The Realities of Caregiver Self-Care

Serene-Meshel Dillman’s documentary series Take Me Out Feet First captures the courage and compassion of people choosing Medical Aid in Dying. In the six part series, Serene features the end of life journeys of people dealing with terminal illness, as well as both her own parents. The struggles, grief, joy, and determination of those dying patients and their families shine through in the films. Serene’s vision is to educate the public about the medical aid in dying process and advocate for state legislation that will allow the right to MAID equitably across the U.S. You can buy/rent all six episodes of Take Me Out Feet First here. Website: www.Outfeetfirst.com Instagram: @Take.meoutfeetfirst Facebook: www.facebook.com/serene.dillman Information for Jennifer O’Brien Website: jenniferaobrien.com Read more about Jennifer O’Brien here. Purchase your copy of Care Boss by Jennifer O’Brien here. Buy your copy of The Hospice Doctor’s Widow: An Art Journal of Caregiving and Grief here. Hospice Navigation Services is here for you. If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, 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 Email: [email protected]

Heather Henderson is what I’m calling a boomerang family caregiver since she has moved in with her mom to be her primary caregiver at various times in her life. Heather initially became a primary caregiver overnight in 2003 when her parents were in a fatal car accident - her dad did not survive, and her mom was seriously injured. She moved home to care for mom until she was fully recovered. Fifteen years later, Heather became her mom’s primary caregiver again and moved back in with her while working two jobs. In this episode of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, we discuss the ‘joint joys’ she and her mom shared, how volunteering and cat videos have helped her heal since caring for her mom has ended, how her clean skincare business got started, and how fitness classes in all the phases of her life have kept her grounded and connected to others. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod197 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

After being a caregiver for her parents and husband, Jennifer O’Brien is empowering caregivers so they come through it healthy physically, emotionally, financially, and mentally. In her new book Care Boss, Jennifer has designed strategies and resources to support caregivers. Her 35+ years in healthcare leadership, partnered with all her years as an unpaid family caregiver, equipped her to write the guidebook that caregivers can use to navigate the care of their Person. If you’re one of the over 54 million unpaid caregivers across the U.S., the advice that Care Boss offers is a great tool to put in your toolbox. Caregivers take on roles as advocate, spokesperson, decision-maker, mediator, comforter, grievers, and financial manager. Caregivers need great resources. Care Boss by Jennifer O’Brien gives caregivers what they need. Information for Jennifer O’Brien Website: jenniferaobrien.com Read more about Jennifer O’Brien here. Purchase your copy of Care Boss by Jennifer O’Brien here. Buy your copy of The Hospice Doctor’s Widow: An Art Journal of Caregiving and Grief here. Interested in purchasing a GrandPad to stay connected with a senior loved one? Get more information at https://www.grandpad.net/thoh. GrandPad website: https://www.grandpad.net/ Social Media for GrandPad https://facebook.com/grandpad https://instagram.com/grandpad_social/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/grandpad https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuFAJCb7_tTneM_ikABq08Q Hospice Navigation Services is here for you. If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, 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 Email: [email protected]

Imagine your loved one living with Alzheimer's in a place where they could truly feel at home, free from the fear of wandering. This episode shares heartfelt stories of personal experiences, including my own mother's joyful time in a vibrant Los Angeles loft community. Join my co-host, Don Priess and I, as we welcome esteemed guest Dr. Allen Power, a renowned geriatrician, whose compassionate approach to dementia care challenges traditional methods and focuses on creating environments that foster contentment and security for those affected by Alzheimer's. We venture into the transformative journey of Dr. Power, who moved from general practice to become a leading advocate for non-pharmacological dementia care. Influenced by the Eden Alternative movement, he reveals his insights on the misuse of antipsychotic drugs and highlights the importance of communication and community integration. Our discussion sheds light on the experiences of families affected by medication misuse and calls for innovative care models that prioritize the well-being of individuals with dementia, emphasizing the power of love, companionship, and understanding. Explore how rethinking dementia care can enhance quality of life, balancing safety and freedom in care environments. Together with Dr. Power, we reflect on the power of intergenerational relationships and the vital need for societal shifts towards embracing diversity and supporting aging in place. With personal anecdotes and expert insights, we challenge misconceptions about dementia, highlighting the lessons of mindfulness and the importance of integrating people with dementia into communities, ultimately advocating for a more inclusive and compassionate approach to care. Thanks for watching, listening, and sharing! Much Love, Susie Dr. Allen Power is a board-certified internist, geriatrician, Schlegel chair in aging and dementia innovation at the Schlegel U Waterloo Research Institute for aging, a sought after speaker around the world, and a trained musician and songwriter with four recordings. Peter, Paul and Mary performed his song of elder autonomy, “If You Don’t Mind”, and Walter Cronkite used his song, “I’ll Love You Forever” in a 1995 Discovery Channel profile of American families. A recent project was composing music for Anne Hills’ latest album (www.annehills.com). Contact: [email protected] Support the show Be a ROAR-ior!! JOIN THE R.O.A.R. MOVEMENT for quality long term care! Visit the No Country For Old People Website for more information. YOU CAN ALSO SUPPORT THE COMPLETION OF OUR DOCUMENTARY "NO COUNTRY FOR OLD PEOPLE" BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION THROUGH THE NATIONAL CONSUMER VOICE HERE or GO FUND ME Purchase GERI-GADGETS® here. COUPON CODE: LCA20 for 20% Off No Minimum Learn more about Peter Istvan Photography here. Follow us on Twitter, FB, IG, & TiK Tok

Have you ever wondered what it's truly like to live with dementia? Either as the person diagnosed or as a loved one? Dementia Literature offer a unique window into these experiences, fostering empathy and providing invaluable insights. From poignant memoirs to practical self-help guides and imaginative fiction, exploring diverse genres about dementia can illuminate the challenges, emotions, and even unexpected joys encountered along the way. Join us as we discuss power of dementia literature and discover how these stories can empower individuals, families, and communities. Benefits of Reading Diverse Dementia Literature: Gaining deeper empathy and understanding: By stepping into the shoes of those affected by dementia, readers can cultivate compassion and reduce stigma. Finding practical strategies and support: Self-help books and caregiving guides offer tangible advice and resources for managing daily challenges. ** sparking meaningful conversations:** Books can act as catalysts for dialogue among families, friends, and healthcare professionals. Inspiring hope and resilience: Many stories showcase the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Raising awareness and promoting advocacy: Literature can play a crucial role in educating the public. Advocating for better dementia care and support services may follow. Our Guest: Marianne Sciucco co-founded AlzAuthors.com. It is a global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s. They share their experiences to help others. Marianne serves on the board and management team. She produces and hosts their podcast, Untangling Alzheimer’s and Dementia. She also wrote the Alzheimer’s love story, Blue Hydrangeas.

Welcome to Finding a Foothold, which was ranked #31 out of the top 70 caregiving podcasts by FeedSpot! I can't even begin to tell you how much this means to me. As someone passionate about serving caregivers, being recognized in this way is both humbling and motivating. Welcome to the first episode of 2025! In this episode, I reflect on the journey so far and share some exciting updates for the podcast and the mission of Finding a Foothold. This year, I’m renewing my focus on supporting family caregivers like you. I’ll talk about the release of my book, Fall Prevention: Planning Not to Fall, and share plans for the newly-formed Finding a Foothold Foundation. I’m also diving deeper into ways to support stroke caregivers and provide practical advice to help you maintain balance while giving your loved one the best care possible. If you’re ready to prioritize both your needs and your loved one’s, I’m here to help you navigate the challenges of caregiving in 2025. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why I created the Finding a Foothold podcast and the mission that drives me. Highlights from my 2024 journey, including writing my fall prevention book. How proceeds from the book are helping fund respite care for caregivers in underserved communities. My plans for supporting stroke caregivers and the focus on fall prevention this year. Why caregiving isn’t about choosing between “them or you” but finding harmony between both. Resources Mentioned: Fall Prevention: Planning Not to Fall – Available on Amazon for $10. Proceeds fund respite care for caregivers. Follow Finding a Foothold for updates and caregiving tips. If you are a caregiver and have a question that you would like to have addressed on the Finding A Foothold Podcast, leave a comment on the website: or You can also leave a question by filling out this Jotform: https://form.jotform.com/231966483352160 Consuela Marshall, Occupational Therapist, Caregiver Coach Fall Prevention Specialist Certified Aging in Place Specialist Certified Dementia Care Practitioner Certified Geriatric Care Professional Like us on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/FindingAFoothold/ Follow us on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/findingafoothold/ Follow us on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/consuela-marshall-ot-caps-cdp-3a136a1b9/ Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingafoothold?_t=8VzSFPvAsxi&_r=1 Disclaimer: The podcast and blog are intended to provide basic information so that you can become a more informed caregiver. The information presented is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or replace consultation with any health care providers you regularly engage with. Transmission or receipt of any of this information is not intended to, and does not, create a therapist-patient relationship. This information is not provided in the course of a therapist-patient relationship and is not intended to constitute medical advice or to substitute for obtaining medical advice from a physician or therapist licensed in the state where your family may reside. We encourage everyone to consult with your physician or therapist to see if they are appropriate and safe for you. Share

"It's OK not to know everything." - Tracee Loran In this heartfelt episode of Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver, hosts JJ, Natalie, and Tracee Loran dive into the unexpected twists and turns of caregiving. Tracy shares her deeply personal story of stepping into the caregiver role for her grandmother after a serious fall, shedding light on:

DENNY SAROKIN has written for, recorded and toured with Every Mother’s Son, Rick Nelson & The Stone Canyon Band, Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young, and other Hit Artists. He's written and recorded 100’s of songs for T.V. and Film, as well as being a touring solo artist, playing concerts, clubs, churches, and house parties. His songs feature Up-lifting Lyrics and Melodies that feel like Old Friends! With the help of a harmony pedal, Denny also plays full sounding cover versions of Classic Acoustic Songs. In this second of two episodes with Denny, we go through our lighting round of questions to understand the songs and genres that resonate with him. . https://dennysarokin.com/ Connie Tomaino offers practical tips for you to use music in your everyday life for health and wellness. https://imnf.org/ We thank listener James Skarnikat of Jimmy's Old Time Radio Show for sharing song that resonates with him. https://www.facebook.com/jimmysoldtimeradioshow Thanks to Jim Nantz for our introduction and to Ariel Sol for the original music. https://www.arielsol.com/ #activitiesforelderlyathome #anxietyreducingmusic #memorycareactivities #caregiverrespite #activitiesforseniorswithdementia #caregiverresources #dementiaactivities #musicandmemory #caregiversupport #senioractivities #activitiesforseniors

When you’re caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s or other type of dementia, you’ve probably heard countless times: “Don’t forget to take care of yourself.” While well-intentioned, this advice can feel overwhelming when you’re already juggling multiple responsibilities! Through our conversation with Elizabeth Miller, we’ve learned that effective self-care is about more than just general advice — it’s about finding practical, sustainable ways to maintain your own wellbeing while caring for others. Connect with us and share your tips: Website: https://www.thecaregiversjourney.com Instagram: 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 https://thecaregiversjourney.com/the-realities-of-caregiver-self-care-four-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/ Additional Resources Mentioned Happy Healthy Caregiver website here 20 for 2025 Funsheet here Self-Care at Sea cruise here Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast here Just for You daily journal here Takeaways Tip 1: Give Yourself Permission One of the biggest barriers to self-care is the guilt that comes with taking time for yourself. Many caregivers feel it's selfish to focus on their own needs when their care recipient is struggling. Tip 2: Think Broadly About Self-Care Self-care encompasses much more than just physical health. Elizabeth identifies eight key categories: - Practical self-care (like organizing your desk) - Emotional self-care (therapy, journaling) - Social self-care (connecting with others) - Spiritual self-care (following your spiritual path) - Intellectual self-care (learning new things) - Financial self-care (budgeting, planning) - Professional self-care (career development) - Physical self-care (exercise, nutrition) Tip 3: Prioritize and Schedule Self-Care The best self-care strategy is simply putting it on your calendar. Elizabeth recommends creating a "20 for 25" list—twenty things you want to do this year that bring you joy, energy, or peace of mind. These can range from small activities like learning a new game to bigger plans like taking a vacation. Tip 4: Give Yourself Credit Instead of focusing solely on to-do lists, create a "ta-da" list celebrating what you're already doing right. Remember that self-care includes basic activities you're already doing: - Getting sleep - Preparing meals - Basic hygiene - Managing finances - Taking breaks

Falls aren’t just a possibility—often, they’re an inevitability. In this episode of CareLab, hosts Emilia Bourland and Dr. Brandy Archie dive deep into practical prevention strategies, from addressing falls the moment they happen to involving occupational therapists and family caregivers. They also explore the role of assistive devices, the importance of strong communication, and advocating for safer healthcare environments. Tune in to learn how to stay proactive and keep loved ones safe! Find Care Equipment solutions at https://www.asksamie.com/ Find Caregiver Training at https://www.higherstandardscaregivertraining.com/ @carelabpodcast @Ask-SAMIE @higherstandardscaregiver