Finding Beauty in Life’s Final Chapter with Martha Jo Atkins

We’re excited to feature a roundtable discussion with a group of amazing hospice nurses discussing what makes a “good death” and the rituals they’ve created for themselves and caregivers.  Jean Ann Menna, Carrie Oram, and Shelley Henry have many years of end of life nursing experience. Along with Helen, they share the many facets of helping patients create good deaths for themselves. This conversation is a great inside look into how hospice nurses care for families when death occurs.  Find Jean Anne Menna and her book “Go with Grace: A Simple Guide to Caring for Someone on Hospice” here.  Connect with guest Carrie Oram at Angel Heart Holistics here. Find Shelley Henry and Amity Staffing at amitystaffing.com Podcast host Helen Bauer is a great addition to your event or conference! For speaking inquiries, send an email to [email protected]. Hospice Navigation Services understands that you need unbiased, expert support to have the best end of life experience possible. And we believe you deserve to get good hospice care.  If you have questions about hospice care for yourself or someone you care about, Hospice Navigation Services can help. Whether you want to connect by phone or video, you can book a FREE 30-Minute Hospice Navigation Session, or a more in-depth 60-Minute Navigation Session for $95. If you need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, we’re here to answer your questions. A 60-Minute Navigation Session by video call allows up to 3 family members to get the same expert information at the same time. Book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.   Connect with The Heart of Hospice Podcast and host Helen Bauer Website: theheartofhospice.com Social media: Facebook  Twitter  Instagram LinkedIn Email: [email protected] More podcast episodes: The Heart of Hospice Podcast

n this episode of the Aging Gayfully podcast, host Christopher MacLellan speaks with Dr. Andrew Wagner, an audiologist with Hear USA, about the importance of hearing and communication, the impact of hearing loss on social interactions and cognitive health, and the advancements in hearing aid technology. Dr. Wagner shares his personal journey into audiology, discusses how to recognize hearing loss, and explains the process of hearing tests and the significance of custom hearing solutions. The conversation emphasizes the need for awareness and proactive measures in maintaining hearing health as we age. As we age, maintaining our hearing health becomes increasingly vital, yet many of us overlook its significance. Understanding the Journey into Audiology: Dr. Andrew Wagner shares his personal journey into audiology, rooted in his family background as communication specialists. His passion ignited when he witnessed the profound impact of cochlear implants on his best friend's brother, who was born deaf. The Education Behind Hearing Health: Dr. Wagner's academic journey began with a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders at Ohio University, followed by a doctorate in audiology. His externship brought him to sunny South Florida, where he now practices. This blend of education and personal experience equips him to advocate for hearing health and the importance of early detection. Recognizing Hearing Loss: One of the most challenging aspects of hearing loss is recognizing it. Dr. Wagner emphasizes that many patients first become aware of their hearing issues through the concerns of loved ones. Common signs include frequently asking for repetition, difficulty hearing in noisy environments, and feeling fatigued after conversations. He emphasizes the importance of getting a baseline hearing test around age 55 to track changes over time. The Social Impact of Hearing Loss: The conversation shifts to the isolation that often accompanies hearing loss. Dr. Wagner recounts how his grandmother's reluctance to engage socially diminished her quality of life. He explains how individuals might withdraw from group settings due to the frustration of not being able to follow conversations. His wife’s experiences as a speech pathologist reveal that many people in care settings may not be nonverbal; they could simply be unable to hear, highlighting the need for proper hearing assessments. Empowering Social Connections: Dr. Wagner encourages listeners to view hearing health as a vital aspect of overall well-being. He shares how his grandmother embraced new social environments in assisted living, treating it like a college experience and finding joy in connecting with others. He believes that communication is fundamental to our existence and that addressing hearing loss can significantly enhance one’s social interactions and quality of life. Conclusion: Maintaining our hearing health is crucial for staying connected as we age. As Dr. Wagner highlighted, the gradual nature of hearing loss often leads to isolation, but awareness and proactive measures can foster social engagement and improve our overall well-being. By recognizing the signs of hearing loss early and seeking help, we can ensure that we continue to participate fully in our communities and maintain meaningful relationships. Learn more at https://www.hearusa.com/ Contact Dr. Wagner at: [email protected] Key Takeaways: 1. Hearing health is essential for maintaining social connections and overall well-being. 2. Early detection and regular hearing assessments can help track changes over time. 3. Addressing hearing loss can alleviate feelings of isolation and enhance the quality of life. Tags: #HearingHealth #Audiology #AgingGayfully #Communication #HearingLoss #SocialIsolation #WellnessInAging #CochlearImplants

Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to care for aging parents while raising children? Do you find yourself stretched thin between different generations, each with their own unique needs? My name is Sue Ryan. As a caregiver for loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, I understand the unique challenges faced by those in the sandwich generations. I recently spoke with Christy Byrne Yates, a licensed educational psychologist and author of “Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation.” Christy has personally navigated the challenges of caring for aging parents while raising her own children, and she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to help families thrive during this demanding season of life. Connect with us and share your tips: Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/Email: [email protected], [email protected] Full Show Notes Additional Resources Mentioned Chirstyyates.com - https://www.christyyates.com/Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney Takeaways Tip 1: C — Choose Your Role as a Caregiver The first step in successfully navigating the sandwich generation is making a conscious choice to embrace your caregiving role. Many people say “I didn’t choose this.” or “I had no choice.” We always have a choice. Even not making a choice is still a choice. Tip 2: A — Address the ‘Elephants’ in the Room Successful sandwich generation caregiving requires having difficult conversations early and often. These are the ‘elephants’ dancing in every family room that everyone sees — but no one wants to discuss. Tip 3: R — Recharge Through Ruthless Self-Care Recharging takes on critical importance when you’re caring for multiple generations. Self-care isn’t selfish — it’s essential for everyone you’re caring for. Tip 4: E — Enlist Your Support Team You’re not meant to journey alone, and this is especially true for sandwich generation caregivers who face multiple competing demands. Building a comprehensive support team is essential for sustainable caregiving. Tip 5: S — Surrender Control and Embrace Grace Perhaps the most challenging aspect of sandwich generation caregiving is accepting that you cannot control everything, even though you desperately want to. If everyone could just do things your way, life would be so much easier — but that’s not reality. Read More in This Blog here

Why do we fear death—and how can we see its beauty? In this heartfelt episode, host Isabel Melgarejo speaks with death doula Martha Jo Atkins about end-of-life care, breaking taboos, and finding peace in life’s hardest goodbyes.

There isn’t a greeting card for every type of grief. Dr. Ken Doka joins the podcast in this episode to talk about anticipatory and disenfranchised grief. Before death even occurs, people are grieving - anticipating the loss of identity, functional ability, roles, and relationships as well as the actual loss that comes with death itself. This kind of grief is felt by both the person who’s dying and the caregivers and family. Disenfranchised grief occurs when the relationship with the deceased person wasn’t one that’s recognized by society, and can't be publically mourned. Ex-spouses, abusive and estranged relationships can all be situations of disenfranchised grief. It can be difficult to find support for grief like this, making the griever feel isolated. Disenfranchised grief can be more complicated than grief related to healthy and close relationships.   If you need information about grief, check out the Hospice and Grief Info section of the Hospice Foundation of America’s website.  Website: hospicefoundation.org Research on grieving: hospicefoundation.org/research-on-grief-and-grieving Grief and other types of loss: hospicefoundation.org/grief-and-other-types-of-loss Facebook: www.facebook.com/hospicefoundation Instagram: www.instagram.com/hfahospice X: x.com/hfahospice Hospice Navigation Services understands that you need unbiased, expert support to have the best end of life experience possible. And we believe you deserve to get good hospice care.  If you have questions about hospice care for yourself or someone you care about, Hospice Navigation Services can help. Whether you want to connect by phone or video, you can book a FREE 30-Minute Hospice Navigation Session, or a more in-depth 60-Minute Navigation Session for $95. If you need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, we’re here to answer your questions. A 60-Minute Navigation Session by video call allows up to 3 family members to get the same expert information at the same time. Book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.   Connect with The Heart of Hospice Podcast and host Helen Bauer Website: theheartofhospice.com Social media: Facebook  Twitter  Instagram LinkedIn Email: [email protected] More podcast episodes: The Heart of Hospice Podcast Podcast host Helen Bauer is a great addition to your event or conference! For speaking inquiries, send an email to [email protected].

Hospice doctor Dr. Alen Voskanian is sharing the lessons he’s learned at the bedside of the dying, including why managing compassion fatigue is so vital. Working with AIDs patients led him to hospice work and to obtaining his board certification in hospice and palliative care medicine. Through his practice, Alen tries to humanize his patients and tries to connect with them. He works to find the best balance of doing his job and seeing the patients as human beings. Debriefing with the hospice team and finding an outlet for his secondary grief has helped Alen create personal wellbeing and sustainability as a hospice physician.  Connect with Alen Voskanian: LinkedIn Purchase a copy of “Reclaiming the Joy of Medicine: Finding Purpose, Fulfillment, and Happiness in Today's Medical Industry” by Dr. Alen Voskanian here. Podcast host Helen Bauer is a great addition to your event or conference! For speaking inquiries, send an email to [email protected]. Hospice Navigation Services understands that you need unbiased, expert support to have the best end of life experience possible. And we believe you deserve to get good hospice care. If you have questions about hospice care for yourself or someone you care about, Hospice Navigation Services can help. Whether you want to connect by phone or video, you can book a FREE 30-Minute Hospice Navigation Session, or a more in-depth 60-Minute Navigation Session for $95. If you need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, we’re here to answer your questions. A 60-Minute Navigation Session by video call allows up to 3 family members to get the same expert information at the same time. Book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.   Connect with The Heart of Hospice Podcast and host Helen Bauer Website: theheartofhospice.com Social media: Facebook  Twitter  Instagram LinkedIn Email: [email protected] More podcast episodes: The Heart of Hospice Podcast

In this episode of AgingGayfully®, hosts Chris MacLellan and Josh Wilson discuss the desire for change and new beginnings, particularly in light of recent events affecting the LGBTQ community. They reflect on the importance of community and belonging, navigating the current political climate, and the challenges of personal safety. The conversation also touches on the implications of relocation and the significance of personal connections in times of uncertainty. Takeaways Greg Louganis is moving to Panama for a fresh start.The desire to relocate is influenced by the current political climate.Community plays a crucial role in supporting individuals during tough times.Many LGBTQ individuals are considering moving to more accepting environments. The importance of personal connections and family when considering relocation.Navigating the noise of social media and AI-generated content is challenging.Historical patterns can inform current societal issues.The fear of leaving behind those who cannot move is significant. Engaging with the community is essential for support and understanding. TThe hosts encourage listeners to share their thoughts on relocation. Let’s AgeGayfully® together, with intention, humor, and each other. A gay senior, Christopher MacLellan, and an ally, Josh Wilson, podcasting about life, love, liberty and travel. Don’t Say Gay?… Say AgingGayfully®! AgingGayfully® is about living life with dignity in an age-friendly society regardless of orientation or economic status because longevity is a justice issue. AgingGayfully® is about finding your voice as we age. We are all part of the aging process and have real connections in diversity. AgingGayfully® is a modern type of activism that supports the concept of belonging. AgingGayfully® is about Adventure, Leisure, Travel, being a citizen of the world, traveling to destinations, and being part of the global community as we age and prosper in body, mind, and spirit.

Kameron Browning is a resilient sandwich generation caregiver and single mom from Oklahoma who’s caring for five people besides herself. She’s navigating life between supporting her father, Jim, who lives with Alzheimer’s disease, and raising four children from toddler to teenager. Over the years, Kameron has worn many caregiving hats—remote caregiver, in-home caregiver, and support caregiver—while balancing work and family life. After experiencing caregiver burnout, she’s redefined “self-care” as simply giving her brain a chance to rest, letting go of people-pleasing, tuning out unsolicited advice, and leaning into advocacy, trust, and intuition for herself and those she loves. Show notes with product and resource links: http://bit.ly/HHCPod215 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

In this episode, host Marianne Sciucco and acquisitions editor Sheila Luna sit down with Shari Ross, a senior healthcare professional and author of “Senior Living Made S.I.M.P.L.E.: A Real World Guide for Navigating Senior Care for Your Loved One.” Shari’s expertise spans her professional experience in senior living communities and her personal connection to dementia through family. This conversation explores the emotional, practical, and logistical challenges families face when transitioning loved ones to senior living, with a focus on memory care, language barriers, and advocacy. In this episode: Shari discusses her background as a senior healthcare specialist, working in senior living communities, and her personal caregiving experience with her grandmother.She provides an overview of her new guide, “Senior Living Made S.I.M.P.L.E.,” and how it can help make senior living transitions easier for all.The book’s conversational, relatable, and honest approach to guiding families through the overwhelming senior care landscape is discussedShari’s “S.I.M.P.L.E.” framework is explained: Support, Information, Matching, Preparation, Letting Go, Engagement.In addition, Shari reframes the “new” memory Care CommunitiesThe importance of language—using terms like “community” and “neighborhood” to foster warmth and reduce stigma.Shari provides pointers on transitioning to Community LivingWhy adult children and spouses often find themselves overwhelmed and unsure where to start, and how to approach those milestones.The need to tour and “feel the vibe,” prioritize care and community over aesthetics.The power of social engagement, good nutrition, and routine in enhancing quality of life. Aging in Place vs. Senior Living The hidden burdens and risks of managing aging at home—care coordination, safety concerns, and social isolation.Shari’s research: Most homes aren’t designed for aging adults; successful “aging in place” requires massive support.Community living can provide more safety, social interaction, and peace of mind for both loved ones and families. Buy Shari’s book here Learn more about Shari Ross and her resources and services at seniorlivingmadesimple.com. Key Quotes: “Memory care is not a punishment; it’s a lifeline.”“Independence without a support net is just a slow-motion disaster.”“Be observant, be vocal, and trust your gut.” Connect with AlzAuthors: Subscribe to the PodcastJoin the NewsletterFollow on YouTube About the Moderator Marianne Sciucco About the Podcast  AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias.  Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here. Thanks for listening. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know    We've got merch! Shop our Store

In this episode, Isabel shares how a simple shift in mindset—choosing love, care, joy, and abundance—can transform everyday life. From self-talk to daily habits, she shows how to replace guilt with gentleness and discover the abundance already around us. A gentle reminder that you deserve more kindness, more joy, and more peace—starting with yourself.