In this episode, we talk with Robin Lipson, the Deputy Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs. Robin discusses some of the programs and policies for caregivers that her office manages. She notes the challenges that caregivers face, especially during this pandemic, as well as their creative and positive strategies to address them. Robin also describes the important work of the Massachusetts Caregiver Coalition, a group of employers led by the Massachusetts Business Roundtable. 

In this episode, we interview Donna Thomson, Canadian author, educator and advocate for family caregivers. She talks about a public scandal in nursing homes in Québec, Canada. And how government intervention resulted in some very positive changes for caregivers of nursing home residents and their loved ones..

In this episode, we interview Meg Flaherty-Griffith, a visiting geriatric physical therapist who does home visits with elders. What does it mean to provide high touch care during a pandemic? How has Meg's "job description" expanded to include simple tasks like buying milk for a client? And beyond what Meg does in the home with clients, how has this essential worker become the eyes and the ears for other medical practitioners who cannot see their patients?

In this episode, Roberta Rosenberg speaks openly about the traumatic accident her son experienced 2 1/2 years ago and his successful healing journey, with support from family. And how, more recently, she has taken her mother out of a senior living facility, and moved her into her family's home. Roberta brings creativity and joy to this "new normal", as she spends 24/7 with her mother, engaging in creative projects and a lot of reminiscing. She also shares an epiphany that she's recently had about her many caregiving experiences.

In this episode, we welcome sociologist Taura Taylor, a Visiting Lecturer at Georgia State University who teaches about race and resilience. Over the years, Taura has played a caregiver role to a number of family members, and three years ago, her mother moved in with her. Taura talks about the culture of caregiving in her family, and how that has influenced choices she has made. She speaks candidly and with humor about the challenges of supporting her mother, while juggling her own teaching schedule, and how that routine has changed during the pandemic. 

Elder care expert, Karen Wasserman, shares both tragic and uplifting stories based on her work with elders and their families during this difficult time. In sharing how her Boston-based agency helps elders and their families, she provides a powerful roadmap for caregivers to help them find services and support in their own localities - which will, in turn, help them navigate "care systems", and the kinds of services they can expect to find. 

In this episode, Laurie Sheridan returns to the podcast to talk about the death of her husband, Ira, who had Parkinson's Disease. Sadly, Ira died - two months before the pandemic hit.  Find out how Laurie is coping with the loss, where she's finding joy, and her surprising reaction to the timing of Ira's death.

What can we learn from global perspectives about the impact of the pandemic on care workers and caregivers?  For one thing, the universality of what we're all going through. But there's more. In this episode, we welcome four researchers who share their insights about the impact of the global pandemic in their respective countries. They represent Italy, South Korea, Slovenia and Kenya. And each of them are members of a global Carework Network.

This episode features an interview with Marie Colville, a professional home care worker who has been doing this work for 30 years. You’ll hear Maria talk about the childhood experiences that inspired her to do this work. And prepare to be inspired by her fearlessness and passion for caring for others, even in the face of the pandemic. 

How are home care workers doing during this pandemic?  As front-line workers, the nature of their work is hands-on and up close. These workers face major issues about staying protected and safe. And what about the people they're caring for? How are families in need of care dealing with this crisis? Mindy interviews Rick Surpin, a leader in the home care field in New York City. Rick talks about the impact of the pandemic on healthcare workers and the families they serve.