For World Alzheimer’s Day, Dr. Lakelyn interviews Dr. Joanne Pike, the CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association. Dr. Pike shares about the latest updates in drug development and what it means for those living with the disease and their caregivers. She also shares the important resources that the Alzheimer’s Association offers. Listen in to learn more!

Episode highlights include:

- An overview of World Alzheimer’s Day

- The latest updates in Alzheimer’s drug development

- Important tips for keeping your brain healthy

- Helpful resources for dementia family caregivers

Helpful links from this episode:

- World Alzheimer’s Day

- Alzheimer's Association

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

04:54 - Introducing Dr. Pike

06:11 - Exciting developments in research

07:09 - New therapeutics for Alzheimer's

08:43 - Service and support from Alzheimer's Association

11:15 - Highlights from International Conference

13:50 - What can I do today for my brain?

14:46 - First steps for families after getting diagnosis

16:01 - One piece of advice to family caregivers

17:58 - Outro

Dr. Lakelyn will clear up confusion around the terms Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. She will share more about how these diseases impact individuals and how to best support someone living with them. Tune in to learn more! 

Episode highlights include:

- Definitions of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia

- 10 early signs and symptoms of Alzhiemer’s disease

-  7 common dementia-related behaviors

- Caregiver insights - 6 things caregivers wish they would have known about caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias

Helpful links from this episode:

- Article: 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's and Dementia

-Video: How to Handle Agitation or AGgression 

- Video: Addressing Hallucinations and Delusions

- Video: Sexual Expression and Inappropriateness 

- Video: Tips to Prevent Wandering

- Facebook group: Remember for Alzheimer’s

- Article: The Benefits of Respite Care for Dementia Caregivers

- Guide: Home Care Solutions 

- Support groups: HFC

- Support groups: Alzheimer's Association

-Video: Ambiguous 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].

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In this episode, Dr. Lakelyn talks about the sandwich generation, those who are sandwiched in-between caring for an aging parent and raising their own children. At times, this generation is feeling the pressure on both sides making them feel more like a pressed panini sandwich. Tune in to learn more!

Episode highlights include:

- Insights on who makes up the sandwich generation

- An overview of the common challenges of caring for aging loved one while raising children

- Strategies to balance competing demands on a caregiver’s time

- Caregiver question answered - “How do I involve my kids in caregiving without making it overwhelming?”

Helpful links from this episode:

- Report: Sandwich Generation Caregiving in the U.S.

- Research study: Sandwich Generation 

-Article: 5 Ways to Survive the Sandwich Generation Press

-Support groups: HFC

-Support groups: Alzheimer's Association

- Online support community: Working Daughters

- Guide: Home Care Solutions 

- Caregiving resource: Seasons

- American Association of Caregiving Youth 

- Kid Caregivers and their  Facebook Group 

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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00:00 - Intro

02:09 - Who are sandwich caregivers?

05:22 - Unique challenges

10:45 - Home Instead

11:13 - Strategies to make life easier

17:35 - Question from a family caregiver

23:47 - Outro

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].

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

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

Instagram: @homeinsteadinc

YouTube: @homeinsteadinc

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

In this episode, Dr. Lakelyn dives into part two of a three part series on caregiving relationships with a discussion on spousal caregiving. Dr. Lakelyn talks with Laurel Wittman, President and Board Member of Well Spouse Association. Laurel is a spousal caregiver herself and also helps to run a non-profit dedicated to supporting those who care for a spouse or partner.

Episode highlights include:

-  Insights on who spousal caregivers are and the prevalence

- Differences between spousal caregivers and other types of caregivers

- Isolation experienced by spousal caregivers

- Changing relationship dynamics, including impact on intimacy

- The emotional rollercoaster of caring for a spouse, especially guilt

- Resources to support spousal caregivers

Helpful links from this episode:

- Well Spouse Association:  wellspouse.org

- Caregiving in the U.S. 2020 Report

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

00:00 - Intro

01:29 - Introducing Laurel Wittman

04:44 - Well Spouse

06:44 - Who are spousal caregivers?

10:23 - Unique differences of spousal caregivers

13:45 - Providing more hours of care

17:39 - Longevity of the care journey

20:28 - The choice in providing care

22:27 - Home Instead

23:11 - Feelings of isolation

26:20 - Financial impacts

28:24 - Positives of the role

31:58 - Impact on intimacy

36:09 - Managing feelings of guilt

39:18 - When to consider respite care

42:09 - Complicated relationships

45:15 - What to expect from Well Spouse

48:47 - Advice to spousal caregivers

49:49 - Outro

In this episode Dr. Lakelyn kicks off a three-part series about the various caregiving relationships. Part One focuses on the relationship between an adult child and aging parent. Dr. Lakelyn talks with family caregiver and gerontologist Jenny Munro about her past experience caring for her mother who lived with Alzheimer’s disease for 13 years and her current experience of caring for her 97-year-old father.

Episode highlights include:

- Challenges adult children face caring for their parents

- Changes in the relationship dynamic

- How siblings can work together

- Emotions of caregiving

- Utilizing resources, especially respite care

Helpful links from this episode:

- Caregiving in the U.S. 2020 Report

- Alzheimer's Association

- Meals on Wheels of America

- Home Instead care resources: www.HomeInstead.com/care-resources 

- Guide: Home Care Solutions

- Guide: The Truth About Hospice 

- Video series: Tips for Managing Alzheimer’s and Dementia Symptoms

- Article: The Benefits of Respite Care for Dementia Caregivers

- Article: Family Caregivers: How to Ask Others for Help

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

00:00 - Intro

01:20 - Types of caregiving relationships

02:54 - Introducing Jenny Munro

03:30 - Jenny's caregiving story

08:06 - Going from daughter to caregiver

09:53 - Dynamic shifts in family

10:34 - Challenges in personal care

11:59 - Overnight caregiver

12:50 - Navigating emotions

16:29 - Sibling dynamics

18:38 - Lean into family strengths

20:25 - Home Instead

20:55 - Work and caregiving

22:45 - Jenny's caregiving resources

27:41 - Jenny's advice

28:57 - Outro

In this episode Dr. Lakelyn will cover 10 helpful resources that every caregiver needs to know. There are so many resources out there that people often don’t know about. And, if you start Googling resources, it can be really overwhelming! This episode will save you time by sharing 10 resources that can change your caregiving game!

Episode highlights include tips and resources on:

1 - Your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA)

2 - Disease specific websites

3 - Support groups

4 - The local pharmacist

5 - Respite care

6 - Veterans Assistance (VA)

7 - Your faith community

8 - Caregiving organizations

9 - A local lending closet

10 - Hospice

Helpful links from this episode:

- Find your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) 

- American Heart Association 

- American Diabetes Association 

- Arthritis Foundation 

- American Cancer Society

- Parkinson's Foundation 

- Parkinson’s Resource Organization 

- Davis Phinney Foundation (Parkinson's Resource) 

- Alzheimer's Association

- HFC (Hilarity for Charity)  (Alzheimer's Resource) 

- HFC 8 Week Support Group

- HFC Home Care Grant Program and Application

- The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration 

- Lewy Body Dementia Association

- Guide: Home Care Solutions 

- ARCH Respite Provider Locator 

- Veterans Assistance (VA) Caregiver Support 

- Guidepost Caregiving Resources

- Live Chat: David Troxel on Religion, Spirituality and Dementia 

- Article: The Need for Faith and Spirituality Along the Caregiving Journey 

- National Alliance for Caregiving  

- Caregiver Action Network 

- Family Caregiver Alliance 

- Equipment Lending Closet Location Search 

- Guide: The Truth About Hospice

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

00:00 - Intro

01:47 - Agency on Aging

05:19 - Disease specific websites

09:32 - Support groups

11:29 - Local pharmacist

12:39 - Respite care

17:19 - Sponsor: Home Instead

17:50 - Veteran's assistance

19:29 - Faith communities

21:31 - Caregiving organizations

22:31 - Local lending closet

23:36 - Hospice

26:20 - Outro

In this episode Dr. Lakelyn focuses on 5 tips to set you up for your caregiving journey. Whether you’re brand new to caregiving because your loved one recently experienced a crisis or if you’ve been a caregiving for years, these tips can help!

Episode highlights include tips on:

- Getting organized 

- Communication

- Building your support network

- How to stop delaying caregiver self-care

- Being as proactive as possible

Helpful links from this episode:

- Article: Suddenly You’re a Caregiver. Now What? 

- Article: Strategies for Getting (and Staying) Organized While Caregiving

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

- Article: 10 Key Questions Older Adults Should Ask the Pharmacist

- Live Chat: Anne Tumlinson of www.daughterhood.org

- Article: Family Caregivers: How to Ask Others for Help

- Article: The 40-70 Rule: Communicating Touchy Topics 

- Article: How to Talk with Your Employer about Caregiving

- Guide: Home Care Solutions

- Article: Self-care Is Not Selfish

- Journal article: Relationship Between Daily Steps and Dementia 

- Checklist: Home Safety (Room by Room)

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

0:00 - Intro

01:37 - Tip 1: Get organized

12:05 - Tip 2: communication is key

20:09 - Tip 3: Build your support network

27:13 - Home Instead

27:43 - Tip 4: Don't delay caregiver self care

33:07 - Tip 5: Be proactive

36:54 - Look for the small victories!

37:21 - Outro

In this episode Dr. Lakelyn will address the question: “Am I really a caregiver?” The answer might surprise you! Odds are, you probably are but don’t know it. For example: if you’re picking up your mom’s meds or going along to her doctor’s appointments, you’re a caregiver.

Episode highlights include:

- Identifying as a caregiver and why it’s important

- Prevalence of caregivers in the US today and language associated with caregiving

- Three common types of caregivers

Helpful links from this episode:

- Sandwich Generation resources: www.HomeInstead.com/sandwichgen  

- Caregiving in the U.S. 2020 Report

- HFC (Hilarity for Charity)

- State of the Union - April 18, 2023

- Article: Suddenly You’re a Caregiver. Now What?

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]⁠.

00:00 - Open

00:14 - Intro

01:28 - What is caregiving?

04:41 - Caregiving stats

13:34 - A word from our sponsor

14:00 - 3 types of caregivers

21:23 - Outro

In this episode meet Dr. Lakelyn! Learn about her background and the Caregiver Chats podcast. Discover two quick tips you can apply to your caregiving today.

Helpful links from this episode:

- Home Instead care resource: www.HomeInstead.com/care-resources 

- Article: Suddenly You’re a Caregiver. Now What?

- Article: Self-care Is Not Selfish

To learn more about this podcast or 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