knowing her mom's neighbors and friends helped her manage a year of caregiving from a distance then after a year of managing things from out of State, she asked her mom to move closer to her.
It was a hard conversation but a pivotal point in their relationship allowing them to have 3 wonderful years together. Robin talks about how even with a parent in Assisted Living, we are still active care partners. She shares how she lost herself and what she did to save her sanity and health.
Robin supports caregivers through her coaching programs encouraging people "Don't be scared, be prepared!"
Connect with Robin and learn more about how she can support you!
www.mypivotalpoint.com
https://mypivotalpoint.com/caregivingconsulting/
www.linkedin.com/in/robinweeks
https://www.facebook.com/groups/mypivotalpoint.comcaringforcaregivers
https://www.careyearsacademy.com/user/robinw/
https://www.thecarecolloquium.com
Illuminating Senior Living is the comprehensive program you need to understand the next best step for your family!
Candace has been caring for her bipolar mother her entire life. The difference with FTD (frontotemporal dementia) is that, unlike a bipolar episode, the care required never ends.
Isolation comes fast when caring for a family member. When the world shut down in 2020, she knew the isolation would be a temporary challenge for others, but it is an ongoing reality for family caregivers.
In this episode, Candace shares how learning to read her mother's body language has been a game-changer in how they managetheir days. "Behavior is communication" and being a detective hashelped them be more successful.
She realized that everything is a phase. Challenging things will stop, and new challenges will pop up to adjust to.
She learned that with sundowning, the environment matters. She sets them both up for success even by adjusting the environment as early as noon.
Turning her frustration about her mother's "shadowing" (following her around) to gratitude that she knew where her mom was, helped reframe how she was feeling throughout her day.
Candace shares so much insight, wisdom, and many strategies to help you be successful. I know you will have some great takeaways from this conversation.
Connect with Candace here:
https://ourftdjourney.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ourftdjourney
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ourftdjourney/
etsy.com/shop/OurFTDJourney
ourjourney@ourftdjourney.com
Are you trying to figure out if senior living is the nextbest move? Check out Illuminating SeniorLiving to get all of the answers you need to make the right decision!
Movement in our body is imperative for us to age well and it is never too soon, or too late, to get started!
Betsy Spieler is a Physical Therapist who while working in a Nursing Home, saw the need to reach people in the community sooner. In May 2022 she co-founded UBStronger 55+ in Omaha to further fulfill her passion for helping older adults regain and maintain their independence, develop resiliency and increase vitality through a contemporary, research-based approach to fitness for older adults.
In this episode, Betsy and I discuss 2 options for your health.
1) The benefits of Physical Therapy and how to access a PT
2) How to avoid needing PT in the first place!
UBStronger 55+ is designed with evidence-based programs to accommodate your level of mobility and help you safely reach your goals. They program functional strengthening exercises that apply to real-life movements as well as balance and agility exercises to optimize your mobility. They also focus on nutrition and community, both of which also play major roles in your aging outcomes.
You will also learn about the two important metrics often used to measure a person's "health span", grip strength, and the ability to get up off the floor (even if you use furniture).
We don’t want to just live a long time, we want to have quality of life too!
To learn more about UBStronger 55+
Check out their website
E-mail UBStronger55@gmail.com
Call UBX: 402-934-2348
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/UBStronger
Betsy Spieler, PTBoard Certified Geriatric Clinical SpecialistCertified in Modern Management of the Older Adult Owner, Stay Strong Physical Therapy & Wellness, LLC Co-founder/Coach UBStronger 55+ at UBX Gym Physical Therapist at Hillcrest Millard. Betsy is a Physical Therapist with 25 years of experience working in outpatient orthopedics, acute care, home care and skilled rehabilitation settings as well as providing educational seminars to community and professional groups. She is currently specializing in the treatment of older adults with complex medical conditions in her clinical practice.
P.S. 70% of adults age 65 and older at some point will need senior care services! Illuminating Senior Living answers all of your senior living questions and teaches you how to have these conversations with your family members. This course will set you up for success to avoid the next crisis!
Dreamweaver Foundation is on a mission to help older adults realize their dreams and connect with hope! They do this through 2 primary programs.
1) They make dreams come true for terminally ill seniors living in senior care communities. These dreams may be something as simple as a themed birthday party, a visit with a family member they haven't seen in a while, or even a trip to Florida. No dream is too small or too big for Dreamweaver to help with!
Having these dreams come true has been known to spark hope and purpose for the person receiving them and create lasting memories for families.
2) Their partnership with GrandPad connects isolated seniors with their families and interesting programming. These straightforward devices eliminate confusing technology and are adaptive so easier to use. They are available to everyone in the US, for both people living at home or in a care community. You can go directly to GrandPad to learn more. If resources are limited, apply for a scholarship through Dreamweaver.
Erin shares heartwarming stories and inspires ideas on how to help our loved ones live each day with more joy.
Contact Dreamweaver Foundation to nominate someone for a dream or apply for a GrandPad by visiting their website, https://dreamweaver.org/
P.S. Illuminating Senior Living helps families understand how to make the best decision about senior living and how to have those conversations. You're doing a great job! Keep up the great work!
Sometimes we get caught in the trap of having made a promise to a family member (ourselves?) that eventually doesn't line up.
Things change. People change. Situations change.
We can't hold ourselves to a promise made 3 years, 3 months, 3 days, 3 HOURS ago, if when we have new information or the situation changes, we have to move in a different direction.
This episode is packed with goodness. Here are your 3 steps.
- Know what you will and won't do
2.Know your dealbreaker
3.Know your next step
Illuminating Senior Living get's you answers you need right now to make the best decisions for your family member!
Pando Geriatrics specializes in the mental health of seniors through counseling services appointments via telehealth, in-office, or in-home (in the Omaha area).
Seniors are often dealing with health crises, loss of control in their lives, loss of independence, or living arrangement transitions, just to name a few of life's major curve balls.
We talk about strategies to help our family members through these transitions.
Mindy emphasizes the importance of talking about plans before you are in a crisis. Caregiver stress increases the risk of death significantly, so we need to care for caregivers!
She talks about empowering seniors to be part of their living arrangements solution by checking out multiple places in advance. "Let's make the plan we hope no one needs, but at least it’s in place” which can also help with the adjustment.
Sometime after a move seniors have a sense of homelessness, having to dispose of their material possessions factor into this feeling. It's hard to process when someone else is having to go through all of your stuff and getting rid of it.
Some ready reminders from our conversation:
- Validate how someone is feeling – do not minimize what theyare saying and expressing. Sometimes listening, not fixing, is what someone needs.
- The important next step is to help them have some controlback into this situation.
- Things can feel out of control, but how we respond to a situation is in our control.
- It takes 3 months to adjust to something new.
- Focus on the end goal of what you want things to look like and get started on changing the habit right away.
- Motivation doesn’t happen first, forcing the new habit thengetting into the rythem will help!
- Happiness is a choice and no one is happy all of the time.
People are allowed to have a bad day, even if they’re living with dementia.
Mindy Crouch, LCSW, LIMHP, LISW
https://www.pandogeriatrics.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057440799930
Illuminating Senior Living is the video course you need to get the ball rolling to understand senior living!
It is SO easy to live on autopilot and just plow through our days. Unfortunately, that leaves a lot of room to mindlessly be triggered, anxiety to build, and feeling off track with areas in our lives.
What are your Love Languages? What are your Core Values? What are your Gallup Strengths?
When we pull all of this data together, it helps us understand who we are and the energy we are bringing to our relationships and life.
I love working with clients to help them understand themselves even better, teach them how to observe themselves and in the moment determine what they want to happen next. When you observe your ownself, it gives you the power to do the most immediate next best thing to support yourself.
Everything that has created your success in other areas of your life also applies to this role within the family as a caregiver. So pay attention, see what is working for you and what's not, and let's make a plan for that next first step!
Illuminating Senior Living is the only comprehensive program that will help you before a move to senior living. You don't need to be an expert, you just need this information.
When is it time to move?
What to look for and how to choose?
What are the objections and How to have the conversations
And more! Check it out HERE.
Join me in the conversation with Bill about caring for his mom and turning his pain into a passion to help other families on this caregiving journey. Here's a note from Bill to you!
Hi, I am Bill Cohen.
My loving and talented mother, Sheila, lost her home to Hurricane Katrina. Then, she lost her health, ability to create beautiful art and, ultimately, her life due to Alzheimer's. For almost 10 years, I was her primary caregiver and advocate, not just her son. I turned my personal loss into my passion for supporting other caregivers.
After “retiring” from state employment after 25 years and entering my “encore career”, I am a caregiver support group and memory cafe leader, podcast guest, and speaker, a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®, an elder mediator, and a caregiving support consultant. I have completed several caregiving courses through the Alzheimer's Association and the Society for Certified Senior Advisors (CSA)®, and also earned business degrees from Boston and Portland State Universities.
I am a native New Englander and have lived in the Portland, Oregon area for almost 39 years with my wife and supporter of over 40 years, Lori. Here are all of the ways you can reach me.
bill@cohencaregivingsupport.com
https://linktr.ee/CohenSupport
https://cohencaregivingsupport.com/services
Time is tricky. Sometimes it feels like it's moving slowly, other times it feels so fast. We all have the same amount of hours in the day, yet how each of us engages with time can be so different.
Is TIME one of your Core Values? I had hours and hours stuck in airports recently and didn't get anything accomplished during that time. I was OK with my lack of productivity, I was generally OK sitting around the airport for 9 hours.
It was when my core values of integrity, faith, and connection felt triggered that caused me to feel sad about the delayed flights and not being with my mom when she needed me.
How we feel about time and engage with time makes up our lives. When it comes to losing people we love, it never feels like we had enough time with them.
I walk you through an exercise to unpack your thoughts around time and invite you to reflect on observations so you can engage with time in the most meaningful ways.
Questions about a move to senior living? Illuminating Senior Living answers all your questions and puts you in the best position to figure out the next step for your family!
Lisa is passionate about helping people enjoy their memories through organizing their photographs. Our pictures are the keys that unlock our stories. Our stories are part of the legacy we leave for our families!
Lisa helps with larger organizing projects by consolidating the locations of your pictures and putting them in order. She is also able to put together slide shows for celebrations, memorials, and accessibility for enjoyment.
Lisa shares tangible tips on what to do with the boxes and albums of physical pictures and how to dig out of the thousands of digital images that have accumulated.
Connect with Lisa through any of these platforms!
Website: HOPEorganizing.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HOPEorganizing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HOPEorganizing
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/HOPEorganizing
A few specific things Lisa mentioned:
Memories Hub and Ollie - iPhone app
When it's time to begin to think about Senior Living, you want to make the best decisions for your family. Check out Illuminating Senior Living for critical information you need to know and guidance on how to have these conversations.
Sharon Riff Ackerman passed away 1/1/2020 from Parkinson's Disease and her son, George, has been on a mission ever since to honor his mother through the movement his family created, Together For Sharon.
Their mission is to raise awareness of Parkinson's Disease in hopes of a cure. George is making headway by connecting with caregivers, organizations, and Government officials to elevate the urgency, to spare other families from losing a loved one to PD.
In this episode, he shares some of the blessings and challenges his family faced as they cared for his mom.
The website, https://www.togetherforsharon.com/, features many resources for families, partnerships, interviews, and ways to share your own story and support this important mission.
Several years ago I began doing an end-of-year reflection and have learned it has brought tremendous value in several areas of my life. In this episode, I outline my process. Why do this?
First, you will find that you got more done than you realized. Often we are so caught up in the day-by-day, and lose sight of how much we've accomplished over time. I took 2 trips to CA to see my Dad and had 2 mini trips with my Mom to KC. That's a lot! We need to pause and celebrate, not just keep plowing forward towards our goals.
Second, you will discover what felt good over the last year and want more of in the coming year. What lights you up? You'll also figure out what didn't work for you and need to cut out.
Third, you will be living an intentional life and not feel like life is just happening TO you. Reflecting on the last year will help you set your intentions for the coming year. What do you want more of? How can you be sure to support yourself? Did you make it to the doctor this year or do you need to get that colonoscopy scheduled?
We're all in this together!
I'm so grateful to have had this year with you, thank you for sharing time and space with me, it's truly a privilege to walk this journey with you.
2024 here we come!
If you're concerned it may be time for Senior Living for your parents, Illuminating Senior Living will help you find clarity and confidence to have those conversations.
Managing the holidays can be tough under the best of circumstances, but when we have new situations at play or living arrangements happening, it can make it much harder. As family caregivers, we have our share of challenges.
As you step into these next couple of weeks, I want to share some strategies to help you have the best possible outcomes so you can relax and enjoy the season.
- Be really open to the idea that some things have changed.
- Communication to manage expectations.
- Give your family members credit.
- Set them up for success.
- Be willing to be uncomfortable.
- Think about how you want to feel.
Radio Talking Books is an extraordinary service that helps keep people connected, informed and entertained!
Their mission is to provide human-voiced information choices to individuals who have disabilities that prevent them from reading.
RTBN programming includes: readings from 17 Nebraska regional newspapers, including the Grand Island Independent and Scottsbluff Star Herald as well as live daily readings of the Omaha World Herald and Lincoln Journal Star; weekly regional grocery and department store ads; current information from over 70 magazines; and more. We recently added programming including: Mind Your Business, featuring Midlands Business Journal and Strictly Business; Nebraska Virtual Newsstand highlighting online news sources like NOISE, Flatwater Free Press, Nebraska Examiner, and Nebraska Sunrise; and Southeast Nebraska Newspapers and Sioux City Journal to our newspaper readings.
Additionally, The Listening Link program assists blind, visually impaired, and learning disabled students in eliminating educational barriers they face by working with area schools and colleges, providing human-voiced recordings of textbooks and other course material required for degree completion and academic success.
Volunteers provide over 2,000 hours of recorded textbooks and other educational materials that are not already available commercially or through such sources as the Library of Congress or Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic.
“It has been a godsend. I listen daily. I have been depressed because I can no longer read. I depend upon your news and ads,”
Reach out to RTBS through their website to see what options are available for you! https://rtbs.org/
Illuminating Senior Living is the only program of it's kind that helps family caregivers figure out the confusing maze of senior living! This online program helps you know exactly what to look for and how to choose the best place for your family member. It also offers suggestions on how to best have this conversation. You've got this! These videos will totally help.
I love connecting dots and finding common denominators, not in real math, but with relationships and people.
Curiosity, Communication and Compassion are soooo important, not just as family caregivers, but in our daily life too.
In this episode I share stories of how these three C's came in to play with different family members and the value of getting recentered on them.
Are you increasingly worried about your parents ability to stay in their home? Here is more information on Illuminating Senior Living!
This new Documentary TV Show, Inside Senior Living, is going to take you on an eye opening journey behind the scenes with real families navigating the conversations and decisions to move into a senior living community.
Executive Producer and Host, Melissa Fritz, is a certified lifespan wellness coach. Her passion for helping seniors and their families started as a Sales Manager for Brookdale Senior Living and with her own experience being the daughter of a father who had Alzheimer’s Dementia and recently passed away after living in a memory care community.
The idea for creating Inside Senior Living was born after witnessing the isolation of older adults at the senior living community level during the Covid-19 pandemic coupled with her search to find quality informative, inspirational and entertaining content to share with caregivers and family members. Shows like HGTV’s “House Hunters,” Netflix “World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals,” and TLC’s “Long Lost Family” gave Melissa the inspiration to create a docu-series, home-search style TV show made specifically for seniors and their “sandwich generation” adult children.
Her mission is to bring the conversation of aging and senior living choices into mainstream culture. She has an unwavering compassion and energy that I know you'll love.
The next season of this show is being recorded in Minnesota. If you would like to be considered as a featured family apply HERE!
If you need help understanding what the options are for Assisted Living, Memory Care and Nursing Home care and how to have these sensitive conversations with your family members, check out: Illuminating Senior Living!
Michael McGregor has been a Physical Therapist for 22 years and works with people to help them identify risk factors that can contribute to a fall and potential injury. His goal is to keep people at home and independent for as long as possible!
He has experience working with patients who have complex health profiles and works with people who needs a higher level of care. Chronic conditions such as vision and hearing loss, arthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are associated with an increased risk of falls and require a specialized approach.
Working with Michael, people are able to regain strength, flexibility, and mobility, thus enhancing their ability to perform tasks such as getting up from a chair, climbing stairs, and walking independently.
Michael shares specific warning signs it may be time to have some strength training and strategies to prevent a fall so your family member can avoid injury.
https://michaelmcgregorpt.com/
hokiemcgregor@gmail.com
(336) 575-7570
www.michelemagner.com
Don't wait to get the information you need about Assisted Living and Nursing Home care! Illuminating Senior Living will light the way.
If you listen to this podcast, but aren't the person who is doing the coordinating and juggling of the older family member, you have an important role in the family caregiving relationship!
Who is the Primary Family Caregiver and what is a Secondary Family Caregiver?
If I'm in the Secondary role, how can I help the other person?
How can you help our family, Michele?
All of these questions are answered in this episode, so let's get going!
Illuminating Senior Living Video Course click HERE
Many women I've spoken with recently feel they are struggling with their friendships and admittedly I've been in the same boat.
People change, situations change and maybe we're still in a covid hangover? How do we have a deeper connection with one another that feels authentic and meaningful?
What I do know is we need people to thrive, especially during these middle years and everything this chapter entails.
I offer some thoughts on creating meaningful connections and where to find people you're interested in having as "finish line friends."
www.michelemagner.com
Illuminating Senior Living
Dr. Teten Kanter earned her Ph.D. in Gerontology at the University of Nebraska Omaha and her research led her to write, Positive Caregiving an alternative, affirming perspective to the overwhelmingly negative story surrounding caring for an older adult.
In this delightful conversation we discuss her book which offers the combined principles of positive psychology, mindfulness, reminiscence therapy, and lifestyle medicine.
The simple activity ideas within are designed to immerse caregivers in gratitude, empathy, forgiveness, love, and awe. Positive Caregiving encourages us to make the most of the caregiving experience.
Positive Caregiving focuses on the emotional journey and personal growth inherent in the caregiving experience, helping caregivers embrace, celebrate, and honor this critical role in modern society.
Positive Caregiving Book Available for purchase HERE.
Sarah Teten Kanter, Ph.D., is on a mission to help people embrace the gift of growing older. She is the founder and CEO of Positive Caregiving™, an organization focused on making caregiving and care receiving a positive experience and an opportunity for personal growth. She holds a doctorate and a master’s degree in gerontology from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Prior to pursuing her passion in gerontology, she was the chief marketing officer and chief customer officer at Kenexa, now an IBM company. She lives in Lincoln, Nebraska, with her family.
caregivercoach #inspiredcaring #familycaregiver #illuminatingseniorliving
www.michelemagner.com
Our brains are the most beautiful, powerful tools we have and so often we find it trying to use itself against us. Does that even make sense?!
In this episode I say out loud one of the darkest thoughts that bubbles up as a family caregiver and walk you through how to move through it.
As Dr. Wayne Dyer shares, "You are not your thoughts". This is easier said than done when we see someone we love suffering.
You are doing an amazing job. Happy National Caregiver Month! I hope you find lots of small and 1 or 2 big ways to bring yourself some joy and honor the wonderful things you do to support your family.
Illuminating Senior Living will help you reduce your fear and uncertainty about Assisted Living and Nursing Homes. Click HERE for more information!
Dr. DuBose is an Emergency Department Doctor who watches his senior patients come to the hospital for care, return to their homes, only to show back up at the hospital.
Up to 50% of the patients he sees at the hospital, are due to lack of care support in the home, because people struggle with ongoing care of these major issues:
- Wound infections leading to sepsis.
- Urinary track infections leading to altered mental status and incontinence.
- Diabetes going uncontrolled.
- Failure to thrive due to lack of nutrition and difficulties with eating.
- Families that are just simply not able to take care of an individual and come to the hospital to seek resources.
As a result, people are using the hospital to manage these chronic issues, which is an unsustainable model of care.
Frustrated with lack of support families face trying to care for their elderly family members, Dr. DuBose wants to end this vicious cycle.
His goal is to help people preserve their quality of life at home, support their basic needs and stay out of the hospital.
Generating support from the National Institute on Aging and created Olera Care to connect families with a customized care planning tool to support resources they need.
Olera Care is helping you map an Eldercare Ecosystem to streamline your resources for right now and understand what the future may hold and how much all of it will cost.
Seven out of ten of us will need additional care in our later years. Having the information you need right now will help set you and your loved ones up for success!
- Caregiver Relief Network Sign Up: https://olera.care/caregiver-relief-network
- Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/oleracare/
- A recent publication on caregiver challenges link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37526513/
Contact Dr. DuBose: logan@olera.care
www.michelemagner.com
familycaregiversupport #caregivercoach #familycaregiving #inspiredcaring #illuminatingseniorliving
Tim Brady, Nurse Anesthetist, shares in this episode what Ketamine Assisted Therapy is and how for those struggling with depression, chronic pain and PTSD, this can be a life saving therapy option.
His clinic offers a unique approach that focuses on Set & Setting and includes ketamine guides and ketamine coaches to work with patients throughout their therapy.
In this episode we talk about what someone can expect when working with his clinic, Mind Body Wellness Omaha.
We also talk though what a "journey" is like and the transformative benefits/results experienced with this therapy.
This therapy requires a Doctor's orders and not all clinics offer the level of attention that Tim's practice offers. Do your research before making an appointment!
https://www.mindbodywellnessomaha.com/
www.michelemagner.com
Things are tough out there in the world and all of us are at varying levels of loss and grief.
We also all process information differently and at different speeds.
I am 100% guilty of being short and snapping at people, not being my best self and then have to remind myself, I'm doing the best I can, and so are they.
Maybe a little bit of grace for myself, and others, could go a long way.
As a caregiver coach, one of the biggest issues I've learned people have is know when is it time to consider senior living. I created the course, Illuminating Senior Living as a self-paced online course, designed to answer all of your questions about Assisted Living and Nursing Home care. So you know when it's time and how to figure out how to have the conversation. Visit Illuminating Senior Living for more information!
www.michelemagner.com
Sasha K. Shillcutt, MD, MS, FASE is the best-selling author of Between Grit and Grace: How to be Feminine and Formidable. In her new and empowering book Brave Boundaries: Strategies to Say No, Stand Strong, and Take Control of Your Time (HCI Books, September 6, 2022), Shillcutt describes how she moved from simply surviving to thriving by stepping out of everyone’s expectations of her, stepping into her own power, and recreating her life according to her values, priorities, and well-being. She began saying no to others and yes to herself. She began to set boundaries. “When I overcame burnout, found my passion in medicine again, and started to embrace my full and authentic self, I realized this important truth: the ONE change I made was not a career change, a partner change, or some life-gimmick—it was learning to see the cracks in the foundation of my well-being and seal them up with boundaries,” she writes. “The single most powerful weapon we possess to fight against overwhelm, exhaustion, and burnout is not what you think ...The key to living an empowered life is the ability to create and enforce radical, lifesaving boundaries—boundaries no one is teaching us, as women, to set.”
As a physician, professor, speaker, and CEO & Founder of the organization Brave Enough, Sasha has taught thousands of women to achieve work-life control through her courses and conferences and speaks frequently to executives and leaders on the topics of professional resilience and gender equity.
Family caregivers struggle with boundaries and the result is exhaustion and burnout. This impacts not just our own health, but the people we are caring for. This valuable conversation will save you time and energy, helping you feel empowered to say "no" and not feel guilty as a result.
Amazon link for Brave Boundaries Book: https://a.co/d/6n9lLBP
braveenough #braveboundaries
illuminatingseniorliving
I know it's not just me, because I keep hearing it from y'all too. Family vacations are not for the weak. With aging parents, that's one whole other thing I didn't even mention, they just can't organize and run our circus anymore. Beyond that, the life sucking energy that happens when extended family gets together, is trying to take us all out! After a hella frustrating trip to Colorado, I took notes on what made this trip such a mess for me and what needs to change for "next time" (that's a solid maybe). In this episode I cover: Pre-trip red flags. Expectation Management. My waning interest in participating in everyone else's, eh hem, stuff. Structure I need. New Boundaries to implement. Goals for the futureThis episode is food for thought after your disaster of a vacation this summer or hopefully a preemptive strike for the holidays and upcoming trips!www.michelemagner.com#familycaregiver #caregivercoach #agingparents #illuminatingseniorliving #inspiredcaring
I'm excited to introduce you to, Bina Colman, Founder and Owner of Compassionate Callers! This is a phone call service that allows your loved ones to know that you care, while you are not able to call yourself. This is an amazing way to feel reassured that your loved one has someone to speak to (keep the loneliness at bay), that they will be checked on to make sure they are safe and secure in their home at the correct time, and to give them the peace of mind that even as a busy family you are still caring from nearby or afar.
They make up to 5 calls per day, 7 days a week for peace of mind.These calls serve a multifaceted purpose: from gentle reminders for meals and medication intake to proactive fall risk assessments, ultimately minimizing the chances of hospital re-admissions. They are committed to making these crucial services accessible to a valuable cost.
(Pst. They'll call to check on your kids if they're home sick or after school too!) Connect with her on all the socials or send an e-mail for more information!
Email: inquiries@compassionatecallers.com
https://www.compassionatecallers.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compassionatecallers/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CompassionateCallersOnCall
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compassionate-callers/
www.michelemagner.com
caregivercoach #inspiredcaring #michelemagner
My Mom has been my wing-woman for 20 years as my husband and I have cared for 4 family members, including her mom, my Grandma Ferris. With every phone call I made, she was taking notes, not just on what what happening in the lives of our family members, but how she would want to handle each of the scenarios. Her life added a layer of complexity when she married our favorite and beloved, Papa Ron, who is Canadian and they live in Canada.
Now, I do have to add here that my mother is a retired corporate Attorney and we're pretty frank, matter of fact folks. Conversations about logistics have flowed easily between us, and my sister, Rachel, for years. Being a family caregiver is no joke and she watched the toll it took on us to have to extract information out of relatives. She's pretty direct towards the end of this episode that some people, they ain't talking. It's just going to be nearly impossible.
Our hope with this episode is it give you some framework for guidance on having these conversations. Per usual, we get off on a couple of tangents, but I do eventually circle us back.
She has documented all of her accounts with contact information and provided that on a thumb drive for us. She also has sent us copies of her POA, Will and Living Will. We know she's already burned the journals, so she's basically covered the bases!
Here are the scenarios she came up with. You may have some of your own to add as well.
Scenario 1 – My husband dies and I’m in good health. We still own and live in the condo in Canada.
Scenario 2 – I have a debilitating condition that’s temporary. My husband is still alive.
Scenario 3 – I have a debilitating condition that’s temporary. My husband is not alive.
Scenario 4 – I have been diagnosed with a terminal illness that is not curable and involves unpleasant and painful treatment to keep me alive.
Scenario 5 – I have dementia that is progressing to the point that I can’t remember my family members.
Scenario 6 – I’m older and don’t want to live on my own any longer. My husband is either dead or living in some kind of home in Canada because I’m unable to take care of him. I would like to live in independent living in the US.
Scenario 7 – I’m still able to live on my own but have reached a point where I don’t get out much, maybe even can’t drive. I will want in-home help and companionship.
Preferences for Care - She outlines in her document a list of things she enjoys for care, around haircuts, food preferences, etc.
Resources: Financial, Medical, Contact Information for people we'd need to contact.
By the way, my super cool mom has her own website, that she designed herself, where she shares recipes and a blog. Check it out! https://thecuriousenior.com/category/blog/
inspiredcaring #caregivercoach #agingwell #familycaregiving
When Ellen's mother became ill, the family rallied together to provide her with love, attention and care through the end of her life. It's not always that siblings agree and get along with one another during this emotional time. Ellen shares her heartwarming story about strength, mutual support and her mom's final days. I'm incredibly grateful to her for coming on and having this conversation with me.
When we share our stories we connect, uplift and inspire one another to keep going. Thank you Ellen.
www.michelemagner.com
caregivercoach #familycaregiving #inspiredcaring #aging #agingparents #caregivingjourney #conversationwithcaregivers
This question, by far, is one of the most triggering questions family members have to respond to. There are so many emotions that spike to the surface when this is asked, and it can swirl us into guilt, doubt, fear, sadness, anger you name it, pretty quickly.
If someone is not living with Alzheimer's or another dementia, this usually presents as subtle jabs that can eventually be triggering leading to explosion or argument. The bottom line is, things are where they are for a reason or number of reasons, that are out of our control. Our goal is to let the comments slide, be reassuring, validate the person's emotional response to the situation, generally do our best to not fall into the trigger trap and respond in a loving way.
The game changes when the person asking is living with dementia. It's never a one and done conversation. They don't remember asking the question. They're confused about what is going on. We have worked hard to figure out this new living arrangement and get things set up, so it's upsetting when they're repeatedly asking about going home. It's a constant reminder that everything has changed.
We desire for them to not ask this because we want to feel a certain way. Of course we want people to feel settled and happy. Under the best of circumstances, a move takes time to feel settled in. When someone is living with dementia this takes an extraordinarily longer amount of time and in my experience, eventually, people do get there and stop asking. Eventually.
In this episode I talk about:
- Keeping perspective on moving.
- Home may be a feeling more than a geographical place.
- How to answer the same question a zillion times as if it's the first time they've asked.
- Remembering they have a brain disease, keeping our energy in check as we're responding.
- Thinking about the reason behind why they want to go home, it may not be what you're thinking.
- Offering responses that are temporary and in service to others.
- How to redirect the conversation.
This is a VERY tough time and I want to uplift that you are amazing and doing a great job. Be kind and patient with yourself too. Do what you need to do to take care of yourself, restore yourself, and recharge so you can feel patient during this chapter.
www.michelemagner.com
Dementia Educators to follow:
Teepa Snow: https://www.instagram.com/teepasnows_pac/
Dementia Darling: https://www.instagram.com/dementiadarling/
BeLightCare: https://www.instagram.com/belightcare/
Dementia Careblazers: https://www.instagram.com/dementia_careblazers/
How often do you find yourself holding your breath through out the day?
Kimberly Faith is a powerful healer in the holistic industry. Using breathwork, she's discovered her purpose and inspires others to do the same.
She's a rebel who challenges societal norms and invites others to push past their limitations and embrace their full potential. Her somatic and 9D breathwork sessions take participants on a journey of self-discovery and healing, helping them deepen their connection with themselves.
How lucky am I that she a dear friend of mine! I've known Kimberly for years and have felt the impactful healing of "breathing" with her.
Get ready to explore new frontiers of consciousness with Kimberly Faith!
Linktree for ALL the goodness connections and options! https://linktr.ee/adventuresofkimberlyfaith
Instagram: www.instagram.com/adventuresofkimberlyfaith/
Book a call: https://calendly.com/kimberlyfaithrayburn/30-minute-complimentary-exploration-call?month=2023-09
Website: https://www.kimberlyfaith.net/
kimberlyfaith #justbreathe #breathworkhealing #inspiredcaring
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michele-magner/support
This question, by far, is one of the most triggering questions family members have to respond to. There are so many emotions that spike to the surface when this is asked, and it can swirl us into guilt, doubt, fear, sadness, anger you name it, pretty quickly.
If someone is not living with Alzheimer's or another dementia, this usually presents as subtle jabs that can eventually be triggering leading to explosion or argument. The bottom line is, things are where they are for a reason or number of reasons, that are out of our control. Our goal is to let the comments slide, be reassuring, validate the person's emotional response to the situation, generally do our best to not fall into the trigger trap and respond in a loving way.
The game changes when the person asking is living with dementia. It's never a one and done conversation. They don't remember asking the question. They're confused about what is going on. We have worked hard to figure out this new living arrangement and get things set up, so it's upsetting when they're repeatedly asking about going home. It's a constant reminder that everything has changed.
We desire for them to not ask this because we want to feel a certain way. Of course we want people to feel settled and happy. Under the best of circumstances, a move takes time to feel settled in. When someone is living with dementia this takes an extraordinarily longer amount of time and in my experience, eventually, people do get there and stop asking. Eventually.
In this episode I talk about:
- Keeping perspective on moving.
- Home may be a feeling more than a geographical place.
- How to answer the same question a zillion times as if it's the first time they've asked.
- Remembering they have a brain disease, keeping our energy in check as we're responding.
- Thinking about the reason behind why they want to go home, it may not be what you're thinking.
- Offering responses that are temporary and in service to others.
- How to redirect the conversation.
This is a VERY tough time and I want to uplift that you are amazing and doing a great job. Be kind and patient with yourself too. Do what you need to do to take care of yourself, restore yourself, and recharge so you can feel patient during this chapter.
www.michelemagner.com
Dementia Educators to follow:
Teepa Snow: https://www.instagram.com/teepasnows_pac/
Dementia Darling: https://www.instagram.com/dementiadarling/
BeLightCare: https://www.instagram.com/belightcare/
Dementia Careblazers: https://www.instagram.com/dementia_careblazers/
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michele-magner/support
Is the senior in your life interested in having real discussion around interesting topics? Or may you or the person you care for is feeling lonely and seeking connection with someone else. Pastor Michael Bianchi has a heart for connecting people all over the world to uplift and encourage then in their later years!
Most seniors face 3 major questions at this time in their lives:
1- Why must I live thru this time when I feel it would be better if I just died?
2- Does my life now have any value?
3- What purpose is there for my life now? The strive to answer these questions and more in their weekly Zoom meetings on Mondays at 7 pm central.
I had the opportunity to share my mindset and aging presentation with his community on August 14, 2023 and that is available for replay HERE. Scroll to the bottom of the page!
For more information or to join Mike on a Monday night call, visit: https://mikesministry.com/up-w%2Fseniors.
Family caregiving is tough and aging is one of the most complicated things we can imagine. I Invite you to share this episode with the senior in your life to see if they'd like to check out one of his Monday night calls.
inspiredcaring #illuminatingseniorliving #upwithseniors #pastoralcare #mikesministry
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michele-magner/support
We are all getting older and what we do today matters for our health outcomes we have for years to come to age well. This is the last conversation in a 3 part series where my mom, Deborah, and I discuss Next Level Aging. In this episode we are talking about "the fun stuff" that she has done over the years to look and feel her best. Did you know you could plump up your earlobes?! Small efforts here and there over time, have made a big difference!
You can listen to the other 2 episodes here:
Episode 106 - Next Level Aging Part 1 - What is Most Difficult
Episode 108 - Next Level Aging Part 2 - Setting Yourself Up for Success.
www.michelemagner.com
agingwell #familycaregiver #caregiving #inspiredcaring #nextlevelaging
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michele-magner/support
When we experience loss, grief or trauma, (or any big life event!) we can find ourselves searching for peace or understanding by seeking closure.
In this episode, Author Kimberly Isherwood, and I discuss her new book, Closure The Lie We Tell Ourselves. As a Nurse by training and Intuitive Medium by gift, Kimberly has a unique perspective on closure that has helped me in a couple of important ways.
1) Her understanding of what happens when we die was very comforting to me.
2) The idea that grief is so much more fluid and our societal structures and timelines around closure are complete B.S.
To buy the book, click HERE.
closureTheLieWeTellOurselves #KimberlyIsherwoodauthor #newdegreepress
www.michelemagner.com
inspiredcaring #michelemagner
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michele-magner/support
This is one of the most complicated chapters of our life as we stride through middle age, with huge changes happening and responsibilities shifting.
There are so many incredible influences in our life encouraging us to WAKE UP, telling us not to numb out and sleep walk through the next decade. Your health, your aging trajectory, your life are counting on you to wake up, pay attention and choose, so you can joyfully reflect back on your life rather than reflect with regrets.
Wake up to the idea that something can be different.
Pay Attention to where and when discomfort is present and where and when there is joy.
Choose what you want and investigate how to get it.
I reference a number of mighty movements that are happening in our culture right now, to wake up our consciousness and empower us with information to make the choices that work best for us. Check them all out here:
Illuminating Senior Living - Don't be left in the dark! Your senior living questions are all answered in this online video series available to you RIGHT HERE.
The Awakening Superstar Summit in Miami, FL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULHxeH2h-JA
FairPlay Life: https://www.instagram.com/fairplaylife/
Sarah Jenks: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjenks/
Jonathan Brajtbord : https://www.instagram.com/jonathanbrajtbord/
Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Dr. Peter Attia: https://a.co/d/iWrYLE8
inspiredcaring #fairplaylife #sarahjenks #jonathanbrajtbord #wakeup #payattention #choose #theawakening #outlive #longevity #aging #seniorliving #healthyliving #lifespan #familycaregiving #caregiver
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michele-magner/support
Sometimes after a hospital stay to recover from illness, medical incident or injury, a person isn't in position to go home yet. They are stable enough to leave the hospital, but the home setting would be too much too soon. Reasons may include, there is not anyone at home that is able to care for them, the home isn't set up yet for them yet or maybe a move to senior living is in order but someone isn't sure where to go.
A short stay in rehab can allow the person some time to get stronger, while the family sorts out figuring out what is next. If the person had 3 nights in the hospital, Medicare will cover rehab as long as the person is showing improvement.
In this episode I speak with an expert who shares what you can expect from a rehab stay and how to make the most of the time there.
If you have questions about any level of senior living, check out my new video series HERE. This gives you all of the basics you need, plus I share personal stories with you about my family members and navigating this chapter with them.
You can also reach out to me at www.michelemagner.com!
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michele-magner/support
Here's something I've noticed. Sometimes there are certain things that we are just never ready for. No matter how much we feel we have prepared.
For me, feeling prepared is about making a list and checking boxes. Figuring out what I need to DO to feel ready for something, buying stuff or visualizing an outcome. It's the work I do on the front end.
Ready, for me, actually has a sense of completion before the thing has occurred. There's an idea that there's enough preparation I can do, to generate a feeling that I desire, to feel like I am ready.
Sometimes no matter how prepared we are, we aren't ready. The reality is, ready or not, we're going to have do something anyway.
Senior Living is confusing but it's not a mystery! This online video series will give you the information you need and answer your questions, so you can feel more prepared when the time comes. It is $57 for a limited time, check out the details here: https://michele-magner.mykajabi.com/offers/fePMz4eJ
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michele-magner/support
It is incredibly frustrating to see someone who needs our help and have them refuse it. Family care-giving is hard enough when things are status-quo. When aging family members are clearly declining, it can be pretty scary to watch things unravel without a plan in place.
There are 6 theories I share with you about why people don't seek help:
- Continuity Theory - they think it can keep going the way it always has
- Social Behavioral Model - everything that makes someone who they are (race, gender, age, income, etc.) all play a part in if someone accepts help
- Reactance Theory - freedom and autonomy feel threatened
- Attribution Theory - unable to control and predict the environment, they blame themselves or the environment
- Equity Theory - it throws the relationship out of balance, doesn't feel equal anymore
- Threat to Self Esteem - what type of help is being provided, who is doing it impacts our willingness or reluctance
(Community Resources for Older Adults, Robbyn Wacker & Karen Roberto)
The goal is to let a little bit of light in through a crack. It can be hard to go from A to Z, but maybe get from A to B.
I share strategies in this episode on how to get the ball rolling.
ALSO, VERY EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT!
My new course, Illuminating Senior Living, is available! This online video series is going to answer all of your questions about senior living.
- When is it time to move?
- What to look for and how to choose?
- Understanding the levels of care.
- How are we going to pay for this?
- What the experts want you to know.
Click here to check it out - https://michele-magner.mykajabi.com/offers/fePMz4eJ
www.michelemagner.com
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michele-magner/support
Almost 6 years ago, I COMPLETELY changed my relationship with alcohol. Something I never thought I would have to do, want to do, or would be able to do. But the bottom line is drinking wasn't working for me anymore. I didn't like how I felt or acted when I over-drank. I didn't have the ability to just have 1 glass of wine and be done. Today is completely different. I still don't think about it. Because of the shift, I'm dreaming bigger dreams and reaching different goals that I thought were unimaginable. My body has stabilized in weight, blood sugar, and attitude. The biggest factor is I'm so much happier and focused in my life. I'm so proud of myself for having the awareness that something needed to change and then digging in to make it happen. It was hard a first, but is now effortless. Where are you on your drinking journey? I'd love to hear from you.
For your reference here are the 3 recorded podcast episodes on:
-
why I stopped drinking
-
how I stopped drinking
-
what has changed since I stopped drinking
www.michlemagner.com
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michele-magner/support
If we're lucky, aging is happening whether we embrace it or not! As I look around at my aging role models, at 78, my mother is at the top of the list as someone who is aging well. Not just because she's beautiful inside and out, but because she is healthy, wealthy and wise in so many areas of her life. She takes no medications, works out multiple days a week, cooks delicious meals from scratch and recently built her own website!
This is Part 2 in our 3 part series where we talk about things she has done over the years to set herself up for success. We cover a lot of territory and her blog post with her complete list is available here:
https://thecuriousenior.com/category/blog/
If you need more support on your own aging journey or as you care for your family member, sign up for my email list on my website, www.michelemagner.com
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michele-magner/support
Life can be unpredictable, especially when we are on this family caregiving journey, AND there are also so many things within our decision making process and control! If you really think about it, increments of 30 seconds, days, months, years, have a huge impact on our life. A lot can happen in those increments of time. Again, some of it in our control and some not so much.
When my clients feel stuck, we look for areas to disrupt thought processes to gain clarity and then focus on what needs to be changed. With clear thinking and specific goals it allows us to create the life that we desire, even when we are helping someone with their aging journey or managing kids that are still at home.
Www.michelemagner.com
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michele-magner/support
Deborah Ferris is a retired Attorney, the founder of The Curious Senior (https://thecuriousenior.com/) who just celebrated her 78th birthday, and she is also my mom!
She and I have had countless conversations over the years about aging and family caregiving. Our goal with this episode is to have her share some of the struggles she is facing and she has entered, in her words, the "next level of aging". I wanted to better understand some of the things she is feeling challenged with.
Things like renewing drivers license, medical procedures and overall strength have surprised her along the way.
She also shares wisdom for people in her peer group who are facing similar things and offers suggestions to their kids as we try and help navigate it all.
This is a 2 part series. In our next episode together, we will talk about the many things she has done to set herself up for success to be aging so well!
aging #familycaregiving #seniors #inspiredcaring #michelemagner
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michele-magner/support
Even the most well-organized, loving, and harmonious family will eventually face the need for additional support. As the care needs of your family members grow, it becomes crucial to have the right individuals in your corner, ensuring that your own health and well-being are not compromised.
Allow me to present Jennifer Fink, the delightful host of the Fading Memories podcast. With her extensive caregiving background, Jennifer guides you through the process of assembling your care team well ahead of time, so that you are prepared when assistance becomes necessary.
In this episode, Jennifer also shares a valuable resource: Alzauthors.com, a website worth exploring for additional support and information. Join us as we delve into the essential steps of building a reliable care team to navigate the challenges that lie ahead.
Fading Memories Podcast - https://fadingmemoriespodcast.com/
FamilySupportMatters #CaregivingJourney #CareTeamBuilding #HealthAndWellbeing #FadingMemoriesPodcast #CaringForLovedOnes #InspiredCaring #CaringFromTheHeart #CaregivingExperience #FindingTheRightSupport #AlzAuthors #CaregiverResources
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michele-magner/support
Here's a novel idea. A boundary is put in place and the discomfort is temporary, because a permanent change gets made. Whaaat?
In this episode we explore how temporary boundaries lead to lasting change and personal growth. Discover the transformative power of setting limits and holding space for yourself and others. Join us on this journey of self-discovery as we embrace temporary boundaries for positive shifts in our lives.
inspiredcaring#coaching#inspiredcaring#dementia#michelemagner#seniorliving#familycaregivig#assistedliving#seniors#alzheimers#mindfulness#agingparents#nursinghome#elderlyparents#lifecoach#love#gratitude#caregiver#homehealth#mindset#consciousaging #aging
Sometimes it can be hard to imagine, but there is a chance that it may be worth considering, being open to the idea of something.
In this thought-provoking episode, I invite you to join me on a personal journey of reflection and growth. Throughout my life, I've discovered the immense power of being open to new ideas and perspectives. From my role as a family caregiver to navigating relationships, career choices, and even my overall perspective on life, embracing openness has been a game-changer. Join me as I share my experiences and delve into topics such as admitting mistakes, offering heartfelt apologies, recognizing self-worth, appreciating diverse perspectives, and so much more. Together, let's explore the transformative power of openness and inspire one another to embrace it in our own lives. You are enough, and I'm excited to embark on this journey with you.
So. Many. Feelings.
In the latest episode of Inspired Caring, we delve into the profound and complex emotions experienced after the loss of a loved one. Join us as we explore the personal journey of Michele who recently lost her mother-in-law, reflecting on the unexpected feelings and challenges that emerged during this time.
Grief is a deeply personal experience, defying linear progression and manifesting as a mix of good days, bad days, and even fleeting moments of solace. Michele shares her perspective on the loss, recounting how it feels like two people have passed away—her loved one as they were before dementia and the person they became during the progression of the disease. As she navigates the aftermath of the death, she confronts the profound sense of loneliness that follows the initial flurry of condolences. She discusses the challenges of finding support while recognizing the busyness of others and the need for everyone to resume their own lives.
The episode highlights the importance of maintaining connection and offers insightful suggestions on how to be there for someone in mourning. From simple acts of checking in more frequently to unexpected gestures like dropping off a fruit basket or providing homemade baked goods, Michele shares invaluable lessons she's learned about supporting others through grief. She emphasizes the power of small gestures, heartfelt stories shared during visitations, and the significance of community coming together to provide meals or make generous donations in memory of the departed.
With sensitivity and authenticity, this episode reminds us that as we navigate the complexities of middle age—balancing careers, evolving relationships, and confronting life-altering experiences—connection and compassion remain paramount. Whether you are currently facing loss or supporting someone who is, this podcast serves as a reminder that you are not alone.
Join us as we explore the universal human experience of grief and the unexpected feelings that emerge in its wake. Tune in to gain insights, find solace, and discover meaningful ways to provide support during one of life's most challenging chapters.#inspiredcaring#coaching#inspiredcaring#dementia#michelemagner#seniorliving#familycaregivig#assistedliving#seniors#alzheimers#mindfulness#agingparents#nursinghome#elderlyparents#lifecoach#love#gratitude#caregiver#homehealth#mindset#consciousaging #aging
This conversation has my heart.
Giovanni shares her story and wisdom of living a life with joy after a traumatic childhood that included witnessing her mother accidentally killing her father and the abuse and neglect that ensued in her own life when her mother became incarcerated.
There are so many incredible nuggets in this episode of how to take care of your own self, how to remain positive, and how to take inspired action in your life (for yourself and others!), despite any circumstance that come up. This is not about overcoming, it is about growth, and moving with and through life's challenges to decide how your own story ends.
We talk about Gallup Strengths, grief, PTSD, stigma of therapy in communities, self talk, disrupting old through patterns, letting go, we cover a LOT of territory.
Giovanni shares that God's grace is the only explanation of how she has made it through. She is more than a survivor, she is a thriving beam of light and hope which she brings to everything and everyone in her life.
Thank you Giovanni for sharing your heart and story with us.
www.michelemagner.com
The last week has been tough as we said Goodbye to my mother in law at age 75. She lived with frontotemporal dementia for 14 years, the diagnosis being in 2016 and her life in memory care beginning in 2019.
My father in law cared for her in their home, until his cancer diagnosis in 2019. The energy it took for him to receive treatments and also care for her was a LOT, so moving her to memory care was the best option. He eventually moved in on the Assisted Living side of her building and passed away in 2022.
In Sherry's last years she didn't recognize us and the last many months you could see her spark was gone. There are so many mixed emotions when someone with advanced dementia dies. I didn't mention anger in this episode, but that topped the list for the first few days. Incredibly angry that our family was ripped off of 5 years of memories with her. Moving into regret, relief, and sadness. Such a mixed bag.
In this episode I share about Sherry's final days and some of the emotions that surfaced.
www.michelemagner.com
It has been an exhausting 48 hours. We had poor communication around my mother in law and quickly became frustrated. I wanted to share with you how things were handled and resolved.
When Nicole's husband died unexpectedly on a business trip, she very quickly found herself having to pick up the pieces so she could carry on for her 2 young children. In this episode we talk about how Nicole persisted through this challenging time in her life and rediscovered who she is, what she liked in order to build a new life without her husband by her side.
1:37 Grieving the life you thought you were going to have
1:50 Someone who helped in a way Nicole would have never thought to ask
3:28 Discovering what she liked, instead of what was on auto pilot because it was something they enjoyed as a couple
4:29 How her husband died
6:00 Ways people jumped in
6:58 Feeling like she could handle it all
7:30 Hindsight on asking for help
8:35 What kept her going
17:30 Finding support in comradery with others
18:32 Things people say that are NOT supportive
22:39 How her identity has changed
26:00 Being the good girl, perfectionist, people pleasing
31:36 How she got to know herself again
37:00 The different ways people handle death and process
39:35 Honoring your feelings and truth
40:00 Be specific with what you offer to do for someone
43:26 Final thoughts on experiencing loss, grief and identity shift
The older we get the more attune we become that unexpected things can happen at any time in our lives.
Caring for an aging family member comes with so many twists and turns and you are not alone. I can help you navigate this complicated time in your life.
www.michelemagner.com
We want our kids to thrive. Our teens and young adults need more support! They are at an age where they're discovering who they are and making big decisions about their future. They are under incredible stress and having some additional guidance can offer them clarity and peace of mind. Amy Peterson is the founder and owner of Believe Breathe Be. She has personally worked with one of our daughters, helping her her reduce her stress by providing tools that she can use to calm her nervous system when pressure feels high. Amy is a Quantum Human Design Specialist, Mindfulness Coach, Reiki Healer, Meditation Teacher, Motivator, Writer, Lifelong Learner and Mom of boys!
To work with Amy (who is amazing) visit:
www.BelieveBreatheBe.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/believebreathebe/
As family care partners, we cannot underestimate how our caregiver role has impacted our kids. They are watching how we have managed the stress in this role. They are trying to figure out their own way in the world and there are a lot of new pressures we didn't have as kids. Amy is a wonderful resource for you, and your kids!
Are you ready to feel better in your role as a family care partner? We focus on 2 key components, your mindset and creating a care plan for YOU. Visit www. MicheleMagner.com to sign up for the next 12 week class starting soon!
Jacqalin was a teenager when her mother received a devastating diagnosis which led to Jacqalin and her father, Lonny, becoming caregivers to the woman they deeply loved. The care her mother required, necessitated Jacqalin to be home schooled for a period of time. There were a hospital stays, treatments, sleepless nights and heartache. The trauma of the experience led to a period of homelessness, for both her and her dad. They have steadily worked to exist in the world and build a new life without the woman they cherished.
This is a very moving story of resilience, faith, commitment and love.
For the support and tools you need to care for yourself, and those you love, join us in Inspired Caring on March 28th!
Click here to check it out: www.michelemagner.com
We're making 35,000 decisions every day, it's no wonder we're all so worn out!
In this episode we talk about your decision making process, making joint decisions and options to help reduce the noise.
Figuring out home health or senior living? Visit: https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/#search
WOO HOO! The next Inspired Caring group begins March 28th!
For more information and to join us visit www.michelemagner.com
Losing his adult daughter and wife to death just 9 months apart, Paul David Madsen understands grief. He attended grief support groups where he noticed few male attendees. This led to his book, "Men Grieve, Too -- Tools to Help Men Rebuild After the Death of a Loved One." Paul works with people experiencing grief/sorrow via his books (“Remember When…Healing Reflections for Grief and Sorrow” will be out in spring of 2023), seminars and keynote speeches. His topic is “From Grief to Gratitude.” Paul is the founder of growmedia.com, the father of two adult sons and lives in Nebraska.
To purchase Paul's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Men-Grieve-Too-Tools-Rebuild/dp/0971383650
To learn more about Endless Journey Hospice care and/or support the gala visit: https://www.endlessjourneyhospice.com/events/gala/
To contact me: www.michelemagner.com or michele@michelemagner.com
We're already doing this every single day, even if we don't realize it.
Our day is riddled with little moments of discomfort. Are they working for you or against you?
www.michelemagner.com
The Clifton Strengths are not just for professionals! They are incredibly valuable for those in a caregiving role as they can be insightful into how your mind is wired to your unique strengths and understanding your strengths can definitely benefit how you are interacting with other people in your life. (pst. they're not the same as other people and people with different themes are good to have around!)Barb is a Coach and Consultant, who partners with individuals to discover their talents using the CliftonStrengths assessment results to guide them forward, helping them recognize and develop their talents. Her approach starts with listening, understanding where they add value, and moving forward with an intention to maximize that talent within teams and organizations. Helping them discover how they contribute and what energizes them based on their strengths is why she coaches.Barb's background includes coaching and consulting for individuals in life transitions, grief support group facilitation for employees, serving as a hospital advocate for a non-profit providing crisis intervention and information to victims of sexual assault, and volunteering as a mentor to men currently and formerly incarcerated completing a program including career readiness, character development and communication. She has also facilitated Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University courses.Barb's education and training include:Gallup Certified Strengths CoachInstitute for Life Coach Training with coursework related to Life and TransitionsThe TTI TriMetrix DNA CoachingB.A., Communications Studies, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KSIf you are experiencing a transition in your life and Barb's message resonates with you, reach out to Barb on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbhannon/.For just under $20 you can take the assessment here: https://store.gallup.com/p/en-us/10108/top-5-cliftonstrengthswww.michelemagner.com
It's the second month of the year and motivation to stay on course with goals is starting to fade.
Here's the thing, those goals you set, were for YOU. They were based on things that are important to you for your life so I want to encourage you to stay the course! You cannot pour from an empty pitcher. Taking care of yourself is a priority.
In this episode I share about optimism, motivation and gratitude. Three keys to help you remain focused on anything you are wanting to accomplish this year.
Keep going! Go do the thing. We need to show up for ourselves in order to best show up for other people!
P.S. Join us in the Inspired Caring Program, starting March 2nd! This will help you continue to stay on track and meet those goals. The first 6 weeks we focus on mindset, the second 6 weeks we create a plan for you. I'm so excited be with you on Zoom!
Register here: www.michelemagner.com
What we put on in the morning can have a powerful impact on how we are showing up throughout our day! It influences our thoughts, self-perceptions, energy levels and can even shift how we are able to care for ourselves & those we love. Not only is my guest, Ellie Steinbrink, gorgeous, she explains the science behind why what we have in our closets and choose to put on our body, matters. We cover a lot of territory in this episode and she generously shares a ton of resources available in the show notes below. Enjoy!
Ellie Steinbrink is a Personal Stylist and owner of Style Decoded, working virtually out of her home in Omaha, NE. She's a Midwest born fashion lover on a mission to help women show up with more authenticity and alignment at work and in their businesses through their style, and feel 100% confident in their own skin every day. Styling is her passion but it hasn't always been her job. Ellie spent 20 years of her career in client service, advertising, developing brands, blogging, podcasting, and creating marketing and social strategies for clients, ranging from Fortune 500 giants to individuals building their personal brands online. To say she knows a thing or two about marketing and branding is an understatement! Now, Ellie loves teaching women how to define and own their unique personal brand through style.
Learn more about Ellie and her styling services, or read her style blog, at EllieSteinbrink.com.
Follow Ellie on social for style tips & inspiration: IG | Linkedin
Blog posts:
What's my Body Type?
What's your power color?
9 Myths about Style
Are these 3 Things Hanging out in Your Closet?
Free Download: Closet Detox Guide!
https://www.elliesteinbrink.com/detoxguide
style #styletips #personalbranding #personalstyle #styleover40 #workstyleinspiration #personalstylist #confidenceisbeautiful
www.michelemagner.com
According to the inter-webs, Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event or like many experience in their lives, a series of events. Longer term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships, and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea. Or let's face it, crippling anxiety, depression, energy, motivation and the ability to show up and take care of yourself, let alone someone you love.
Not only are many people living with trauma, others are having to care for the people who caused it.
In this episode, I speak with an expert who offers suggestions on how to self-soothe in the moment, when you are having a nervous system response. She also offers suggestions on resources to access, for the more in-depth work.
www.michelemager.com
michele@michelemagner.com
As a nutritional therapist, Kate’s passion for helping people overcome chronic illness began with her own sudden decline in health beginning in her early 30s. Constant fatigue, heart palpitations, hot flashes, brain fog, fatigue and infertility were some of the debilitating symptoms that left her asking “why?”
Unwilling to settle for a life of pills, side effects and vague diagnoses, Kate discovered the powerful healing abilities of plant food as medicine.
Kate has worked with hundreds of people to reclaim their health. These individuals have gotten off medications, experienced complete relief from countless life-long symptoms, reversed auto-immune diagnoses, healed countless digestive "disorders'', lost hundreds of unwanted pounds, and most importantly gained the tools and understanding to heal their body from within. It's a privilege and honor to be part of their healing journey.
Contact Kate:
Schedule your clarity call here: https://www.quellehealth.com/book-clarity-call/
https://www.quellehealth.com/
kate@quellehealth.com
Caregiver Support with Michele:
www.michelemagner.com
michele@michelemagner.com
The holidays were different this year. We found ourselves between enjoying family traditions and creating new memories without the family members who have recently passed away.
This space was a huge reminder that nothing is permanent and generates urgency in me, to pour myself into creating the life I want, setting intentions one day at a time.
We put things off thinking, they will come at some point or that we will get to them. But life sometimes has a funny way of kicking us in the butt and changing our plans. This is your life and today is your day, go do the thing!
www.michelemagner.com
michele@michelemagner.com
Do you ever have that experience when you get together with people (eh hem, family) and they seem stuck on stories from an old version of you? It's amazing how being around certain people can jet us back to an age, or time period in our life, that feels challenging.
During a recent visit with family, I found these stories quickly resurfacing and it was the first time I sat and listened with neutral curiosity. Lemme tell you, it was empowering.
This is the first time I'm putting a video episode up. Let me know your thoughts!
www.michelemagner.com
michele@michelemagner.com
Most of us love the idea of after a long fulfilling life, at a very ripe old age, lying down in bed for the night and waking up dead.
Sigh. From our own life experiences, we know it doesn't always play out that way. In fact, there can be a lot of confusion and misunderstanding about what Doctors are suggesting, and what each of those actions (interventions) really mean, AND the consequences of that selection. In the heat of a moment, having to make these decisions are overwhelming and quite frankly, scary.
Meet Amy Hensley RN, with Sips and Wishes. She, in partnership with Erin Putney RN, created the company that helps people with end of life medical planning, BEFORE you need to actually make those decisions.Lis
They focus on fun (yes, I said FUN) and facts while helping families have these tough conversations in a lighter environment. Listen in on this conversation and reach out to her for more information here:
https://www.sipsandwishesparty.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085625110676
**(402) 417-5247
sipsandwishes@gmail.com
www.michelemagner.com
michele@michelemagner.com**
When we get together for the holidays it can be kind of chaotic, but sometimes, we notice that something with our family member seems off. Things that are normally taken care of, are not being handled very well right now.
This episode is a comprehensive checklist of what you can be looking for when you gather with your elder family members, to ensure they are safe and healthy in their homes.
This list was put together by the Marketing Director at Valley Lakes Assisted Living in Valley, NE. Just 8 short minutes from the Village Pointe shopping center in West Omaha. Here is the link to their website if you'd like to reach out to them to visit their beautiful and welcoming community!
ValleyLakesAssistedLiving.com
Reach out to me anytime:
www.michelemagner.com
michele@michelemagner.com
What's your unice? Nope, it's not a body part or new age term.
It's actually your YOU-NESS, but that's certainly not what I thought when I heard this word for the first time! :)
What makes you...YOU? What makes you tick? What do you like? Do you feel like you're showing up as your authentic self?
This is certainly part of my continued journey of discovery and what I strive for each day. Let's keep going!
www.michelemagner.com
michele@michelemagner.com
We are born confident and curious and it is only over time that we are repeatedly warned and collecting evidence to have FEAR. Fear holds us back, keeps us stuck, keeps us up at night with worry.
F.E.A.R. is simply False Evidence Appearing Real.
What keeps surfacing as the way to overcome fear, it is through confidence. Confidence is a muscle that when exercised, becomes stronger. You can build confidence when you have an awareness of yourself, take advantage of neuroplasticity, and practice new ways of thinking and doing to become stronger in your confidence.
You want confidence when you're on the path of helping aging family members. It will help you move through challenging situations that you encounter and difficult conversations that need to be had.
Here's the video I reference in this episode from a fellow Graceland University alumni, Dr. Ivan Joseph - https://youtu.be/w-HYZv6HzAs
We have so many interactions with humans throughout our day. Either people we know, strangers we interact with, or others that barely cross paths with but still leave their mark. Some interactions leave us riding high and others leave us feeling YUCK.
In this episode I talk about assuming positive intentions and giving people the benefit of the doubt. Yeah, I know it can be tough, but hope you'll hear me out about what these things are, and how I think they've served me in my life.
Thinking through who you are interacting with regularly. Where could these things serve you? Or maybe it's time to have an honest conversation and clean up the connection.
Email me: michele@michelemagner.com
Website: www.michelemagner.com
Brene Brown on trust and BRAVING - so.freaking.good. https://youtu.be/0SqFiTeka_I
Teresa was a family caregiver, who went through various stages of caregiving with her beautiful mother-in-law, including having her in their family home and then transitioning to senior living. Each came with it's own stressors and challenges.
After 17 years of sobriety, Teresa found it easy to decompress by frequently drinking a couple of glasses of wine. Alcohol was a way to connect with quickly feeling better.
As the stress of caregiving evolved, so did the drinking habit, until one day on August 30th, she decided it was time for a massive change and took action.
This is a raw conversation about her journey, to take control of her drinking habit, which quite frankly mirrors my own habit in many many ways. (I even did a breathalyzer once before driving to the gym to go 'work it off').
Here are the books she read on why and how to stop drinking that helped her on her journey to being sober again.
1) This Naked Mind, by Annie Grace
2) Alcohol Lied to Me, by Craig Beck
If you are a family caregiver needing support, visit my website www.michelemagner.com to learn more about how I can be there for you.
Despite our best efforts to control as much as possible, it doesn't always play out as we hope. We are doing our best to plan, prepare, manage, organize BUT there is so much out of our control, it can be overwhelming and exhausting.
Recently, I started to gain a greater appreciation for what is going RIGHT, even if I'm not controlling it. Frankly, it's a lot. I don't have to micromanage everything, that weight can be lifted off my shoulders. I mean, do things go better when I'm involved (in my opinion), you bet! But, there's a lot of stuff that happens extraordinarily, even though I'm not paying attention to it.
www.michelemagner.com
Ryan Stevenson: Eye of the Storm - https://youtu.be/-sx8wTnnfSc
Sometimes being upside down will give you, well, a different perspective!
Here are my top 10 lessons on how to take care of myself which always translates into how I'm taking care of others.
Ready to Do Yoga Now? Visit, https://www.youtube.com/c/yogawithadriene
Ready to make your self-care plan? e-mail me at michele@michelemagner.com, or visit https://michelemagner.com/work-with-me/
I have a long history of not thinking the nicest things about myself. And with 60,000 thoughts a day, that boils down to about 2,500 thoughts an hour which is a lot of opportunity to be mean to me!
Turning it around took attention and diligence, and of course I still have bad days where I want to hide in the cave, BUT once you identify a thought that you realize is recurring, that empowers you to decide if you want to hold on to it and that's exactly what I did.
In this episode I talk about the number one thought I let go of and share some I Am statements to kick off your new train of thought.
Let's set up a time to chat about how I can help you with this too! www.michelemagner.com
When someone has dementia, it's hard to know when it's appropriate to take the person into an emotionally charged situation, like a funeral. In this episode I share what our family experience was when my father in law passed away, with my mother in law, who has dementia.
There can be a lot of judgement and expectations from other people, but you can't worry about them. There is a key question you need to ask yourself.
If you need more support, I'm here for YOU! Join me in one of my new Masterclass offerings or the Inspired Caring group program.
www.michelemagner.com
michele@michelemagner.com
What are the little signs that show up for you find reassuring? Life can be pretty overwhelming, and I'm so grateful that my mind has chosen something to bring me reassurance that I'm not on this journey alone. That God has my back.
For 10 years our "Friends" gathered at Central Perk, sharing the highs and lows of life, celebrating each other, calling each other out (in a loving way) and having each others back.
Over the weekend, I was thinking about the 7 years I was the family "helper" for my grandmothers and the many highs and lows of that time. I was in my late 20's/early 30's, so you know I was glued to Must See TV every week. I was also growing my family and caring for these women I love, so there were a lot of challenges at the time.
When you are ready for more information and inspiration, visit my website, www.michelemagner.com
I am also excited to offer you 2 upcoming Masterclasses!
Enroll Here:
Senior Living: https://michele-magner.mykajabi.com/pl/2147612099
Dementia: https://michele-magner.mykajabi.com/pl/2147600524
This is a solid question I've been pondering lately as our family has had 3 loved ones pass away over the last 6 months. Pretty tough stuff.
In this episode I share my mom's words of wisdom (as I remember them), and the reflections I've had on what the point is, and the mindset to consider for why we show up each day for ourselves and the people we love.
I'm walking away from recording this fired up to make the most of this day. I hope you do too!
inspiredsenior #coaching #inspiredcaring #dementia #michelemagner #seniorliving #familycaregivig #assistedliving #seniors #alzheimers #mindfulness #agingparents #nursinghome #elderlyparents #lifecoach #love #gratitude #caregiver #homehealth #mindset #consciousaging #aging
Sometimes it's the little things that really can make a difference! What do you think of when you think of self-care? There are so many little things we can do for ourselves that can help our bodies and mindset.
Here's a list of about 60 things I could think of starting at the top of your head, working your way down to your toes. Take care of yourself! It's the only way you can show up for the people you love.
www.michelemagner.com
Time and time again, I've heard family members voices rise with frustration and they ask their loved one questions that the person CAN NOT answer. In this episode I talk about why this is happening and what you can do to improve your interactions with the people that you're taking care of.
Worried someone you love has Dementia? Join me for a free webinar to untangle some confusion and figure out what the next step is: https://michele-magner.mykajabi.com/registration-page
Book a consult or check out my group program (limited spots and it starts Sept. 20, 2022) at: www.michelemagner.com
Helping aging family members can end up being a significant season or chapter of our lives and feel like a slow, challenging, marathon. There are times when a sprint is required, working through a certain event like a hospital stay or new decline. It can all feel pretty overwhelming at times. Just like a marathon, you can do it self-supported, but it's REALLY nice to have people by your side or in the wings cheering you on!
www.michelemagner.com
michele@inspiredsenior.com
I don't like feeling angry, so when I recently felt totally enraged over something, I wanted to have a better understanding of why this thing pissed me off so much and then calm down so I could get back to enjoying my day.
Let's face it, when helping an aging family member, there are a lot of opportunities to get upset. Here I share a strategy to better understand why this is happening and next steps to move towards your actual desired outcomes.
If you're a middle age woman and wonder if you're alone in all the things we're dealing with, your not. The book I reference in this episode is, Midlife Bites: Anyone Else Falling Apart or Is It Just Me? By Jen Mann
Need More Support? www. MicheleMagner.com
inspiredsenior #coaching #inspiredcaring #dementia #michelemagner #seniorliving #familycaregivig #assistedliving #seniors #alzheimers #mindfulness #agingparents #nursinghome #elderlyparents #lifecoach #love #gratitude #caregiver #homehealth #mindset #consciousaging #aging
There are so many unknowns with the aging journey, but there ARE things that you can be doing right now to feel good today and protect yourself for your future years. Join me in the conversation with my mom, Deborah Ferris, Founder of The Curious Senior, to hear her strategy on aging gracefully.
https://thecuriousenior.com/
www.michelemagner.com
michele@inspiredsenior.com
inspiredsenior #coaching #inspiredcaring #dementia #michelemagner #seniorliving #familycaregivig #assistedliving #seniors #alzheimers #mindfulness #agingparents #nursinghome #elderlyparents #lifecoach #love #gratitude #caregiver #homehealth #mindset #consciousaging #aging
We can find ourselves having very different experiences, even though we are side by side in the same situation, on the exact same journey with the people we love!
Realizing we are not experiencing things exactly the same and looking to find a baseline goal can be very helpful when trying to navigate certain situations.
If you would like more support, connect with me!
www.MicheleMagner.com or michele@inspiredsenior.com
inspiredsenior #coaching #inspiredcaring #dementia #michelemagner #seniorliving #familycaregivig #assistedliving #seniors #alzheimers #mindfulness #agingparents #nursinghome #elderlyparents #lifecoach #love #gratitude #caregiver #homehealth #mindset #consciousaging #aging
When Realtors are also family caregivers, with a specialty in helping seniors sell their homes, naturally they'd open a second company to also help solve the problem of cleaning out the house!
Meet Heather Tedesco and Jonie Sturek, the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate dynamic duo, who opened Family Ties Senior Move Management.
If your family members house is full of a lifetime of STUFF, this episode will be a huge help. These ladies cover the number one scam that people are falling for when it comes to selling their home, and a hot tip on how to decide what to keep and what to get rid of.
The number one tip I've shared with MY clients is, if they hand you something to take home with you, accept it!
Contact these professionals with any questions!
https://www.facebook.com/familytiesseniormove/
info@familytiesseniormove.com
(402) 305-8195
Do you need more support? Reach out to me here: www.MicheleMagner.com; michele@inspiredsenior.com
When Khristine was experiencing significant fatigue, among other health issues, she began researching to understand what she could do to solve her health issues and feel better.
She discovered Functional Medicine and tried several 'diets' Paleo, Keto, & Plant Based with varying results, ultimately landing in a healthy space for her body. This episode is a message of persistence and hope! She shares her journey and all of the amazing ways she is able to support you on your health journey.
Be sure to connect with her for yoga, hikes and bike rides in the group links below!
www.healingwithkhristine.com
https://www.facebook.com/HealingwithKhristine
https://www.instagram.com/healing_with_khristine/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1143130443114097
https://www.facebook.com/groups/416720909212486
https://www.facebook.com/groups/4699789743403100
CONTACT MICHELE: www.michelemagner.com; michele@inspiredsenior.com
Meet Jenni Herchenbach with Flourish Collaborative! Jenni has supported families with the end of life journey throughout her career, and is passionate about opening up the conversations about death and dying. Death doesn't have to be scary and there are a lot of choices we can be making right now, to support our end of life care.
She is a coach, speaker and educator & is on fire to support you on this important topic!
To contact Jenni:
https://www.facebook.com/flourishomaha
flourishcollaborative@gmail.com
Michele@inspiredsenior.com
www.michelemagner.com
I know the weight of overwhelm and despair. I know it feels like the world is on fire. I know how easy it is to want to retreat to isolation.
I encourage you to love and nurture yourself right now. Keep things simple and look for those seeds of hope. Seek wise counsel and not get so caught up in the play by play. Turn down the dial and refuel yourself. Stay connected to nature, higher powers, intuition and hope. There is always hope and it's gonna be OK. I love you.
Jenn Abbenhaus is passionate about helping caregivers take care of their own health, so they can care for the people that they love! She drove between 2 states to help out her family member and realized how hard it is to maintain healthy habits while in the family caregiver role. In this episode, she shares a lot of wisdom and some concrete strategies on how you can maintain your health as a top priority.
Contact Jenn: jennifer.abbenhaus@gmail.com or www.fitbodyphatlife.com
Contact me: michele@inspiredsenior.com or www.michelemagner.com
Jennifer has been a fitness trainer since 2008 and recently was a caregiver for her Grandfather who lived in a different State. She is passionate about making sure that caregivers are maintaining their own health, so they can care for the people they love.
In this episode, she gives us hope (and tips) of little things that we CAN do for ourselves physically, that will add up in the long run!
Email Jennifer: jennifer.abbenhaus@gmail.com
Website: www.fitbodyphatlife.com
Join her FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fitbodyphatlifecaregivers
Helping an aging family member can be really hard, adding kids to the mix can make things every more complicated both logistically and emotionally. Our kids have had parents in the caregiver roles nearly their entire lives. Here I share my top 5 things we've done to help our kids along the way.
Julie Bennett cared for her husband for 16 years as they worked through multiple diagnosis, multiple near death experiences, long hospital stays, and Alzheimer's Disease.
In her new book, "The Phoenix Man", Julie shares her and her husband, Scott's, story in a loving tribute to Scott and to their beautiful life together. In the book, she also offers a helpful guide for all caregivers encountering their own challenges, sharing with you what she wished she knew.
Julie is one of the most resourceful women I've met and we talk about how she took care of herself and tapped community resources to help her along the way.
I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.
Contact Julie: https://www.julieannettebennett.com/
Buy The Book: https://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Man-Julie-Annette-Bennett/dp/1982268719/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+phoenix+man&qid=1649702530&sr=8-1
Caregivers do not have to go this alone! Meet Kaley Johnson, a Certified Health and Life Coach who specializes in supporting caregivers. She has been a caregiver professionally for over 25 years in multiple roles, earned her degree in Human Services, has been a foster parent, and until recently, was the caregiver for her 92-year-old grandmother.
In this episode we touch on the nuances between professional and family caregiving and Kaley shares programs she created to help you maintain your own identity & life and avoid burnout, all while caring for the person you love.
You CAN do this and Kaley can help! Here's how to reach her:
Facebook Group: The Healthy Caregiver - https://www.facebook.com/groups/501569750812659
Website: sparkyourjourney.net
E-mail: kaley.johnson8342@gmail.com
When your family member is dealing with multiple Doctors, prescriptions, insurance, diagnosis, a healthcare crisis or discharging from the hospital - all things medical - it can be incredibly confusing and overwhelming. Honestly, sometimes things can slip through the cracks at someone's physical, financial, or emotional expense.
Nicky Wik, is the patient Advocate who helps you every step of the way. If you are an out of town family member or just need those extra set of hands as you manage work, kids, household and aging parents; she streamlines everything to bring families peace of mind.
Listen in as she shares how she can help your family navigate the complex healthcare system with experience, compassion and understanding.
https://outreachpatientadvocates.com/contact-outreach-pa/
https://www.facebook.com/OutreachPatientAdvocates
https://profile.advoconnection.com/advocates/outreach-patient-advocates/
https://www.gnanow.org/advocates/outreachpatientadvocates
402-616-1298
Nicky Wik, BCPA, CYT
Outreach Patient Advocates
Nicky@outreachpa.com
outreachpatientadvocates.com
Bottom line is, it is up to the person if they are able to communicate their wishes and if not, then the medical Power Of Attorney has to decide. In this episode I share some things to consider along the way.
I am so excited to announce the podcast name change from Inspired Caregiver to Inspired Caring! Overwhelmingly, we just don't feel like caregivers, it's not a title or role we identify with, so this name is more inclusive of the act of caring we are providing for the aging people in our lives and also ourselves.
Check out, www.InspiredSenior.com, to learn more about the programs I provide to help set you up for success!
michele@inspiredsenior.com
We have just inherited our 3rd house with a lifetime of belongings in it. YIKES!
At the end of the day, for 2 of the households we got companies involved who come through and empty the house. They take everything, but it took some time to get to the place to be ready for this. In this episode I share some thoughts and strategies on how to manage this process, for them and you!
The last couple of weeks have been hard as we said goodbye to our family member. We had wonderful support but the experience was emotional and honestly a bit confusing. Sorry it sounds like I’m in a tin can, I recorded sitting in my car the moment I felt I could speak these words without completely losing it.
Taking your loved one out on the town for an appointment or event can be stressful! Today we had to go to an appointment and while the actual appointment was a drag for him, overall things went very smoothy and was super low key. Here I share tips on how to prepare and set yourself (and them!) up for success!
Trust is an important element of any relationship, but especially in a caregiver situation when emotions are running high and there is a continuous stream of raw vulnerability. They have to trust you, you have to trust them, there are systems and processes that require trust as well. Here are some thoughts to ponder.
Ombudsman is a funny word, but what they do is no laughing matter. Every State in the US is required to have this Department of Health and Human Services program to ensure seniors, living in Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing have a neutral party advocate to help uphold their resident rights. In this episode you will meet Beth Nodes, an Ombudsman in Nebraska who is passionate about seniors living their best life. She fields calls from seniors, their family members and sometimes even the staff of the facility.
There is tons of great information here.
If you have ANY concerns about the conditions or care your loved one is receiving in a Long Term Care facility, call your local State Ombudsman. They are there to help you!
Here is the link for the Nebraska Ombudsman's office, please search for the office in your state if you live outside of Nebraska.
https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Aging-Ombudsman.aspx
I have been wound up really really tight the last couple of years and as I step in to my new role, I've realized how critical it is for me to UNCLENCH before I can fire on all cylinders. Here I share about how I figured out I was having an issue and what I'm doing to let go. Keep in mind, my self-care is pretty good, I've been meditating daily (I have 167 session streak!), exercise, drink water, get coached regularly, and journal. I still found myself in this situation so you may be in the same boat. Have a listen.
There is so much frustration out there when trying to communicate with our family members who have dementia. They may not have an official diagnosis, but come on, you KNOW something isn’t the same and yet keep trying to have conversations the same way. When that doesn’t work you get mad and frustrated. These 4 tips are game changers.
We can count on life to constantly throw challenges our way and I do my share of bobbing and weaving trying to "keep it all together". Here are some of the key ways I have continued to find success despite the uncertainties that keep popping up.
You are going to use 365 days of time in 2022.
John Maxwell says we are "spending our life preparing or repairing". In this episode I share how taking some time at the front end of the year, helped me manage unexpected family circumstances midway through. In a world where so much feels out of our control, don't surrender to giving all of your power away!
Invest some time now to set your future self up for success. They will thank you later!
Here are the links to the three videos I reference in this episode:
Year End Review - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsgaAty1Nls&t=8s
Planning the Upcoming Year - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxFJ1NUi3N0&t=4s
Vision Boards - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5RtGVwp1Q4
2 Hospital and rehab stays, my kid's graduation, losing a friend, going through stuff at the parents house, relaxed weekly family meals, it has been a roller coaster of a year and I've shown up for all of it. Feeling all the feels, experiencing the ups and downs, I'm proud of what I've created and how we have navigated some of the toughest situations there are. Join me in this episode to celebrate our wins and for a big announcement at the end!
Getting together for the holidays can bring a lot of joy, it can also bring a lot of frustrations and concerns. This year when you get together, when you see that your parents aren't "on point" with something, rather than jumping to completely annoyed or angry, become a curious observer.
In this episode, I share specific areas to pay attention to and questions to ask them during your visit.
www.InspiredSenior.com
michele@inspiredsenior.com
WOAH - two very sensitive and hot topics are being addressed today, food quality and staffing concerns in senior living. Here are some initial thoughts on both of these subjects.
www.InspiredSenior.com
michele@inspiredsenior.com
It was a thrill to sit down with, Jon Day, the Alzheimer's Association Nebraska Chapter Walk Director, to talk about who the Association helps and what programs and services they offer. They are for everyone, regardless of what dementia diagnosis has been received or if you are a family or professional caregiver. They offer education, support, volunteer opportunities, and more!
There is a 24/7 helpline available to you for ANY issue you may be facing. If you are facing a recent diagnosis in your family and you're not sure what to do next, or maybe your loved one is getting up every night at 2am and packing a suitcase, anything you are facing, they are here to help you.
Call, 800-272-3900 day or night to speak with a trained professional.
Visit www.alz.org to be directed to local support that is ready and waiting for you.
This episode is not referring to how much energy you have to get something done (or motivation for that matter). The kind of energy I’m referring to is around the concept that we are all energetic beings with powerful energetic connections to one another. When you show up to a situation, or room full of people, or the person you are caring for, your partner & children, your work place, or even to look at the person in the mirror, there is an energetic vibration that you are bringing with you being created by your thoughts.
Having an awareness of your own energy (and that of others) is an important factor in how all of our interactions and communications turn out. Once you are aware, move towards choosing and setting your own energy. This will help you show up as authentically you, and hopefully improve your relationships with others!
Caregiving can be so hard and there are days when emotionally I'd be incredibly drained. It wasn't that something had changed, and I needed additional help, it was more of feeling challenged that there was no end in sight. And the obvious 'end' to my caregiver role meant I was going to lose this person that I loved. In this episode I share some ways to mentally re-set in order to generate the energy you need to keep going. Big hugs to you, you've got this!
When we are surrounded by people that are struggling with aging, it can start to confuse us about what is possible for us as we age. In this episode I share a startling fact about your DNA and offer up my aging role models. What we do now, makes a difference in our lives today and for how we are doing tomorrow. We can do this!
Knowing what your love language is and the love language of the person you care for (and even other family members!), can help with communication, feeling appreciated and loving on each other. According to Dr. Gary Chapman there are 5 Love Languages that we operate within, Acts of Service, Gifts, Words of Affirmation, Physical Touch, Quality Time. You can take this quick and free assessment by clicking on this link, https://www.5lovelanguages.com/learn. I highly encourage you to do this! You'll be surprised at what you start to notice and how much better you will feel if people are speaking your language. :).
We stay stuck when the same thoughts keep looping in our heads. If days start running in to each other, it's really easy to hold on to the same thoughts! In this episode, I offer a few new thoughts for you to try on when you begin to feel out of sorts. Try them on and see what you think!
Today I'm having a moment of feeling really sad and ripped off about how things are playing out in the health of the people I love. We have lost so much time because of dementia and cancer. My wish is that you feel supported and all the love, while we figure out how to best take care of ourselves along the way.
Spoiler Alert - every outcome of me not drinking has been positive, across the board. In this episode I share what those changes looked like with my body, relationships, mind, time and more. Enjoy this final episode in this 3 part series of my journey on stopping drinking.
My relationship with alcohol had bothered me for years and in 2018, I FINALLY figured it out. I had my last drink January 23rd. The first 6 months I definitely was looking over my shoulder and trying to figure out how to navigate this choice. Resources felt slim and I wasn't sure how to make it through.
The Podcast that helped me the most was The Life Coach School by Brooke Castillo. Her Stop Over Drinking episodes 1, 2 and 3, were a game changer. Getting a handle on this habit came simultaneously with me figuring out how to manage my emotions differently and lucky for me she's a certified coach so I was already in the right spot.
https://thelifecoachschool.com/podcast/116/
https://thelifecoachschool.com/podcast/117/
https://thelifecoachschool.com/podcast/118/
In this episode I share how I did it. I decided to expand this to a 3 part series and next week share what has changed in my life as a result.
This is an ongoing conversation I began about a year ago. In 2018, I completely changed my relationship with alcohol. Posting videos on Social Media, I invited people in to my experience and as a result, many have messaged me with what their experience is. In this episode, I share the main reasons why I stopped drinking. I mention this is going to be a 2 part series, but will expand it to 3. The next episode I'll share HOW I stopped drinking and then in the final will share how my life has changed. EDIT: the birthday was Jan 21, but the 23rd was an opportunity to celebrate and the 24th is still when I decided to stop. This will make sense when you listen.
It is easy to find a lot of things to complain about these days and there are plenty of people ready to listen (hello Internet). But putting words to our thoughts give them power, and when you are taking care of someone, that can make the days feel even harder and longer. In this episode, I share the importance of choosing our words carefully. (PS, I'm not perfect at it, but I'm aware and sure trying!)
In my years of experience, I've never heard of a senior living community that makes you sign a year long lease. In fact, what is required to move out is giving 30 days notice. In this episode I share a couple of reasons why someone may make the decision to transition to senior living and a resource that can help make the process so much easier. Remember, once you've given it a shot, if necessary, you can always give 30 days notice and move out!
EDIT: I mention in this episode that I don't know of anyone who has chosen to give notice and move out, BUT, my own grandmother did when we moved her from one side of town to another. So of course, as with everything in life, there are exceptions!
This is a comment that I see over and over in caregiver support groups and have also heard a lot in recently in healthcare. Based on my experience and what I've read, there are three phases we go through. Digging deep to gut it out, reconnecting with 'why', and considering shifting gears to make a change.
I haven't met a caregiver that isn't riddled with guilt. Guilty is an emotion you are feeling generated by what you are THINKING. In this episode I talk about my recent experience of feeling guilty, why spending energy on guilt isn't useful and what you can do. Change your thinking, change how you feel.
Join me in this episode as I visit with my mom, Deborah Ferris, as she shares some strategies on how to have a good visit with your older family member. Ultimately the key was being willing to pivot when things were not going as expected.
Have a monologue in case they aren't up for participating in the conversation.
Take pictures or a pet to talk about
Do what's right for YOU
Have a plan going in if you don't think things are going well
This quick tip came from a Nurse and C.N.A. (Certified Nursing Assistant) who care for elderly adults and are constantly watching how families are interacting with their loved one. Moving too fast is a big contributor to miscommunication as well as potential injury.
There are times when it feels like everything is happening all at once. In this episode, I share 2 of my key reflections on how I keep going when it all feels like too much.
My emotions are running high and I am so dang fragile right now. Join me in this episode to hear how I'm powering through one of the most joyous and challenging season of life.
Brittany Tran studied Gerontology and has extensive experience as a, Caregiver Support Group Facilitator, working within Assisted Living as a Certified Nursing Assistant, in the Life Enrichment Department, Admissions and ultimately as a Memory Care Director.
She brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to families and also has some great ideas!
Life Loop is a program that helps families stay connected with their loved ones in senior living. It keeps track of all the activities your family members attend among other things.
If you have any questions for Brittany, her contact information is, Brittany.Tran@ourlifeloop.com
Primary family caregivers need SUPPORT. In this discussion, Yana shares about supporting her mother, who is the primary caregiver for her Grandmother. We don't have to always have answers and solutions, sometimes it's simply a matter of holding space for the person who is doing the heavy lifting. I hope you learn as much as I did from this conversation!
If you are ready to explore what coaching can do for YOU, I highly encourage you to reach out to Yana. She. Is. Amazing. Yana Dashevsky is an RMT Certified Life Coach, whose life mission is to help others by showing them that they are never alone. In her late 20's, Yana realized that her name was also an acronym for her calling in life: Yana - You. Are. Not. Alone. Yana is a coach, speaker and author, currently living in Atlanta, GA. For more information about Yana, please visit www.YanaDashevskyCoaching.com
Dawna Daily experienced a series of physical symptoms and went through several doctors (including an emergency room visit!) to finally discover that she was in menopause.
Wait, what? How is that possible? That doctor after doctor did not identify that a woman with all of the indicators of menopause, was going through it?
You are a human woman, who will biologically go through a series of events that will ultimately result in no longer having a menstrual cycle. This may begin as early as in your 30's! If you have any of these symptoms, listen to this episode!
Exhaustion - Fuzzy Thoughts - Heart Murmurs - Depression - Anxiety
Neither of us are doctors and cannot diagnose you. If you are having any of the symptoms mentioned, please contact your doctor.
Jason Nickelson is an experienced Licensed Speech Language Pathologist. Here he shares his years of expertise working with seniors who have brain or throat based issues.
My mother in law has dementia, and when she started biting her cheek when she ate, I knew it was time for Speech Therapy, and it worked!
We also dive in to the overall aging process, encouraging hope and excitement for the aging journey. Being a caregiver is not easy, we hope you feel our support and love with this conversation.
Jason generously shared his contact information if you would like to reach out to him with any additional questions you may have, nickelsonjason@yahoo.com.
Caregivers at home appear to be elbow deep in poop, which is MUCH less of an issue in senior living communities.
Why is this?
Here I visit the Sandy, a Nurse who has worked in rehabilitation facilities and also serving patients in their homes on Hospice, about what to consider and strategies to use when helping with your loved one.
This important conversation was an opportunity for me be educated on challenges facing the LBGTQ community during the aging process. Heather shares incredibly valuable insight!
Heather Holmes, Outreach Manager for VidaNyx is passionate about impacting individuals Heather is an intrapreneur, community activist, and sought after mentor who is encouraged daily by the strong women and feminists in her life. She believes in the transformative power of women in leadership.
At VidaNyx, Heather advances digital transformation for Child Advocacy Center teams, protecting the stories of survivors of child abuse, and supports outreach and advocacy efforts. Previous to her current role, Heather excelled in a 16 year career in senior living and was an adjunct instructor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Heather spends her time advocating for inclusion and diversity, more specifically for LGBTQ+ elders. She loves policy, politics and heartfelt conversations. You can often find her dreaming of her next ritual bath and vibing with the moons cycles.
She is deeply grateful for her partnership with her wife Michelle. Together they are exploring the world with their two sons. Being a mom is and will be the greatest joy and biggest life lesson for Heather.
Eventually, every body dies. Also everybody, but our body, will eventually stop functioning. In this episode, I discuss with a Hospice Nurse what you can potentially expect as the body shuts down.
Hospice is NOT a four letter word!
This misunderstood service is a wonderful opportunity for a person in their final months of life, to continue to have dignity, grace and comfort. Quality of Life is the focus here.
Allison helps us unpack:
What is Hospice? What services do they provide? How much does it cost? What equipment will you bring? Does Hospice accelerate the dying process? How do I know when it's time?
Listen in as this industry expert shares her knowledge on what you need to know about Hospice care.
In this video Joy and Clair, the other 2 sisters referenced in Part 1, share their experience working with Hospice and each other in their father's final days.
Clair offers two hard discussion topics that are important to clarify before the final days of someone's life.
Joy shares some of her strategies that helped her have the strength to show up for her family, when they needed her the most. "And I was like, OK, I need to go get a tattoo, because If I can get a tattoo, I can do anything!"
The teamwork dynamic and love between the sisters is inspiring. There are some graphic details shared during this conversation so be aware as you join us.
Work with Michele: www.InspiredSenior.com
Emily, shares her whirlwind of a day with me, she sat by her father's side as he passed over. This episode was recorded just hours after her father died and is full of emotion and beauty. You may be triggered, as you listen to her process this experience. Please be sure you are in a safe space (e.g. not driving).
I agree with you Emily, everyone should be so lucky to have the blessing of an ending this beautiful.
Work with Michele: www.InspiredSenior.com
Warning: Listening to this episode and doing the work will improve how you communicate with everyone in your life.
Having the chance to identify my core values helped me feel less sad, angry and attacked in my life. Changing my THOUGHTS about what was happening, completely changed how I was feeling about things and how I showed up for the people that I love.
I'm so excited to hear how this work helps you. Here's a site I used to help me drill down in to what my values are: www.minimalwellness.com/values (she has a worksheet within her description paragraph).
Meet my Mom! Deborah Ferris, in her 60's started having allergic reactions to various foods she had eaten her whole life.
Two different doctors wanted to put her on 2 different life-time medicines.
She paid attention to what was and wasn't working for her body, finally had some help from an employee at Whole Foods and started to get her health on track.
At 75, she feels fantastic, is not on any prescription drugs and has started a food blog to share her delicious recipes.
Caring for someone else is hard enough, caring for them when you physically feel terrible everyday feels impossible.
Listen to this important conversation about how to listen to your body and honor what it needs! Then go check out her Blog, The Curious Senior to find some incredible recipes that will have you licking your plate! https://thecuriousenior.com/
Work with Michele: www.InspiredSenior.com
You are working so hard to care for your family member! In this episode Lisa Hamilton PT, has a background in Home Health and shares the must have tools to make caregiving at home easier for you and your loved one!
Work with Michele: www.InspiredSenior.com
You are working so hard to care for your family member! In this episode Lisa Hamilton PT, has a background in Home Health and shares the must have tools to make caregiving at home easier for you and your loved one!
It is hard enough when you are the one providing the daily care for your loved one, let alone trying to convince other family members it needs to be done, or how it needs to be done!
Debbie shares her experience of navigating multiple family members as they moved through the process of caregiving and moving.
Work with Michele: www.InspiredSenior.com
There can be a lot of loss to navigate as a caregiver, especially when someone has dementia and the losses seem to keep coming. Kay shares from her vast experience from caring for her husband for the last 8 years and her many years as a licensed mental health practitioner, working with families going through grief.
Work with Michele: www.InspiredSenior.com
Whitney shares her candid experience of caring for her father, including getting a job in the kitchen of the nursing home he briefly lived in!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Whitney Bishop is a master facilitator, speaker, coach and author. She is devoted to the personal and professional development of change agents and nonprofit leaders all over the world. Her practice is devoted to serving those who serve others, particularly those who are serving women, children and families. Her signature coaching, planning and consulting process helps leaders address the mindsets, questions, habits, routines & practices that are either holding them back or moving them forward.
Whitney believes that creating a contemplative daily practice is a game-changing habit that all change agents must embrace. There is much work to be done in the world. And while we are focused on changing the world, we must also focus on consistently developing ourselves.
For coaching, speaking & facilitation opportunities, please contact
Whitney Bishop, Change Agent
Website links www.patreon.com/whitneybishop, https://www.whitneybishop.com/morning-meditation-nuggets/
Work with Michele: www.InspiredSenior.com
**Whitney shares her candid experience of caring for her father, including getting a job in the kitchen of the nursing home he briefly lived in!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR**
Whitney Bishop is a master facilitator, speaker, coach and author. She is devoted to the personal and professional development of change agents and nonprofit leaders all over the world. Her practice is devoted to serving those who serve others, particularly those who are serving women, children and families. Her signature coaching, planning and consulting process helps leaders address the mindsets, questions, habits, routines & practices that are either holding them back or moving them forward.
Whitney believes that creating a contemplative daily practice is a game-changing habit that all change agents must embrace. There is much work to be done in the world. And while we are focused on changing the world, we must also focus on consistently developing ourselves.
For coaching, speaking & facilitation opportunities, please contact
Whitney Bishop, Change Agent
Website links
www.patreon.com/whitneybishop
https://www.whitneybishop.com/morning-meditation-nuggets/
When and Why would you call? Listen in on the discussion I have with Pam Moriarty with APS in Omaha, NE.
If you are concerned about the safety and well being of a vulnerable adult, please consider investigating what State resources are available to you. They are here to HELP you and your loved one navigate what options are in the community that could benefit your family.
I've repeatedly heard caregivers upset that their family member is living in an unsafe situation and they don't know who to call. Check in with APS, Adult Protective Services.
Work with Michele: www.InspiredSenior.com
Music is powerful, for both a caregiver and your loved one. Listen in as Mark shares how music enhanced his experience as a caregiver for his wife and the scientifically proven health benefits of music for all of us.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
In this episode, Mindy Crouch shares some of the struggles facing both caregivers AND the person they are caring for.
She also offers guidance and suggestions on what you can do right now to have a more positive experience in both positions!
When working as a medical social worker, Mindy Crouch discovered the need for a geriatric mental health therapist who goes to the nursing homes. She couldn’t find a resource for this need so decided to open up a private practice that did mental health therapy in nursing homes.
A year and half went by and there were more therapists interested in doing what she was doing, so she decided to open up Pando Geriatric Counseling to expand the services more into the community.
She has also acquired her Iowa Social Work License and her Grief Recovery Certificate since then. To reach Mindy to learn more about services Pando offers, contact them at mindy.crouch@pandogeriatrics.com or 402-321-8995.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
What does self care really mean and how do you do it? This interesting conversation will provide specific tips on how and what you can do to take care of yourself, while caring for someone else.
Gaby Van Houten has had a life-long interest in Ayurveda. Ayurveda, or“science of life”, is a natural healing system that has been practiced for thousands of years. Originating in ancient India, this healing tradition states that each person’s path to optimal health is unique - because each person is unique. Therefore Ayurveda emphasizes balance in body, mind, and spirit through diet, lifestyle, exercise, meditation, yoga, and cleansing therapies - all designed for the individual, this is not a “one size fits most”approach. Ayurveda and Yoga are sister sciences - practiced together they form a complete approach to optimal health, vitality, higher awareness and increased longevity.Gaby received her formal training through the California College of Ayurveda, the nation’s leader in Ayurvedic education. She has also been in private practice as a Licensed Esthetician since 1987. Whether your intention is to create a healthier lifestyle for yourself, or to learn tools to navigate through a health crisis, Gaby draws on her various qualification as an Ayurvedic Health Practitioner, Ayurvedic Yoga Therapist, Certified Pancha Karma Specialist and Primordial Sound Meditation Teacher, to design a treatment plan that is unique for you.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Carla shares her story of caring for her parents and her mother's dementia journey. Through her beautiful stories, she conveys her ability of meeting her mom right where she was at cognitively, so the family could find joy and enjoy their time together.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This can be a challenging emotionally fueled conversation. Whether it’s for yourself or for a family member, making the decision to transition into assisted living or memory care is never easy. Nikki Wulff drew from the passion of her own family experiences when she opened up the Assisted Living Locators of Greater Omaha franchise. Her commitment to treat every client like family shines through and reduces the stress for everyone involved.
Listen in as Michele and Nikki discuss how to know when it may be time to make the move.
Nikki Wulff, Owner Assisted Living Locators | C: 402-926-9505 | | PO Box 3193 Omaha, NE 68103 |
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
WOW. If you are caring for someone at home this is a MUST LISTEN. Doug talks about moving his parents in to Independent Living after his Mom's Vascular Dementia diagnosis. Caregiving can evolve slowly over time. Doug offers critical tips and support for people as they navigate all of the dynamics and stages of the caregiver journey. Don't mind our technical difficulties as you absorb this caregiver gold right here!
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Maintaining independence and quality of life are key components to satisfaction as we age. Meaghan Fitzgerald Walls is the President/CEO of Assistology, LLC, in Omaha, Nebraska. She founded Assistology to address an unmet need in the Midwest to provide Assistive Technology (AT), Rehab Engineering and Universal Design solutions that enable an individual to have increased participation in activities that improve functional abilities for daily living, as well as overall quality of life, as well as help businesses increase their ability to create inclusive spaces, services, products and practices. Previously, Walls served as Director of Rehabilitation Services at Children’s Respite Care Center in Omaha. Her career also includes positions as a Biomedical Sales Engineer at ADInstruments in Boston, and as an Assistive Technology Specialist, Assistive Technology Regional Center Coordinator, project leader and researcher for Easter Seals Massachusetts. Most recently, Walls was an award recipient of the Midland’s Business Journal 2019 40 Under 40. In 2019 Walls was appointed to the Mayor’s Advisory Commission for Citizens with Disabilities and in 2020 was elected as the Vice Chair of the Commission. She is the elected Board President of Angel Guardians, Inc. and holds the Vice President position on the Madonna School Young Professionals Board. Meaghan is a certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) who holds a Master of Science in Bioengineering with an emphasis on Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology from the University of Illinois-Chicago under a 2 year Rehab Technology Fellowship. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a minor in Chemistry from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Listen up caregivers - your family member might not be able to hear you! Janie offers some very specific tips on how to have better communication with your family member.
Janie York is a Hearing Instrument Specialist Licensed in NE and Iowa, owner of Hear Now, Mobile Hearing Solutions, and a Recreation Therapist. Janie is passionate about helping elders hear and communicate with their families, friends and caregivers. No stranger to hearing loss, Janie has worn hearing aids and navigated hearing loss challenges for over 30 years. Now, as she provides hearing care to elders in the facilities, they call home, those challenges become assets as she cleans, repairs and educates to help bring everyone back into the conversation. When not on the business end of a hearing aid in need of cleaning Janie loves to sew, read, motorcycle (as the passenger),and spend time with her children and grandchildren. Please let me know how I can help you! www.hearnowsolutions.com, 402-880-3938, janie@hearnowsolutions.com Link to face mask (don't forget the anti-fog as well!) - https://www.hearnowsolutions.com/new-...
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Heidi shares her touching story of bringing her mom home for end of life care. She discloses how when people say they're FINE, they are not actually OK and what is really happening in their world. There's an evolution with helping out a family member that can slowly become all encompassing. Listen in as we discuss what that is like.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This conversation is FOR caregivers who are interested in creating a safer home environment for their loved one. Lisa Hamilton created The Longevity Project because she is passionate about helping people live long, age well and be well, no matte what stage and age in life! She combines her background as a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master Movement Educator, and Mindfulness Practitioner to coach people to live active, healthy and inspired lives. Based upon the pillars of successful "super-agers", The Longevity Project seeks to help people find clarity and connect the dots between body, mind, and spirit to design a life filled with good health, meaningful connection, creativity and ZEST! You can reach her by e-mail at lisahamiltonpt@gmail.com or by phone at 303-956-5215 to schedule a Free Discovery Session to take a look at your Longevity Life Plan, or sign up for more information and upcoming events.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Welcome to Conversations with Caregivers! If you are currently caring for a family member, or are considering it, here's an opportunity for you to listen in on a conversation with someone who is already doing it. While there are common threads among families and the caregiving role, every situation is unique due to circumstances, personalities and family dynamics. Meet Brenda, who is living with her mother-in-law and offers a helping hand AND some great advice to someone considering co-cohabiting with a parent. THIS IS A JUDGEMENT FREE ZONE. Every family is different so it's not our place to determine what is right or wrong for them. Hopefully you get a nugget to take away on your own caregiver journey.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app