Enjoy this encore episode about how to manage grief during the holidays with grief specialist Gary Roe.

In this podcast episode featuring grief specialist Gary Roe, the discussion centers on managing grief during the holidays, a time often marked by intensified emotions for those experiencing loss. Here are the key points covered in the episode:

• Emotional Triggers: The holidays can amplify feelings of grief due to memories associated with loved ones who have passed. Traditions that once brought joy may now serve as painful reminders of absence.
• Isolation: Many people feel alone in their grief during this time, leading to feelings of sadness and disconnection from others who may not understand their experience.

• Expectations vs. Reality: Society often promotes a cheerful holiday spirit, which can clash with an individual's personal experience of grief, creating additional pressure.
• Coping Mechanisms: Some individuals may resort to unhealthy coping strategies, such as overeating or withdrawing from social interactions, as they navigate their pain.

• Acknowledge and Process: Gary emphasizes the importance of acknowledging one's feelings rather than suppressing them. He introduces the acronym A.I.R.:
  • Acknowledge what you are feeling.
  • Identify how those feelings affect you.
  • Release those feelings through expression—be it talking, writing, or creating art.
• Seek Support: Engaging with loved ones who can listen and provide comfort is crucial. Sharing experiences can help alleviate feelings of isolation.
• Personalize Your Grief Journey: Recognize that everyone grieves differently. It's essential to find what works best for you, whether that's honoring memories in a new way or creating new traditions.

Gary Roe's insights remind listeners that grief is a personal journey without a set timeline. He encourages individuals to embrace their feelings and seek support as they navigate through the complexities of loss, especially during emotionally charged times like the holidays. For more resources and support from Gary Roe, visit his website at GaryRoe.com.

Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:

• Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
• For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
• For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
• For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
• Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at [email protected].

Author and dementia advocate Tracy Cram Perkins joins this episode of Lighting the Path to share the heart and purpose behind her book, Dementia Home Care: How to Prepare Before, During, and After. Inspired by a moving comment from her father, Tracy walks listeners through what it means to truly prepare for the dementia caregiving journey.

She explains the value of creating a "survivor's binder" with essential documents and advance care plans, helping families avoid confusion in times of crisis. Tracy also emphasizes that people living with dementia are still themselves, deserving of dignity, respect, and opportunities to share their insights.

Listeners will hear helpful ideas for caregiver self‑care, including Tracy's Daily D.O.S.E. method and how to use her Meltdown Trigger List, available at tracycramperkins.com, to prevent stressful moments before they start. This conversation reminds every caregiver that with preparation and compassion, it's possible to bring calm, comfort, and connection into dementia care.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if this episode helped you or someone you know in their serious illness journey!

Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:

• Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
• For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
• For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
• For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
• Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at [email protected].

In this episode Jerry welcomes Tracy Cram Perkins, author of Dementia Home Care: How to Prepare Before, During, and After. Tracy describes what it was like to be thrust into the role of caregiver—first for one loved one, and eventually for four family members living with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Drawing from years of firsthand experience, she shares the lessons, mistakes, and moments of grace that shaped her caregiving journey.

Tracy talks about the overwhelming early days of caregiving and the key resources that helped her begin to navigate this challenging role. She explains why patience and laughter became her most valuable lessons and how they allowed her to sustain both compassion and hope over time. For those struggling with the constant repetition of questions so common in dementia care, Tracy reveals her thoughtful method for reducing "question fatigue."

Listeners will walk away with Tracy's practical tips for new caregivers, reminders about self‑care and realistic expectations, and encouragement drawn from her own hard‑won insights. Her website, TracyCramPerkins.com, offers additional tools and resources—and anyone who subscribes to her newsletter will receive her free guide, 10 Steps to Calming Aggressive Dementia Behavior.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if this episode helped you or someone you know in their serious illness journey!

Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:

• Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
• For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
• For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
• For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
• Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at [email protected].

In this episode of Lighting the Path, Jerry sits down with Shari Ross, a senior living specialist and author of Senior Living Made S.I.M.P.L.E.. Shari brings years of experience helping families navigate the difficult — and often emotional — decisions about finding the right living environment for their senior loved ones.

Her book uses the acronym S.I.M.P.L.E. — Support, Information, Matching, Preparation, Letting go, Engagement — as a practical framework for families facing this transition. Shari shares how this approach provides clarity and confidence during one of the most stressful times in a caregiver's journey.

We discuss some of the most common challenges families face when searching for senior living options:

• Guilt when making housing decisions for a loved one.

• Panic when faced with an emergency or rushed move.

• Neglecting self-care while being a caregiver.

Shari also talks about the relief families feel once their loved one is safe, cared for, and thriving in the right community. Beyond the book, she provides affordable tools and resources through her Etsy store, Senior Living Shop, to help families get organized and feel prepared.

For more information, visit Shari's website at seniorlivingmadesimple.com or order Senior Living Made S.I.M.P.L.E. online wherever books are sold.

If you're a caregiver or family member facing senior living decisions, this episode offers both practical strategies and much–needed encouragement.

In this episode Shari Ross breaks down the biggest myths and misconceptions about senior living, providing clarity and reassurance for families facing difficult choices. Drawing from her personal experiences helping her own parents and in-laws, Shari shares practical strategies—including how to approach honest conversations about advance directives and long-term wishes.

Shari tells the story of her father-in-law's move to a senior living facility and explains how the transition improved his quality of life and reinforced the value of compassionate, informed care. She also discusses the crucial partnership between hospice and senior living communities, outlining how these services work together for residents' comfort, along with the unique challenges and benefits of blending both approaches.

Learn more about her real-world advice and find additional resources at her website, www.seniorlivingmadesimple.com. She is also on Facebook.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if this episode helped you or someone you know in their serious illness journey!

Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:

• Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
• For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
• For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
• For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
• Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at [email protected].

In this touching episode, guest Larry W. Robinson—renowned faith-based media personality and author of Sacred Steps, A Faith-Filled Journey Through Transition into Eternity—offers a deeply personal account of his mother's final chapter and the powerful legacy she leaves behind. Larry shares how his mother's journey led her to Harbor Hospice in Lake Charles, a facility known for providing comfort, dignity, and spiritual support for patients and families facing life's greatest challenge.

A central theme of the episode is Larry's inspiration for writing Sacred Steps, envisioned as a spiritual resource for Christians seeking encouragement and deeper understanding of the process of "transitioning" from this life to eternity. Larry explains his intentional use of the word "transitioning," emphasizing the sacredness of the moment when one crosses from earthly life into eternity—a perspective rooted in faith and reverence.

One of the most stirring moments in the conversation comes as Larry reflects on his mother's last breath, describing it as a "holy moment"—sacred ground that transformed his grief into awe. His story is a moving reminder of the spiritual significance of end-of-life experiences and the enduring power of a legacy rooted in love and faith.

To find out more about Larry's books and media, visit his website at www.ceolarry.com

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if this episode helped you or someone you know in their caregiving journey!

Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:

• Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
• For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
• For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
• For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
• Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at [email protected].

Debbie Compton, caregiver advocate, author, and founder of The Purple Vine, joins Lighting the Path to share her story and expertise. In this episode, Debbie discusses how her experience as a caregiver sparked the creation of The Purple Vine and explains the meaningful inspiration behind its name. She highlights the resources available on her website, including her books about caregiving, coloring books for adults and children, online courses, and opportunities for caregivers to schedule one-on-one consultations. Debbie talks about the stress-relieving benefits of coloring books and how they support connection and creativity for both caregivers and care recipients. She also provides simple, practical tips for caregivers on how to ask for help with dignity.

• Learn more about Debbie's offerings and support for caregivers at: thepurplevine.com

• Highlights include: caregiving books, coloring books, online courses, consultation sessions, and weekly tips for caregivers.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if this episode helped you or someone you know in their caregiving journey!

Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:

• Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
• For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
• For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
• For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
• Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at [email protected].

In this episode, we're joined by Debbie Compton—author, caregiving advocate, and the founder of The Purple Vine. Debbie brings compassion and hard-won wisdom from years spent caring for her father, her mother, and her mother-in-law.

Debbie opens up about the personal journey that led her to leave her job in order to become a full-time caregiver. Like many, she initially saw herself as simply "a daughter taking care of her parents," not realizing she was part of a much larger community of caregivers.

We discuss the emotional and practical challenges she faced, including the experience of caregiver burnout and the many lessons she wishes she had known before beginning her caregiving journey. Debbie shares how hospice care changed her family's story and urges listeners to consider its benefits sooner rather than later.

A chance encounter with a hospice nurse inspired Debbie to start The Purple Vine, a supportive resource for other caregivers who might feel alone or overwhelmed. She offers advice, encouragement, and tangible tips for those walking a similar path.

If you are a caregiver, know someone who is, or simply want to better understand the realities of caregiving, this episode is filled with empathy, honesty, and hope.

Topics Include:

• Debbie's personal caregiving journey for three loved ones

• The decision to leave work and take on full-time caregiving

• Why so many people don't 'identify' as caregivers

• The realities of caregiver burnout

• The comfort and relief hospice care brought her family

• Things Debbie wishes she had known at the beginning

• The inspiration behind The Purple Vine and its mission

• Advice for new caregivers

Resources:

• Learn more about Debbie and discover support for your caregiving journey at thepurplevine.com

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if this episode helped you or someone you know in their caregiving journey!

Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:

• Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
• For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
• For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
• For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
• Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at [email protected].

In this enlightening episode, Dr. Barry Jacobs shares his journey from clinical psychologist to widely-read AARP columnist and best-selling author. Dr. Jacobs discusses how he began collaborating with AARP and the path that led him to write a monthly column addressing the needs and struggles of caregivers across the country.

Together with his wife and co-author, Dr. Julie Mayer, Dr. Jacobs recently released The AARP Caregiver Answer Book, a comprehensive new resource designed to support and empower those caring for loved ones.

• Origins of the Collaboration: How Dr. Jacobs connected with AARP and became a regular contributor.

• Inside The AARP Caregiver Answer Book: An overview of the practical guidance included in the book, including:

  • Self care strategies and why this chapter is the most extensive—caregivers need to care for themselves first to effectively care for others.

  • Advance care planning tools and conversations.

  • Managing finances and navigating financial stress.

  • Addressing sibling issues and family dynamics.

  • The process of handling grief and loss.

• Addressing the Unspoken: Dr. Jacobs highlights key topics that are often underrepresented in caregiving literature:

  • Feelings of anger, resentment, and emotional exhaustion.

  • Relationship challenges between caregivers and care receivers.

  • Practical advice for tackling tough conversations and setting boundaries.

• The AARP Caregiver Answer Book by Dr. Barry Jacobs & Dr. Julie Mayer

• Dr. Barry Jacobs' monthly AARP column (check the AARP site for recent articles)

• Family caregivers and those supporting loved ones

• Healthcare professionals advising families

• Anyone interested in the emotional and practical realities of caregiving

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if this episode helped you or someone you know in their caregiving journey!

Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:

• Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
• For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
• For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
• For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
• Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at [email protected].

In this episode of Lighting the Path, host Jerry Fenter welcomes Dr. Julia Mayer, a seasoned psychotherapist and co-author of the newly published The AARP Caregiver Answer Book, written with her husband, Dr. Barry Jacobs. Dr. Mayer brings her extensive expertise to offer a comprehensive look at the caregiving journey—from its challenging beginnings to its often-overlooked end.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Comprehensive Caregiving Guidance: Dr. Mayer shares insights from her book, which covers every stage of the caregiving experience, providing practical advice and emotional support for caregivers at all points in their journey.

• Life After Caregiving: Dr. Mayer emphasizes the importance of the chapters dedicated to what comes after caregiving ends. She encourages caregivers to recognize the difficulty of what they've accomplished and to give themselves credit for their dedication and hard work.

• Coping with Guilt and Regret: The conversation delves into the common feelings of guilt and regret that many caregivers experience after their responsibilities conclude. Dr. Mayer offers compassionate advice on processing these emotions and finding peace.

• Preparing for Caregiving: Dr. Mayer advocates for proactive preparation, urging listeners to plan for caregiving roles before they arise to minimize stress and uncertainty.

• Affirmation for Caregivers: Throughout the episode, Dr. Mayer reminds caregivers that their efforts matter deeply and that they deserve acknowledgment for the significant, often unrecognized, work they do.

Whether you are currently a caregiver, have been one in the past, or anticipate stepping into this role in the future, this episode provides validation, practical tips, and heartfelt encouragement.

For more information:

www.loveandmeaning.com

www.aarp.org

The AARP Caregiver Answer Book

Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice:

• Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook.
• For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com
• For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life
• For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com
• Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at [email protected].