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Disability advocate and Chanda Center for Health founder Chanda Hinton joins RuthAnn to talk about living as a care recipient after a life-changing spinal cord injury, why caregivers matter more than they know, and how integrative care is changing what is possible for people with long-term disabilities. Together they explore honest topics like caregiver burnout, what actually feels supportive from the care recipient side, and how practical help for caregivers can shape real health outcomes. Plus, you’ll get a glimpse into Chanda’s advocacy to expand access to services in ways that clearly show her passion and make this an inspiring conversation to listen to.

If this conversation resonates, please subscribe and share it with another caregiver or care recipient. You never know who you might help by passing it along.​

Timestamps:
00:48 – Chanda’s story: her spinal cord injury at age 9 and what led her to create the Chanda Center for Health.​
05:20 – What integrative health means and how care recipients benefit from these therapies.​
08:54 – Why strong caregiver/care recipient partnerships create the best healthcare outcomes.
13:01 – Chanda’s advice for caregivers facing burnout and overwhelm.
18:22 – Insight from a care recipient to caregivers and other care recipients.
25:56 – How practical help for caregivers improves outcomes for people with disabilities, and what systemic changes are still needed.
31:47 – Behind the policy work: how the Chanda Center helped expand access to integrative therapies through Medicaid.​
39:28 – Chanda’s guidance for organizations seeking a Medicaid waiver or building their own integrative health center.​
41:49 – How caregivers and care recipients can find and learn more about the Chanda Center for Health.​
44:27 – Final reflections and closing.

Visit https://chandacenter.org for more information.​

Photo © Megan Blowey Photography, used with permission.

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When you’re in the middle of a medical emergency, all you can think about is your loved one who needs help right now. It might be days later, after things settle down and the house is quiet again, that you think of all the questions you wanted to ask. Now that we know why the fire department shows up first, EMS Fire Chief Tom takes us inside the house and answers those other questions for us.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Step-by-step: what the crew does the moment they walk in
• What to do when your loved one is on hospice and a medical emergency happens
• How home health services can help you stay in your home longer
• Just how much firefighters have to know today
• The real culture inside the fire department 
• Tom’s personal story of why he became a firefighter
• How to follow up afterward and thank the crew

If you’ve ever had to let the fire department into your house for a medical emergency, this episode is for you. I wish I could have listened to it fifteen years ago.

00:58 What actually happens when the fire department walks in
04:33 Calling 911 when your loved one is on hospice
09:25 How responders handle a stressed-out caregiver
14:55 Do firefighters burn out from the same houses over and over?
17:59 If your loved one falls, call 911—don’t try to lift them yourself
27:25 Who the fire department refers caregivers to for help and resources
30:20 Common misconceptions about EMS responses to medical calls
40:28 How EMS has evolved in handling calls on chronic illness, disability, & aging
46:57 Just how much knowledge firefighters have to carry today
49:21 How to thank the crew or give feedback after a call
53:29 Tom’s story: why he became a firefighter and why he stayed
01:00:57 Thank you, Chief Tom, the Nampa Fire Dept, and thank you to every firefighter out there

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After 10 years of calling 911 as a full-time caregiver, I finally got answers to the question I never remembered to ask: “Why is the fire department here instead of the ambulance?”

In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with EMS Fire Chief Tom to break down exactly what happens when you dial 911 for a medical crisis.

We cover:

• Why firefighters show up first
• The must-have documents every caregiver needs ready
• How to talk to 911 dispatchers so help arrives faster
• Safety tips to protect your loved one and the responders
• What to expect when EMS walks through your door
• How to follow up and improve the next call

This isn’t just for caregivers — it’s for anyone who might ever need to call 911. If you’ve ever been confused, scared, or just wanted to be more prepared — this episode is for you.

EMS Fire Chief Tom returns in Part 2 with even more answers.

0:26 Intro: Why I made this episode  

2:31 Must-have documents for EMS & where to keep them  

10:28 Key medical info every caregiver needs ready  

13:16 What to tell 911 dispatch so the right help arrives fast  

17:26 Why the fire department shows up first  

20:52 Tips for non-English speakers or communication barriers  

24:50 Home safety tips for patients + responders  

37:46 House fire: what to do & how to prepare  

44:09 End-of-life conversations: why you need them before 911 is called  

53:51 Closing thoughts + please subscribe & share

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Welcome back to For Those Who Care! After a much-needed break, RuthAnn returns with an exciting relaunch for Season 2. Reflecting on 25 years of caregiving - including the heavy moments and heartfelt guest stories from Season 1 - she shares what’s coming next: more caregiver conversations, expert insights, and the essential knowledge she wishes someone had shared with her. This season isn’t just for caregivers. It’s for anyone who wants to be better prepared. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Full episodes return next week!

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In the season 1 finale of For Those Who Care, RuthAnn takes a few minutes to reflect on the past year and the powerful stories and lessons shared about her 25-year caregiving journey, alongside the inspiring voices of her guests. Every story matters—yours included! As we pause for a brief two-month break, we're working on exciting changes for season 2 that will bring valuable insights for everyone, not just caregivers. Stay tuned by hitting the subscribe button so you don’t miss our return, and a more expansive, meaningful season. Thank you for being part of this community!

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In this episode, RuthAnn sits down with David, a first-generation Portuguese American, to explore his lifelong role caring for his parents, who spoke limited English. From translating as a child to orchestrating their cross-country move to be closer to him and his wife, Jennie, David shares how his cultural values shaped his commitment to family care. He opens up about the challenges of supporting his parents through his father’s illness and passing, and now his mother’s declining memory and desire for continued independence. David discusses navigating tough conversations, planning for future care options, and balancing responsibilities as an only child. Tune in for heartfelt insights and practical tips for anyone facing similar caregiving journeys.

We would love to hear from you! Share your caregiving experiences on YouTube or Facebook, or send us a text!

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In this moving and heartfelt final episode of a four-part series, Shawn shares more about his ongoing advocacy for his neighbor, Robert, who has Alzheimer’s. Shawn tells vivid stories about how Alzheimer’s continues to change Robert’s personality and some of the adjustments they have made to help him hold onto small bits of independence. Shawn explains why finding the right care agency is key, and shares how a particular agency has made Robert’s situation more manageable. 

Shawn also offers practical tips for handling conversations with Alzheimer’s patients, including an incredible story of using Robert’s beliefs to resolve a difficult situation at his apartment complex. These stories highlight how getting to know the person with Alzheimer’s can help you find the best strategies to care for them. Shawn hopes his experiences help caregivers feel less alone and offer ideas for supporting loved ones. 

We would love to hear from you! Share your caregiving experiences on YouTube or Facebook, or send us a text! 

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In this powerful and emotional second episode of a four-part series, RuthAnn continues her conversation with Shawn, a former volunteer firefighter who stepped up for his elderly neighbor, Robert, who was living alone and showing signs of dementia. Shawn tried multiple times to get Robert to allow a 911 call for help, but Robert refused, and as a former firefighter, Shawn knew nothing could be done if help was declined. 

With no state resources for seniors beyond Adult Protective Services for abuse or neglect, Shawn faced two choices: leave Robert to fend for himself or keep helping. His vivid stories reveal how dementia changed Robert and greatly impacted Shawn’s life. Yet, Robert’s moments of clarity—answering basic questions like what year it is or who the president is—show why diagnosing dementia can be difficult when you don’t see the full picture. 

These stories highlight the risks posed to everyone, especially when someone with dementia is living alone and still driving, and why dementia and Alzheimer’s need more attention. Shawn hopes that these stories will help caregivers feel less alone. They also serve as a wakeup call to pay better attention to our aging population and the often-overlooked symptoms that signal potential problems.

We would love to hear from you! Share your caregiving experiences on YouTube or Facebook, or send us a text! 

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In this compelling first episode of a four-part series, RuthAnn introduces her friend Shawn, a former volunteer firefighter who became an unexpected caregiver for his neighbor, Robert, an elderly man who lived alone in a remote area. Shawn shares how their friendship started and tells some pretty vivid stories, many involving Robert’s hazardous driving, that illustrate the dangers dementia posed to Robert and the public. With Robert’s only relative living on the other side of the country, Shawn and his wife chose to step up. 

These stories highlight why dementia and Alzheimer’s demand care and attention, especially to our aging population. RuthAnn, who cared for her late husband through his dementia diagnosis, hosts this unique story. 

We would love to hear from you! Share your caregiving experiences on YouTube or Facebook, or send us a text!