Caregiver Crossing

Nearly 60% of Americans don’t have crucial healthcare documents like a Power of Attorney or advance directive. On this segment of Caregiver Crossing, we speak with Audrey Augustinovicz, founder of Peaceful Journey LLC, about why planning ahead is key for caregivers and families. Audrey walks us through the importance of personalized advocacy, from attending medical appointments to preparing health...

What happens when the person who supports families through dementia has lived that journey herself? Precious, Memory Care Support Specialist with American Senior Communities, joins Caregiver Crossing to talk about what families may notice during the holidays and how to make gatherings feel good for everyone. She shares real moments from her own experience, tips for keeping loved ones comfortable,...

Medicare can be confusing, especially during open enrollment. In this episode of Caregiver Crossing, Bruce Muller from the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)explains how his team helps families cut through the complexity. From breaking down Parts A, B, C, and D to clearing up myths about coverage and costs, Bruce shares practical guidance and stories that show how SHIP makes a real d...

Companion Care can mean everything from a ride to the grocery store to help with bathing, meal prep, or simply sharing conversation over coffee. In this episode of Caregiver Crossing , we sit down with Kim Moore, Companion Care Administrator at CarDon, to explore how these services meet both the practical and emotional needs of seniors and their families. Kim walks us through the first steps famil...

Laura Johnson has spent years walking alongside families at Joy’s House, first in direct care and now in development. She’s seen caregivers at their most stretched and at their most resilient, and she carries their wisdom with her every day. In this conversation, Laura shares what those lessons look like in real life: a family discovering relief when they finally accept help, friendships that star...

When a loved one gives the gift of life, the journey for their family is only beginning. Courtney Tillotta, Aftercare Support Manager at Indiana Donor Network, joins Tina McIntosh to explain what Aftercare Services look like in practice. She shares how families are paired with a coordinator, the kinds of grief resources and personal check-ins that are offered, and why traditions like quilts and re...

"You are capable of anything", a sentiment shared by Kris from the popular TikTok account Lifewithgrams. In this touching episode of Caregiver Crossing , Kris shares her experiences caring for her grandmother with dementia, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and moments of joy she finds along the way. Her down-to-earth nature and unwavering love for her grandmother shines through...

What happens when a caregiver decides she’s done facing it all alone? Ellen Gullett took her experience caring for her mom and turned it into something powerful: a support group that now brings comfort, laughter, and honesty to caregivers at Second Presbyterian Church. In this episode, she shares how the group began, the surprising things she’s learned, and the stories that stay with her. You’ll a...

As we age, managing health becomes more complex. Multiple doctors, medications, and appointments can make it hard to keep everything connected. Dr. Zaidi, Plan Performance Medical Director at Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, joins Tina McIntosh to talk about what coordinated care really means for seniors and their families. He explains the role of a hospitalist, why preventive care matters, an...

The first weeks of school bring new pencils, fresh notebooks, and the chance to get organized. Caregivers can use that same mindset to prepare for the day-to-day needs of someone they support. Tina McIntosh, Founder and CEO of Joy’s House, shares what that can look like, from keeping a favorite sweater or puzzle in a day bag to choosing a program where your loved one spends the day with people who...

When someone leaves the hospital, there’s often a quiet stretch of time where families are left to figure out the next steps on their own. Angie Light, Founder and CEO of RadiusCare, steps into that space to make sure care keeps moving in the right direction. She talks about the first moments of connection with families, how she untangles the confusion that can follow a hospital stay, and why her...

Most people have an idea of what organ donation looks like, but the reality is more complex and far more human. Erin Brown from Indiana Donor Network explains what actually happens after someone says yes, how families are supported through loss, and why the language we use can shape how people understand their role in the process. She shares what these conversations look like in hospitals, classro...

Dave Holder has walked alongside countless families facing some of the hardest decisions they'll ever make. In this episode, he shares what it really looks like to find the right care setting, what families need in those first conversations, and how to build trust when emotions are running high. Dave also reflects on his personal experience as a caregiver, why he believes in the power of community...

Do you find the health care system overwhelming? We're excited to introduce a valuable resource designed for this very purpose. The Map to Good Health Resource Kit, created by former nurse and patient advocate Nan Wetherhorn, equips you with the tools to confidently navigate America’s health care system. Start advocating immediately for the quality care you and your family deserve. Show notes: www...

Making a home safe and accessible doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive! This week on Caregiver Crossing , we chat with Carly Weiner from Rosarium Health, an organization dedicated to helping families find trusted professionals for life-changing home modifications. From small, budget-friendly tweaks to major accessibility upgrades, Carly shares insider tips that make a big impact—helping ca...

Joy’s House at UIndy is celebrating 11 years of serving families on the south side of Indianapolis. In this episode, we sit down with Lia Taylor, Program Coordinator, and Nyc Sigmon, Care Services Manager, to reflect on what makes this house feel so full of life. Guests light up when they see familiar faces. Caregivers find peace of mind when they walk through the door. And every day brings someth...

What makes a city feel like home as we age? In this conversation with Indianapolis City-County Councilor Nick Roberts, we explore how public spaces, transportation, and even neighborhood design can impact daily life for older adults. As one of the youngest council members in the country, Nick shares what he's learning from older residents who show up, speak up, and care deeply about the communitie...

What does it look like to bring comfort, dignity, and meaning to someone’s final days, especially when they have no one else by their side? Madison from Morning Light joins us to share the quiet power of the Abbie Hunt Bryce Home, where Guests receive end-of-life care rooted in compassion and human connection. From building trust with those who feel forgotten to helping caregivers rediscover their...

What happens when a caregiver decides she’s done facing it all alone? Ellen Gullett took her experience caring for her mom and turned it into something powerful: a support group that now brings comfort, laughter, and honesty to caregivers at Second Presbyterian Church. In this episode, she shares how the group began, the surprising things she’s learned, and the stories that stay with her. You’ll a...

This week, we’re joined by Wendy Rovet from Dillman and Owens and Holly Helm from CenterWell Senior Primary Care, each bringing insight for caregivers who are tired of doing it all alone. Wendy walks us through Life Care Planning and how it helps families prepare before a crisis, make smart decisions under pressure, and stay on the same page. Holly shares how CenterWell builds real relationships w...

If you’re looking for proof that everything at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a part of its history, well stop right here. This episode of Behind the Bricks highlights a fire hydrant that has been around since 1912 – almost the entirety of the Indianapolis 500, and the efforts IMS went through to preserve and replace the fire hydrant. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Califor...

Falls are the leading cause of injury for older adults, but the Stepping On program is helping change that. This evidence-based program, now launched as a pilot through a partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, supports older adults and caregivers in building strength, confidence, and independence. Emily Tisdale, Executive Director of the Center for Aging & Community at the Univers...

Tina and Terri open the episode with laugh-out-loud stories and sweet reflections about their grandparents before diving into what caregiving really looks like in Indiana. From daily challenges to growing needs, they talk honestly about how families are navigating it all. You'll also hear how Joy’s House is celebrating 25 years and why your support matters right now. Show notes: www. Joyshouse.org...

What if the most meaningful moments didn’t come from grand plans, but from something as simple as a shared laugh or a quiet activity done with care? This week on Caregiver Crossing, Beth Timko from CarDon & Associates joins us to explore how play, purpose, and connection show up in everyday life for older adults. We talk about what it really means to be engaged, how activities can meet people...

What makes a city feel like home as we age? In this conversation with Indianapolis City-County Councilor Nick Roberts, we explore how public spaces, transportation, and even neighborhood design can impact daily life for older adults. As one of the youngest council members in the country, Nick shares what he's learning from older residents who show up, speak up, and care deeply about the communitie...