Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate Podcast: Dr. Cynthia Speaks!

Since February is the month we highlight Black History, and the struggles, cultural excellence, as well as disparities, the conversation today is on nursing homes where African American family members are residents. Healthcare systems like nursing homes are grappling with the issue of adequate and acceptable care. Listen in for more insights.

As we continue to highlight Black History Month, looking at the value of palliative care and hospice care in the African American family is our topic.  Characteristically, educating a culture of people is often well-received, if the knowledge is coming from individuals that look like them. Listen in for more insights.

February is heart health month! What can you do to take care of your heart? Listen in for more insights!

Our future, meaning the younger generations, must be reminded that caring for the family, especially our elders is an expectation. It's what we did back then and it’s what we must do now! Anyone in the family could be considered a caregiver. Listen in for more insights.

It’s no secret that as we age, our vision has a mind of its own. Our vision does not consult with us asking if we want to see more or less. Populations everywhere suffer from glaucoma and cataracts, which are known to result in blindness if untreated. All we know is how often magnifying tools and reading glasses become searchable items to read our books, newspapers, and medication labels. We place them all over the house. Every light is on in the house at night and every blind is open during the day in order to see clearly. Changes in vision are not always an elder problem. Listen in for more insights!

The world of caregiving requires planning and problem-solving 365 days a year. There are no shortcuts to holistic and compassionate care. The daily grind must be organized while expecting the unexpected. Your role as a caregiver is valuable. Listen in for more insights.

Financial planning is vital in the caregiving space. Listen in for more insights.

As a caregiver to our elderly loved ones, who, by the way, fight hard to maintain their independence driving, has costly consequences. Yes, it has happened again! Car keys, night-time driving, and our elderly; the combination is serious and deadly. Listen in for more insights.

While a pedicure may seem like a great way to care for your toenails, it may not be the best plan for our elderly with many health problems, mobility problems, and chronic diseases. Indeed, taking care of the toenails is an important part of healthy feet. In our elderly, family members become the pedicure kings and queens, especially if our loved ones cannot get out and about. Caregiver assistance is required. Listen in for more insights!

Over the holidays, an elderly lady died in her home from a fire. Safety bars prevented first responders from getting to her. While we work hard to fortify our homes to keep the bad actors out, how do we look at the safety of our elders living alone with locks and bars on windows and doors? The elderly as well as those with disabilities may not be able to quickly escape in the event of a fire due to reduced mobility and vision limitations.  Listen in for more insights.