Caregiving Corner

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month, and this episode is dedicated to the millions of families navigating life after a Parkinson's diagnosis. Caregiving Corner Founder & CEO Jennifer Szakaly and COO Jen Lafontaine walk us through what Parkinson's actually looks like in the real world, from how the disease first presents itself and which specialists to turn to, to what the road ahead looks like fo...

Caregiving doesn't clock out when your employees do and for millions of working Americans, the demands of caring for an aging parent or loved one follow them straight into the workday. In this episode, Caregiving Corner Founder & CEO Jennifer Szakaly and COO Jen Lafontaine open up an honest conversation about what it really means to be a working caregiver and why businesses can no longer afford to...

The holiday season often brings connection and celebration, but once it ends, many older adults experience feelings of sadness, loneliness, or emotional letdown. In this episode, we explore post-holiday blues and depression in older adults, why it happens, and how caregivers can recognize the signs early. We talk through emotional and behavioral indicators to watch for, the difference between temp...

As temperatures drop, winter can bring added challenges for older adults and the families who support them. In this episode of the Caregiving Corner podcast, we focus on practical cold weather preparation to help older adults stay safe, healthy, and comfortable throughout the winter months. We discuss key areas caregivers should pay attention to, including home safety, fall prevention, and proper...

Caregiving Corner’s Art of Purpose Program invites older adults to reconnect with meaning, memory, and self through creativity and presence. In this inspiring episode, Jennifer Szakaly shares the story behind this innovative program, designed to enrich lives through one-on-one engagement sessions that focus not on output, but on experience. Listeners will hear how each Creative Engagement Speciali...

In this heartfelt discussion, Jennifer Szakaly and Jen Lafontaine dive into Memory Care; what it is, who it’s for, and how families can approach this emotional journey with understanding and support. The conversation covers key signs that it may be time to consider Memory Care, the differences from Assisted Living, and the fears families often face when making the decision. Jennifer shares compass...

In this episode of The Caregiving Corner Podcast, Founder and CEO, Jennifer Szakaly, and co-host, Jennifer Lafontaine, helps families understand what Assisted Living truly means, and how to know when it might be time to explore this option. Jennifer breaks down how Assisted Living differs from independent and skilled nursing care, what signs to look for when it’s time to start the conversation, an...

We’re excited to launch a brand-new series exploring the different levels of care available to older adults and their families. In this first episode, we dive into Independent Living, a popular option for seniors who are ready to simplify their daily lives while staying active and engaged in a community setting.  Our goal is to help families better understand the continuum of options so they can m...

A hospital discharge can feel overwhelming, for patients and families alike. It’s often more than just “going home.” There are medications to manage, follow-up appointments to schedule, new routines to establish, and sometimes even changes to the level of care needed. In this episode of the Caregiving Corner Podcast, we break down what families need to know about the discharge process, including:...

One of the things that makes Care Management such a dynamic and impactful field is the wide range of expertise our team brings to the table. In our latest episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Lyndsay Kievit, a Care Manager at Caregiving Corner, who also happens to be a licensed Physical Therapist. This episode is a great reminder of how much value different professional backgrounds ca...

In this episode, we welcome special guest Philip Marxen from Silverstone Financial Fiduciary to talk all things Financial Power of Attorney and how these services complement the work we do at Caregiving Corner through Healthcare Power of Attorney support. Together, we explored how families can benefit from having a strong, well-coordinated POA team that helps lighten the load during stressful tran...

Nearly 1 in 5 employees today is also a caregiver and many are silently struggling to balance it all. In this episode, we’re shedding light on the unique challenges faced by working caregivers, and how employers can better support this often-overlooked population.

As temperatures rise, so do the risks for our aging loved ones. In this episode, we’re diving into the vital topic of heat and hydration and why older adults are especially vulnerable during the summer months. From the early warning signs of dehydration to practical ways to keep your loved one cool and safe, we’re covering everything caregivers need to know.

Taking the first step to ask for help can be the hardest part. In this episode of Caregiving Corner, we’re pulling back the curtain on what really happens when you reach out to us for support. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, unsure if your situation “qualifies,” or simply don’t know where to begin, this episode will walk you through exactly what to expect when you call or contact Caregiving Co...

Caregiving can be one of the most meaningful roles in someone’s life, and also one of the most emotionally demanding. In this episode of Caregiving Corner, we’re taking a closer look at the role of counseling in helping caregivers navigate stress, grief, guilt, burnout, and all the complicated feelings that come with supporting a loved one. Whether you’re a full-time caregiver, juggling responsibi...

Summer getaways, holiday visits, or just a much-needed change of scenery—travel can be refreshing, but when you're a caregiver, it takes extra planning and care. In this episode of Caregiving Corner, we're diving into practical travel tips for caregivers, whether you're taking a trip solo, coordinating care while you're away, or traveling with your loved one.

Moving is never easy—and when it involves an aging loved one, it can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Caregiving Corner, we’re joined by special guest Cindy Greer, Founder of Transition With Care, to explore the vital role of a Senior Move Manager and why their expertise can make all the difference during life’s transitions.

Being a caregiver is a full-time job — but what happens when you already have a full-time job? In this episode of Caregiving Corner, we dive into the unique challenges of balancing professional responsibilities with caregiving duties at home. You’ll hear: · How common is this challenge and why don't more people talk about it? · Strategies for setting boundaries and managing expectations (with your...

In this episode of Caregiving Corner, we break down one of the most commonly misunderstood topics in caregiving: the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. While the terms are often used interchangeably, they’re not the same — and understanding the distinction can make a big difference in how caregivers approach support, planning, and communication.   Join us as we explore:   · What...

In this episode, we dive into the important topic of prepping for a doctor’s appointment for your aging loved one. We discuss why it’s essential to be prepared, not only to ensure your loved one’s health is properly addressed, but also to make the most of the time with the doctor. We explore the value of having someone present during the appointment to advocate for your loved one and help with com...

In this episode, we are joined by Nicki Engel, an expert Elder Law Attorney with Johnston Allison Hord. Nicki shares valuable insights on the crucial steps families should take to ensure their aging loved ones are properly supported and protected. From establishing powers of attorney and advanced directives to understanding Medicaid and estate planning, Nicki walks us through the essential legal c...

In this episode of the Caregiving Corner podcast, we tackle the critical topic of Aging and Finance. Managing finances as we age is more than just balancing a budget—it's about safeguarding independence and ensuring financial security. We discuss why financial awareness is so important for older adults, including the risks posed by common scams that target seniors. Learn to spot red flags and prot...

In this episode of the Caregiving Corner podcast, we explore practical strategies for empowering your aging parents while maintaining their sense of independence and dignity. Instead of taking over tasks, we emphasize the importance of side-by-side activities—working together with your parents on daily tasks and decision-making to help them stay engaged and involved in their own lives. We also dis...

In this episode of the Caregiving Corner Podcast, we explore the importance of decluttering, especially as we or our loved ones grow older. Decluttering isn’t just about organizing a space—it’s about creating an environment that fosters safety, comfort, and peace of mind. Full of practical tips for starting the decluttering journey, this episode speaks about sorting items room by room and approach...

As caregivers, we often focus so much on others that we forget to care for ourselves. This year, let’s flip the script! In the latest episode of the Caregiving Corner Podcast, we’re talking about resolutions that prioritize YOU. Because taking care of yourself is not selfish—it’s essential. Let’s make this year a year of resilient, thriving caregivers. You can’t pour from an empty cup—this is the...