Have you ever experienced the often unspoken journey of anticipatory grief, the emotional rollercoaster that caregivers go through even before a loss occurs? Today, my guest is Dr. Julie Norstrand, who offers knowledge and experience in aging, mental health, and caregiving. Dr. Norstrand, with her rich educational background in social work, clinical psychology, and a Ph.D. focusing on age-friendly communities, brings a unique perspective to these crucial topics.

Dr. Norstrand's journey in the field of aging spans over 15 years. Her work encompasses a range of roles from serving on boards with aging-related missions, setting up peer-led support groups for caregivers and older adults, to teaching courses that shed light on the aging experience. Her in-depth understanding of the physical, emotional, and cognitive changes in aging is informed by her comprehensive research and hands-on involvement in various facets of this field. As the owner of Help My Aging Parents, Dr. Norstrand consults with families in the early stages of caregiving, aiming to foster proactive planning and initiate vital conversations around this topic.

In today's episode, we'll explore themes surrounding anticipatory grief and caregiving. Dr. Norstrand will share her insights on coping with caregiver dynamics and anticipatory grief, distinguishing between the complex emotions that caregivers face, and the importance of effective communication in these challenging times. We'll also discuss the impact of community on the quality of life for older adults, the key role of caregiver support in aging in place, and the necessity to plan for caregiving, and what we experience as families. Additionally, we'll delve into the emotional journey of caregiving, the power of trust, and the invaluable support of caregiver groups. 

 

Thank you, Dr. Norstrand, for unraveling the intricacies of aging, mental health, and caregiving. I'm so happy you can bring hope to caregivers, thank you!

Learn more at www.helpmyagingparents.net

*This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co. A boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now at www.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!

 

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

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