Finding A Foothold

Helping parents stay safe at home is at the heart of so many adult children — and a concern for many older adults as well. 💛  In this episode of the Finding a Foothold Podcast, occupational therapist Consuela Marshall, OT, CDP, CAPS, CHAT, shares why fall prevention begins with awareness, honest conversations, and simple planning. Through real-life stories, she reminds us that many falls can be p...

If you’ve never been a caregiver—caring for a parent, spouse, or loved one—you may not fully understand the challenges. But for those who are family caregivers, we know the stress, the burnout, and the emotional rollercoaster are real. In today’s episode, we dive into the story of a daughter caring for her mom after a stroke. Five years in, she’s exhausted, struggling with burnout, and unsure how...

Welcome to Finding a Foothold , which was ranked #31 out of the top 70 caregiving podcasts by FeedSpot! I can't even begin to tell you how much this means to me. As someone passionate about serving caregivers, being recognized in this way is both humbling and motivating. Welcome to the first episode of 2025!  In this episode, I reflect on the journey so far and share some exciting updates for...

In this episode of Finding a Foothold , I discuss where to begin as you struggle to come to grips with the devastating news that your loved one has had a stroke.  You are likely entering a new world full of unfamiliar medical jargon, different medical professionals, and so many moving parts.  It is easy to feel overwhelmed by all the information given to you, on top of the whirlwind of emotions ca...

In this episode I address a common yet challenging scenario where a caregiver struggles to manage their own life while caring for an appreciative but unaware parent.  Join us as we explore: The signs of caregiver burnout and why recognizing them early is crucial. Strategies for having honest conversations with your loved one about the difficulties you're facing. Practical tips for bringing in...

This is a replay of a  previous podcast.  I thought it fitting to replay it, as it had many downloads and many appreciated the first release.  Please enjoy. Caring for your parents is honorable but also challenging. You want to do all you can to make things easier for them, so you put all your energy and effort into trying to meet their every need. When you do this, you often do it at the expense...

In this episode, we tackle the complexities of caregiving by addressing the difficult task of setting boundaries with demanding parents.  Learn from the extensive experience of  an occupational therapist and caregiver as  insight  and strategies for maintaining balance and well-being while caring for a demanding loved one are presented. Discover the importance of acknowledging caregiving challenge...

In this episode, we delve into empowering caregivers to create opportunities for experiencing  a happier 2024 by focusing on mindset shifts and strategic planning. We explore the importance of cultivating a positive outlook, building a supportive network, and establishing a caregiving team.  We also emphasize the significance of pursuing opportunities for time away, encouraging caregivers to becom...

In this episode, we dive into the vital conversation of assessing the safety of aging parents and grandparents as families reunite for visits during the holiday season.  While it's a time to gather, have fun, and continue cherished family traditions, it's also an opportune moment to prioritize the well-being of our elderly loved ones.  Listen as we share practical tips for families to he...

In this episode, we talk about the important topic of aging in place.  What are things that we can do when a parent in advanced aging desires to live out their lives in their own home, even when you see that things have become challenging and there are fall risks?  What are some things that you can learn to do to improve their safety and ability to do basic personal care and mobility tasks, when t...

In this episode of "Caregivers Finding a Foothold," we tackle a pressing concern: preventing caregiver injuries. These injuries are happening.  The injuries are changing lives, these injuries often long lasting and affect the quality of life of the family caregiver long after the caregiving journey has ended. Caregivers often neglect the subtle signs their bodies give them, leading to in...

This episode addresses a question called into the podcast call in line, from a caller Jim.  Jim has expressed frustrations this summer, at always having to cancel his plans and never having enough time to take care of his needs, due to care duties related to caring for him mom.  In today's discussion, we delve into the importance of creating time for yourself as a caregiver and the strategies...

A re-release of a popular podcast from last year which has helped many family caregivers adapt to life caring for a loved one who has had a stroke. As a caregiver, if your loved one has had a stroke, how much help they will need can vary greatly.  It can range from them requiring no assistance with care, to requiring more care than one person can offer.  Do your homework by learning about your lov...

This episodes addresses a question called into the podcast call in line. When you are caring for an aging parent who is still in their own home, things can get challenging.  Especially when you have moved back in to care for them and they are having difficulty accepting recommendations from you. That is the case with Victoria, who called in a question, giving a scenario to a challenge she has assi...

Today's episode features a guest who shares her story of courage.   We will return to our format of addressing your concerns called in to the call-in line, on our next episode. My guest for this podcast episode is Eve Hill.  She is a Californian.  She was a former sitcom writer, grant writer and a community liaison for the Los Angeles Unified School District.  She is a licensed California rea...

In our calendar year, there are seasons. The climate changes as we go through the year and we must navigate through those seasons, making adjustments to accommodate for the newness of events and challenges which come. The same is true for caregiving.  There are times when you settle into a routine as you make accommodations for your aging parents' needs.  But there are also those times when i...

Not all caregivers endure the same types of stress.  What keeps you up at night or causes tears to flow down your face when someone asks, "How you are doing?" Your story may be very different from another family caregiver.    Each story can be different.  As a family caregiver,  you face unique stressors that come with the territory of caring for someone . You may feel overwhelmed by bal...

The year 2022 has been about change and growth for me and many of you.    Thank you for daring to believe then taking the courage to take the first steps. That has been the case here in the Finding A Foothold Community.  Thank you to the many who have joined this community, making the decision to no longer isolate, to connect to others, and begin to experience hope. My desire has been to reach tho...

A caller left a message on the call-in line, explaining the following scenario: Son states:  Mom previously lived alone, had a fall and injury to her hip 3 months ago.   Mom currently has home health OT and PT to help with her recovery but they will be ending soon.  Mom is much better, using a walker and requires supervision while walking in case she loses her balance.  Son states mom has no cogni...

Daughter works from home.  She is grateful for that because she is the primary caregiver for her mom who lives with her.   Since home from the hospital after a hip fracture, mom with weakness and needs help with all task.  Daughter very concerned that she may  jeopardize her ability to remain a remote worker due to mom constantly calling her.  Today's question will address that scenario. A ca...

Being in the hospital for several days would result in most of us wanting to go home.  We would be ready to sleep in our own beds and eat food that we enjoy.   And this is also often the case with many elderly patients who are being discharged from the hospital, they are ready to go home! I know this all too well, because after one of my mother's hospitalizations, she was insisting on skippin...

When you are caring for an aging parent of the opposite sex, things can get a little awkward -- when it comes to modesty with toileting and other aspects of care. This is the case with Jenna,  with a question of how to address concerns that her dad may have fall risks in the bathroom, difficulty with toileting.  Question:  Jenna indicates dad goes into bathroom, locks the door and does not allow h...

Maintaining your health and well-being while caregiving is a must.   Unfortunately most caregiver learn this the hard way.  (I know I did!)   As a caregiver, if your number one focus is to only be concerned that your loved one has everything they need, that they have a good quality of life but you forget to take care of yourself in the process, you are headed down the road to mental and physical c...

As a caregiver, if your loved one has had a stroke, how much help they will need can vary greatly.  It can range from them requiring no assistance with care, to requiring more care than one person can offer.  Do your homework by learning about your loved one’s strengths and weaknesses.    Be realistic about what you can do.  Just because you can’t do it all, doesn’t mean you don’t love them, it ju...

Caring for your parents is honorable but also challenging.  You want to do all you can to make things easier for them, so you put all your energy and effort into trying to meet their every need.  When you do this, you often do it at the expense of your own mental and physical well-being, and this can have dire consequences. Family caregivers often neglect their health as well as sacrifice other me...