Natalie Hankins joins me in this episode to share her caregiving story which spans 29 years and is still continuing. She is a caregiver for her now-adult children; as her son has autism and her daughter has Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome. Natalie championed through caregiving, finding the therapies that would work best for them including the Relationship Development Intervention by Dr. Steven Gutstein and the Visualizing and Verbalizing, Language Comprehension Program by Lindamood-Bell.

She is proud of her 2 adult children and states she is living her purpose as a busy ‘mompreneur’.

Natalie is a Life/ Business & Mindset Coach and was first certified as a life coach in 2018 from the Robbins-Madanes Center for Strategic Intervention (one of Tony Robbins' companies) and completed a second certification in mindset coaching in 2021 from The Life Coach School. Natalie loves serving 'mompreneurs', women entrepreneurs, and moms who have children with special needs. She loves to help other busy entrepreneurs achieve their business goals in less time so that they have more time to enjoy their lives.  To learn more about Natalie, visit her website

Usha Tewari was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. She is a constituent advocate, and community engager with over 17 years of experience working for elected officials at the federal and local level. While working full-time, Usha was her mom's caregiver primary caregiver until December 2021 when her mom passed away from end stage dementia. In this episode, we talk about how videos helped correct mom’s diagnosis, how Usha managed to work full time while caring for her mom, what relieved her caregiver and grief burnout, and what Usha is doing about impacting positive changes in Florida, her South-Asian culture, and beyond.

Show notes with product and resource links:

https://bit.ly/HHCPod160

Receive the podcast in your email here:

http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv

Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal:

http://bit.ly/HHCjournal

For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth:

https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/

The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast:

https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

Marty Stevens-Heebner is the Founder & CEO of Clear Home Solutions and an award-winning entrepreneur, author, and podcast host. She is also the President of NASMM (the National Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers), with certifications in Senior and Specialty Move Management, Professional Organizing, and Aging in Place. Clear Home Solutions was the first nationally accredited firm in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.

She was also the first Certified Senior Move Manager in the country.

Today we discuss all aspects of moving, organizing, sorting, how to navigate a hoarding situation, moving someone with dementia, the process of where to start when it comes to moving and taking care of yourself along the way. 

SHOW NOTES and resources mentioned.

It is very common that with all the overwhelm in our lives, we forget doing something for ourselves. Let's start doing something for us today. Let's thank something and make peace with those things that are a burden in our lives. Join me to learn how.

1 in 4 Medicare hospice patients is a military veteran. Frederick Health Hospice is going the extra mile to meet the unique needs of veterans at the end of life. While Frederick focuses on care, comfort, and hope, they also focus on the needs of U.S. veterans in their community. Executive director Carlos Graveran, a veteran himself, created a Hospice Veteran Liaison position to provide more robust care for military veterans in the Maryland community. Army Veteran Eric Jorgensen serves in the Hospice Liaison position. As veterans, both Carlos and Eric understand the importance of recognizing the experiences of the patients and the needs of their caregivers. According to the Frederick Health Hospice website, the agency provides:

• Providing information about state and VA benefits such as Aid and Attendance, pensions, cemeteries, monuments and military honors
• Assistance in obtaining discharge documents, records, medals and awards
• Recognition ceremony that includes presentation of a certificate of appreciation and veteran pin
• Visits from veteran volunteers

The Veteran Liaison is critical in educating the hospice interdisciplinary team about the specific issues a veteran might be dealing with, including guilt, anger, PTSD, regret, and survivor’s guilt. With 25% of all Medicare hospice patients being military veterans, knowing how to provide compassionate and respectful care should be top priority for all hospice agencies in the U.S. 

Connect with Frederick health Hospice at frederickhealthhospice.org.

Learn more about the We Honor Veterans program from NHPCO at wehonorveterans.org.

Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to [email protected]. 

Follow The Heart of Hospice on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

Connect with The Heart of Hospice podcast on The Whole Care Network, along with a host of other caregiving podcasts by clicking here. 

Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart ofHospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)

Chris MacLellan is an inspiring figure in the world of caregiving. After caring for his partner, Richard, during his battle with a terminal illness, Chris was inspired to establish the Whole Care Network. In this place, caregivers can find support, connection, and understanding. With a strong background in social work and senior care, Chris is well-versed in the challenges caregivers face daily. He's also the author of "What's The Deal With Caregiving?" which tackles the different stages of caregiving. Chris will share how humor and positivity can help caregivers through difficult times, providing much-needed encouragement and guidance.

Chris, a former caregiver and social worker, found solace in the power of positivity and humor while caring for his late partner, Richard, who battled esophageal cancer. Chris and Richard's connection was strong, and they navigated the challenges of caregiving together. Maintaining open and honest conversations built a foundation of support and understanding, allowing them to find pockets of joy amidst their trials.

In this episode, you will:

1. Gain practical self-care strategies for caregivers to ensure mental and physical well-being.
2. Uncover innovative ways for caregivers to communicate effectively with doctors.
3. Discover the power of positivity and humor in overcoming the hurdles of caregiving.
4. Learn how to create valuable support networks for caregivers online and offline.
5. Embrace the importance of establishing trust in caregiving relationships through finding your unique "why."

About Chris:

Christopher MacLellan is affectionally known as the Bow Tie Guy in the vast network of family caregivers and is the founder and CEO of the Whole Care Network. Chris and his now-deceased partner were featured in a 2015 Pulitzer Prize-nominated story entitled “In Sickness and in Health: A Couple’s Final Journey,” which propelled him to write his book "What's The Deal with Caregiving and develop the Whole Care Network. The motto at the Whole Care Network is “helping you tell your story, one podcast at a time” because it is through story sharing where diversity meets the road to collaborate on a common cause, and our common cause is to supports caregivers, before, during and after caregiving ends. Now, Chris is Aging Gayfully!

Connect with Chris:

Website

Twitter

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn  

YouTube

Podcast

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

Like us on Facebook!

Tweet with us on Twitter!

Follow us on Instagram!

Watch us on Youtube!

Pin us on Pinterest!

Link us on LinkedIn!

Tune in on Whole Care Network

Anthony "Tony" Copeland-Parker  is back for a record 3rd time on Love Conquers Alz... and Don and I are thrilled. Tony and his, partner Cat, have a unique and inspiring story that has been unfolding before our eyes  and this new chapter is as heartening as ever. 

For those who may not be familiar with Tony andhis partner, Cat, here's a little background to get you up to speed. (I'm killing it with the running puns!) Tony and Cat were in there 50s going their merry way, when they were presented two life-changing pieces of news...at the same time. Tony was told he needed a heart valve replacement and Cat had early-onset Alzheimer’s. But both being endurance athletes, their reaction to this news was, let's say, unique. They retired, sold their home, & became nomads, running marathons & half-marathons - literally over the world.

Their book, Running All over the World, Our Race Against Early Onset Alzheimer’s, is  an engaging travelogue with a heart.  Don't let the word "Alzheimer's" give you the wrong impression! It's filled with fun, humor, heart, and adventure. It's chock-full of interesting facts and detailed travel advice. And if you ever thought about running a marathon, but just can't seem to check that off your list, you'll experience the thrill of the finish…blister-free! The book is an account of their 5+ years of flying, running, walking, sailing, & sightseeing from Atlanta to Antarctica and back again.

Now that Cat's Alzheimer's has progressed and she can no longer run marathons, she and Tony have embarked on a new chapter in their unique and awe-inspiring story. Enjoy this episode!

Love,

Susie

SPECIAL GIVEAWAY! The first 5 people to leave a comment at RunningwithCat.com will receive an ebook version of Tony's book and one signed copy! Leave a comment and then let me know you did at [email protected]. Good luck!

Support the show

BEDSORE RESCUE - JEWELL NURSING SOLUTIONS: Home of the Patented Bedsore Rescue Positioning Wedge Cushions, Pads & Pillows (Use the PROMO CODE: NCFOP and All proceeds go to help fund the documentary NO COUNTRY FOR OLD PEOPLE.)

SOCIAVI: Connecting Generations Made Simple - Globally - the simplest way for older adults and people with disabilities to connect and engage with their families and friends. There is no username, no password, no login, and no app to choose from. Just a dedicated device, the Sociavi C2M (Connect To Me) device that is always on and ready to use (When you signup for an annual subscription, All proceeds go to help fund the documentary NO COUNTRY FOR OLD PEOPLE.)

No Country For Old People the documentary - MAKE YOUR TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATE HERE

Follow us on Twitter, FB, IG, & TiK Tok 💜

Listen on your favorite platform...

Soaring Spirits International is built by widowed people to support widowed people. Michele Neff Hernandez built the non-profit organization she needed when her husband died unexpectedly, leaving her with a blended family of six kids to care for as she managed her own grief. Michele realized she needed to connect with others who reflected the same kind of grief and loss she was experiencing as a young widow. Now Soaring Spirits has expanded to include multiple projects, including Camp Widow, Widowed Pen Pals, and the You Are Not Alone Outreach. If you’re a hospice bereavement coordinator, Soaring Spirits is a fantastic resource for you to share with caregivers whose loved one has died in your agency’s care.  

You can access all the programs of Soaring Spirits International at soaringspirits.org.

Interested in Camp Widow? Click here.

If you’d like to connect with Widowed Pen Pals, click here.

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SoaringSpiritsInternational

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/soaringspiritsint/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/widowsvoice

Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to [email protected]. 

Follow The Heart of Hospice on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

Connect with The Heart of Hospice podcast on The Whole Care Network, along with a host of other caregiving podcasts by clicking here. 

Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)

Write a letter to someone you’ve lost, and send it to Postal Service for the Dead! End of life doula and artist Janelle Ketcher founded Postal Service for the Dead to be an ongoing, collective project where people send letters to anyone in their life who has died. People write letters to someone special to them who has died and send them to the Postal Service for the Dead. If the writer wants to keep the letter private, they leave the back of the envelope blank. If the intention of the writer is to share it with only the Postal Service team, they mark the back of the envelope with a heart. If the writer agrees to share the letter publicly, they draw a star on the backside of the envelope. All personal information is removed before the letters are shared on social media. Janelle has found great meaning in receiving and reading the letters. She gets excited just walking to the post office. To her, holding the letters that she is unable to open holds meaning and is a special act. In Postal Service for the Dead, people can find a safe space to share their grief and even find healing. 

Check out Postal Service for the Dead here. 

Buy your Postal Service for the Dead merch here!

Visit the Sleepy Sue website here. 

Connect with Postal Service for the Dead on IG. Follow PSFTD on Facebook. 

Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to [email protected]. 

Follow The Heart of Hospice on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

Connect with The Heart of Hospice podcast on The Whole Care Network, along with a host of other caregiver podcasts by clicking here. 

Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)

Erin Galyean's life was deeply affected by the loss of her father and sister to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and she turned her experiences into a powerful mission to help others. Leveraging her 20 years of pharmaceutical industry experience, Erin empowers caregivers to become champions for their loved ones, providing them with the support and guidance they need. As the author of "Badass Advocates" and an engaging professional speaker, Erin's dedication to helping caregivers navigate the challenging world of caregiving is truly inspiring.

When Erin's father was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, she was a 20-year-old college student struggling with feelings of guilt and helplessness. After her father's passing, Erin vowed never to experience that regret again. When her sister Megan was diagnosed with the same cancer 20 years later, Erin became her greatest advocate, leveraging her industry knowledge to navigate through the complexities of her sister's treatment. Erin learned the importance of seeking professional help, such as therapy, to cope with the emotional burden that comes with caregiving. By sharing her story, Erin hopes to inspire others to become strong advocates for their loved ones, turning past regrets into powerful lessons for the future.

In this episode, you will:

1. Discover the crucial role of advocacy in caring for a loved one's well-being.
2. Uncover effective communication strategies that bridge the gap between caregivers and professionals.
3. Learn how to find gratitude during grief and difficult situations.
4. Grasp the significance of building a strong support team for caregiving.
5. Recognize the importance of self-care and indulging in guilty pleasures to maintain joy.

About Erin:

Erin Galyean is a published author and professional speaker. In 2020, Erin published her first book Badass Advocate: Becoming the Champion Your Loved One Deserves. Badass Advocate, an information-packed and action-oriented book, teaches family caregivers how to manage a loved one’s health crisis. After losing her father, Mike, to Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Erin was determined to be an unstoppable advocate for her sister, Meghan, who was also diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and a rare lung disease. With over 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Erin was able to use her professional knowledge to ensure her sister received the best care. 

Connect with Erin:

Website

Twitter

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

Like us on Facebook!

Tweet with us on Twitter!

Follow us on Instagram!

Watch us on Youtube!

Pin us on Pinterest!

Link us on LinkedIn!

Tune in on Whole Care Network