A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast

In today’s episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, we welcome grief expert Danielle Southwick for a heartfelt and enlightening conversation on one of the most universal yet often misunderstood experiences: grief.

Danielle reminds us that grief is a normal and natural part of life—it’s not something to hide, fix, or rush through. She expands our understanding of grief by explaining that it doesn’t only come from the death of a loved one. Grief shows up in many forms:

• Tangible losses, such as the death of someone close, graduating from school, or relocating to a new city.
• 
  
• Intangible losses, like losing a sense of identity, confidence, faith, or emotional connection.
• 
  
• Disenfranchised grief, a type of loss that isn’t always recognized or validated by society—for example, mourning the death of a public figure or a pet, or feeling grief over a relationship that others might not have seen as significant.
• 
  

Danielle explains that the grieving process is deeply personal and complex. It’s not just about what we’ve lost—it’s also about the unspoken words, the dreams that were never fulfilled, the roles we no longer play, and the parts of ourselves that don’t feel heard.

The healing process begins with a small but essential step—what she calls the 1%. It’s the decision to acknowledge the grief and allow ourselves to feel it. That small act of courage can open the door to greater healing. As Danielle says, "The rest will come, but the first step must be yours."

This episode is a powerful reminder that grief is not a weakness—it's part of being human. Whether you're grieving a person, a season of life, or an old version of yourself, there’s space for your feelings, and healing is possible.

Join us for this deeply compassionate conversation about how to give yourself—and others—permission to grieve and the grace to heal.

In today’s episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, we sit down with financial advisor Joel Arsenault for an eye-opening conversation about personal finance—especially for caregivers and families navigating later stages of life.

Joel encourages us to go deeper into the topic of finances, reminding us that financial planning is not just for experts or investors—it’s for everyone, especially those in caregiving roles. He reflects on how, in the past, financial decisions were often left solely to men, which created an imbalance in knowledge and confidence that still lingers today. Many people—particularly women—have been conditioned to feel ashamed or intimidated when it comes to talking about money. Joel challenges this mindset and emphasizes that not knowing something isn’t a weakness; it’s an opportunity to learn and grow.

He also highlights a surprising fact: only a small percentage of people actually work with a financial advisor, despite how valuable that support can be. For caregivers who are managing not only their loved ones’ needs but also their own futures, financial clarity can make all the difference.

In today’s episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, we speak with Amy Chastain, author of How to Find God in the Caregiver’s Journey. Amy opens her heart and shares how her personal relationship with God was both tested and strengthened through her caregiving experience. She candidly describes a time when she felt unworthy and had to return to the foundations of her faith to rebuild from within.

Amy emphasizes the vital importance of community, even when it feels incredibly vulnerable to admit we need help. She reminds us that healing is not a one-time event but a journey—a process filled with highs and lows, including moments of anger, doubt, and even blame toward God. But, as Amy beautifully puts it, “God already knows it all—and still loves us exactly as we are.”

She encourages caregivers to begin simply: by praying without filters. Don’t try to tidy up your emotions. God won’t run from your pain, frustration, or sorrow. In fact, it’s in those raw and honest moments that He draws closest, offering strength and reassurance.

Amy leaves us with a powerful message: caregiving is not just a role—it’s sacred. It’s holy work. And when we invite God into our caregiving journey, we not only care better for others, we also find the space to be cared for ourselves.

Tune in to this deeply moving conversation and discover how spirituality and community can help anchor us in the storm.

To contact Amy:

Enduring Together: Strength for the Weary Caregiver https://a.co/d/gqtqNDq

Caregivers | Encouragement from Amy Chastain

In today’s episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, we sit down with Brian Lerch, a seasoned executive in healthcare who works at a rehabilitation hospital that supports individuals recovering from traumatic events—such as car accidents or major strokes.

Brian shares valuable insights into the journey of rehabilitation, where the goal is not just physical recovery but also emotional and mental transformation. Patients at his facility participate in three hours of therapy a day, focusing on regaining the ability to perform daily tasks. But the journey doesn’t stop there. A crucial part of healing, he explains, is working on one’s mindset—regardless of whether the outcome is returning to independent living or transitioning into hospice care.

He emphasizes the importance of accepting change, embracing the good that remains, and learning to appreciate the present. According to Brian, healing includes discovering new sources of joy—like trying a hobby or exercising in ways that weren't part of your routine before. These activities not only help people cope with their new reality but also allow them to explore aspects of themselves they may have never known.

Brian reminds us that it's okay to feel uncomfortable when trying something new. In fact, feeling “bad at something” is the first step toward eventually becoming good at it. Whether it’s painting, yoga, or simply walking again—small efforts can lead to big emotional wins.

He also discusses how some people naturally possess a positive mindset, while others may struggle. For caregivers and family members, he advises practicing empathy by putting yourself in your loved one’s shoes and highlights how a strong support system can make a world of difference—for the person in recovery and for those supporting them.

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that recovery is not just about returning to the past—it’s about rewriting your story with hope, patience, and new possibilities.

Tune in, reflect, and share this with someone who needs encouragement in their caregiving or healing journey.

To get in touch with Brian Lerch:

linkedin.com/in/brianlerch

about.me/brianlerch

[email protected]

 In this deeply moving episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, we speak with Rick Henkin, who shares his personal journey as a caregiver for his wife after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Faced with overwhelming emotions, unanswered questions, and a heart heavy with grief, Rick found little external guidance to help him cope. So, he turned inward.

What followed was a profound internal transformation—a path toward peace, self-acceptance, and emotional resilience.

Rick opens up about the lessons he’s learned in this intimate caregiving journey. He encourages caregivers not to be too hard on themselves and reminds us that we are just as deserving of compassion as the people we care for. "Treat yourself like you treat your dearest friends," he says.

One of Rick’s most powerful tools for emotional well-being is reshaping our internal narrative. He suggests asking yourself:

• How is this thought helping or harming me?
• 
  
• Does this thought reduce or increase my stress?
• 
  
• What would happen if I chose to think differently?
• 
  

By taking a step back and actively reframing negative or guilt-driven thoughts, caregivers can regain emotional clarity and strength. Rick emphasizes a vital insight: Our thoughts create our feelings, and that means we can choose what to think—and ultimately, how we feel.

When a caregiver is emotionally calm, it profoundly affects the person they are caring for. Peace is contagious, and even in the midst of Alzheimer’s or other difficult conditions, a calm presence can bring unexpected moments of connection and comfort.

Rick leaves us with this simple but transformative mantra: Rephrase and Replace.

Tune in for a powerful conversation that will inspire you to care not only for your loved one—but for yourself—with tenderness, grace, and intentional thought.

 In today’s episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, we sit down with Traci Poe, a communication expert with a powerful message—not about how we speak to others, but how we speak to ourselves.

Traci explains that one of the most damaging and overlooked forms of communication is our inner dialogue. Far too often, we mistreat ourselves with negative self-talk, using harsh labels or being overly critical. This internal narrative can quietly erode our confidence, especially during challenging life stages like caregiving or retirement.

To help shift this dynamic, Traci offers a simple yet transformative three-step process:

1. Recognize the Pattern – Notice when you’re being unkind or critical to yourself. Awareness is the first step toward change.
2. 
   
3. Relabel the Negative Names – Replace those harmful labels (“lazy,” “bad,” “not good enough”) with more accurate and compassionate terms.
4. 
   
5. Reframe the Story – Learn to see challenges through a new lens. Instead of “I failed,” try “I’m learning something new.”
6. 
   

Traci also shares practical tips to help rebuild self-esteem and foster a healthier relationship with yourself:

• Understand that self-care is not selfish—it’s essential.
• 
  
• Surround yourself with people who lift you up.
• 
  
• Be your own ally; treat yourself like you would a dear friend.
• 
  
• Celebrate your wins, especially the small ones—they matter.
• 
  
• Laugh more—it lightens the soul.
• 
  
• Increase your sense of gratitude.
• 
  
• And most importantly, give yourself grace and mercy. We're all human. We make mistakes, and that's part of the journey.
• 
  

This conversation is a gentle reminder that the words we speak to ourselves matter. By shifting our inner voice, we can better care for others—starting with ourselves.

Tune in and discover how a little kindness on the inside can change everything on the outside.

 In this heartfelt episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, we speak with Deborah Armstrong, a specialist in senior isolation and loneliness. Deborah sheds light on a reality many older adults face: feeling disconnected from their families and the world around them. Whether it’s an inability to relate to the fast-paced conversations of their children and grandchildren or the impact of cognitive or mental health issues, isolation often leads to deep sadness or depression.

Deborah also reminds us how the COVID-19 pandemic heightened this problem, as everyone became more familiar with the toll that prolonged isolation can take.

But there is hope. Deborah shares practical and compassionate strategies to help bring our aging loved ones back into connection with life and those around them. Some of her suggestions include:

• Taking them out for short visits to familiar or new places
• 
  
• Bringing laughter into their lives through funny movies or joyful memories
• 
  
• Surrounding them with children when possible, whose energy can be contagious
• 
  
• Sharing family photos to spark stories and conversation
• 
  
• Bringing along favorite activities (like coloring, knitting, or puzzles) when going to appointments to make wait times more enjoyable
• 
  
• Encouraging movement—short walks, gentle dancing, or just listening to music
• 
  
• Singing together or reading a book they once loved
• 
  
• Reentering their world, rather than forcing them into ours
• 
  

Deborah’s message is clear: reconnection doesn’t require grand gestures—it starts with small, loving actions that honor who they are and what brings them joy.

Tune in to learn how to help the elders in your life feel seen, heard, and valued once again.

 In this inspiring episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, we sit down with Alara Rosenberg, a retirement coach who helps individuals navigate the emotional and practical transition into post-career life. Alara shares that one of the most essential steps in this phase is taking the time to reflect on key questions: Who are you now? What do you want to do? Who do you want to become?

She emphasizes the importance of social connection, encouraging retirees to build meaningful relationships and embrace the freedom to explore new interests. Retirement, she reminds us, is not a fixed destination—it’s a journey of self-discovery where everyone’s path is different.

Alara invites retiree listeners to experiment with new hobbies, seek out fresh friendships, and pursue long-forgotten passions. This stage of life is a unique opportunity to realign with your values and find joy in new experiences.

She leaves us with three powerful pieces of advice:

1. Take intentional time to plan your retirement journey.
2. 
   
3. Identify your new values, goals, and priorities.
4. 
   
5. Take care of your brain and body to maintain vitality and good health.
6. 
   

Tune in to be inspired and to rethink retirement not as an end, but as a new beginning filled with possibility.

In today’s podcast episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Giancarlo Paolillo, whose background in law enforcement has inspired him to develop a cutting-edge mobile application designed to enhance safety and communication in elder care. Drawing from his experience on the police force, Giancarlo recognized the urgent need for real-time information sharing and reliable systems that support both caregivers and families.

His app—available for both Android and iOS—is versatile and scalable, making it ideal for individuals, small businesses, and large organizations alike. The platform allows users to document real-time biometric testing results, track medications taken, and identify who the current caregiver is. It also includes a powerful feature that enables users to request assistance during a crisis, ensuring all relevant parties are notified immediately.

Whether you're caring for a loved one at home or managing care across an organization, this app is a game-changer. It empowers families, caregivers, and health professionals with the tools they need to ensure safety, transparency, and quick response when it matters most.

Giancarlo reminds us that technology, when used with compassion and intelligence, can truly transform the way we protect and care for our elders.

To reach Giancarlo

https://www.watchourown.com

[email protected]

I want to take a moment to personally invite you to something very special.

If you're a caregiver or someone approaching retirement, and you're feeling like it’s time to start thinking about your future — not just everyone else’s — then I’d love to welcome you into “A Planning Lab for Family Caregivers and Retirees.”

This is a 5-week online experience where we slow down and explore important questions:

• What do I want my next chapter to look like?
• How do I prepare emotionally and practically for the future?
• And how can I start caring for myself the way I care for others?

In this space, you’ll find guidance, clarity, and community. We’ll talk about planning ahead, navigating difficult conversations, creating meaningful connections, and prioritizing your own well-being.

The Lab begins on June 4th, and spots are limited to keep it personal and supportive.

If this speaks to you — or someone you know — visit https://www.tumcoeur.com/artandsupportofagingwell to learn more and sign up.

You’ve given so much.

Now it’s time to give a little back to yourself.

I hope to see you there.

In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with financial advisor Michael Lewis, who shares insightful perspectives on the intersection of brain health and financial planning.

Michael points out that certain cognitive decline conditions can begin developing 7 to 10 years before any noticeable symptoms appear. With this in mind, he strongly recommends that just as we schedule annual physical checkups, we should also routinely assess our cognitive function. Proactive brain health screenings can make a significant difference in long-term financial decision-making and personal well-being.

He also emphasizes that periods of high stress are some of the worst times to make major financial decisions. Stress can cloud judgment, heighten emotional responses, and lead to choices that may not be in our best interest. His advice? Plan ahead and prepare for the unexpected.

Michael encourages families to have the important conversations before a crisis arises—whether about wills, care plans, or long-term financial goals—and to take action early, rather than delaying essential steps.

This conversation is a powerful reminder of the importance of being proactive, not only in our finances but in our mental and emotional well-being as we age.

To reach Michael.

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-lewis-cfa-mba
• Website: www.familylegacync.com

Calendar: https://calendly.com/caregiversresource/preliminary