Caregiver Crossing

When a crisis hits, caregivers are often left trying to track down basic information. Jean Ross, CEO and co-founder of Primary Record, talks about why access to medical records matters, how tools like MyChart and family electronic health records support that access, and why rural communities need more attention. We also touch on  Wasabia , the play at Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre, and how...

A deck of cards, a short walk, and a few minutes of music. Beth Timko from CarDon & Associates joins us to share how recreation therapy shows up in everyday life with older adults. She walks through what engagement really looks like, how to read what someone needs, and why simple activities can open the door to connection. We also spend time on two topics that come up more often than people ex...

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, incl...

At the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre, Constance Macy, Christel DeHaan Artistic Director, shares how theatre can open the door to conversations people are not always sure how to start. We talk about Wasabia, a production that touches on dementia, end of life decisions, and medical aid in dying, and how being in a theatre setting allows people to sit with these topics in a different way. Constance...

At the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre, Constance Macy, Christel DeHaan Artistic Director, shares how theatre can open the door to conversations people are not always sure how to start. We talk about Wasabia, a production that touches on dementia, end of life decisions, and medical aid in dying, and how being in a theatre setting allows people to sit with these topics in a different way. Constance...

PrimeLife Enrichment has been part of Indianapolis for years, but what stands out is how it continues to shift with what people actually need right now. Finding something that fits your day again can take time, especially when routines start to change. Sloane and Leesa share how PrimeLife Enrichment helps caregivers and older adults get into classes, movement, and social opportunities. From lifelo...

Caregiving by nature is an incredibly lonely job. Realizing there are other caregivers out there can change everything. Amanda and Emmalee share how Cocktails & Caregivers shows up in real ways, from care packages and travel support to gatherings where no one has to explain what they are carrying. We also touch on Mythical Kitchen’s Last Meals and how simple questions can open the door to stor...

Rachel Nelson, Executive Director of Home Repairs for Good, joins us to talk about the repairs that can determine whether someone can continue living in the home they love. She explains what her team often discovers during their first visit, from bathrooms without grab bars to steep steps that make it difficult to enter the house. Rachel shares how mobility repairs, home stabilization work, and on...

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...

Dr. Robert Russell, Chief Medical Officer at Majestic Health, joins us to share what led him into geriatric medicine and why he believes caring for older adults is some of the most meaningful work a physician can do. He explains what his role entails, how families can advocate for their loved ones within a medical team, and the top three concerns facing our aging population today. We also talk abo...

Doug joins us to share how chaplain work shows up far beyond hospitals or end of life settings. From workplaces to community spaces, he explains how being present and listening without judgment can change the direction of a hard conversation. We talk about what caregivers often keep to themselves, how to sit with someone who feels overwhelmed, and why simply knowing someone is available can make a...

It usually starts with a question no one feels ready to ask. If care cannot continue at home, what happens next? Madison Wood-Gonzalez shares what happens next and how Morning Light steps in for people who have nowhere else to go. She explains who qualifies for a hospice home, what daily life looks like inside the house, and how residents are welcomed with dignity. See Privacy Policy at https://ar...

Dave Holder has walked alongside countless families facing some of the hardest decisions they'll ever make. In this episode, he shares what it really looks like to find the right care setting, what families need in those first conversations, and how to build trust when emotions are running high. Dave also reflects on his personal experience as a caregiver, why he believes in the power of community...

The decision to bring in home care usually grows out of everyday life. Jake Campbell talks about the small changes families notice first, how routines become harder to keep up with, and why caregiving can slowly turn into constant coordination. He shares what often stays familiar once support begins, what starts to ease for caregivers, and how home care can help families regain time and attention...

Shelly and Mark share how Pure Memory Water grew out of their years caring for Shelly’s mom as she lived with Alzheimer’s. They talk about what pushed them to start thinking about brain health earlier, why hydration became their entry point, and how small daily habits can fit into real caregiving life. Somewhere along the way, you may also decide it is time to try the pomegranate flavor. See Priva...

Former Wisconsin Governor Martin J. Schreiber  shares the personal story behind his book My Two Elaines  and the years he spent caring for his wife after her Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Marty reflects on loving two versions of the same person, the early realities many spouses are unprepared for, and how his understanding of the disease changed as Elaine’s needs evolved. He speaks honestly abo...

Todd Wagoner and Sydney Wormgoor from Community Health Network’s Healthy Aging Transition Services join Caregiver Crossing to talk about how trauma and dementia shape care decisions and caregiver experiences. They explain how HATS supports families during transitions and how the Vital Minds grant is strengthening brain health education across Marion County. The episode also includes a spotlight on...

Join us as we re-listen to one of the most listened to episodes of the year! What happens when the person who supports families through dementia has lived that journey herself? Precious, Memory Care Support Specialist with American Senior Communities, joins Caregiver Crossing to talk about what families may notice during the holidays and how to make gatherings feel good for everyone. She shares re...

Special Agent Victoria Madtson joins us for a look at the scams targeting families today. She explains why certain calls sound believable, how scammers use pressure to gain control, and the quick steps that help people stay safe in the moment. We also touch on World AIDS Day and Fanconi Anemia as reminders of the many challenges families navigate each year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/...

Dustin Ziegler and Kelley Brown join us to talk about National Family Caregivers Month and National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. They walk through the growing needs of aging Hoosiers and the challenges that come with complex care. We also touch on RJ Mitte and his new partnership with Can Do Canines and the importance of clear communication between families and care teams. See Privacy Poli...

Every year, 12 Days of Caring brings small moments of relief and recognition to caregivers during a season that can feel overwhelming for many. Maria Page and Kristin Cunningham from Dillman and Owen Elder and Estate Law join us to walk through how the program works, what they have learned from past nominees, and the community effort behind it. We also share how #GivingTuesday gifts to Joys House...

This week on Caregiver Crossing, Dr. Singal takes us into the world of anemia and explains what really happens when the body runs short on iron. He shares the signs people tend to brush off, the tests that bring clarity, and the simple steps that help people get back on track. We also recognize National Diabetes Awareness Month and highlight a Colts cheerleader who connected with a young deaf fan...

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 herstory, Becky reminds us that while dementia brings challenges, it also opens opportunities to find new meaning and purpose in each...

Guest host Angie Light of RadiusCare joins  Caregiver Crossing  for a conversation with Lyndsay Bilbrey and Julia DeLong from Dillman & Owen about what caregivers need to know when planning for long-term care through Medicaid. They share guidance on eligibility, common mistakes, and how to start the process with less stress. The episode also highlights  Be My Eyes , a free app c...

Phyllis Ferrell, global advocate for brain health and Honorary Chair of the Joy’s House 25th Anniversary Gala, joins  Caregiver Crossing  to share practical ways to protect our cognitive health and challenge the way we think about aging. She explains the Five Finger Study and how small, intentional steps can make a lasting difference. The episode also features Jahri's World, whose inclus...