Specialty Giving Care

Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt episode, we offer a compassionate guide for caregivers, who often grapple with these emotions while tirelessly supporting others. Through a thoughtful breakdown of each stage, I emphasize the importance of extending grace to ourselves and others during those difficult times. From the initial shock and disbelief to the poignant journey towards acceptance, we discu...

Send us Fan Mail Can a simple “I’m so sorry” really make a difference in the life of someone grappling with grief? Discover the transformative power of compassion in this special edition of Thrive Thursday, where we share nine heartfelt tips and tools inspired by CaringBridge.org. We believe that acknowledging the pain, sharing positive memories, and validating someone's grief are more than j...

Send us Fan Mail Acceptance is a continuous journey rather than a finite stage. This episode highlights the importance of giving grief its due time and how we can eventually start to find peace and build new connections. We'll reflect on the process of remembering, recollecting, and reorganizing our lives without the physical presence of our loved ones. As we move forward, we'll explore...

Send us Fan Mail Tune in as I share the hilarious and heartfelt details of Ms. Johnson's interactions with her new dentist, from her witty remarks to the genuine connections made. This episode is a celebration of positivity in caregiving, reminding us all of the importance of uplifting stories and cheerful dispositions. If you have your own joyful anecdotes to share, send them to djohnson@spe...

Send us Fan Mail Tune in to understand how embracing grief-driven depression can act as a protective mechanism, allowing us to slow down, reflect, and ultimately rebuild our inner selves. We'll share compassionate advice on how to make space for these heavy emotions, and why allowing yourself to fully experience this stage can lead to profound personal growth. Depression in grief isn't s...

Send us Fan Mail Join me as we celebrate the extraordinary bond between caregivers and those they care for. This episode is filled with laughter, reflection, and a deep appreciation for the patience and love required in caregiving roles. I invite you to share your own stories of navigating similar unexpected moments, fostering a community of support and understanding. Remember to like, share, and...

Send us Fan Mail Can we really negotiate our way through the pain of loss? Join us on this heartfelt episode of the Informative Tuesday podcast, where your host, DJ, navigates the intricacies of the bargaining stage of grief. Drawing from the profound insights found in "Five Stages of Grief and Grieving" by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, MD, and David Kessler, DJ shares the poignant story of How...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered how to cope with the overwhelming waves of grief while caring for a loved one? Let me share crucial insights from Harvard Medical School on navigating the grieving process. We'll uncover how grief can affect your physical and mental health, and explore the essential support systems available, from family and friends to professional grief counselors and...

Send us Fan Mail What if the intensity of your anger could actually be a testament to the depth of your love? This week on Informative Tuesday, brought to you by Specialty Giving Care, we dive into the second stage of grief: anger. We'll dissect how anger manifests in different forms and targets—from loved ones to even questioning divine entities. Drawing on insights from "The Five Stage...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the transformative power of understanding the first stage of grief, denial, through a blend of personal anecdotes and expert insights from the book "Five Stages of Grief and Grieving" by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, MD, and David Kessler. Join DJ on today's Informative Tuesday as we unravel how denial functions as a critical defense mechanism that allows us to co...

Send us Fan Mail " All journeys have a secret destination of which the traveler is unaware." Martin Buber * The information presented on this podcast is solely for informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for legal, financial, medical, or professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. *

Send us Fan Mail " All journeys have a secret destination of which the traveler is unaware." Martin Buber * The information presented on this podcast is solely for informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for legal, financial, medical, or professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. *

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever witnessed the power of a warm smile and a gentle arm offered at just the right moment? Well, I have, and let me tell you, it's something special. On Thrive Thursday, I'm diving into a story that will tickle your funny bone and tug at your heartstrings all at once. Mrs. Johnson's podiatry visit turned from an ordinary appointment into a lesson on the un...

Send us Fan Mail We will weigh the costs and benefits of traditional homeownership against the vibrant lifestyle of a 55+ Community, providing practical insights that will help you make an informed decision. Learn about the all-inclusive monthly rates that cover property taxes to social events, and how these compare to the ongoing expenses of maintaining a home. With personalized tours, community...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the mysteries of aging with guidance from Johns Hopkins geriatricians Dr. Samuel C. Durso and Dr. Michelle Bellantoni, who join us to illuminate the nuances of geriatric medicine. As our bodies journey through time, the complexity of healthcare intensifies, which is why understanding the pivotal role of geriatricians becomes indispensable. Our esteemed guests share their ex...

Send us Fan Mail  The fall that echoed through our home was a stark reminder that Alzheimer's does not tread lightly. This episode is an intimate reflection on the realities of caregiving, where I share the profound shifts in our lives after Mom's mobility was stolen by Alzheimer's. As we journeyed from the shock of sudden falls to the acceptance of wheelchairs and Hoyer lifts, I le...

Send us Fan Mail Could stumbling in your home be a thing of the past? Join us as we explore essential fall prevention strategies, guided by the expertise from Mayo Clinic's Healthy Lifestyle Division. We shed light on how you can maintain your autonomy and enhance the safety of your living space. From the necessity of movement to the benefits of the right footwear, our conversation covers a s...

Send us Fan Mail As a loving daughter and caregiver, I've learned that the smallest details can mean the world to our seniors, like the proper placement of a seam. This Thrive Thursday, I'm sharing a touching story of my mother, the seamstress. Journey with us as we reach out to a manufacturer with the hope of sparking a change that protects the self-esteem of our graceful elders. It&apo...

Send us Fan Mail Conclusion to Elder Abuse! Do you know the Facts?  Uncover the hidden plight afflicting our senior population as we delve into the troubling world of elder abuse, guided by insights from the National Council on Aging. Elder abuse is not just an issue—it's a crisis, silently devastating up to five million older Americans annually across a spectrum of mistreatment, from physica...

Send us Fan Mail This Thrive Thursday, we're not swapping stories, we're preparing for action. I'm extending a heartfelt invitation to our 'We Need to Talk' event, aimed at starting the conversation gap between loved ones. We're introducing the Hello Game, an innovative way to initiate tough yet crucial conversations about values, wishes, and preferences in a compassi...

Send us Fan Mail Navigating the digital legacy of someone who has died can be a daunting process, but our latest podcast is designed to make it as straightforward as possible. We cover everything from providing proof of death to establishing your relationship to the deceased, ensuring that you have all the information you need to protect their online identity. Whether you're a family member,...

Send us Fan Mail Every Thursday, I get real with you about the bittersweet symphony that is caregiving. This week on Thrive Thursday at the Caregiver Questions, Get Answers podcast, I'm peeling back the curtain on the complexities of this role—a blend of laughter, tears, and unwavering devotion. From the struggle of helping my mother into the car to the triumph of maintaining her dignity, we...

Send us Fan Mail Uncover the hidden plight afflicting our senior population as we delve into the troubling world of elder abuse, guided by insights from the National Council on Aging. Elder abuse is not just an issue—it's a crisis, silently devastating up to five million older Americans annually across a spectrum of mistreatment, from physical to financial exploitation. Our discussion also sh...

Send us Fan Mail As a caregiver, I've come to realize that sometimes a hug is more than a warm embrace—it's a lifeline. Research has solidified what many of us instinctively know: our loved ones need a number of hugs not just to survive, but to thrive. I'll guide you through the essential steps of offering your arm to a senior, providing not just support, but a gesture that resonate...

Send us Fan Mail This episode isn't just about what to say; it's about what to do. We move beyond the common offering of "call me if you need anything," and into the realm of proactive kindness—be it through household chores, carpooling, or even a simple tank of gas. Listen in as we explore how to be a dependable presence, provide financial support without the awkwardness, and...