Caregiver's Compass

Caitlin Melvin’s life changed forever in 2021 when her 3 week old baby Scottie passed away. Having to continue caring for her young son in the face of grief, Caitlin learned how to navigate a situation she never thought she would face. In today’s episode, Caitlin talks about feeling substantial pain and having to continue on while growing her family and running a successful business.

About Caitlin:

Caitlin Melvin lives in Vancouver, British Columbia with her husband and two children, Huxley and Goldie (and kitty - Lucca!). Caitlin owns Melvin Marketing Group, a boutique marketing agency that focuses on social media marketing and branding. She balances life with her passions for motherhood, cooking and baking, snowboarding, and enjoying Vancouver and the surrounding area via hiking boots, her bicycle and long drives with her family.

Find Caitlin on Instagram: @caitlinalison 

*The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not constitute therapy or counselling. If you are in need of mental health support or professional guidance, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host.*

Visit us on our website to see all that we offer for caregiver support:
www.compassionincaregiving.com 

For more visit our Instagram!
http://www.instagram.com/compassionincaregiving

Patti LaFleur (known as misspatticake on social media) has become a well-known figure in the caregiving space. After leaving her teaching job of many years, she dedicated her life to caring for her father and her mother Linda, diagnosed with dementia. Documenting her journey daily, Patti and Linda were an inspiration and a real view on the happiness and positivity that was possible in a carepartner bond between mother and daughter. When Linda passed away more suddenly than ever anticipated, Patti found herself lost and confused, looking to find herself and her identity once again. In today’s episode Patti bravely talks about her experiences in loss and grief, finding meaning after loss and learning who she is once again. 

About Patti:

Patti LaFleur is the former care partner to her mom, Linda, who had younger-onset mixed dementia. Patti brings a wealth of knowledge after caring for both parents, teaching for ten years, volunteering with people living with neurocognitive disorders in art classes, and serving as a community educator for the Alzheimer’s Association. Patti also has a Masters in Instructional Leadership and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. She is a member of the Lorenzo's House team, leading their vision as their Youth and Lighthouse Outreach Lead, where she connects with families, designs and implements youth programming, and leads their ambassador initiative (valued volunteer leaders).

Find Patti on Instagram: @misspatticake 

Thank you to the sponsor of thoday’s episode, Innerhive. To learn more about Innerhive, visit http://www.innerhive.com !

*The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not constitute therapy or counselling. If you are in need of mental health support or professional guidance, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host.*

Visit us on our website to see all that we offer for caregiver support:
www.compassionincaregiving.com 

For more visit our Instagram!
http://www.instagram.com/compassionincaregiving

Mary Lou Falcone lived a life of sophistication and excitement as a prominent figure in the classical music space, her husband a well-known artist. Using music throughout her life helped as a means of expressing herself and proved to be paramount when her husband was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia- at a time in her life that was shocking and unexpected. In this episode, Mary Lou describes her journey through caregiving and the rollercoaster of moments that will be sure to leave you with tears.

About Mary Lou Falcone:

Mary Lou Falcone is internationally known as a classical music

publicist/strategist who for fifty years has helped guide the careers

of celebrated artists – Van Cliburn, Gustavo Dudamel, Renée

Fleming, Sir Georg Solti, James Taylor – and advised many

institutions including Carnegie Hall, Chicago Symphony, Los Angeles

Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, New York Philharmonic,

Vienna Philharmonic. Combining communication skills with her

background as a performer and educator, she now adds another

layer: advocate for Lewy body dementia (LBD) awareness. Her late

husband, the illustrator Nicky Zann who died from LBD in 2020, was

the catalyst for her first book, I DIDN’T SEE IT COMING: Scenes of

Love, Loss, and Lewy Body Dementia.

Find Mary Lou: https://maryloufalcone.com/

*The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not constitute therapy or counselling. If you are in need of mental health support or professional guidance, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host.*

Visit us on our website to see all that we offer for caregiver support:
www.compassionincaregiving.com 

For more visit our Instagram!
http://www.instagram.com/compassionincaregiving

Do you ever feel completely removed, turned off or differently in general about your partner who you care for? Do you notice that you no longer want to engage in intimacy with your partner because of the changes in your relationship and the dynamic as a result of your caregiving? In today’s episode, Stephanie touches upon the topic of sex as a caregiver and normalizes and validates the emotions you may have surrounding sex and intimacy.

Today’s episode was the number 1 requested episode this season by our audience on social media! If you feel this way you are NOT alone.

We want your feedback. Let us know how you liked today’s episode! 

Rate, review and subscribe to let us know you are enjoying this podcast and want to hear more!

*The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not constitute therapy or counselling. If you are in need of mental health support or professional guidance, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host.*

Visit us on our website to see all that we offer for caregiver support:
www.compassionincaregiving.com 

For more visit our Instagram!
http://www.instagram.com/compassionincaregiving

For 43 years André Picard has been at the forefront of health journalism and health reporting for The Globe and Mail. In today’s episode, André takes a deep dive into the reality of our healthcare system and its impact on caregivers and the people they care for. André compares and contrasts the Canadian system in relation to systems in other nations, the gains that have been made in the Canadian system over time and what improvements are needed to best impact caregivers, both now and in the future.

About André Picard:

André Picard is the health columnist at The Globe and Mail. He was named Canada’s first Public Health Hero by the Canadian Public Health Association, and a Champion of Mental Health by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health. He received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his dedication to improving healthcare.

He is also the author of six bestselling books, most recently “Neglected No More: The Urgent Need To Improve The Lives of Canada’s Elders.”

Find André:
https://www.andrepicard.com/

*The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not constitute therapy or counselling. If you are in need of mental health support or professional guidance, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host.*

Visit us on our website to see all that we offer for caregiver support:
www.compassionincaregiving.com 

For more visit our Instagram!
http://www.instagram.com/compassionincaregiving

Debbie Compton and her husband cared for 3 family members at the same time. It was during this balance that she recognized exceptionally innovative ways to navigate presenting difficulties and stressors. She has since adapted these innovations and techniques for other caregivers to help them through their journeys. Debbie is a positive and truly inspirational leader who shares her incredible story in today’s episode.

About Debbie Compton:

Debbie Compton is a three-time caregiver for parents with different forms of Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Vascular Dementia. She is a Certified Caregiving Consultant, Certified Caregiver Advocate, Educator for the Alzheimer’s Assoc. speaker, and author of 9 books. Debbie’s first book, Caregiving: How to hold on while letting go, offers actionable steps for caregivers as well as questions to ask doctors, in-home caregivers, facilities, and more. It is full of humor and inspiration.

Debbie is the founder of The Purple Vine LLC, whose mission is to empower caregivers with the tools and strategies needed to reduce stress, block burnout, and learn to laugh again. 

*The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not constitute therapy or counselling. If you are in need of mental health support or professional guidance, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host.*

Visit us on our website to see all that we offer for caregiver support:
www.compassionincaregiving.com

 For more visit our Instagram!
http://www.instagram.com/compassionincaregiving

In today’s episode, Rajiv Mehta talks about his non profit organization, Atlas of Caregiving, and his revolutionary mapping tool the Atlas CareMap which has been taught to and used by groups around the world. Rajiv explores how the Atlas CareMap tool can truly impact the lives of caregivers by helping them gain a fuller awareness of their own selves and the community around them which can shift their thought processes and overall worldview.

Join our program waitlist (for clinicians): 

https://compassionincaregiving.com/waitlist

About Rajiv Mehta:

Rajiv Mehta is a leading expert on care and community. He has led groundbreaking research and the development of innovative tools and experiences that empower people to nurture cultures of connection and belonging and better care for each other. This has resulted in numerous engagements around the world, including consulting, collaborations, keynotes, and workshops (participants have ranged widely: business execs, Navy SEALs, doctors, students, waiters, house cleaners, etc. and many different patient and family caregiver communities). Key developments include the Atlas CareMap tool and the broader Mapping Ourselves methodology. Rajiv has served on the boards and advisory panels of several nonprofit and government organizations, including Family Caregiver Alliance, U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and AARP, and caregiving research programs at Stanford, USC, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. His current efforts are focused on the question “Why are many efforts to cultivate connection and belonging in organizations so ineffectual?”, and how we can do significantly better.

Rajiv is CEO & Founder of Atlas of Care. He studied business at Columbia (MBA), and aerospace engineering at Stanford (MS) and Princeton (BS), conducted research at NASA, and lead innovation efforts at Apple, Adobe, and other tech companies. Since 2006 he has applied this experience to nurturing thriving families and communities.

*The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not constitute therapy or counselling. If you are in need of mental health support or professional guidance, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host.*

Visit us on our website to see all that we offer for caregiver support:
www.compassionincaregiving.com 

For more visit our Instagram!
http://www.instagram.com/compassionincaregiving

You work so hard to organize and plan respite care so that you can get that long awaited and very needed break, but your expectations and hopes fall short of what you were hoping for, and suddenly you find yourself frustrated, angry and even more depleted. In episode 97 of Caregiver’s Compass, Stephanie talks about expectations and realities of respite care and how we can maximize this truly valuable time so we can come back home refreshed and content.

*The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not constitute therapy or counselling. If you are in need of mental health support or professional guidance, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host.*

Visit us on our website to see all that we offer for caregiver support:

www.compassionincaregiving.com

For more visit our Instagram!
http://www.instagram.com/compassionincaregiving

Nikki Nurse learned what burnout in caregiving can look like when she broke 2 of her limbs while caring for her mother. It was at that time that she realized the true importance of incorporating self-care and working to minimize and prevent burnout as an essential part of caregiving. In today’s episode, Nikki shares her story of caregiving and continuing to maintain balance and care for self after her mother’s passing. She also talks about life after loss and maintaining her sense of self after many years of caregiving.

About Nikki:

Nikki J Nurse is a writer, wellness advocate, and content creator based in Brooklyn. As someone who has personally navigated life after caregiving, Nikki believes it is important to discuss finding oneself and purpose after loss. Through her own experience, she has learned that it is possible to rediscover passions and find new purposes in life. Through her empathetic writing and calm presence, she makes it easy for us to acknowledge our pain and struggles - embracing them not as enemies, but as part of our ongoing journey towards joy and empowerment. 

Find Nikki on Instagram and Tik Tok: @alogcabininbrooklyn 

*The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not constitute therapy or counselling. If you are in need of mental health support or professional guidance, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host.*

Visit us on our website to see all that we offer for caregiver support: www.compassionincaregiving.com

For more visit our Instagram!
http://www.instagram.com/compassionincaregiving

Did you know that eating disorders, at their core, have very little to do with how you look? In this insightful episode, social worker and therapist, Kyla Fox , identifies what an eating disorder is, how it can present in one’s life and how it can be related to and triggered by caregiving. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing an eating disorder, please seek support.

Please visit NEDIC https://nedic.ca/ for support (Canada).

About Kyla Fox:

Kyla Fox has established herself as a visionary and innovator, when it comes to re-framing the way Canadians think about and treat eating disorders. As someone who struggled herself with an eating disorder, Fox identified care gaps and fundamental flaws in the treatment and recovery approach. Kyla is a Master’s level clinician with degrees from both the University of Toronto in the Master’s of Social Work program as well as an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Women’s Studies. Kyla is a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers and is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She is also a member of the Academy of Eating Disorders and the National Eating Disorders Association. With such deep and varied experience in the field, Kyla is regularly called on by Canada’s top media outlets as a special commentator on a broad list of topics, including eating disorders, self-esteem, women’s health, body image, pregnancy and body confidence and more. For more information please visit www.kylafoxcentre.com.

*The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not constitute therapy or counselling. If you are in need of mental health support or professional guidance, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host.*

Visit us on our website to see all that we offer for caregiver support:

www.compassionincaregiving.com

For more visit our Instagram! 
http://www.instagram.com/compassionincaregiving