In this conversation, Stacey McCandlish shares her family's journey, focusing on the dynamics between siblings as they navigate rapid changes in their parents’ care and, ultimately, a cross country move. The discussion highlights the importance of communication, planning, and the roles each family member plays in ensuring the well-being of their parents. Through personal anecdotes, Stacey illustrates the impact of dementia, the struggles and triumphs of managing care, and the need for siblings to come together in these challenging times.

In the final episode of our three-part series on under-utilized resources, we chat with Hope Dudek of Michigan Palliative and Hospice Care. Hope walks us through the medical aspects of hospice care, exploring its holistic approach to patient care, the role of caregivers, eligibility misconceptions, and the importance of comfort and quality of life. Hope shares insights on navigating medical decisions, the emotional support provided to families, and the financial aspects of hospice care. The discussion emphasizes that hospice is a choice, focused on enhancing life quality rather than hastening death, and it aims to dispel common myths surrounding hospice services.

Our 3-part series on hidden gem resources continues as we sit down with Leslie Katz, Director of Patient Services at the Jewish Hospice and Chaplaincy Network (JHCN). After we share Joanna's wonderful experience with JHCH, Leslie shines a light on their crucial non-medical support for seniors with life-limiting illnesses. She dispels common misconceptions by showing how broad hospice care can be, and how seniors without a hospice designation can still enjoy JHCN's services. The discussion covers everything from managing anticipatory grief to the vital role of social work, spiritual care, and unique life enrichment services like art, music and pet visits. Leslie illuminates their wide-ranging mission and how community donations sustain their essential support for patients and families. For more info and guidance, regardless of your loved one's current status, reach out to JHCN. https://jhcn.org

In the first of a new series on little-known resources, we chat with Sharilyn Rowe of The Brown Center - an adult day care for seniors with dementia. We explore effective strategies for engaging participants through various activities and cognitive stimulation techniques. The discussion emphasizes the importance of helping seniors keep their bodies and minds active, even in decline, and Sharilyn gives us some tips on how we can apply these techniques in the home setting.

This is the first time that we actually interviewed a senior, our family friend Sheila Stone. She shares her experiences with the challenges of aging, especially in light of her family history, where she witnessed her mother and sister live with dementia. She discusses her past career, relationships with her children and the importance of maintaining independence as she ages. Sheila offers unfiltered insights into how families can manage tough conversations with their aging loved ones and stresses the value of community and social connections.

In the final episode of the three-part series on family caregiving, lifelong friend Jill Schumacher joins the siblings to discuss the challenges of caring for her mom, even with caregivers in the house 24 hours a day. Through humor and heartfelt stories, they explore the balance of personal and professional life and share the ups and downs of caring for an aging parent. Karin and Andrew then offer takeaways from the series, emphasizing the power of community and self-care. Programming note: Andrew experienced some technical difficulties for a brief time during this episode. Any listener who emails us the timestamp of when Andrew audibly expresses frustration (which we left in) will receive a shout out during an upcoming episode. Email your response to: [email protected].

Karin and Andrew continue to delve into the challenges and triumphs of caregiving within families. They are joined by Alyssa Riddle, a yoga instructor who has been a caregiver for her father since a young age. Alyssa shares her journey of balancing her personal life with the responsibilities of caregiving, offering insights into the emotional and practical aspects of this role. The conversation touches on themes of love, family dynamics, and the unexpected paths life can take. Tune in to hear Alyssa's inspiring story and learn how she navigates her unique situation with grace and compassion.

The siblings kick off their 3-part series exploring the experiences of family members thrust into the role of caring for aging parents—examining not just the day-to-day work, but also the strategies these caregivers use to cope with the emotional toll. In Part 1, they share their personal journey caring for Joanna, and sit down with longtime friend Howard Krugel, who stepped in when his father became too much for his senior home staff to manage. Howard shares an inspiring story of love, resilience, and discovering blessings in the most challenging times. 

Karin and Andrew discuss the progression of Joanna's care costs, including how she was able to afford assisted living, and then her home care program. To get a wider handle on senior care cost, the siblings are joined by Richard Eisenberg, the former managing editor of Next Avenue, the PBS site for the 50+ crowd. Through his books, freelance articles and podcast Friends Talk Money, Richard has become an important voice at the intersection of aging and personal finance. He shares numbers, challenges and suggestions for those asking how to pay for senior care.

Andrew and Karin discuss the challenges of taking care of Joanna before they were able to get the care she needed. Then, they talk to a valued member of the JoBabe Dream Team, Latrice, who shares her experiences in the care world and what people should be looking for when finding the right care for a loved one.