Caregiver Relief Podcast

We are born to die, with death being a part of life’s natural cycle. Religion and culture shape our understanding of existence, science and technology provide insight into the physical aspects of mortality.

The question of life and death has been a universal conundrum that has intrigued humanity since the dawn of time. Is our existence merely a birth-to-death journey, or is there more to it? Are we, as the phrase so starkly puts it, simply “we are born to die”?Short Summary

• We are born to die, with death being a part of life’s natural cycle.
• Religion and culture shape our understanding of existence, while science and technology provide insight into the physical aspects of mortality.
• Find purpose in life by embracing it fully - take risks, show kindness & appreciate the small things.

As the chilly winds of winter roll in, so does the dreaded cold and flu season. But fear not, because there's a potent ally in the battle against these seasonal nuisances: the elderberry. Bursting with immune-boosting benefits, this tiny berry packs a punch that can help keep you healthy and energized throughout the colder months.The Immune Powerhouse
Elderberries have been revered for their health-promoting properties for centuries. Rich in vitamins A, B, and C, as well as antioxidants and flavonoids, elderberries are a nutritional powerhouse that strengthens the body's natural defense mechanisms. These antioxidants work to neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce inflammation, key factors in maintaining a robust immune system.

Cold and Flu Warrior
Elderberries' claim to fame lies in their potential to combat cold and flu symptoms. Research suggests that elderberries can interfere with the replication of viruses, hindering their ability to spread and cause illness. This makes elderberry products, such as syrups and supplements, a popular choice for those seeking a natural way to alleviate cold and flu symptoms.

Reduced Duration and Severity
One of the most exciting benefits of elderberry is its potential to shorten the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms. Studies have indicated that elderberry extract can lead to quicker recovery times and milder symptoms in those who consume it regularly. This means less time spent feeling under the weather and more time enjoying life to the fullest.

Gut Health and Beyond
Did you know that a significant portion of the immune system resides in the gut? Elderberries can contribute to a healthier gut environment by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. A balanced gut can lead to improved digestion, enhanced nutrient absorption, and, ultimately, a stronger immune response.

Diane Carbo discusses the health benefits of elderberries in this episode of Caregiver Relief. Elderberries, particularly the Sambucus Nigra variety, are commonly used medicinal plants with a rich folk medicine history. They are often used in supplement form to treat colds and flu, thanks to their high antioxidant properties. Studies show that elderberry extract can inhibit certain viruses, potentially reducing the severity of colds, flu, and respiratory infections. Elderberries are beneficial for heart health, can improve blood sugar levels, and have potential skin and immune-boosting benefits. They also show potential in addressing mild cognitive impairment and acting as a natural pain reliever. However, more research is needed to fully understand their health potential.

Simply put, aging in place allows the older adult to receive care that they need in the setting of their choice, safely, comfortably, at any ability level. It gives any individual the opportunity to call their house a home for their lifetime. As older adults age in place the community they live in will need to get creative on how to support them.

So how do you prepare for our future care needs? And when should I start planning?

There are many aspects to aging in place that I will cover briefly in this lesson.

According to AARP, 80 million baby boomers will begin to retire in the next few years. Retirement planning to age in place with caregiving services is a conscious decision by many older adults presently living in their own homes. The average length of retirement to death is 18 years on average. So there is a lot to plan for as we get older.

We live longer and healthier lives, baby boomers are changing the way future generations will view aging. In fact, many boomers are already experiencing caring for an elderly parent. Many have first hand knowledge of caring for a parent and have dealt with home care services, adult day care programs and have made home modifications to ensure home safety.

Many already know what a long term care facility or assisted living is like and do not want it for themselves. Sixty five percent of the baby boomers over age 65 will require some form of long-term care. While we are planning, a major crisis is occurring in this country.

For the first time in history, we have more seniors than youth. This has created a shortage of people to provide care for the aging population. We also have a major shortage of direct care workers that would support older adults that want to age in place. This is leaving many family caregivers leaving the workforce to provide care at home.

Planning ahead and preparing for aging in place can make the difference between being able to return home or having to go to a nursing home, because the house cannot accommodate you. Falls are the number one independence robber of seniors. One fall many keep an elderly person from returning home because home modifications were never made to accommodate the aging body.

Understanding bereavement and its emotional impact is essential for coping with loss.

Respect your own grieving style & provide support to others navigating their process.

Seek help, practice self-care, connect with those who understand & take care of legal matters during bereavement.

Bereavement is an intensely personal experience that occurs after the loss of a loved one. The emotional impact of bereavement can vary greatly, but it’s important to remember there’s no right or wrong way to grieve. Grief is a normal response to loss, and it can manifest in different ways depending on the individual and their relationship with the deceased. While everyone may experience bereavement differently, seeking support from grief counseling, support groups, and loved ones is essential during this difficult time.

In this episode, we explore "The Five Pillars of Successful Aging" with special guest Star Bradbury. Star is a former licensed administrator and executive director for assisted living and memory care facilities in Florida, with over 18 years of experience at Oak Hammock, a nationally recognized life care community at the University of Florida. Her wealth of knowledge makes her an invaluable resource for families navigating the complexities of senior living, aging in place, or finding the right care options for their loved ones.

As the founder of Senior Living Strategies and the author of *Successfully Navigating Your Parent's Senior Years*, Star regularly works with families, legal professionals, and those in the medical, financial, and long-term care sectors. Her passion lies in helping families develop proactive, comprehensive plans to ensure informed decision-making for their aging parents and themselves.

In this episode, Star shares her unique blend of personal experience, having lost her parents, in-laws, and sister, alongside her professional expertise. She provides compassionate yet practical advice on how to guide loved ones through the aging process, making key decisions about healthcare, finances, and senior living options.

Diane and Star also touch on the public health crisis we face today, with a growing elderly population and not enough caregivers or support structures in place. They explore the implications of changes in Medicare, the importance of having a financial plan for long-term care, and the often-overlooked challenges of caregiving.

Whether you're a family member trying to help your parents age successfully or a solo senior planning for the future, this episode offers a wealth of actionable advice. Tune in to learn how to approach tough conversations about retirement, healthcare, and aging, and discover the resources available to make informed decisions. For more information, visit Star's website at www.starbradbury.com.

Join us for an insightful conversation that empowers you to take control of your aging journey or that of a loved one with grace and foresight.

Dr. D Dubose, a renowned psychiatrist and certified transcranial magnetic stimulation physician, shares his insights on alternative treatments for mental health, particularly in his work with ketamine and TMS. He specializes in treatment-resistant depression and has seen the devastating impact of depression on individuals and their families. Dr. Dubose believes that the stigma and lack of knowledge about these treatments have been a barrier to people getting the help they need. Ketamine has been used since 1963 as an anesthetic, but it was observed 20 years ago that it had an antidepressant effect, which scientists researched and eventually led to the FDA approval of Esketamine, a nasal spray called Spravato. Ketamine and TMS have shown themselves to be effective modalities for treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and other mental health problems. Dr. Dubose stresses the importance of patients having access to more options to treat difficult mental health problems.

The podcast features Diane Carbo, RN of Caregiver Relief and Care Team Partner, along with Pastor Dave Taylor and his wife Kelly, who are the co-directors of the Faith and Caregiving program at Care Team Partner. Dave is a pastor, nurse, and social worker. He and Kelly come from diverse religious backgrounds and have a passion for helping people through various illnesses, mobility issues, and other chronic diseases. They believe in providing person-centered care and developing resources to help people. Diane shares that many caregivers come to her for help because their churches have let them down. Dave and Kelly want to connect people to Care Team Partner's network of resources to help them get the support they need regardless of their faith or religion. They want to build a community that cares and has a focus on volunteerism to address the national caregiver crisis in the country.

The "Music for Dementia" campaign aims to make music a vital component of dementia care in the UK. As there is no known cure for dementia, the campaign seeks to provide access to music as an affordable and readily available form of therapy to aid in the daily care of those living with dementia.

In this podcast, Betsy Wurzel, a caregiver coach and dementia care specialist, discusses how to prepare for a doctor's appointment with Diane Carbo, a nurse and the founder of Caregiver Relief. The hosts stress the importance of being prepared for a doctor's visit, as doctors often have limited time with each patient. They advise listeners to bring a notepad, write down questions and concerns, and prioritize them in order to make the most of the appointment. They also recommend having someone with you to help you understand and record the doctor's answers, as well as being prepared for telemedicine appointments by having medications on hand and ensuring a good connection. Additionally, the hosts suggest reviewing all medications once a year and updating the doctor on any changes in health or recent visits to specialists or the ER. They note that communication is key and emphasize the importance of asking questions and not being afraid to reach out to the doctor for clarification. Finally, the hosts mention the challenges doctors face due to low reimbursement rates and government requirements, which make it difficult for them to spend adequate time with each patient.