The Care Table

In this episode of The Care Table podcast, Kathy Trimble shares her extensive caregiving journey for her mother with advanced dementia, highlighting practical strategies, emotional challenges of caring for her at home and eventually moving her to a facility, and lessons learned. This episode offers valuable insights for families facing similar situations, emphasizing planning, patience, and compas...

In this episode of The Care Table podcast, Amy interviews Susie Touchinsky, a certified driver rehabilitation specialist and occupational therapist, about the complexities of assessing and supporting drivers with cognitive and neurological conditions. They explore the training involved, common conditions seen, and how to navigate the sensitive process of determining when to stop driving. This inte...

In this episode of The Care Table podcast, Amy Luba, a licensed independent social worker with extensive experience in dementia care, discusses tools and insights for caregivers and those diagnosed with dementia. Topics include emotional support, mindfulness, communication strategies, and resources for navigating the dementia journey. Takeaways: - Practice deep breathing exercises daily - Encourag...

In this episode of The Care Table podcast, Jonathan shares his emotional and challenging caregiving journey for his estranged father that lived hours away, and his mother, highlighting the complexities of dementia care, the importance of legal documents, and the lessons learned through personal experience. He emphasizes the need for family collaboration, understanding, and the emotional toll of ca...

In this episode of The Care Table podcast, Amy Huddleston and Natalie Murch discuss the intricacies of long-term care insurance, including its differences from Medicare, the types of care it covers, and the importance of planning ahead. They explore the role of care managers, the timing for purchasing insurance, and the various triggers for policy benefits. The conversation also addresses common m...

In this episode of The Care Table podcast, host Amy Huddleston speaks with diabetes expert Coni Dennis, DNP, RN, NE-BC about the complexities of diabetes, including its types, symptoms, prevention strategies, and management techniques. They discuss the importance of lifestyle choices, nutrition, stress management, and the role of caregivers in supporting individuals with diabetes. Coni emphasizes...

In this episode of The Care Table podcast, host Amy Huddleston engages with elder law attorney Brendan King to demystify the often misunderstood concepts of estate planning and elder law. They discuss the importance of estate planning for everyone, regardless of wealth, emphasizing that it encompasses both disability and death planning. Brendan explains the probate process, the significance of pow...

In this episode of The Care Table podcast, Deborah Archer shares her long-distance caregiving journey for her parents, highlighting the emotional and logistical challenges faced while caring for a loved one from afar. The conversation delves into the importance of family dynamics, the role of hired caregivers, and the impact of regulations on caregiving. Deborah emphasizes the need for love, under...

In this episode of The Care Table podcast, Amy Huddleston interviews Gayle Rosen, a geriatric care manager, to explore the vital role of geriatric care management in supporting older adults and their families. They discuss the responsibilities of a geriatric care manager, the importance of building trust with clients, navigating healthcare options, and the emotional complexities involved in caregi...

In this episode of The Care Table podcast, Dr. Jenny Silvestain, an audiologist, discusses the complexities of hearing loss, the importance of regular hearing tests, and the various options available for treatment, including hearing aids. She emphasizes the psychological barriers many face when considering treatment and the significant connection between untreated hearing loss and cognitive declin...

In this episode of The Care Table podcast, Amy Huddleston interviews Helen Bauer, a seasoned hospice and palliative care nurse, to demystify hospice care and its benefits. They discuss the philosophy of hospice, the interdisciplinary team involved, and the importance of early engagement with hospice services. Helen shares insights on palliative care, the role of spiritual support, and the common m...

In this episode of The Care Table podcast, Amy Huddleston speaks with Rachel about her long-distance caregiving journey with her parents, discussing the challenges and lessons learned while navigating their illnesses. Rachel shares her experiences with hospice care, the importance of having long-term care insurance, and the emotional and logistical challenges of downsizing and transitioning her fa...

In this episode of The Care Table podcast, Dr. Elliot Davidoff, an ophthalmologist, discusses various eye conditions prevalent among older adults, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. He explains the differences between ophthalmologists and optometrists, the importance of regular eye exams, and the latest treatments available for these conditions. The conversation also touches...

In this episode of The Care Table podcast, Dr. Diane Fleming shares her journey and expertise in physical therapy, particularly focusing on geriatrics. She discusses the importance of physical therapy in improving quality of life, the various roles physical therapists play, and how they can assist caregivers in providing better care for their loved ones. The conversation also covers signs that ind...

In this episode of The Care Table podcast, Kelley Griesmer shares her heartfelt journey navigating elder care for her father during his health decline, exacerbated by the pandemic. She discusses the challenges of securing suitable care facilities, the critical role of financial and legal planning, and the emotional weight of caregiving. Kelley emphasizes the importance of early, open conversations...

In this episode of The Care Table podcast, Amy Huddleston speaks with Samantha Stearns from Songbird Transitions, a full-service moving and downsizing company. They discuss the emotional complexities of moving elderly family members, the importance of early planning, and how to initiate conversations about transitions. Samantha shares insights on the services offered by her company, including mana...

In this episode of The Care Table podcast, Amy Huddleston interviews Vicki Castleman about her caregiving journey with her mother, Dee Chase, who faced dementia and vision loss from macular degeneration. Vicki shares how audiobooks restored her mother’s independence and the emotional weight of transitioning her to memory care. The conversation explores practical tools, the role of family dynamics,...

In this episode of The Care Table podcast, Dr. Jason Hurst, a dual-fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon, shares insights from his extensive experience in knee and shoulder joint replacements. He discusses strategies for optimizing patient recovery, such as encouraging independence through at-home rehabilitation and leveraging nutritional support to boost healing. Dr. Hurst also addresses the chal...

In this episode of The Care Table podcast, Amy Huddleston speaks with Anne Farley, an expert in dementia care, about the complexities of navigating a dementia diagnosis. They discuss the importance of understanding what dementia is, the initial steps families should take after a diagnosis, and the critical role of building a supportive care team. The conversation also covers financial and legal co...