Caregiver Crossing

Grief can be confusing at any age, especially for children. In this episode, we talk with Hilary Bercovitz and Danielle Behnke from Brooke’s Place about how kids experience and express grief, what it can look like when they don’t have the words for their feelings, and how caregivers can support them through it. We also explore how grief may show up differently in neurodivergent children, including...

What if the right kind of care could help your loved one stay out of the hospital and help you feel a little more human? Dr. Greg Sachs joins us to talk about the IN-PEACE Study, a new model of dementia care that gave families the kind of support they’ve been asking for. From check-ins with nurses to coaching through hard moments, this approach made a real difference. Dr. Sachs also shares what pa...

This week, we’re stepping outside and slowing down. Learn how forest bathing (yes, it’s a thing) can lower stress and boost your mood. Then hear about Tina’s new homesteading adventures and why digging in the dirt might be just what your soul needs. We’re also sharing a beautiful story from our Caregiver Way community about what happens after caregiving. Spoiler alert: you still matter. Show notes...

Becky Barton, a former occupational therapy professor, shares her journey of adapting to life with dementia and the small adjustments that help her continue enjoying her passions, from singing and reading to cooking and spending time with her grandchildren. Through her story, Becky reminds us that while dementia brings challenges, it also opens opportunities to find new meaning and purpose in each...

We’re joined by Tim Harms from the American Heart Association and Michael Hicks, a Belonging Fellow and graduate student at UIndy. Tim shares why heart disease remains the leading cause of death and how caregivers can take action through screenings and early awareness. Michael challenges us to rethink how we view disability, pushing beyond surface-level inclusion to create true belonging. Together...

This week on Caregiver Crossing, we’re joined by Jalysa King. She’s an author, educator, and social work practicum student at Joy’s House. Jalysa shares what she’s learned from our Guests and caregivers, how trauma-informed care can support families through emotional moments, and why setting boundaries is one of the most important skills a caregiver can build. She also reminds us that even in the...

Caregiving comes with love and responsibility, but it also brings challenges that can feel impossible to manage alone. In this episode of Caregiver Crossing , we sit down with Jeni Agramonte , who balances her career at Shepherd Community Center with caring for her mother, a Guest at Joy’s House. Jeni shares how she stepped into caregiving, the emotions that came with trusting someone else in her...

Hospice is often misunderstood. It’s not about giving up, it’s about providing comfort, dignity, and support when it matters most. This week on Caregiver Crossing , Megan Frank and Robin Lightfoot from Enlight Hospice join us to discuss how hospice care supports both patients and caregivers, helping families navigate this stage with compassion and clarity. Enlight Hospice works alongside Cardon &a...

How can talking about death bring more meaning to life? Richard Brendan, a speaker, mentor, and advocate for authentic living, joins Caregiver Crossing to share how open conversations about mortality can shift our perspective, deepen connections, and inspire a more intentional way of living. Richard played a key role in helping Joy’s House host our first Death Café, creating space for Guests and c...

Grief is a universal experience, yet it can feel deeply isolating. On this episode of Caregiver Crossing , we are honored to welcome Dr. William Hoy, a leading expert on grief and bereavement, to explore the role of social support in healing. With four decades of experience, Dr. Hoy shares insights into navigating loss, common misconceptions about grief, and how caregivers can balance their own em...

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...

Community isn’t just a word at Cardon, it’s the heart of everything they do. In this episode, Kendra Edwards shares how Cardon personalizes care in meaningful ways and fosters connection for aging Americans. From building relationships to involving the broader community, we dive into how they’re setting a standard for truly compassionate care. How can you be part of creating a stronger, more conne...

Join us as we sit down with Dr. Monique Nugent, a Harvard-trained hospitalist practicing in Boston and author of the insightful book "Prescription for Admission." Dr. Nugent shares expert advice and practical tips to help caregivers navigate the complexities of hospital stays, from understanding medical jargon to advocating for your loved ones. Additionally, we delve into the crucial topic of heal...

Family caregiving can feel overwhelming, but what if there was a place created just for you. A place to connect, learn, and feel truly understood? This week, we’re diving into Caregiver Way , a groundbreaking online community co-founded by Tina and her sister. Built by caregivers for caregivers, it’s the resource we’ve all been waiting for, offering trusted advice, personal connection, and tools t...

The holidays can be a tender time for those grieving a loss, and the start of a new year often brings its own unique challenges. This week on Caregiver Crossing , we sit down with Abby Vincent, Care Services Director at Joy’s House, to explore grief during the holiday season and the transformative power of honoring loved ones. Abby shares practical advice for navigating grief, from finding balance...

Looking for something different from the typical senior living options? In this episode of Caregiver Crossing , we chat with the Executive Director of The Restoracy of Whitestown about their unique approach to elder care. Whether you need long-term care, memory support, or post-hospital rehabilitation, The Restoracy provides top-notch care in a brand-new, cozy, home-like setting—offering the same...

Becky Barton, a former occupational therapy professor, shares her journey of adapting to life with dementia and the small adjustments that help her continue enjoying her passions, from singing and reading to cooking and spending time with her grandchildren. Through her story, Becky reminds us that while dementia brings challenges, it also opens opportunities to find new meaning and purpose in each...

As part of our “Best of Caregiver Crossing 2024” Series: Each year, lung cancer kills more people than colorectal, pancreas, and breast cancer — the second-, third-, and fourth-leading cancer killers — combined. On this episode of Caregiver Crossing , we sit down with Leo Rafail, Community Engagement Coordinator for END LUNG CANCER NOW. Discover how you can join the fight to eliminate this devasta...

As part of our “Best of Caregiver Crossing 2024” Series: Navigating Medicare can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone! In this episode, we’re featuring SHIP—the State Health Insurance Assistance Program—your go-to for unbiased help with Medicare. Whether you’re starting with Medicare, exploring your options, or need tips on using your benefits, SHIP has got you covered. Hear from a r...

We’re kicking off our “Best of Caregiver Crossing” series with a standout episode from February! What if starting the conversation about long-term care didn’t have to feel so overwhelming? In this episode, Dave Holder, Owner of Assisted Living Locators and Author of Ask Dave Holder , joins us in the Joy’s House studio to share his compassionate approach to helping aging loved ones navigate this bi...

"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...

Medicaid is a lifeline for many, but did you know it also offers surprising benefits that could make a caregiver’s journey easier? In this episode of Caregiver Crossing , Anthem Indiana Medicaid Plan President Lynn Scott shares practical tips for navigating Medicaid, introduces the Indiana PathWays for Aging program, and opens up about her own caregiving journey. Her personal experiences bring a h...

Sometimes, the strongest support comes from someone you least expect. We’re joined by Daron and Margo from Workforce Chaplains, two people dedicated to supporting others with an open heart, wherever and whenever they’re needed. As chaplains, Daron and Margo don’t just provide services; they form bonds that go beyond the workplace, caring for employees and even their families during life’s most cha...

Becky Barton, a former occupational therapy professor, shares her journey of adapting to life with dementia and the small adjustments that help her continue enjoying her passions, from singing and reading to cooking and spending time with her grandchildren. Through her story, Becky reminds us that while dementia brings challenges, it also opens opportunities to find new meaning and purpose in each...

In this episode of Caregiver Crossing, join our hosts as they explore early dementia detection with Dr. Fowler and unveil the revolutionary Medicare GUIDE model. This innovative program offers personalized care plans and assessments tailored to dementia patients, all while allowing them to keep their current healthcare providers. Dr. Fowler highlights how GUIDE aims to ease the financial burden on...