Finding A Foothold

In this episode of "Caregivers Finding a Foothold," we tackle a pressing concern: preventing caregiver injuries. These injuries are happening.  The injuries are changing lives, these injuries often long lasting and affect the quality of life of the family caregiver long after the caregiving journey has ended.

Caregivers often neglect the subtle signs their bodies give them, leading to injury and disability themselves. We explore four of the primary causes behind these injuries and offer guidance on ways to minimize these risks.

Listen as we help you identify injuries that may be occurring in your body and learn from tips shared that can help you re-think about HOW you are assisting your loved one with tasks.

Remember, your well-being matters.  Taking action now can prevent permanent injury to your body, which can affect the quality of your future and the future of your loved one.

If you are a caregiver and have a question that you would like to have addressed on the Caregivers's Finding A Foothold  Podcast , you can do so by also dialing (225)-443-9447.

You can also leave a question by filling out this jotform: 

https://form.jotform.com/231966483352160

If you are a caregiver and need support as you learn to balance caregiving with other areas of your life,  or you would like help learning how to create a safe and efficient way of supporting the needs of your loved one,  visit the website and learn about group coaching services:  UN-Losing You In Caregiving.  https://www.findingafoothold.com/caregiver-coaching-group-membership.

Consuela Marshall,
Occupational Therapist,
Caregiver Coach
Certified Aging in Place Specialist
Certified Fall Prevention Specialist

Like us on Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/FindingAFoothold/

Follow us on Instagram.  https://www.instagram.com/findingafoothold/

Follow us on LinkedIn.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/consuela-marshall-otr-l-caps-3a136a1b9/

Follow on TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@findingafoothold?_t=8VzSFPvAsxi&_r=1

Follow us on Pinterest.  https://www.pinterest.com/CaregiversFindingAFoothold/

Disclaimer:  The podcast and blog are intended to provide basic information so that you can become a more informed caregiver. The information presented is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or replace consultation with any health care providers you regularly engage with. Transmission or receipt of any of this information is not intended to, and does not, create a therapist-patient relationship. This information is not provided in the course of a therapist-patient relationship and is not intended to constitute medical advice or to substitute for obtaining medical advice from a physician or therapist licensed in the state where your family may reside. We encourage everyone to consult with your physician or therapist to see if they are appropriate and safe for you.

This episode addresses a question called into the podcast call in line, from a caller Jim.  Jim has expressed frustrations this summer, at always having to cancel his plans and never having enough time to take care of his needs, due to care duties related to caring for him mom.

 In today's discussion, we delve into the importance of creating time for yourself as a caregiver and the strategies that can help you achieve it. We explore ways to prioritize your needs, attend to your loved one's needs, learn the art of saying no, and seek essential emotional support.  Let's dive in!

Listen as tips are shared that will help you to create time in your schedule to do things that are important to you.    Hear valuable insight, practical tips and personal accounts that will help you learn to care for yourself as you care for your loved one.

If you are a caregiver and have a question that you would like to have addressed on the Caregivers's Finding A Foothold  Podcast , you can do so by also dialing (225)-443-9447.

You can also leave a question by filling out this jotform: 

https://form.jotform.com/231966483352160

If you are a caregiver and need support as you learn to balance caregiving with other areas of your life,  or you would like help learning how to create a safe and efficient way of supporting the needs of your loved one, 
visit the website and learn about group coaching services:  UN-Losing You In Caregiving.  https://www.findingafoothold.com/caregiver-coaching-group-membership.

Consuela Marshall,
Occupational Therapist,
Caregiver Coach
Certified Aging in Place Specialist
Certified Fall Prevention Specialist

Like us on Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/FindingAFoothold/

Follow us on Instagram.  https://www.instagram.com/findingafoothold/

Follow us on LinkedIn.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/consuela-marshall-otr-l-caps-3a136a1b9/

Follow on TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@findingafoothold?_t=8VzSFPvAsxi&_r=1

Follow us on Pinterest.  https://www.pinterest.com/CaregiversFindingAFoothold/

Disclaimer:  The podcast and blog are intended to provide basic information so that you can become a more informed caregiver. The information presented is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or replace consultation with any health care providers you regularly engage with. Transmission or receipt of any of this information is not intended to, and does not, create a therapist-patient relationship. This information is not provided in the course of a therapist-patient relationship and is not intended to constitute medical advice or to substitute for obtaining medical advice from a physician or therapist licensed in the state where your family may reside. We encourage everyone to consult with your physician or therapist to see if they are appropriate and safe for you.

A re-release of a popular podcast from last year which has helped many family caregivers adapt to life caring for a loved one who has had a stroke.

As a caregiver, if your loved one has had a stroke, how much help they will need can vary greatly.  It can range from them requiring no assistance with care, to requiring more care than one person can offer.  Do your homework by learning about your loved one’s strengths and weaknesses.    Be realistic about what you can do.  Just because you can’t do it all, doesn’t mean you don’t love them, it just means you can’t do it all.  Find what will work.  Explore options of support, explore different settings.  Determine what will work for you that will allow for you to care for them and take care of yourself. 

If you are a caregiver and need help devising a customized caregiving plan that will help make your caregiving role easier, Finding A Foothold can help, schedule a free consult.


Reach out for help and support. 

Visit FindingAFoothold.com to see how.   

Like us on Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/FindingAFoothold/

Follow us on Instagram.  https://www.instagram.com/findingafoothold/

Follow us on TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@findingafoothold?_t=8VzSFPvAsxi&_r=1


Disclaimer:  The podcast and blog are intended to provide basic information so that you can become a more informed caregiver. The information presented is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or replace consultation with any health care providers you regularly engage with. Transmission or receipt of any of this information is not intended to, and does not, create a therapist-patient relationship. This information is not provided in the course of a therapist-patient relationship and is not intended to constitute medical advice or to substitute for obtaining medical advice from a physician or therapist licensed in the state where your family may reside. We encourage everyone to consult with your physician or therapist to see if they are appropriate and safe for you.

This episodes addresses a question called into the podcast call in line.

When you are caring for an aging parent who is still in their own home, things can get challenging.  Especially when you have moved back in to care for them and they are having difficulty accepting recommendations from you.

That is the case with Victoria, who called in a question, giving a scenario to a challenge she has assisting with her mom's care.

Question/scenario:  Mom is now basically wheelchair confined, but can stand briefly for transfers.  The challenge is mom's bedroom -- the layout does not allow for the wheelchair to properly fit into the room and the large furniture pieces block entry into the bathroom.  Daughter is now having difficulty with transferring mom and assisting her in  and out of bed and into the bathroom.  Daughter is now experiencing back pain.  Mom is refusing daughter's request to make changes in the layout of the bedroom.  Victoria wants to know of ways of addressing this issue. 

Victoria has indicated that her back pain is due to her constantly lifting her mom and her doctor has warned her that permanent damage to her back may occur.


If you have a question, visit our website, leave your caregiving question.  You can do so by also dialing (225)-443-9447.  Get tips to help make your days easier and safer.



If you are a caregiver and need help devising a customized caregiving plan that will help make your caregiving role easier, Finding A Foothold can help,  Schedule a free consult to learn about our group coaching program.


Reach out for help and support. 

Visit FindingAFoothold.com to see how.   

Like us on Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/FindingAFoothold/

Follow us on Instagram.  https://www.instagram.com/findingafoothold/

Follow us on LinkedIn.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/consuela-marshall-otr-l-caps-3a136a1b9/

Follow on TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@findingafoothold?_t=8VzSFPvAsxi&_r=1

Follow us on Pinterest.  https://www.pinterest.com/CaregiversFindingAFoothold/

Disclaimer:  The podcast and blog are intended to provide basic information so that you can become a more informed caregiver. The information presented is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or replace consultation with any health care providers you regularly engage with. Transmission or receipt of any of this information is not intended to, and does not, create a therapist-patient relationship. This information is not provided in the course of a therapist-patient relationship and is not intended to constitute medical advice or to substitute for obtaining medical advice from a physician or therapist licensed in the state where your family may reside. We encourage everyone to consult with your physician or therapist to see if they are appropriate and safe for you.

Today's episode features a guest who shares her story of courage.   We will return to our format of addressing your concerns called in to the call-in line, on our next episode.

My guest for this podcast episode is Eve Hill.  She is a Californian.  She was a former sitcom writer, grant writer and a community liaison for the Los Angeles Unified School District.  She is a licensed California realtor and a Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS).  She is also the co-founder of Customized Aging, an aging in place company and company that assists older adults to find a home that best suits their needs as they age.

Now let me introduce you to the caregiver, Eve Hill --the caregiver for her dad.  Some of her story is unique, but it is also a story that has many of the same struggles that we all face as a caregiver to an aging parent.   She speaks about things that she could not control and how she displayed courage to change the things she could control.

That's what it is all about, not staying stuck!  Eve learned a way of moving forward into a place of HOW to care in a way that also supported her needs.

As she mentions, it took learning from others, surrounding herself with information to guide her and inspire her to make changes.  I am so grateful that the Eve cites Caregivers Finding A Foothold Podcast as one source of inspiration for change.   

Listen in to her story.


Thank you for being a caregiver.

Consuela Marshall,
Occupational Therapist,
Caregiver Coach
Certified Aging in Place Specialist
Certified Fall Prevention Specialist


If you have a question, visit our website, leave your caregiving question.  Get tips to help make your days easier and safer.



If you are a caregiver and need help devising a customized caregiving plan that will help make your caregiving role easier, Finding A Foothold can help,  Schedule a free consult to learn about our group coaching program.


Reach out for help and support. 

Visit FindingAFoothold.com to see how.   

Like us on Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/FindingAFoothold/

Follow us on Instagram.  https://www.instagram.com/findingafoothold/

Follow us on LinkedIn.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/consuela-marshall-otr-l-caps-3a136a1b9/

Follow on TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@findingafoothold?_t=8VzSFPvAsxi&_r=1

Follow us on Pinterest.  https://www.pinterest.com/CaregiversFindingAFoothold/

Disclaimer:  The podcast and blog are intended to provide basic information so that you can become a more informed caregiver. The information presented is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or replace consultation with any health care providers you regularly engage with. Transmission or receipt of any of this information is not intended to, and does not, create a therapist-patient relationship. This information is not provided in the course of a therapist-patient relationship and is not intended to constitute medical advice or to substitute for obtaining medical advice from a physician or therapist licensed in the state where your family may reside. We encourage everyone to consult with your physician or therapist to see if they are appropriate and safe for you.

In our calendar year, there are seasons. The climate changes as we go through the year and we must navigate through those seasons, making adjustments to accommodate for the newness of events and challenges which come. The same is true for caregiving. 

There are times when you settle into a routine as you make accommodations for your aging parents' needs.  But there are also those times when it feels like everything around you is falling apart --things look gray and damp and you experience intense exhaustion, stress, and emotional strain.  This can equate to a winter season of caregiving.

In this episode, we'll be exploring ways to minimize those winter seasons of caregiving and bring forth seasons of spring -- excitement, connections and self-care. 

I am joined by a group of fellow caregivers, as we met on the ClubHouse App.  You'll hear encouraging words from:
• a caregiver who's dad had a stroke,
•a caregiver who's husband is diagnosed  Alzheimer's Disease,
•and a caregiver who's mom is advanced in age. 

We'll be sharing practical tips and strategies to help you navigate the different seasons of caregiving, so that you can maintain your own health and wellbeing, while providing the best care for your loved ones.

So, stay tuned, and let's dive into this important topic.

Thank you for being a caregiver.

Consuela Marshall,
Occupational Therapist,
Caregiver Coach
Certified Aging in Place Specialist
Certified Fall Prevention Specialist


If you have a question, visit our website, leave your caregiving question.  Get tips to help make your days easier and safer.



If you are a caregiver and need help devising a customized caregiving plan that will help make your caregiving role easier, Finding A Foothold can help,  Schedule a free consult to learn about our group coaching program.


Reach out for help and support. 

Visit FindingAFoothold.com to see how.   

Like us on Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/FindingAFoothold/

Follow us on Instagram.  https://www.instagram.com/findingafoothold/

Follow us on LinkedIn.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/consuela-marshall-otr-l-caps-3a136a1b9/

Follow on TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@findingafoothold?_t=8VzSFPvAsxi&_r=1

Follow us on Pinterest.  https://www.pinterest.com/CaregiversFindingAFoothold/

Disclaimer:  The podcast and blog are intended to provide basic information so that you can become a more informed caregiver. The information presented is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or replace consultation with any health care providers you regularly engage with. Transmission or receipt of any of this information is not intended to, and does not, create a therapist-patient relationship. This information is not provided in the course of a therapist-patient relationship and is not intended to constitute medical advice or to substitute for obtaining medical advice from a physician or therapist licensed in the state where your family may reside. We encourage everyone to consult with your physician or therapist to see if they are appropriate and safe for you.

Not all caregivers endure the same types of stress.  What keeps you up at night or causes tears to flow down your face when someone asks, "How you are doing?" Your story may be very different from another family caregiver.    Each story can be different. 

As a family caregiver,  you face unique stressors that come with the territory of caring for someone . You may feel overwhelmed by balancing your loved one’s needs and your own daily responsibilities. As much as you would like to provide quality care to an aging parent or other relative while also taking some time out for yourself, it often feels impossible. But there is hope! With the right mindset and knowledge, caregivers can take strides in reducing their burden and optimizing both their own wellbeing and that of those they care for. In this podcast, I will discuss various stressors faced by caregivers and offer tips on how to effectively address them.

Let's reduce the stress and live  a balance fulfilled life in 2023.

Thank you for being a caregiver.

Consuela Marshall,
Occupational Therapist,
Caregiver Coach
Certified Aging in Place Specialist
Certified Fall Prevention Specialist


If you have a question, visit our website, leave your caregiving question.  Get tips to help make your days easier and safer.



If you are a caregiver and need help devising a customized caregiving plan that will help make your caregiving role easier, Finding A Foothold can help,  Schedule a free consult to learn about our group coaching program.


Reach out for help and support. 

Visit FindingAFoothold.com to see how.   

Like us on Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/FindingAFoothold/

Follow us on Instagram.  https://www.instagram.com/findingafoothold/

Follow us on LinkedIn.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/consuela-marshall-otr-l-caps-3a136a1b9/

Follow on TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@findingafoothold?_t=8VzSFPvAsxi&_r=1

Follow us on Pinterest.  https://www.pinterest.com/CaregiversFindingAFoothold/

Disclaimer:  The podcast and blog are intended to provide basic information so that you can become a more informed caregiver. The information presented is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or replace consultation with any health care providers you regularly engage with. Transmission or receipt of any of this information is not intended to, and does not, create a therapist-patient relationship. This information is not provided in the course of a therapist-patient relationship and is not intended to constitute medical advice or to substitute for obtaining medical advice from a physician or therapist licensed in the state where your family may reside. We encourage everyone to consult with your physician or therapist to see if they are appropriate and safe for you.

The year 2022 has been about change and growth for me and many of you.    Thank you for daring to believe then taking the courage to take the first steps.

That has been the case here in the Finding A Foothold Community.  Thank you to the many who have joined this community, making the decision to no longer isolate, to connect to others, and begin to experience hope.

My desire has been to reach those who have wrongly accepted a definition that depicts caregiving as laying aside your entire life, disconnecting from your needs and desires and solely giving your all to your loved one.

My desire has been to equip caregivers with  tools for change, helping them to develop a way of caring that honors their desire to support their loved one who needs their help while also honoring the needs they have in their life as well.

Growth in 2023 at Finding A Foothold has been the expansion of our presence onto additional  social media platforms and the launch of a 6-Week group coaching program "UN-Losing You In Caregiving ".

Listen in to learn about additional growth in this community for 2023 and how you can be a part of it.

Thank you for being a caregiver.

Consuela Marshall,
Occupational Therapist,
Caregiver Coach
Certified Aging in Place Specialist
Certified Fall Prevention Specialist


If you have a question, visit our website, leave your caregiving question.  Get tips to help make your days easier and safer.



If you are a caregiver and need help devising a customized caregiving plan that will help make your caregiving role easier, Finding A Foothold can help,  Schedule a free consult to learn about our group coaching program.


Reach out for help and support. 

Visit FindingAFoothold.com to see how.   

Like us on Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/FindingAFoothold/

Follow us on Instagram.  https://www.instagram.com/findingafoothold/

Follow us on LinkedIn.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/consuela-marshall-otr-l-caps-3a136a1b9/

Follow on TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@findingafoothold?_t=8VzSFPvAsxi&_r=1

Follow us on Pinterest.  https://www.pinterest.com/CaregiversFindingAFoothold/

Disclaimer:  The podcast and blog are intended to provide basic information so that you can become a more informed caregiver. The information presented is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or replace consultation with any health care providers you regularly engage with. Transmission or receipt of any of this information is not intended to, and does not, create a therapist-patient relationship. This information is not provided in the course of a therapist-patient relationship and is not intended to constitute medical advice or to substitute for obtaining medical advice from a physician or therapist licensed in the state where your family may reside. We encourage everyone to consult with your physician or therapist to see if they are appropriate and safe for you.

A caller left a message on the call-in line, explaining the following scenario:

Son states:  Mom previously lived alone, had a fall and injury to her hip 3 months ago.   Mom currently has home health OT and PT to help with her recovery but they will be ending soon.  Mom is much better, using a walker and requires supervision while walking in case she loses her balance.  Son states mom has no cognitive deficits, is very aware and able to cognitively manage the affairs of her day.  Son states mom however sits most of the day, does not do her exercises and only walks with supervision to go to the bathroom. 

Son is a self-employed house painter and hasn't been able to accept work for almost 3 months but now must return to work.  States there is no money to hire a caregiver, and no other family members are helping with her care during the day.

Son reporting frustration due to feeling mom's balance would be better if she was compliant with the exercises and feels that mom is relying on him to do things that she could be doing herself and is not receptive to son giving instruction or  encouraging her to move around more.

Son asking for recommendations on options that my help.

Listen in, as I discussed in home options.

I also inquired if Veteran's Benefits were an option or if Medicaid options were applied for. 

This is a link  https://www.payingforseniorcare.com/medicaid-waivers/home-care which provides information on state by state benefits and eligibility for medicaid.

Consuela Marshall,
Occupational Therapist,
Caregiver Coach
Certified Aging in Place Specialist
Certified Fall Prevention Specialist


If you have a question, visit our website, leave your caregiving question.  Get tips to help make your days easier and safer.



If you are a caregiver and need help devising a customized caregiving plan that will help make your caregiving role easier, Finding A Foothold can help,  Schedule a free consult to learn about our group coaching program.


Reach out for help and support. 

Visit FindingAFoothold.com to see how.   

Like us on Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/FindingAFoothold/

Follow us on Instagram.  https://www.instagram.com/findingafoothold/

Follow us on LinkedIn.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/consuela-marshall-otr-l-caps-3a136a1b9/

Follow on TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@findingafoothold?_t=8VzSFPvAsxi&_r=1

Disclaimer:  The podcast and blog are intended to provide basic information so that you can become a more informed caregiver. The information presented is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or replace consultation with any health care providers you regularly engage with. Transmission or receipt of any of this information is not intended to, and does not, create a therapist-patient relationship. This information is not provided in the course of a therapist-patient relationship and is not intended to constitute medical advice or to substitute for obtaining medical advice from a physician or therapist licensed in the state where your family may reside. We encourage everyone to consult with your physician or therapist to see if they are appropriate and safe for you.

Daughter works from home.  She is grateful for that because she is the primary caregiver for her mom who lives with her.   Since home from the hospital after a hip fracture, mom with weakness and needs help with all task.  Daughter very concerned that she may  jeopardize her ability to remain a remote worker due to mom constantly calling her. 

Today's question will address that scenario.

A caller left a message on the call-in line, explaining that mom is very upset,  she does not want to go to inpatient rehab.

Question:  Daughter asking for recommendations of options that may help her.

Listen in, as I discuss some options.

Consuela Marshall,
Occupational Therapist,
Caregiver Coach
Certified Aging in Place Specialist
Certified Fall Prevention Specialist


If you have a question, visit our website, leave your caregiving question.  Get tips to help make your days easier and safer.



If you are a caregiver and need help devising a customized caregiving plan that will help make your caregiving role easier, Finding A Foothold can help, schedule a free consult.


Reach out for help and support. 

Visit FindingAFoothold.com to see how.   

Like us on Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/FindingAFoothold/

Follow us on Instagram.  https://www.instagram.com/findingafoothold/

Follow us on LinkedIn.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/consuela-marshall-otr-l-caps-3a136a1b9/

Follow on TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@findingafoothold?_t=8VzSFPvAsxi&_r=1

Disclaimer:  The podcast and blog are intended to provide basic information so that you can become a more informed caregiver. The information presented is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or replace consultation with any health care providers you regularly engage with. Transmission or receipt of any of this information is not intended to, and does not, create a therapist-patient relationship. This information is not provided in the course of a therapist-patient relationship and is not intended to constitute medical advice or to substitute for obtaining medical advice from a physician or therapist licensed in the state where your family may reside. We encourage everyone to consult with your physician or therapist to see if they are appropriate and safe for you.