Caregiver Crossing

Finding someone to care for a loved one is a deeply personal decision. Sian Kicks of Senior Home Companions joins Caregiver Crossing to share her experiences with caregiving in the United Kingdom and what she's learned about the relationships that make great care possible. She also offers advice on choosing the right companion care, what families should look for in a caregiver, and how the right match can make a meaningful difference for everyone involved.

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What happens when the person who supports families through dementia has lived that journey herself? Precious, Memory Care Support Specialist with American Senior Communities, joins Caregiver Crossing to talk about what families may notice during the holidays and how to make gatherings feel good for everyone. She shares real moments from her own experience, tips for keeping loved ones comfortable, and why respite care can be one of the best gifts you give this season.

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A familiar song can bring back memories, lift spirits, and create moments of connection when words are hard to find. In this episode of Caregiver Crossing, we welcome Andy Tubman, Co-Founder and Chief of Therapeutics at SingFit, to explore how singing can support people living with dementia and their caregivers. Andy shares his experiences as a music therapist, along with simple ways to bring the joy of music into everyday life.

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Going back to school can feel complicated when work, caregiving, finances, and family responsibilities are already competing for your time. In this episode of Caregiver Crossing, we sit down with Alison Bell, Regional Vice President and Chancellor of WGU Indiana, to talk about how flexible education can fit into the lives of busy adults. Alison shares what makes WGU’s approach different, the support available for students' balancing caregiving and school, and how education can help someone take the next step professionally.

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Caregivers are often juggling work, healthcare, finances, family responsibilities, and countless decisions, all while trying to figure out where to turn for help. In this episode of Caregiver Crossing, we sit down with Laura Johnson of Joy’s House to talk about the pressures caregivers are facing today and the gaps that can make finding support feel harder than it should. Laura shares how years of working alongside families helped shape the vision for the Center for Caregivers, what families can expect when they reach out, and how the Center is working to make support easier to find and navigate across Indiana.

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Companion Care can mean everything from a ride to the grocery store to help with bathing, meal prep, or simply sharing conversation over coffee. In this episode of Caregiver Crossing, we sit down with Kim Moore, Companion Care Administrator at CarDon, to explore how these services meet both the practical and emotional needs of seniors and their families. Kim walks us through the first steps families can take, the signs it might be time to seek support, and why companionship is just as vital as daily routines

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When a loved one gives the gift of life, the journey for their family is only beginning. Courtney Tillotta, Aftercare Support Manager at Indiana Donor Network, joins Tina McIntosh to explain what Aftercare Services look like in practice. She shares how families are paired with a coordinator, the kinds of grief resources and personal check-ins that are offered, and why traditions like quilts and remembrance ceremonies matter. 

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Jena Mattix, Branch Manager at the Glendale Branch of The Indianapolis Public Library, joins us to talk about how libraries can support adults, older adults, and caregivers in ways that go far beyond books. We look at adult programming, options that help people keep reading when access becomes more difficult, and the role libraries can play in helping people stay connected to their interests and community. Jena also shares how the upcoming Death Café partnership with Joy’s House came together and what guests can expect from the conversation.

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NCAA President and former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker joins us to talk about why caregiving deserves more attention from employers and business leaders. We look at the impact caregiving can have on the workforce, what came out of a recent caregiver roundtable, and the work moving forward with ARCHANGELS. Charlie also shares what companies can do to better support employees who are balancing work with caring for someone they love. Special thanks to Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield for helping make this conversation possible.

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Richard Brendan joins us to talk about a part of caregiving that does not get nearly enough attention: what happens when caregiving ends. Then, we turn the tables on Richard with a few questions from The Death Deck, including who he would invite to one last meal, what song he would want played at his celebration of life, and whether he would want to know the exact day he is going to die. We also look ahead to the upcoming Death Café and what people can expect if they join us.

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