The Caregiver Community

Families often think of downsizing as a practical task—sorting belongings, packing boxes, and deciding what stays and what goes. But for older adults, the process is often much more personal. Every room, every photograph, and every keepsake can represent a lifetime of memories, relationships, and milestones.

In the episode host Karen Summey, ACAPcommunity is joined by her guest Shannon Stiger, Realtor, Copper Creek Real Estate Brokers, Chapter Coordinator, ACAP Oklahoma City to discuss why downsizing is about so much more than "stuff," how families can navigate the process with compassion, and practical ways to make the journey less overwhelming and more meaningful.

When we think about aging, we often focus on genetics and medical conditions. Yet where we live, work, connect with others, and access healthcare may have an even greater impact on health and longevity.

In this episode, host Karen Summey, ACAPcommunity is joined by Dr. Amandita Johnson, DHSc as they explore the social determinants of health and how they affect older adults and family caregivers. We'll discuss caregiver guilt, stress, community resources, and why your zip code may matter more than your genes. You'll also learn practical strategies to support your own well-being while helping aging parents live safely and well.

Click here to view the slides referenced in this episode!

No chapter in your area? Stay tuned! ACAP is growing nationwide. Check our website often for a chapter near you. Meanwhile, we hope you'll take advantage of our audio podcast archive, our YouTube archive, and more.

When a loved one is hospitalized, family caregivers often find themselves overwhelmed, worried, and unsure of what to do next. In this episode, host Karen Summey, ACAPcommunity is joined by Dr. Bibhusan Basnet, MD, MS, FACP, Board-Certified Internal Medicine Physician and Hospitalist; Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, eHealthyInfo talk with an internal medicine physician about the critical role of caregivers during a hospital stay. Learn how to communicate effectively with the healthcare team, understand medications, prepare for discharge, recognize potential problems, and take care of yourself while caring for someone else. 

Ask any person over the age of 65, and they’ll tell you they’re losing muscle mass and strength – quickly! In fact, adults can lose 3-8% of their muscle mass every decade after the age of 30! That’s why this podcast will address the body’s progression as we age – and how caregivers can help their aging loved ones stay fit well into their senior years.  Joining our host Karen Summey, MA, ACAPcommunity Project Manager and Podcast Host, Active Family Caregiver is Meg Picklesimer, Registered Dietician and Jason White, Physical Therapy Assistant, from Senior TLC

Loss of mobility can happen gradually or suddenly, making everyday activities more challenging for older adults and the families who support them. In this podcast, join host Karen Summey, MA, ACAPcommunity Project Manager and Podcast Host, Active Family Caregiver and Mr. Bill Price, Owner, Mobility Scooters and More, Roswell, GA as they explore how to recognize when it may be time to consider mobility solutions and how to assess changing physical needs and limitations. Learn about common types of durable medical equipment (DME)—such as canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and other assistive devices—and how to select options that promote safety, independence, and quality of life. Experts share practical guidance to help caregivers and their families make informed decisions with confidence. 

Click here to view the slides from this episode!

What exactly does an aging life care manager do—and when should families consider one? In this episode, host Karen Summey, ACAPcommunity and Ms. Tracy Johnson, RN, CCM, CDAL; Registered Nurse Care Consultant, Aging Life Care Professional, Certified Dementia Care Practitioner, and CEO of Premier Care Management of Georgia, break down the care management process, how it differs from home care, warning signs that care management may be needed, and how these services support caregivers, including those at a distance. You’ll also learn what care management assessments look like, what these services cost, and how care managers help families navigate complex aging challenges with confidence.

More than 275,000 Americans die each year due to medication mismanagement, and 750 older adults are hospitalized every day from medication-related harm. And, on average, individual Americans waste about $6000 every year on unnecessary medications. In this episode, host Karen Summey, MA ACAPcommuntiy welcomes Dr. DeLon Canterbury, PharmD, BCGP, President/CEO of GeriatRx, Inc. We take a look at overprescribing, medication safety, and practical advice for caregivers and their loved ones on how to manage this healthcare crisis. Please join us!

Interviewer 

Karen Summey, MA, ACAPcommunity Project Manager and Podcast Host, Active Family Caregiver

It’s a busy and stressful time of year! But all times of the year can be stressful for caregivers. While we can’t always change that, we can manage that stress a bit better by using creativity for self-care, in almost any environment. Specifically, we’re talking about art for non-artist caregivers and their loved ones. It’s the process of de-stressing that counts – not the result! Join Karen Summey, ACAPcommunity and Angel Duncan, PhD in Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), Registered Art Therapist (ATR) in this episode of The Caregiver Community!

Check out the Shopping Guide referenced in this episode here!

Caring for an older adult often means finding ways to make daily life safer, easier, and more enjoyable. This month host Karen Summey, MA, ACAPcommunity is joined by Jane Everson, PhD, and Catherine Hague, Retired English and Creative Writing Teacher. All three are active family caregivers and will offer helpful tips from the front lines of caregiving, as well as ideas for the perfect holiday (or year-round) gifts for yourself or those in your care. 

In this episode host Karen Summey, ACAPcommunity is joined by Julie Packer, Director of Professional Relations, Carolina Caring. Karen and Julie take a look at Hospice and Palliative Care services, dispel some preconceived notions, get an inside look at what these programs are, how they work, and who is eligible to receive them. It’s more than you think!