Caregiver Chats

Dr. Lakelyn sits down with Debbie Weiss, author, speaker, and host of the “Maybe I Can” podcast, for a heartfelt conversation shaped by more than 40 years of caregiving. From supporting her father after a stroke at age 17 to raising a son with autism and caring for her husband through cancer and mental health challenges, Debbie shares the lessons she’s learned across a lifetime of care. Together,...

Dr. Lakelyn is joined live in the Caregiver Chats studio by a panel of three dementia care experts: Michelle Magner, Carrie Aalberts (aka Dementia Darling), and Aaron Fish. Together, provide practical tips to help family caregivers create more comfortable family gatherings, as well as tips for caregiver self-care, meal options, and more. Episode highlights include: Deconstructing the misconception...

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Sam and Susan Simon for an inspiring conversation about what it means to live well after a dementia diagnosis. Together, they share how purpose, creativity, advocacy, and connection continue to shape their lives and relationship as they navigate dementia as a couple. Years before Sam’s own diagnosis with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, he cared for Susan through Stage 3 b...

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Jean Hartnett, a healthcare leader and trauma-informed care advocate, for a powerful conversation about the hidden ways trauma—both past and present—can show up in caregiving. With more than 30 years of experience in senior care, Jean shares insights shaped by her work across the field and through her organization, Radical Sabbatical, where she helps individuals and commun...

Dr. Lakelyn sits down with fellow gerontologist, licensed clinical social worker, and dementia educator Ashley Stevens for an honest conversation about what caregivers truly need beyond traditional self-care advice. With 16 years of professional experience and a personal connection to Alzheimer’s disease, Ashley brings both expertise and lived insight to the discussion. Together, they unpack the e...

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by retired nurse and stroke caregiver Lana Wilhelm for a deeply personal and practical conversation about what happens after a stroke. In 2021, Lana’s husband Rick suffered a severe stroke, and overnight she transitioned from bedside nurse to full-time caregiver. Drawing from both her professional background and lived experience, Lana shares the emotional realities of stroke...

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by occupational therapist Lindsay DeLong, founder of EquipMeOT, for a conversation about supporting personal care routines as we age. Together they discuss how everyday activities like grooming, bathing, and getting ready for the day are closely tied to dignity, identity, and emotional well being. Lindsay shares how common physical changes can make these routines more challen...

Dr. Lakelyn is joined once again by caregiving expert and author Dr. Aaron Blight, returning to Caregiver Chats after his first appearance in Episode #25, Reflecting on Your Caregiving Mindset. This time, the conversation explores the role of spirituality and faith in caregiving. Caregiving often places people in some of the hardest moments of life, including times of decline, uncertainty, and end...

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Nicole Smith—author, advocate, and dementia daughter—for a heartfelt conversation about caring for multiple parents living with dementia across different states during the pandemic. Nicole shares what it was like to navigate healthcare, legal, and financial systems while learning the language of caregiving in real time. Together, they discuss the importance of building a c...

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by return guest April Ibarra, gerontologist and aging expert, for a thoughtful conversation on a topic that many families don’t know how to approach: what happens when an aging parent or loved one starts dating again. From companionship and loneliness to online dating safety and changing family dynamics, this episode explores how caregivers and adult children can support thei...

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Sheri Biller, philanthropist, cancer caregiving advocate, and co-founder of the Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation. Sheri brings both personal experience and professional passion to the conversation as she shares how her foundation is changing the landscape of supportive care for serious illnesses, especially for cancer patients and their caregivers. The Biller Family...

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Carmen Bowman, consultant, educator, and founder of Edu-Catering, to discuss the Validation Method, a compassionate approach to dementia care. Caregivers often feel stuck when faced with repeated questions like “Where’s my mom?” or behaviors they don’t understand. Instead of arguing, redirecting, or dismissing, Carmen introduces simple yet powerful techniques—like rephrasi...

Dr. Lakelyn welcomes Dr. Kerry Burnight, a nationally recognized gerontologist and bestselling author of Joyspan , for a powerful and uplifting conversation about redefining what it means to grow older. In this episode, they explore how caregivers can cultivate “joyspan”—the quality of life in aging, not just the quantity—and help their loved ones do the same. Together, they challenge ageist myths...

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by caregiving expert Pamela D. Wilson to explore one of the most emotionally complex and commonly misunderstood aspects of caregiving: navigating blended family dynamics and complex relationships. As families evolve through remarriage, step-siblings, second spouses, or late-in-life partnerships, caregiving roles can become blurred. Tensions may arise around who makes decision...

In this listener-favorite episode, Dr. Lakelyn revisits a powerful conversation with Laurel Wittman, spousal caregiver and President of the Well Spouse Association. Together, they explore the deeply personal and often under-discussed experience of caring for a spouse or partner. Whether due to illness, disability, or chronic conditions, spousal caregiving brings its own set of emotional and relati...

Dr. Lakelyn welcomes Jennifer FitzPatrick, gerontologist and author of Cruising Through Caregiving , to discuss one of the biggest decisions caregivers face: whether to move a loved one into their home. Drawing from her clinical background and decades of experience advising families, Jennifer unpacks the emotional, logistical, and relational factors behind this choice. This episode provides tools...

Dr. Lakelyn talks with sisters Natalie and JJ Elliott, hosts of Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver, about the ups and downs of caregiving with siblings. They share personal stories from supporting their mom through Parkinson’s and navigating family roles, disagreements, and emotional challenges along the way. It’s an honest, relatable look at what happens when caregiving becomes a team effort, a...

In this episode, we’re bringing back a fan-favorite conversation with aging advocate and fellow podcaster Nicole Will, host of the Will Gather podcast. As families gather for the holidays, many begin to notice changes in their aging loved ones—and questions about care often follow. Dr. Lakelyn and Nicole walk through the full continuum of care, from aging in place to assisted living and hospice, a...

In this episode, Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Dr. Monique S. Nugent, a practicing hospitalist, physician leader, and author of Prescription for Admission. Together, they explore how caregivers can best support their aging loved ones during hospitalizations—a time that can feel overwhelming, confusing, and emotionally draining. Drawing from her years of experience working inside hospitals, Dr. Nugent o...

Dr. Lakelyn talks with Cindy and Christina Hardin-Weiss, founders of Adaptive Equipment & Caregiving Corner, about one of the most sensitive but essential parts of caregiving—incontinence care and restroom safety. Together, they break down the common causes of incontinence, share product recommendations, and offer practical tips for creating safer, more comfortable bathroom routines. Whether y...

Dr. Lakelyn talks with dementia educator Carrie Aalberts, also known as Dementia Darling , about challenging dementia-related behaviors like agitation, aggression, and sexual expression. Carrie explains how these actions are rooted in brain change—not purposeful or willful—and offers practical, empathetic strategies for caregivers. Together, they discuss medical triggers to watch for, when to seek...

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by actor, filmmaker, and former caregiver Katie Prentiss, whose mother lived with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). In this powerful episode, Katie shares how caregiving reshaped her perspective on life and how her upcoming film Wake Up Maggie aims to honor the unseen heroes of caregiving. Together, they explore the emotional journey from trying to control the chaos of caregivin...

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Danielle Miura, a Certified Financial Planner and family caregiver, for a conversation on how to navigate caregiving without sacrificing financial health. Drawing from her own experience and her work with women in life transitions, Danielle shares actionable insights to help caregivers plan ahead, manage costs, and protect their financial future. Episode highlights include...

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by nationally recognized caregiving and equity expert Jason Resendez to explore the newly released Caregiving in the U.S. 2025 report. Together, they unpack emerging trends in caregiving and focus on one critical gap: the underuse of respite care— breaks that give caregivers time to rest and recharge. With nearly 4 in 10 caregivers reporting that respite services would be hel...

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Lisa Pahl, LCSW—hospice and emergency medicine social worker, and co-creator of The Death Deck—for a discussion on how open, honest conversations about death can ease fear, build connection, and create peace at the end of life. Lisa shares wisdom from her years supporting individuals and families through the dying process and offers gentle guidance on how to start meaningf...