Dr. Lakelyn explores the unique role that music plays in providing comfort, connection, and joy to both caregivers and their loved ones. She’s joined by music therapist Tara Jenkins who shares about the therapeutic qualities of music, expert insights, and practical tips on how to integrate music into caregiving routines. 

Episode highlights include:

- An overview of the therapeutic qualities of music

- Insights on when to use music and when not to

- Practical tips on using music in day-to-day care

- How to use music for caregivers as self-care

 Helpful links from this episode:

- Harmony in Dementia (Tara Jenkins’ website)

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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Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

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Dr. Lakelyn steps into the important topic of fall prevention. Many older adults worry about taking a spill, and family caregivers stress over what could happen if their loved ones fall. She is joined by fellow gerontologist April Ibarra to talk about tips for being proactive and preventing falls.

Episode highlights include:

- Importance of fall prevention

- Potential risk factors for falls

- Tips to proactively prevent falls

- Conversation starters to discuss the topic 

Helpful links from this episode:

-Home Safety Checklist

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.

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Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

YouTube: @homeinsteadinc

Dr. Lakelyn delves into a topic that affects millions of families worldwide: hearing loss in aging adults. As caregivers, it's crucial to understand the prevalence, challenges, and resources available to support our loved ones who may be experiencing this issue.

Episode highlights include:

- Signs of hearing loss

- Challenges of untreated hearing loss

- Discussion starters

- Tips for caregivers

 Helpful links from this episode:

- Hearing Loss Association of America

- Is Hearing Loss the Culprit? Video

- Book: Hearing and Beyond

- National Hearing Test (Phone Test)  

- Article: Learn the Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss

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.

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Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

Dr. Lakelyn answers caregiving questions from you - our listeners! These questions focus on mental health, dementia care tips and challenging emotions that come with caregiving. You can submit your questions to Dr. Lakelyn to be answered in a future episode. Email her at  [email protected].

Episode highlights include:

- Challenges of caregiving for someone with mental health issues

- Dementia care tips for handling agitation and aggression

- Managing the emotions of caregiving

Helpful links from this episode:

- Circle of Care Guidebook 

- National Association on Mental Illness 

- Agitation and Aggression Tips Video

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 Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

Dr. Lakelyn chats about driving safety for older adults and how families can navigate this challenging topic. Tune in for conversation starters, tips and resources that can help families find safe solutions.

Episode highlights include:

- Common conditions and age related changes that can affect driving

- Potential signs that an older adult may be an unsafe driver

- Conversation starters and how to address driving 

- Tips to reduce the impact of a transition from driving

Helpful links from this episode:

- Car Fit - car-fit.org 

- Clearinghouse for Older Road User Safety: roadsafeseniors.org

- NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration): Older Driver page resources

- National Aging and Disability Transportation Center

- Occupational Therapy Association’s Older Driver Resource Center

- The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialist

- Assessment: Driving Safely while Aging Gracefully - NHTSA

- License Renewal Procedures by State

- AARP Smart Driver Courses 

- Article: Retiring from Driving 

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

YouTube: @homeinsteadinc

Dr. Lakelyn dives deep into one type of service - home care- that can help support older adults and their caregiver. She's joined by Debbie Gross, a Home Instead franchise owner, who shares what families can expect when they look into home care services.

Episode highlights include:

- An overview of home care services

- Scenarios and signs that someone might need home care

- The benefits of home care for caregivers 

- What the process is like to start home care

- Important questions to ask home care providers

Helpful links from this episode:

- Guide:  Home Care Solutions

- Article: Signs That Your Aging Parent Might Need Help

- Article: Difficult Aging Conversations: What to do if You See the Signs

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

YouTube: @homeinsteadinc

It’s a new year, which is a great time to set your intention as a caregiver! In this episode, Dr. Lakelyn chats with Dr. Sarah Teten Kanter, author of the book Positive Caregiving, about how family caregivers can harness the power of positive emotions.

Episode highlights include:

- How to reframe the caregiving experience

- An overview of the positive emotions that help to enrich caregiving 

- Tips for bringing positivity into daily caregiving and self-care

Helpful links from this episode:

- Positive Caregiving Website: positivecaregiving.com 

 Article: 9 Ways to Be a More Optimistic Caregiver

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.

Dr. Lakelyn reflects on a great year of Caregiver Chats! She shares her top 5 favorite podcasts from 2023. You will want to be sure to tune in!

Episode highlights include:

- Dr. Lakelyn’s top 5 favorite episodes from 2023

Helpful links from this episode:

- HomeInstead.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

YouTube: @homeinsteadinc

Dr. Lakelyn offers up tips on how to reduce the stress caregivers often feel around the holidays. She also offers up gift ideas for caregivers and older adults to help make this season merry and bright!

Episode highlights include:

- How to reduce your stress this holiday season

- Simple modifications to holiday traditions 

- Gift ideas for caregivers and older adults 

Helpful links from this episode:

- Article: 10 Senior-Friendly Holiday Tips

- Article: Holiday Stress Busters for Family Caregivers

-Article: Holiday Gift Guide: 5 Ideas for Aging Loved Ones

- Article: Family Caregiver Holiday Gift Guide

- Guide:  Home Care Solutions

- Jewelry for caregivers: Gigi Betty Co.

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

YouTube: @homeinsteadinc

Often, when family members go home to visit mom or dad over the holidays, they start to realize more help is needed.  In this episode, Dr. Lakelyn talks about important signs to look for when visiting aging relatives this holiday season. 

Episode highlights include:

- Signs to look for that more help is needed

- What to do when you see the signs

- Resources to help support your aging loved one

- Tips on home safety and setting up a safe environment  

Helpful links from this episode:

- Article: Signs That Your Aging Parent Might Need Help

- Article: Difficult Aging Conversations: What to do if You See the Signs

- Guide:  Home Care Solutions

- Find your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) 

- Guide:  Home Safety Checklist

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

YouTube: @homeinsteadinc

00:00 - Intro

02:59 - Signs more help is needed

07:55 - How to start the conversation

14:09 - Home Instead

14:38 - Resources and solutions

17:16 - Home safety

23:40 - Outro