Hey Woman

Why does one woman end up managing the care while everyone else waits to be asked? Caregiver support can feel out of reach when one person carries the responsibility for keeping everything organized. For women caring for a loved one, familiar family roles can add frustration to an already demanding situation. Julie and Cortney explore how those patterns shape expectations, why relatives may wait f...

What happens when a hospital discharge, new diagnosis, or sudden decline forces a decision before the family has discussed what Mom or Dad actually wants? Caring for senior parents often begins gradually, long before anyone uses the word caregiver. For women managing family caregiving, small changes can become major decisions about health care, living arrangements, legal documents, and end-of-life...

What happens when caring for others leaves so little room that exhaustion starts affecting every part of life? Caregiver fatigue can build quietly as work, family, household responsibilities, and caregiving compete for the same limited time and energy. Emotional exhaustion can make it harder to stay present, patient, and connected, while guilt can make asking for help feel like one more thing to s...

What if the first sign an aging parent needs financial help is hiding in a checkbook, a late notice, or a stack of unopened mail? Managing finances for an aging parent can become part of caregiving gradually, often before a family realizes what has changed. Julie and Cortney discuss how caregivers can recognize warning signs, protect independence, and keep records that may prevent problems later....

What happens when the 2 a.m. call comes and your loved one is headed to the ER, but you are not ready? A caregiver emergency can quickly become hours of waiting, difficult decisions, and emotional strain. Planning ahead can help a family caregiver stay focused on her loved one while managing the realities of a long hospital visit. What to pack in a hospital go bag, including a charger, snacks, wat...

What happens when siblings all want the best for Mom or Dad, but cannot agree on what that looks like? Caring for elderly parents can bring old family dynamics, financial questions, and difficult decisions to the surface. When responsibilities are unclear or communication breaks down, even well-intentioned family members can become overwhelmed, suspicious, or resentful. Why transparency around mon...

What happens when you realize you can't meet every need your loved one has by yourself? Many family caregivers try to handle everything on their own until exhaustion, a medical crisis, or a difficult decision forces them to ask for help. Building a trusted caregiving team before that moment can reduce stress, provide better support for a loved one, and help caregivers make informed decisions with...

Many women expect dealing with grief to become easier after the first year. When it does not, they may wonder why they are still struggling or feel pressure to return to who they were before the loss. In this episode, Julie and Cortney explore why the second year of grief can feel different, more permanent, and sometimes more isolating. They discuss the pressure to “be better,” the danger of compa...

Choosing a nursing home or care facility can feel overwhelming—but knowing what to look for can make all the difference. In this episode, we’re joined by elder care navigator Jasmyn Winey to break down how families can confidently navigate elder care decisions. Alongside Cortney and Julie’s personal caregiving experiences, this conversation provides a well-rounded look at the realities of transiti...

Assisted living or aging in place—which is the right choice for your loved one? In this episode, we break down the key differences with Virla Ocker, Admissions Director at Nippenose Valley Village. Learn how to evaluate senior living communities, what to look for during facility tours, and the critical questions every family should ask before making a decision. We also dive into: • The benefits of...

Caregiving while maintaining a career is one of the most challenging realities many families face today. In this episode, Courtney and Julie dive into the realities of balancing caregiving and employment—from navigating work-life balance to understanding legal protections and family leave options. Whether you're caring for an aging parent or planning for the future, this conversation offers practi...

Caregiving conflict isn’t always about what needs to be done—it’s about how each person naturally tries to do it. In this episode, Cortney Steinbacher and Julie Steinbacher explore how the Kolbe assessment can be a powerful tool for caregivers—helping families understand problem-solving styles, reduce tension, and make clearer decisions together. Listeners will discover: How Kolbe explains differe...

What happens when an aging parent is still physically independent, but suddenly more alone than anyone realizes? For many family caregivers, care begins long before medication lists, doctor visits, or daily hands-on help. It often starts with loneliness, lost routines, and the quiet fear that an aging loved one is slipping into isolation. Family caregiving specialists, Cortney and Julie Steinbache...

Hosted by Julie and Cortney, this episode explores how modern tools can support caregivers, from familiar devices like Alexa and Apple Watch to virtual medical visits. Drawing on their real-life caregiving experience, they focus on practical uses, privacy considerations, and why starting small can make these tools easier to adopt and more effective over time.

Caregiving visits can feel overwhelming when time is limited and needs are constantly changing. In this episode, Cortney and Julie share practical ways to make visits more meaningful, focusing on presence over tasks, creative activities that foster connection, and routines that adapt as care needs evolve. A compassionate conversation about showing up with intention, even when plans shift and momen...

Estate planning isn’t just about documents; it’s about protecting the people you love. In this episode, Cortney and her mom Julie break down wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, explaining how early planning creates clarity, protects assets, and supports caregivers before a crisis hits. A practical, compassionate conversation about legacy, family, and making informed decisions.

This conversation, with Julie Steinbacher and Cortney Steinbacher, explores the journey of caregiving, focusing on the challenges faced by caregivers, the importance of respite care, understanding various levels of care, and the role of elder law attorneys in navigating these complexities. It emphasizes the need for planning, both for emergencies and financial considerations, to ensure the well-be...

In this episode, Julie Steinbacher, Cortney Steinbacher, and special guest, Eloy van Hal explore innovative approaches to dementia care. They focus on the concept of dementia villages and the importance of viewing individuals with dementia as people with abilities rather than patients. The conversation highlights the significance of personalized care, outdoor activities, and the role of music in e...

In this heartfelt episode, hosts Cortney and Julie Steinbacher explore the complexities of caregiving through personal stories and expert insights. Joined by long-term care expert Don Quante, the discussion dives into financial strategies, the impact of COVID-19 on care facilities, and the evolving landscape of elder care. Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on planning for the future, leveragi...

This conversation with Julie and Cortney Steinbacher, along with guest Eloy van Hal, examines the complexities of caregiving, particularly in the context of dementia and end-of-life care. The speakers share personal experiences and emphasize the importance of communication among family members when making care decisions. They discuss cultural differences in approaches to end-of-life care, the sign...

In this conversation, co-hosts Cortney and Julie Steinbacher emphasize the significance of effectively communicating emotional needs within relationships. They highlight the common tendency to offer solutions instead of providing empathetic support, stressing the importance of being heard and understood during difficult times.

This podcast episode explores the emotional journey of caregiving, reflecting on personal experiences and lessons learned. Hosts Cortney and Julie Steinbacher discuss the challenges of balancing caregiving with personal life, the importance of communication, and the need for advocacy in the caregiving process. They emphasize that caregivers are not alone in their struggles and that seeking support...

Co-hosts Cortney and Julie Steinbacher reflect on their first holiday season without their beloved Nan, sharing personal stories and insights about navigating grief, caregiving, and the importance of maintaining traditions while adapting to new realities. They discuss the challenges of gift-giving, the significance of food and recipes, and the power of connection through touch and shared experienc...

This conversation with Julie and Cortney Steinbacher, along with guest Eloy van Hal, explores the intersection of holiday traditions and dementia care, emphasizing the importance of normalcy, autonomy, and community support. The speakers share personal stories and insights from their experiences, advocating for a holistic approach to caregiving that prioritizes the individual's preferences and qua...

In this episode of the Hey Woman podcast, hosts Cortney Steinbacher and Julie Steinbacher feature their first non-family guest, Don Quante, a financial expert who shares insights on long-term care and financial planning. Don discusses the impact of caregiving on families, the importance of financial products, and the evolving landscape of long-term care post-COVID. The conversation highlights the...