Caregiving Corner

Caregiving Corner

By Queen City Podcast NetworkHealth & Fitness
Download on the App Store

Caregiving Corner episodes

  • Parkinson's Awareness

    April is Parkinson's Awareness Month, and this episode is dedicated to the millions of families navigating life after a Parkinson's diagnosis. Caregiving Corner Founder & CEO Jennifer Szakaly and COO Jen Lafontaine walk us through what Parkinson's actually looks like in the real world, from how the disease first presents itself and which specialists to turn to, to what the road ahead looks like for adult children who have just learned their loved one has been diagnosed.

    Whether you're in the early stages of understanding a new diagnosis or
    searching for trusted resources to help guide your family forward, this
    conversation is for you.

    15 min
  • Caregiving in the Workplace

    Caregiving doesn't clock out when your employees do and for millions of working Americans, the demands of caring for an aging parent or loved one follow them straight into the workday.

    In this episode, Caregiving Corner Founder & CEO Jennifer

    Szakaly and COO Jen Lafontaine open up an honest conversation about what it really means to be a working caregiver and why businesses can no longer afford to look the other way.

    19 min
  • Post-Holiday Blues & Depression in Older Adults

    The holiday season often brings connection and celebration, but once it ends, many older adults experience feelings of sadness, loneliness, or emotional letdown.

    In this episode, we explore post-holiday blues and depression in older adults, why it happens, and how caregivers can recognize the signs early.

    We talk through emotional and behavioral indicators to watch for, the difference between temporary sadness and clinical depression, and how changes in routine, weather, and social interaction can intensify these feelings.

    The episode also offers compassionate strategies for support, including maintaining structure, encouraging meaningful connection, and knowing when to seek professional help.

    This conversation is a reminder that emotional well-being is just as important as physical health, and that caregivers don’t have to navigate these concerns alone.

    23 min
  • Cold Weather Preparation for Older Adults & Caregivers

    As temperatures drop, winter can bring added challenges for older adults and the families who support them.

    In this episode of the Caregiving Corner podcast, we focus on practical cold weather preparation to help older adults stay safe, healthy, and comfortable throughout the winter months.

    We discuss key areas caregivers should pay attention to, including home safety, fall prevention, and proper heating.

    The conversation also highlights how colder weather can impact mobility, chronic conditions, and social isolation, and what caregivers can do to proactively address these risks.

    Whether you’re a family caregiver or a professional supporting older adults, this episode offers simple, actionable tips to help you plan ahead, reduce

    stress, and navigate winter with confidence.

    21 min
  • The Art of Purpose: Redefining Connection for Older Adults and where Creativity Meets Compassion

    Caregiving Corner’s Art of Purpose Program invites older adults to reconnect with meaning, memory, and self through creativity and presence. In this inspiring episode, Jennifer Szakaly shares the story behind this innovative program, designed to enrich lives through one-on-one engagement sessions that focus not on output, but on experience.

    Listeners will hear how each Creative Engagement Specialist crafts personalized sessions tailored to each client’s story, preferences, and emotional needs.

    Jennifer explains why presence, not productivity, is the true measure of
    purpose and how slowing down to “just be” can foster joy, calm, and connection.

    From painting and music to conversation and reflection, Art of Purpose reminds us that the most meaningful gift we can offer an older adult is our full attention.

    16 min
  • Memory Care: Supporting Loved Ones with Grace and Understanding

    In this heartfelt discussion, Jennifer Szakaly and Jen Lafontaine dive into Memory Care; what it is, who it’s for, and how families can approach this emotional journey with understanding and support.

    The conversation covers key signs that it may be time to consider Memory Care, the differences from Assisted Living, and the fears families often face when making the decision. Jennifer shares compassionate strategies for easing the transition and emphasizes what to look for in a community that prioritizes safety, respect, and meaningful engagement.

    Listeners will walk away with hope and clarity and a reminder that Caregiving Corner’s role doesn’t end with placement. Their team continues to walk alongside families, ensuring each loved one receives the specialized, person-centered care they deserve.

    19 min
  • Understanding Assisted Living: Navigating the Transition with Compassion and Clarity

    In this episode of The Caregiving Corner Podcast, Founder and CEO, Jennifer Szakaly, and co-host, Jennifer Lafontaine, helps families understand what Assisted Living truly means, and how to know when it might be time to explore this option.

    Jennifer breaks down how Assisted Living differs from independent and skilled nursing care, what signs to look for when it’s time to start the conversation, and how to navigate the emotional side of making such a significant decision.

    We will dispel common misconceptions, including the guilt families often feel, and shares practical tips for evaluating communities, from staffing and safety to culture and connection. Whether you’re supporting a parent, spouse, or loved one, this episode offers guidance and reassurance that moving into Assisted Living can be a thoughtful step toward safety,

    dignity, and improved quality of life.

    19 min
  • Different Levels of Care – Independent Living

    We’re excited to launch a brand-new series exploring the different levels of care available to older adults and their families. In this first episode, we dive

    into Independent Living, a popular option for seniors who are ready to simplify their daily lives while staying active and engaged in a community setting.

     Our goal is to help families better understand the continuum of options so they can make informed, confident decisions about what’s best for their loved one.

     Tune in and join us as we unpack the unique opportunities Independent Living provides for maintaining independence, social connection, and peace of mind.

    22 min
  • Navigating Hospital Discharges

    A hospital discharge can feel overwhelming, for patients and families alike. It’s often more than just “going home.” There are medications to manage, follow-up appointments to schedule, new routines to establish, and sometimes even changes to the level of care needed.

    In this episode of the Caregiving Corner Podcast, we break down what families need to know about the discharge process, including:

    · Why clear communication with Discharge Planner or Case Worker is essential

    · Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

    · How to prepare the home and support system for a safe transition

    · The role Care Managers can play in coordinating care and reducing stress

    Our goal is to help families feel empowered and equipped during what can be a stressful transition. Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming discharge or reflecting on a past experience, this conversation provides practical insights and compassionate guidance.

    28 min
  • Physical Therapy and Care Management

    One of the things that makes Care Management such a dynamic and impactful field is the wide range of expertise our team brings to the table.

    In our latest episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Lyndsay Kievit, a Care Manager at Caregiving Corner, who also happens to be a licensed Physical Therapist.

    This episode is a great reminder of how much value different professional

    backgrounds can bring to the world of Care Management, and how our team at Caregiving Corner continues to learn from each other to better serve our
    clients.

    20 min

About Caregiving Corner

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to Caregiving Corner, where we bring education and support to family caregivers of aging adults who may be navigating the long-term care system.