Caregiver Relief Podcast

This episode highlights the crucial, yet often overlooked, role of meaningful activities in dementia care. Host Diane Carbo, RN, speaks with Angela Fairhurst , CEO and founder of Geri-Gadgets®, about her personal journey with her mother's Lewy Body Dementia and the innovative, patented silicone sensory tools she created.

https://www.caregiverrelief.com/connecting-generations-how-geri-gadgets-r-spark-joy-and-reduce-stress-with-angela-fairhurst-episode-132

Angela explains how Geri-Gadgets®—safe, durable, and failure-free engagement kits (like the Fidget Gidget® Bucket)—are designed to meet the sensory needs of older adults with dementia, as well as neurodivergent individuals and rehab patients.

Learn how engagement acts as a form of medicine to reduce anxiety and challenging behaviors, enhances multi-generational connection, and ultimately helps slow the disease process, offering a huge relief to caregivers.

Host Diane Carbo welcomes Greg Lawrence, a transformational coach and educator at the forefront of psychedelic integration, to discuss how these experiences can lead to lasting change.

https://www.caregiverrelief.com/triggers-trauma-and-transformation-coaching-through-psychedelics-with-greg-lawrence-episode-131

• What is Integration? Greg explains that the real work begins after the psychedelic experience, focusing on integrating the expanded state of consciousness into daily life.

• The Brain and Behavior: Learn how psychedelics increase neuroplasticity, allowing you to effectively "reprogram" old habits and overcome the brain's natural resistance to change.

• Healing Trauma: The discussion covers MDMA's effectiveness in treating severe PTSD by quieting the fight-or-flight response, highlighting the critical role of assisted therapy.

• Caregiver Relevance: Understand why realizing your triggers and incorporating practices like mindfulness can help caregivers navigate the enormous stress and emotional load of caregiving.

A must-listen for every caregiver and family member! Host Diane Carbo, RN, discusses a critical health crisis—the silent epidemic of substance abuse in older adults—with special guest Dr. John Dyben, Chief of Research and Innovation for the Hanley Foundation.

https://www.caregiverrelief.com/hidden-in-plain-sight-the-silent-epidemic-of-substance-abuse-in-older-adults-with-dr-john-dyben-episode-130

Dr. Dyben, who did his doctoral practicum specifically on this issue, explains why millions of seniors are struggling with alcohol, prescription drugs, and other substances, often without detection. You'll hear about the groundbreaking older adult program at Hanley, which was the first of its kind in the country.

• The Hidden Struggle: Learn why addiction in seniors often goes unrecognized and the serious risk of combining common medications (especially benzodiazepines) with alcohol.

• The Caregiver's Burden: We discuss the overwhelming stress on family caregivers, the shocking statistic that 63% of them become seriously ill or die before the person they are caring for, and the temptation to cope using substances themselves.

• A Call for Change: Discover why treatment must be tailored to the older generation, emphasizing a holistic approach that addresses their physical, mental, and spiritual needs.

Dr. Dyben shares that successful treatment for older adults is possible, especially in a peer-group setting focused on moving from success to significance.

Don't let the silent epidemic continue. Learn the signs, seek help, and support hope and recovery.

Waiting for an emergency to get your affairs in order leads to chaos. In this episode, elder law attorney Richard a Beckner joins host Diane Carbo to discuss the "must-have" documents every adult needs to sign now.

https://www.caregiverrelief.com/before-the-emergency-get-your-essential-life-papers-signed-now-episode-129

Learn the critical difference between a will and a trust, why you need both financial and healthcare powers of attorney, and how these essential papers provide peace of mind and prevent devastating family conflicts. This is an essential guide to protecting yourself and your family before the crisis hits.

In this essential episode, we're shifting the spotlight to the person who holds it all together: the caregiver.

https://www.caregiverrelief.com/supporting-the-caregiver-from-burnout-to-empowerment-with-emma-soy-rn-bsn-ma-episode-128/

For too long, the caregiver's well-being has been overlooked. Emma Soy, founder of Gentle Shepherd Care, joins Diane to tackle the root causes of caregiver burnout and offers a path to empowerment. They discuss why the current healthcare system often fails families, leaving them untrained and overwhelmed after a hospital discharge.

Discover how to transform your journey through proactive planning, setting firm boundaries, and understanding that asking for help is not a weakness—it's a lifeline. Learn why Advanced Life Care Planning is one of the greatest gifts you can give your family and why your role as a daughter, son, or spouse is too precious to be lost in the title of "caregiver."

This conversation is a crucial reminder that to give the best care, you must first take care of yourself.

The "panic button" is a thing of the past. Welcome to the future of senior safety: 3D animated virtual caregivers. 🤖

https://www.caregiverrelief.com/from-panic-buttons-to-virtual-caregivers-the-evolution-of-senior-safety-with-dot-boyd-episode-127/

In this episode, host Diane Carbo RN and Senior Safety Consultant Dot Boyd discuss Addison, an interactive and proactive virtual caregiver.

Learn how Addison connects to Bluetooth medical devices (like glucometers and blood pressure cuffs) to manage chronic conditions, reminds seniors to take medications, and even provides cognitive stimulation with games, puzzles, and guided exercises.

This is a must-listen for long-distance caregivers, working caregivers, or any family navigating the challenges of aging in place, especially after an unsafe hospital discharge.

Think bone loss and stooped posture are just a normal part of aging? Think again.

https://www.caregiverrelief.com/bones-posture-and-aging-with-linda-macdougall-episode-126/

In this empowering episode, holistic health practitioner Linda MacDougall joins host Diane Carbo to bust the biggest myths about aging and bone health.

Discover:

• Why your bones can (and do) remodel every seven years

• The vital minerals you're missing that are more important than calcium

• The shocking truth about how an improperly-sized walker or cane could be causing more pain and increasing fall risk

This is a must-listen for seniors and caregivers who want to take back control of their health, strength, and independence.

In this powerful episode of the Caregiver Relief Podcast, host Diane Carbo, RN sits down with Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds — social entrepreneur, Ironman triathlete, and two-time cancer survivor. 🌟

https://www.caregiverrelief.com/every-mile-matters-triumph-over-cancer-with-dr-jeffrey-reynolds-episode-125

From finishing an Ironman to facing down prostate and colorectal cancer, Dr. Reynolds shares how endurance training gave him the mental strength to overcome life’s toughest race — and how his journey reshaped his views on health, resilience, and purpose.

💬 In this episode:

• The life lessons from triathlons and cancer treatment
  

• How to embrace vulnerability and accept help 🤝
  

• Redefining success — from personal records to clear scans
  

• The power of community, hope, and perseverance 💖
  

🎧 Whether you’re a caregiver, survivor, or simply in need of inspiration, this story will remind you that every mile — and every moment — matters.

📘 Learn more about Dr. Reynolds: 🌐 everymilematters.com

📗 Every Mile Matters: How Triathlon Trained Me for Triumph

Over Cancer — available now on Amazon & Audible!

💡 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to help us reach more caregivers in need of hope and support!

Host Diane Carbo, RN, talks with Dr. Beth Kurland, psychologist, TEDx speaker, and author, about how the mind-body connection can help caregivers and anyone facing stress or loss. Discover simple, science-based practices to calm your nervous system, reframe negative thoughts, and find inner balance — even in the toughest times.

https://www.caregiverrelief.com/the-mind-body-connection-thriving-through-lifes-challenges-with-beth-kurland-phd-clinical-psychologist-mind-body-coach-episode-124

🌿 Mind-body science explained 💗 Self-kindness & emotional resilience 🌳 Grounding and breath techniques you can do anywhere

Listen now and start thriving through life’s challenges.

Do you feel like you're running on empty? For family caregivers, that feeling is a constant state of being. But the reality is far more dangerous than just being tired.

https://www.caregiverrelief.com/choosing-you-how-radical-self-care-saves-lives-including-yours-episode-123

Host Diane Carbo opens with a staggering statistic: 63% of family caregivers become seriously ill or die before the person they're caring for. This isn't just burnout; it's a health crisis.

In this episode, healer and spiritual teacher Alx Derman joins us to explain why this happens. As caregivers, we are "giant sponges" that absorb the pain, stress, and negativity of those around us. If we don't "wring out" that sponge, that energy builds up and becomes illness.

This isn't about bubble baths. This is about "radical self-care" using what Alx calls "stupid simple" ancient tools that work in minutes. Alx shares an incredibly simple yet powerful technique to "decharge" negative energy using nothing more than a black rock.

Learn how to choose yourself, reclaim your energy, and heal at the soul level—so you can continue to care for your loved one without losing yourself in the process.