Sandwiched!: Recent Episodes
Jennifer & Sioux
We are the Sandwiched Generation.Our children moved out.Our parents moved in.Join us as we try to navigate through this journey that has no roadmap.
Nicole Smith, author of Diagnosis Dementia: Your Guide for Eldercare Planning and Crisis Management, joins us for a lively convo about her journey caring for her mother when she was diagnosed with dementia.
Nicole doesn't sugarcoat anything.... her stories are real and raw with humor and candor. Her book guides the reader through legal, financial, medical, and emotional well-being, and maintaining everyone's sanity in the process. She provides numerous resources for every topic and shares why it is so vital to get support and have the "conversations to make decisions necessary in caring for aging loved ones." (njsmithbooks.com)
Learn more about Nicole here: https://njsmithbooks.com/blog/
Her book direct from Amazon: https://a.co/d/00mIPWmf
PS: This episode shares opinions and personal experiences of its participants. Please enjoy our program for entertainment and informational purposes only and seek out your own medical professionals for your healthcare needs. Thank you!
Music by Kevin MacLeod
Illustration by Erica Karlin Studio
Meet Corrine Doughty, business woman, educator, caregiver.
Corrine shares her story... a 28-year caregiver's journey through unimaginable bad luck for her hard-working, illustrious mother, who always found a way to keep her head up and survive. The quote, "Don't ask for an easy life, but ask to be a strong person," never was more true in Corrine's and her mother's case.
We are forever in awe by our many guests' grit and gumption to give their parents the best part of themselves during the last years of their lives.
Music by Kevin McLeod
Illustration by Erica Karlin Studio
Special guest Deb Watt, MFT, joins us in a deeply poignant discussion about how we cope with past traumas while engaging with and caring for our aging parents. Deb is a California licensed therapist who has her own practice -- Lifewise Therapy. She shares a panoply of therapy techniques as great options to manage past hurts and traumas in a kind, merciful and healthy manner. Curiosity, kindness, and humor can go a long way when relating to our family as adults.
Sit back and join us for this free hour of therapy!
Learn more about Deb here: https://lifewisetherapy.com/
Deb mentions author and mindset researcher Dr. Carol Dweck , Ph.D.; you can find out more about MindSet work here (scroll down to see her TED talk):
https://www.mindsetworks.com/default#research-modal-window
NOTE: All information in this episode are the sole opinions of the hosts and guests and not intended for medical advice. Always check in with your own health advisors for your optimal health care needs.
New music for Season 2: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod
Illustration by Erica Karlin Studio
We are back and thought it fitting to have our very first guest from last year return to start off Season 2. Evan Georgieff returns to grace our microphones with his humorous take on what being Sandwiched was like for him as a full time oral surgeon and single dad to two young children while trying to keep his parents from spending every last dime of their family wealth.
Evan brings humor and warmth to his memories of caring for his parents because he says there is no other way to survive it! He brought us to hysterics with stories of his father dancing the polka on TV to clearing out the sewer line in an RV, and helps us appreciate that laughter is the best medicine. Plus, he shares the most poignant lesson he learned from his father.
And while you're here, take a listen to Episode 2, where Evan educates us about dental care and shares hilarious stories about his live-in grandmother during his childhood.
"When a father gives to his son, both laugh; when a son gives to his father, both cry."
- William Shakespeare
New music for Season 2: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod
Illustration by Erica Karlin Studio
We are delighted to welcome Jim McAleer CEO of Alzheimer's Orange County.
Alz OC provides support to families and individuals though brain health and dementia education, care consultations, community resource connections, Adult Day Health Services and more.
Alzheimer's Orange County Website
https://www.alzoc.org
Additional resources that reach nationwide services:
Alzheimer's Association
https://www.alz.org
National Council on Aging
https://www.ncoa.org
Alzheimer's Family Center
https://afscenter.org
Illustration by Erica Karlin Studio
Music by Pixabay
We are thrilled to speak with Christy Byrne Yates, psychologist, coach, speaker and author of the book, Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation.
She is wise, warm, and inspiring, and leaves us with a profound reason to pay attention to sunsets.
Who knew there was such an informative how-to manual for those of us living in the sandwich generation? We are here to tell you to look no further, this book literally has it all--caregiving, parenting, planning, prepping-- around topics such as finances, faith, ceremony, communication, self-care, transitions, and so much more. And, this book takes the reader on Christy's personal journey that beautifully exemplifies how she managed this stage in her life. Abundant resources and actionable steps to help make life easier and more manageable, and, as she says, 'ease the squeeze' in an otherwise stressful situation.
Check out Christy's website for more resources and information:
http://www.christyyates.com
Illustration by Erica Karlin Studio
Music by Pixabay
We are thrilled to the bone to welcome Dr. William T. Long, orthopedist in Los Angeles. We naturally talk about bones, but Dr. Long also shares with us several profound ways he keeps his life balanced while sandwiched between career and caregiving of his mother and family. He also enjoys a dedicated, lifelong pursuit as an elite athlete. His wisdom is an inspiration to us all as we age.
Dr. Long was the first surgeon in Los Angeles to perform Robot Assisted Knee Replacement Surgery in 2008. Dr. Long is a board certified by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and is a member of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.
More information about Dr. Long and the Computer Surgery Institute:
https://orthocsi.com/
He also volunteers with Operation Walk:
https://operationwalk.org/a-message-from-dr-william-long-orthopedic-surgeon-and-operation-walk-los-angeles-board-member/
All information in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended to give medial advice. Always seek out your own medical professionals for your personal health needs. Thanks for listening.
Illustration by Erica Karlin Studio
Music by Pixabay
Welcome to this special episode where we move the focus away from the caregiver and shake things up a bit.
Meet Bobette, Joanna, Lorena, Molly, Joyce, James, Duane and Roni. These vibrant, plucky seniors are enjoying life at Covenant Living at Mt. Miguel retirement village in San Diego county. Accomplished, creative, energetic folks who managed to avoid sandwiching their kids by making their own decision to secure their future care through a three-tiered community that goes from independent living to assisted living to skilled nursing.
Their stories are relatable, honest, humble and completely dispel the stereotypes we harbor about what a retirement home is. As a matter of fact, they don't use the word 'home' rather they are a village who look after each other, stay connected through all levels of care and provide peace of mind for their family knowing they are in a safe, stimulating environment that offers many activities and camaraderie they wouldn't otherwise get living with their children.
It was an honor to meet them.
https://www.covlivingmountmiguel.org
Thank you for listening and be sure to subscribe.
Illustration by Erica Karlin Studio
Music by Pixabay
We are thrilled to have author, Ruth Stevens, join us to discuss her novel, Stage Seven, a compelling story of love, family, loss, and renewal surrounding the care of those with Alzheimer's. Filled with humor, grace, romance and valuable insight, her novel reminds us of the important role fiction serves in our need to both escape and grapple with the realities of caring for those with dementia.
Meet Ruth:
Website: https://ruthfstevens.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthfstevensauthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rfsauthor
AlzAuthors~ Writing, Sharing, Inspiring, Caring
https://alzauthors.com
Illustration by Erica Karlin Studio;
Music by Pixabay
Welcome Kristina Lubofsky, gerontologist and creator of the Busy Minds Box, providing crafts, puzzles, games and more for older adults to help keep their brains stimulated. Kristina joins us to share her journey helping three grandparents with dementia and her lifelong passion for enriching the lives of older adults.
Busy Minds Box website where you can find all the information to subscribe, or shop individual products and activities.
https://www.busymindsbox.com
Kristina's fantastic blog.
https://www.busymindsbox.com/blogs/news
The Dalai Lama says, "A happy mind is a healthy mind, and a healthy mind is good for the body."
Illustration by Erica Karlin Studio;
Music by Pixabay
Jennifer sits her father down and chats about his memories of Christmas and other childhood moments. Sioux discovers a treasure from her mother's very early years that prompts her to remember that her mother was once a tiny little girl. It's remarkable how precious those simple times were and how we could all benefit from slowing down and thinking about our parents as children.
Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year and that 2023 ushers in a bit more simplicity and self reflection in your life.
Illustration by Erica Karlin Studio
Music by Pixabay
Illustration by Erica Karlin Studio;
Music by Pixabay
Where should our elderly parents spend the rest of their lives? In their homes? In our homes? In assisted living? Retirement Community with levels of care? how do we make these decisions? How does this puzzle fit together?
Special guest, Krista Nay, Sales and Marketing Director at ECS, with over thirty years experience in retirement communities, shares with us an abundance of sound advice on what questions to ask, and what to look for in a retirement community while embracing the gift of giving your parent the opportunity to live their best life, and perhaps join a Bucket List Club! ;-)
ECS For Seniors https://www.ecsforseniors.org
The Covington https://www.ecsforseniors.org/covington
Music & Memory https://musicandmemory.org
Dakim Brain Fitness https://www.dakim.com
The Mather Institute’s Landmark Study on Life Plan Communities
https://www.matherinstitute.com/agewellstudy/
Long-Term Care Ombudsman (California)
https://aging.ca.gov/Programs_and_Services/Long-Term_Care_Ombudsman/
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (National)
https://acl.gov/programs/Protecting-Rights-and-Preventing-Abuse/Long-term-Care-Ombudsman-Program
Fitch Ratings on Retirement Communities
https://www.fitchratings.com/search/?query=retirement%20communities
It’s Never Too Late (iN2L) Content-Driven Engagement for Older Adults
https://in2l.com
California Dept of Aging
https://aging.ca.gov/Providers_and_Partners/Area_Agencies_on_Aging/Contracts_Download_Page/
Illustration by Erica Karlin Studio;
Music by Pixabay
It can be stressful asking for help when overwhelmed by life. The time to be brave and reach out is truly when you are sandwiched between taking care of your parent while juggling a career, rearing your own kids, or going through a divorce, or, in our guest's case, all of the above. Meet Amy, a good friend who advises us to open up to people in our communities to find our tribe of helpers. They are out there... if you seek it.
A good place to start is with these resources:
Alzheimer's Association Helpline: 800-272-3900
https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/helpline
9 Tips for Finding the Right Therapist
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-find-a-therapist
Eldercare Locator- Public Service of the US Administration on Aging
https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx
illustration by Erica Karlin Studio
Music by Pixabay
Special guests Lori and Zach from R. Zach Jewelers join us to share helpful advice about what to do with family heirloom jewelry. From bangles and baubles to pristine cut diamonds, there are many ways to enjoy these heirlooms or give joy to others while honoring those who wore them before us.
Check out R. Zach jewelry on Instagram: @rzachjewelry
Illustration by Erica Karlin Studio
Music by Pixabay
It happens to the best of us... we gradually take on the traits of our parents. Join in for a few laughs.
Illustration by Erica Karlin Studio
Music by Pixabay
Our siblings are here! And we are grateful we have them to help care for our parents. It's funny how the roles have shifted and now the kids are the parents and the parents are in, as Shakespeare called it, "second childishness."
Illustration by Erica Karlin Studio
Music by Pixabay
We are having a very good hair day with our special guest, cosmetologist, Trish Schack, owner of the More Than Hair salon in Santa Ana, CA. Trish has multi-generational clients of over thirty years and shares with us her knowledge of aging hair care. She graces us with a wealth of information and laughs regarding our relationship with hair and how important it is to our psyche at every age. And, stay tuned for the end when she shares a hilarious personal story about her in-laws, a banana, and a wedding.
All information is for entertainment purposes only. Be sure to check with your stylist for any concerns you have about your own hair.
Illustration by Erica Karlin Studio
Music by Pixabay
Sioux and Jennifer need to blow off a little bit of steam and commiserate about the small annoyances that plague their daily lives. It's funny, it's frustrating, it's for real.
Follow us on Instagram at Sandwiched! Podcast, because we would love for you to blow off some steam too.
Illustration by Erica Karlin Studio
Music by Pixabay
Special guest, Branka Cvejic, reminds us of what is most important when spending time with parents who have dementia. She figured out a way to have quality time with her dad while coping with the stress and frustration that comes along with the ride.
She mentions the book, Creating Moments of Joy Along the Alzheimer's Journey, by Jolene Brackey, as a means to help bring positivity to an otherwise overwhelming situation.
Illustration by Erica Karlin Studio
Music by Pixabay
We are delighted to welcome Evan Georgieff, oral surgeon in Orange County California. Evan offers some practical wisdom as we chat about the challenges of caring for aging teeth, especially when our parents resist going to the dentist. Best of all, Evan graces us with his humorous and mischievous accounts of his grandmother while they lived in a multi-generational household.
All conversations are strictly opinions of our hosts and guests as we strive to entertain and commiserate with our listeners. Please seek out your own professionals for your healthcare needs.
We are the Sandwiched Generation.
Our children moved out.
Our parents moved in.
Join us as we try to navigate through this journey that has no roadmap.
Episode 1 introduces our hosts, Sioux and Jennifer, and how they became part of the sandwiched generation. They share bits and background of their parents to honor them and provide the foundation for what's to come. They hope to bring some awareness and levity and relief to those who are caring for their elderly parent.