How to Communicate With Compassion in Dementia Care

Enjoy this encore episode about how to manage grief during the holidays with grief specialist Gary Roe.   In this podcast episode featuring grief specialist Gary Roe, the discussion centers on managing grief during the holidays, a time often marked by intensified emotions for those experiencing loss. Here are the key points covered in the episode: Why Grief Intensifies During the Holidays Emotional Triggers: The holidays can amplify feelings of grief due to memories associated with loved ones who have passed. Traditions that once brought joy may now serve as painful reminders of absence. Isolation: Many people feel alone in their grief during this time, leading to feelings of sadness and disconnection from others who may not understand their experience. Challenges of Grieving During the Holidays Expectations vs. Reality: Society often promotes a cheerful holiday spirit, which can clash with an individual's personal experience of grief, creating additional pressure. Coping Mechanisms: Some individuals may resort to unhealthy coping strategies, such as overeating or withdrawing from social interactions, as they navigate their pain. Strategies for Managing Grief Acknowledge and Process: Gary emphasizes the importance of acknowledging one's feelings rather than suppressing them. He introduces the acronym A.I.R.: Acknowledge what you are feeling. Identify how those feelings affect you. Release those feelings through expression—be it talking, writing, or creating art. Seek Support: Engaging with loved ones who can listen and provide comfort is crucial. Sharing experiences can help alleviate feelings of isolation. Personalize Your Grief Journey: Recognize that everyone grieves differently. It's essential to find what works best for you, whether that's honoring memories in a new way or creating new traditions. Conclusion Gary Roe's insights remind listeners that grief is a personal journey without a set timeline. He encourages individuals to embrace their feelings and seek support as they navigate through the complexities of loss, especially during emotionally charged times like the holidays. For more resources and support from Gary Roe, visit his website at GaryRoe.com. Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at [email protected]. 

*:first-child]:mt-0 [&_>*:last-child]:mb-0 _root_128yu_7" data-renderer="lm"> How do you talk with an aging parent about moving, money, or accepting more help—without making them feel like you're taking over? In this episode of Lighting the Path, Tara Shuler joins us for a thoughtful conversation about the emotions behind these difficult discussions. She shares ways adult children can approach their parents with respect and explains an important distinction: compliance may get a parent to go along with a decision, but buy-in is the goal. We also explore how to recognize when a parent's living situation may no longer be safe and how to begin a conversation about a different arrangement. When the discussion turns to money and finances, Tara offers a straightforward starting point: ask. Along the way, Tara shares her own family's experience caring for her mother, including the challenges she and her siblings faced. Her personal story brings an honest perspective to the complicated decisions families navigate as parents grow older. In This Episode p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why conversations with aging parents can carry so much emotion. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How adult children can approach sensitive subjects respectfully. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The difference between gaining compliance and building buy-in. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Changes that may signal a parent needs a safer living arrangement. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Ways to open a conversation about money and finances. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Tara's experience navigating her mother's care with her siblings. About Tara Shuler Tara Shuler is an author, keynote speaker, and founder of ConvoControl, which teaches people to navigate high-stakes conversations through thoughtful questions. In this episode, she draws on her personal experience caring for her mother to bring a practical, compassionate perspective to the sensitive discussions families face as parents grow older. Connect with Tara Learn more at convocontrol.com. Tara's book is available on Amazon and through other booksellers. :not([hidden])~:not([hidden]))]:border-soft flex items-center gap-1"> p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at [email protected].       

How do you advocate for an aging parent while making sure their voice remains at the center of the conversation? In this episode of Lighting the Path, guest Tara Shuler explores the conversations that come with supporting a parent through the later years of life. From healthcare appointments to family decisions, Tara shares ways to clarify goals, ask purposeful questions, and keep difficult discussions focused. Drawing on her experience as a corporate trainer and personal caregiver for her mom, Tara discusses how to communicate with your parent, their healthcare team, and other people involved in their care. She encourages caregivers to begin with a clear understanding of what they hope to accomplish—and to ask questions that help everyone move toward that goal. One simple practice she recommends is reviewing appointments with your parent by asking, "What did you hear?" and then, "What do you want?" These questions create space to understand both your parent's interpretation of the conversation and their wishes moving forward. The episode also explores the role of siblings and other stakeholders. Rather than assuming you know what someone is thinking, Tara encourages asking questions to understand their perspective. She also offers tips for keeping conversations under control when emotions, competing priorities, or differing opinions threaten to pull them off course. Tara Shuler is a corporate trainer, keynote speaker, author, and founder of ConvoControl, where she teaches communication skills to sales teams, leaders, and other professionals. Her book, Parenting A Parent: Controlling the Conversation Through the Role Reversal, draws on seven years of caring for her mother and applies her conversation framework to the challenges of supporting an aging parent. Her work helps caregivers approach difficult discussions about medical care, independence, finances, and family decisions. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at [email protected]. 

What does it mean to advocate for someone you love during a healthcare journey? In this episode of Lighting the Path, Robin Shapiro defines patient advocacy and explores how caregivers can speak up, ask questions, and support the person in their care. Robin and Jerry discuss how healthcare has changed over the years—and why advocacy matters more than ever. She offers practical tips for caregivers, describes signs that it may be time to bring in a professional advocate, and explains why an independent advocate is worth considering. For caregiver checklists, Robin recommends The Care Partner Project. HealthAdvocateX is also hosting a free advance care planning webinar on October 7; registration is available at HealthAdvocateX.org. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at [email protected]. 

Who would speak for you if you experienced a medical emergency and could not make healthcare decisions for yourself? In this episode, Robin Shapiro of Well Said Health joins us to discuss how to choose a healthcare proxy—the person you authorize to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you lose the ability to communicate or make informed choices. Robin Shapiro is the founder of Well Said Health and a passionate advocate for helping individuals and families communicate clearly about healthcare choices. Robin explains why this is not only an issue for older adults or people with serious illness. She encourages adults to put a healthcare proxy in place when they turn 18, especially before leaving home for college. Robin offers practical guidance for selecting the right person, including the importance of choosing someone who: p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Understands your values, goals, and priorities p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Can remain calm during an emergency or emotionally difficult situation p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Is willing to speak up and advocate for your wishes p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Can communicate effectively with clinicians and family members p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Will honor your preferences, even if those preferences differ from their own beliefs p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Is available and willing to accept the responsibility The conversation also addresses an equally important question: what should you talk about after selecting a proxy? Robin shares the kinds of values, treatment preferences, fears, hopes, and quality-of-life considerations that can help a proxy make decisions with greater confidence. Naming someone is important, but having ongoing conversations with that person is what gives the appointment real meaning. For people who do not have a trusted family member or friend available to serve in this role, Robin discusses the option of hiring a professional advocate. These professionals can help represent a person's stated wishes and provide informed, independent support when healthcare decisions need to be made. Robin also recommends resources that can help individuals and families begin these often difficult—but deeply meaningful—conversations. Resources mentioned p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Robin Shapiro / Well Said Health: WellSaidHealth.com p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Free webinar: How to Create Your Own Healthcare Proxy October 7, presented through HealthAdvocateX p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> HealthAdvocateX: HealthAdvocateX p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at [email protected]. 

Communicating with a person living with dementia is about far more than choosing the "right" words. In this episode, we welcome back Hollie Lowe, Certified Dementia Practitioner, for a practical and compassionate conversation about using communication to reduce distress, preserve dignity, and strengthen connection. Hollie explains why a caregiver's body language can be just as important as verbal communication. Facial expression, posture, tone, pace, physical proximity, and the way we approach someone can either help them feel safe—or unintentionally create confusion, resistance, or fear. You'll hear actionable guidance for caregivers, hospice professionals, family members, and anyone supporting a person with dementia. Hollie shares ways to use body language and simple communication techniques to help a person understand and follow directions while still being treated with respect. She also reminds us that effective dementia care requires patience: slowing down, allowing time for processing, and resisting the urge to correct, argue, or rush. Whether you are caring for a spouse, parent, patient, resident, or friend, this conversation offers practical tools for responding with greater calm, confidence, compassion, and understanding. Resources Mentioned p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> James L. West Center for Dementia Care p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> James L. West Center for Dementia Care YouTube channel p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Free dementia education course for professional caregivers through the James L. West Center for Dementia Care p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at [email protected]. 

Dementia affects far more than memory. It can change how a person understands language, finds words, follows a conversation, expresses needs, interprets their surroundings, and connects with the people they love. In this episode of Lighting the Path, we welcome Hollie Lowe, LPC, Director of Education and Family Support Services at the James L. West Center for Dementia Care in Fort Worth, Texas. Hollie is a dementia-care expert and certified grief counseling specialist who helps families and professionals better understand the challenges of dementia. You'll hear practical communication guidance for caregivers and healthcare professionals. Most importantly, this conversation reminds us that even when communication changes, every person deserves to feel safe, respected, and connected. *:first-child]:mt-0 [&_>*:last-child]:mb-0" data-renderer="lm"> For more information about the James L. West Center for Dementia Care and the free Dementia Specialist Certification, visit www.jameslwest.org.  p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at [email protected].   

In this episode, we highlight the Harbor Foundation's Butterfly Release, a free, family-friendly event that supports hospice patients and their families. Learn how this meaningful gathering brings the community together to honor loved ones, celebrate life, and create moments of hope and healing. We also share how the purchase of butterflies and t-shirts helps fund compassionate care for those navigating end-of-life journeys. The Harbor Foundation supports the community through hardship grants, Bravehearts grief kits for children, and scholarships for high school seniors, nursing students and social work students. The butterfly release takes place on Saturday, August 8 at the Downtown Event Centre in Beaumont, Texas from 11:00am - 1:00pm.  Visit the website at harborfoundation.com to pre-order t-shirts and butterflies, or purchases can be made at the event while supplies last.   p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at [email protected]. 

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Jerry Woodbridge, author and advocate for children navigating grief. Drawing from both professional insight and personal experience, Dr. Woodbridge shares a powerful perspective on how pre-teens process loss—and why their grief often goes misunderstood. We explore the unique ways children respond to grief, including behaviors that may surprise caregivers, such as anxiety and panic attacks. Dr. Woodbridge speaks candidly about her own son's experience after the death of his father, offering a deeply personal look at how grief can manifest when children lack the language to express what they are feeling. Her book, Joy Overcomes Sorrow, was written to meet children where they are. Centered on the story of a 10-year-old girl experiencing profound loss, the book serves not only as a resource for grieving children but also as a tool to help children who have not experienced loss develop empathy and emotional awareness. Dr. Woodbridge also shares the challenges she faced while writing for this age group, and how her journey as both a mother and author shaped the message of her work. In addition, she introduces her newest book, which focuses on sibling loss—an often overlooked but deeply impactful experience for children. This conversation offers valuable insight for caregivers, chaplains, counselors, and anyone supporting children through grief. Resources & Links: p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Dr. Jerry Woodbridge's website: DrJerryLWoodbridge.com p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Books by Dr. Jerry Woodbridge (available on Amazon) p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at [email protected]. 

In this deeply personal and insightful episode, Dr. Jerry L. Woodbridge—educator, author of children's books on grief, and widow—talks about her journey through loss after the death of her husband in 2004. With honesty and wisdom, Dr. Woodbridge shares how grief showed up in unexpected ways and how she learned to navigate the emotional "buzz" that often accompanies profound loss. One of the most powerful tools in her healing process was writing. She describes her thoughts and emotions as "bees buzzing" in her mind—constant, overwhelming, and difficult to quiet. Through writing, she found a way to give those feelings shape, focus, and release. What began as a personal coping mechanism eventually grew into meaningful work helping others, especially children, understand and express their grief. Dr. Woodbridge also offers compassionate guidance for those walking their own grief journey. Her approach is gentle, practical, and accessible—reminding listeners that grief does not have to be faced alone or without tools for expression. In this episode, you'll hear: p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How grief can feel overwhelming and disorganized, especially in the early stages p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The role of writing as a therapeutic and spiritual practice in processing loss p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How personal grief experiences can shape meaningful work and ministry p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Two simple, practical suggestions for navigating grief in daily life Whether you are grieving, supporting someone who is, or serving in a caregiving role, this conversation offers both validation and practical insight for the journey. To learn more about Dr. Woodbridge please visit her website here; Dr. Jerry L. Woodbridge Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at [email protected].