Caregiver Relief Podcast

In EP 241 of the Caregiver Relief Podcast, host Diane Carbo talks with Dr. Katrina Ostmeyer—licensed psychologist, BCBA, and founder of Beyond the Individual.

https://www.caregiverrelief.com/special-needs-caregiver-burnout-caring-for-a-child-with-idd-across-a-lifetime-with-dr-katrina-ostmeyer-episode-241

Dr. Ostmeyer breaks down the unique challenges of special needs caregiver burnout, the drastic systemic shift when a child turns 21, and how to navigate 14+ year Medicaid waitlists. You'll also learn why complex behavior is actually a form of communication, how to handle public judgment, and actionable ways to build a care plan that protects your own bandwidth as a caregiver.

Host Diane Carbo, RN, sits down with certified cannabis educator Honey Smith Walls (Cannabis Truth Podcast, author of Healing Beyond High) to break down everything caregivers need to know.

We discuss:• Why humans have a natural Endocannabinoid System built for plant receptors• How seniors can get pain relief through microdosing without getting "high" or risking falls• The difference between CBD, THC, and Full Spectrum products• What shifting medical regulations (Schedule 3) mean for doctors and insurance

🎧 Hit play to clear away the hype and get clear, safe, evidence-based answers!

Connect with Us:

• Visit Healing Beyond High: healingbeyondhigh.com• Organize vital medical records: myvitalvault.net• Connect with fellow caregivers: community.caregiverrelief.com

In this episode, host Diane Carbo, RN is joined by Amy House—Certified Dementia Practitioner and host of the Think Dementia podcast. Amy takes us on a "tour of the dementia brain" to explain what physically happens when brain cells shrink, why language comprehension fades while visual cues take over, and why old memories (and swear words!) stick around.

https://www.caregiverrelief.com/navigating-dementia-without-the-burnout-how-understanding-why-behaviors-happen-helps-you-respond-effectively-with-amy-house-episode-239

Key Topics Covered:

• Why dementia is a disease of the brain, not the heart 💔➡️🧠• Decoding "I want to go home" and spotting hidden physical pain 🔍• Why arguing or telling someone to "calm down" backfires ⚠️• How to use validation, music, and body language to diffuse agitation 🎶• Dementia-Friendly Airports & the Hidden Sunflower Lanyard program ✈️🌻

🎧 Hit play to learn how changing your perspective can reduce stress and bring peace back into your daily routine! 💜

In Episode 238, Diane Carbo, RN speaks with Rustam Sengupta, founder and CEO of Tuktu Inc. After receiving a heart-wrenching phone call about his father's dementia journey, Rustam set out to build a platform that connects families with vetted, local companions for flexible, on-demand help.

https://www.caregiverrelief.com/aging-in-place-help-how-tuktu-connects-families-with-trusted-local-caregiver-support-with-rustam-sengupta-episode-238

In this episode, we explore:

• Why modern "villages" have broken and how we can rebuild community connections• The power of cultural, language, and personality matching for aging adults• How active early retirees and students are stepping up as local helpers• Overcoming caregiver guilt and outsourcing logistical stress to focus on meaningful relationships

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a 5-star rating and review to help more caregivers find the support they need!

In this episode, host Diane Carbo, RN, speaks with Meredith Eden (Hummingbird Project Services) about creating personalized, flexible, and dignity-preserving engagement for adults living with dementia.

Episode Highlights:

• 🌿 The 7 Domains of Wellness: Holistic engagement made simple.

• 🎨 Process Over Product: Why art, music, and daily routines reduce stress.

• ⚡ 3 Quick Activities: Easy ways to connect with your loved one today!

Hit Follow so you never miss an episode, and leave us a rating if this helped you today! 🎧✨

In this episode of the Caregiver Relief Podcast, host Diane Carbo, RN is joined by journalist and communication expert Helen Jonsen to uncover the truth about Medicare coverage for women's preventative care.

https://www.caregiverrelief.com/does-medicare-cover-an-ob-gyn-wellness-visit-why-women-may-get-surprise-bills-with-helen-jonsen-episode-236

What you’ll learn:

• Why a Medicare "Wellness Visit" isn't a routine physical• Coverage rules for Pap tests, pelvic exams, & mammograms• How Helen resolved a surprise $300 bill—and how to protect your wallet• Essential questions to ask your doctor before your next exam

Don't let billing surprises delay essential care! 🛑 Listen in and empower yourself or the aging adult in your care.

In EP 235, host Diane Carbo, RN is joined by Whitney Rochelle (author of The Honor of Family Caregiving) to discuss how stepping into a caregiving role at a young age shapes your future, your relationships, and your mental health.

https://www.caregiverrelief.com/becoming-a-caregiver-too-young-how-early-caregiving-shapes-your-life-and-identity-with-whitney-rochelle-episode-235

Key Highlights:

✨ Caregiving at age 9: Whitney's personal journey✨ Reclaiming your personal identity & career goals✨ How to set healthy boundaries with family✨ Accessing free respite care and local 211 resources✨ Turning burnout into a lifelong purpose

Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a 5-star rating ⭐ and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today! 💖

In this episode, host Diane Carbo sits down with Gabrielle Jimenez—a hospice and palliative care nurse, end-of-life doula, and educator who has been present at over 2,000 final moments.

https://www.caregiverrelief.com/what-to-expect-in-the-final-days-of-life-a-hospice-nurse-explains-with-gabrielle-elise-jimenez-episode-234

Together, they break down the physical, emotional, and spiritual realities of the dying process to dispel myths, replace fear with confidence, and give caregivers the reassurance they need.

Key Takeaways:

• Demystifying hospice care vs. end-of-life care• Understanding natural physical changes (sleeping, breathing, appetite)• How to handle terminal agitation and restlessness• The role of medications in providing comfort• Honoring dignity, communication, and saying goodbye• Releasing caregiver guilt and offering yourself grace

In this episode, Diane Carbo, RN, talks with Dr. Tiffany Troso-Sandoval, MD, a veteran medical oncologist and author of the upcoming book Calming the Cancer Chaos. Drawing from her 25 years of clinical experience at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Dr. Tiffany shares practical, compassionate strategies to help patients and caregivers advocate for themselves and feel less alone.

https://www.caregiverrelief.com/facing-a-cancer-diagnosis-with-guidance-you-can-trust-how-to-use-a-doctors-guide-to-ask-your-oncologist-the-most-important-questions-with-dr-tiffany-troso-sandoval-episode-233

We cover:

🗣️ The very first questions you should ask your medical team.

📁 How to organize confusing scans, pathology reports, and records into a simple, stress-reducing binder.

🛡️ Ways to set boundaries, manage "caregiver guilt," and successfully delegate help.

🌟 Why sharing your personal life priorities changes how doctors approach your cancer treatment.

In this episode, Diane Carbo, RN, talks with Dr. Sean Altman, an expert in orthopedic functional medicine, to uncover powerful, non-surgical alternatives to joint replacement.

https://www.caregiverrelief.com/how-to-avoid-knee-replacement-surgery-non-surgical-options-for-seniors-and-caregivers-with-dr-sean-altman-episode-232

🎧 Inside this episode:

• ⚠️ The Surgery Reality Check: Why up to two-thirds of knee replacements might not actually be appropriate or necessary.

• 🌿 The Root Cause Approach: Why conditions like meniscus tears, tendonitis, and joint instability get misdiagnosed as simple "bone-on-bone" arthritis.

• ⚡ How UltaPoint Works: Learn about a gentle, ultrasound-guided needle electrolysis therapy that accelerates deep tissue healing without painful inflammation.

• 🏃‍♂️ Why Exercise is Medicine: Why building strength is the ultimate drug for joint longevity and fall prevention.