In this episode, Dr. Lakelyn concludes a three-part series on caregiving relationships with a discussion on what it’s like to care for a relative who isn’t a spouse or parent, along with the unique challenges that face those caring for a non-relative. Dr. Lakelyn talks with fellow gerontologist and caregiver April Ibarra who has cared for a number of family members including her aunt, Joy.

Episode highlights include:

- Challenges of caring for non-immediate relatives

- Differences in caring for someone outside the family

- Important considerations for non-traditional caregiving relationships

- Emotional burden among the different types of caregivers

- Resources to support caregivers along their journey

Helpful links from this episode:

- Caregiving in the U.S. 2020 Report

-Aging with April: www.aprilibarra.com  

Article: Solving Family Conflict

- Journal article: “Effects of Relationship Type on Quality of Life in Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment and the Informal Caregivers”

- Live chat: Legal Aspects of Estate Planning with an Elder Law Attorney

- Find your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) 

- Aging Life Care Association 

- Live chat: Finding Joy in Caregiving with Loretta Veney

- Article: Laughter is the Best Medicine 

- Meals on Wheels of America

- Guide: Home Care Solutions 

To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving  newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at [email protected].

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00:00 - Intro

01:11 - Who are non-immediate family members?

02:25 - Introducing April Ibarra

03:40 - April’s caregiving experience

10:39 - Assuming the caregiving role

12:18 - Becoming more dependent on family

14:03 - Advantages to being non-immediate

15:24 - Sometimes communication is easier

18:17 - Giving ownership to the person being cared for

20:44 - Prioritizing what’s important

22:00 - Managing legal affairs

25:28 - Navigating family dynamics

31:12 - Pacing yourself

32:48 - Emotional strain with caregiving

38:28 - Plug into your resources

40:41 - Laughter is the best medicine!

41:56 - Spending quality time together

43:17 - Outro