Dr. Lakelyn talks with dementia educator Carrie Aalberts, also known as Dementia Darling, about challenging dementia-related behaviors like agitation, aggression, and sexual expression. Carrie explains how these actions are rooted in brain change—not purposeful or willful—and offers practical, empathetic strategies for caregivers. Together, they discuss medical triggers to watch for, when to seek outside help, and how to handle sensitive situations with compassion.

Episode highlights include:

-Understanding why agitation and aggression are symptoms of brain change

-Reframing “behaviors” with empathy instead of blame

-Trying different approaches when one solution doesn’t work

-Spotting hidden medical causes like pain or UTIs

-Knowing when it’s time for respite, home care, or memory care

-Navigating sexual expression in dementia with sensitivity and respect

Helpful links from the episode:

- Follow Carrie on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok: @dementiadarling

- Learn more about Carrie’s work:www.dementiadarling.com

- Listen to Carrie’s podcast Gather Darlings with Nicole Will

- Visit www.homeinstead.com/care-resources to explore more caregiving resources

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].

Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

Instagram: @homeinsteadinc

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Dr. Lakelyn is joined by actor, filmmaker, and former caregiver Katie Prentiss, whose mother lived with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). In this powerful episode, Katie shares how caregiving reshaped her perspective on life and how her upcoming film Wake Up Maggie aims to honor the unseen heroes of caregiving. Together, they explore the emotional journey from trying to control the chaos of caregiving to learning how to embrace acceptance. Katie’s story is not only personal but deeply universal—and she’s now turning her experience into art that validates and uplifts fellow caregivers.

Episode highlights include:

-Katie’s caregiving journey and her mom’s FTD diagnosis

-The emotional transition from control to acceptance

-How caregiving inspired Katie’s new film Wake Up Maggie

-The healing power of storytelling in the caregiving experience

-Encouragement for caregivers feeling overwhelmed or unseen

Helpful links from the episode:

- www.katieprentiss.com

- Instagram: @wakeupmaggiemovie

-TikTok: @katieprentiss

- Visit www.homeinstead.com/care-resources to explore more caregiving resources

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].

Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

Instagram: @homeinsteadinc

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TikTok: @homeinstead.inc

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Danielle Miura, a Certified Financial Planner and family caregiver, for a conversation on how to navigate caregiving without sacrificing financial health. Drawing from her own experience and her work with women in life transitions, Danielle shares actionable insights to help caregivers plan ahead, manage costs, and protect their financial future.

Episode highlights include:

- Danielle’s story of caregiving and founding Spark Financials

- The 3 phases of financial planning for caregivers

- Understanding hidden caregiving costs and long-term financial impact

- Common financial questions caregivers ask

- Strategies for balancing finances, caregiving, and career goals

Helpful links from the episode:

- Spark Financials: spark-fin.com

- Article: Finding a Financial Advisor: https://spark-fin.com/blog/f/how-your-finances-can-benefit-from-a-team-of-advisors?blogcategory=Personal+Finance 

- Article:  Long-Term Care Planning: 

https://spark-fin.com/blog/f/guide-to-long-term-care?blogcategory=Long-Term+Care+Planning

- Visit www.homeinstead.com/care-resources to explore more caregiving resources

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].

Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

Instagram: @homeinsteadinc

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Dr. Lakelyn is joined by nationally recognized caregiving and equity expert Jason Resendez to explore the newly released Caregiving in the U.S. 2025 report. Together, they unpack emerging trends in caregiving and focus on one critical gap: the underuse of respite care— breaks that give caregivers time to rest and recharge.

With nearly 4 in 10 caregivers reporting that respite services would be helpful, but only 13 percent actually using them, the conversation highlights why access to this type of support matters for caregivers’ emotional, physical, and financial well-being.

Episode highlights include:

- Key findings from the 2025 Caregiving in the U.S. report

- The growing diversity and complexity of caregiving

- Why respite care is essential and why so few caregivers access it

- Types of respite care available and where to find support

- Jason’s insights on advancing caregiving equity and systemic change

Helpful links from the episode:

- Caregiving in the U.S. 2025 Full Report - caregivingintheus.org- National Alliance for Caregiving - caregiving.org

- Final your local Area Agency on Aging - eldercare.acl.gov/home 

- ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center- archrespite.org

- Visit www.homeinstead.com/care-resources for more caregiver support

- National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA) - nadsa.org/locator

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].

Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

Instagram: @homeinsteadinc

YouTube: @homeinsteadinc

TikTok: @homeinstead.inc

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Lisa Pahl, LCSW—hospice and emergency medicine social worker, and co-creator of The Death Deck—for a discussion on how open, honest conversations about death can ease fear, build connection, and create peace at the end of life. Lisa shares wisdom from her years supporting individuals and families through the dying process and offers gentle guidance on how to start meaningful end-of-life discussions with loved ones.

Episode highlights include:

-Why avoiding conversations about death may lead to more fear and confusion.

-How to approach end-of-life talks with empathy and clarity.

-Tools to normalize and open up conversations around dying and grief.

-Lessons learned from Lisa’s work in hospice and emergency care.

-How engaging with death can actually deepen appreciation for life.

Helpful links from the episode:

- www.thedeathdeck.com 

- Instagram: @thedeathdeck

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].

Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

Instagram: @homeinsteadinc

YouTube: @homeinsteadinc

TikTok: @homeinstead.inc

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Nurse Practitioner Sheila Buehler to explore why foot care is a vital part of aging well. Together, they discuss how caregivers can help prevent pain, infections, and falls by supporting healthy feet at home. You’ll learn what warning signs to watch for, when to involve a podiatrist, and practical ways to help with nail trimming, hygiene, and footwear—all aimed at keeping your loved one safe and mobile.

Episode highlights include:

- Why foot care is essential to aging well and staying independent

- The most common foot issues older adults face and how to spot them early

- When to schedule podiatry visits and what to expect

- Practical tips for caregivers: nail care, hygiene, and footwear choices

- How regular foot care can prevent falls and reduce chronic pain

Helpful links from the episode:

- Sheila’s General Foot Care Tips

- CDC’s Tips for Healthy Feet

- Foot Care Professionals:  footcaremn.com

- Facebook: facebook.com/SheilaBuehlerCNP 

- American Foot Care Nurses Association: afcna.org

Products recommended by Sheila:

- Pedifix Medical Footcare: pedifix.com

- Goldbond Softening Foot Creme (Amazon Link)

- Pedors Shoes: pedors.com

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].

Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

Instagram: @homeinsteadinc

YouTube: @homeinsteadinc

TikTok: @homeinstead.inc

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by dementia care expert Adria Thompson, M.A., CCC-SLP for a conversation on how caregivers can support a loved one living with dementia while preserving their independence. Together, they explore the concept of “dignity of risk,” a philosophy centered around balancing autonomy and safety for those living with dementia.

Drawing on clinical experience and real-life caregiving dynamics, Adria and Dr. Lakelyn discuss how caregivers can foster a sense of self-determination in their loved ones, even as the disease progresses. They also address the emotional complexities that come with these decisions, including guilt, fear, and family pressure.

Episode highlights include:

• What “dignity of risk” means and why it’s important at home

• Supporting independence without compromising safety

• Real-life examples of balancing autonomy with oversight

• Caregiver guilt and the emotional side of decision-making

• Tools and mindset shifts to guide families through the grey areas

Helpful links from the episode:

- Home Instead’s dementia care services - HomeInstead.com

- www.belightcare.com

- Instagram: @belightcare

- TikTok: @belightcare

- Facebook: @BeLightCare

- Alzheimer’s Association: alz.org

- HFC Support Groups: wearehfc.org/support-groups

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].

Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

Instagram: @homeinsteadinc

YouTube: @homeinsteadinc

TikTok: @homeinstead.inc

In our 50th episode of Caregiver Chats, Dr. Lakelyn welcomes back dementia care expert David Troxel for an in-depth discussion on hiring in-home care for loved ones living with dementia. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience caring for his mother, David offers practical guidance for families and care professionals alike. 

Episode highlights include:

- Benefits of aging in place for those living with dementia

- What to consider when hiring in-home dementia care and questions to ask 

- Making the start of care smoother for everyone

- Respite care and support for family caregivers

Helpful links from the episode:

- Book: A Dignified Life: The Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer's Care by David Troxel and Virginia Bell - Amazon link

- Book: The Best Friends Book of Alzheimer's Activities, Volume Two - Amazon link

- Learn more at www.bestfriendsapproach.com

- Connect with David on Facebook: facebook.com/bestfriendsapproach - Home Instead’s dementia care services: www.homeinstead.com 

- Alzheimer’s Association: alz.org 

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].

Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

Instagram: @homeinsteadinc

YouTube: @homeinsteadinc

TikTok: @homeinstead.inc

In this heartfelt episode of Caregiver Chats, Dr. Lakelyn sits down with former Wisconsin Governor Marty Schreiber, who shares his caregiving journey with his wife Elaine, and the wisdom he’s gained from nearly two decades of supporting her through her journey living with Alzheimer’s. From heartbreak to humor, Marty brings raw honesty and practical advice for caregivers—especially men navigating this role. 

Episode highlights include:

- The emotional impact of long-term caregiving and spousal loss- Unique challenges and strengths of male caregivers

- Practical strategies for managing daily dementia care- Hard-earned lessons and “what I wish I’d known” reflections- Encouragement and hope for today’s caregiving community

Helpful links from the episode:

- mytwoelaines.com

- www.facebook.com/MyTwoElaines

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].

Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

Instagram: @homeinsteadinc

YouTube: @homeinsteadinc

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by eldercare expert and author Amy Friesen for a practical conversation on how to start tough talks with aging loved ones. Drawing from over 20 years in senior living and her book “Breadcrumbs,” Amy shares compassionate strategies for discussing care needs, aging, and future planning—with clarity and empathy.

Episode highlights include:

- Why families tend to avoid care conversations—and why that’s a problem.

- How to recognize the signs it’s time to talk.

- Five practical, compassionate steps to break the ice.

- How to respond when a loved one resists the conversation.

- Tips for continuing the dialogue with empathy over time.

Helpful links from the episode:

- www.teaandtoast.ca

- Book: Breadcrumbs: From Home Care to Care Homes- A Family’s Guide through the Eldercare Journey 

- Instagram: @teaandtoastottawa

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].

Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

Instagram: @homeinsteadinc

YouTube: @homeinsteadinc