Caregiver Chats

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Nurse Practitioner Sheila Buehler to explore why foot care is a vital part of aging well. Together, they discuss how caregivers can help prevent pain, infections, and falls by supporting healthy feet at home. You’ll learn what warning signs to watch for, when to involve a podiatrist, and practical ways to help with nail trimming, hygiene, and footwear—all aimed at keeping...

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by dementia care expert Adria Thompson, M.A., CCC-SLP for a conversation on how caregivers can support a loved one living with dementia while preserving their independence. Together, they explore the concept of “dignity of risk,” a philosophy centered around balancing autonomy and safety for those living with dementia. Drawing on clinical experience and real-life caregiving d...

In our 50th episode of Caregiver Chats, Dr. Lakelyn welcomes back dementia care expert David Troxel for an in-depth discussion on hiring in-home care for loved ones living with dementia. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience caring for his mother, David offers practical guidance for families and care professionals alike.  Episode highlights include: - Benefits of aging i...

In this heartfelt episode of Caregiver Chats, Dr. Lakelyn sits down with former Wisconsin Governor Marty Schreiber, who shares his caregiving journey with his wife Elaine, and the wisdom he’s gained from nearly two decades of supporting her through her journey living with Alzheimer’s. From heartbreak to humor, Marty brings raw honesty and practical advice for caregivers—especially men navigating t...

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by eldercare expert and author Amy Friesen for a practical conversation on how to start tough talks with aging loved ones. Drawing from over 20 years in senior living and her book “Breadcrumbs,” Amy shares compassionate strategies for discussing care needs, aging, and future planning—with clarity and empathy. Episode highlights include: - Why families tend to avoid care conve...

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Diana Shulla-Cose and Patti LaFleur from Lorenzo’s House for a powerful conversation on the challenges of young-onset dementia. Drawing from their personal caregiving experiences, they share insights on supporting young caregivers, balancing life roles, and building community for families often overlooked in traditional dementia care. Episode highlights include: -Diana’s c...

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by registered social worker, psychotherapist and founder of Compassion in Caregiving, Stephanie Muskat, who shares how caregivers can navigate their caregiving journey without losing themselves in the process. She provides practical tools for balancing personal needs with the demands of caregiving, while addressing common emotional challenges caregivers face. Episode highligh...

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by geriatric dentist and advocate Dr. Joy Poskozim, who shares her expertise on the importance of oral health for older adults. She provides practical advice for caregivers on how to support their loved ones’ dental hygiene. Episode highlights include: - Understanding how aging impacts oral health. - Signs of dental issues caregivers should watch for. - Tips for brushing anot...

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by family caregiving advocate Christina Keys, who shares her personal caregiving journey and offers insights on how caregivers can feel empowered to care for their loved ones. Episode highlights include: -  Adapting to the challenges of caregiving. - Tools and resources for navigating the journey. - Finding inspiration during tough times. - Embracing an empowered caregiving m...

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by caregiving expert and author Dr. Eboni Green to discuss navigating grief and the grieving process. Together, they cover the importance of honoring emotions, finding support, and embracing healing. Episode highlights include: - Understanding grief and its complexities  - How grief affects caregivers uniquely - Practical strategies for healing - Finding hope and moving forwa...

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by RN Jules Stracquadanio to talk about the difficult topic of end-of-life and hospice care. Together, they’ll unravel common misconceptions and discuss how to navigate these sensitive conversations. Episode highlights include: - The importance of discussing end-of-life wishes to preserve  - Understand the misconceptions and realities of hospice care - The benefits of hospice...

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Jim Taylor, President and CEO of Voices of Alzheimer’s, to talk about the latest in Alzheimer's research and treatment.  Jim will share his wife’s story and how she was able to take part in a clinical trial for the most recent treatment approved by the FDA.  Episode highlights include: - Updates on Alzheimer's research and treatment - Importance of early detection and diag...

Dr. Lakelyn sits down with Liz O’Donnell, founder of Working Daughter and a passionate advocate for caregivers who juggle work and family responsibilities. Together, they delve into the unique challenges faced by working caregivers, offering practical tips and strategies to help listeners manage both roles without burning out. Episode highlights include: - The challenges working family caregivers...

Dr. Lakelyn answers caregiving questions from you - our listeners! These questions focus on tips for dementia care, how to support a caregiver in your life, nutrition for aging adults and more. You can submit your questions to Dr. Lakelyn to be answered in a future episode. Email her at  caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com . Episode highlights include: Suggestions to support an overwhelmed caregiver...

Dr. Lakelyn discusses essential home safety tips for aging adults. She offers practical suggestions for each room of the house to help minimize the risk of falls and other accidents. Episode highlights include: - Importance of home safety - Room by room suggestions for home safety - Tools and resources to help families evaluate home safety - Low cost home modifications  Helpful links from the epis...

In this episode of Caregiver Chats, Dr. Lakelyn sits down with Kristen Burke, president of Meaningful Insurance Solutions, to demystify the complexities of Medicare. Kristen, with over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, provides a comprehensive overview of Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, explaining their benefits, costs, and the importance of understanding each part. The discussion a...

Dr. Lakelyn delves into the often-overlooked topic of caregiver guilt and shame with author, speaker, and family caregiver Susanne White. Together, they explore why these feelings emerge and the impact they have on caregivers. Episode highlights include: - Understanding the taboo topic of caregiver guilt and shame - Acknowledging why caregivers feel these emotions - Tips for overcoming shame and g...

In this episode, Dr. Lakelyn discusses a type of benefit that many caregivers may be unaware of—Veterans Assistance (VA) benefits. She is joined by expert Greg Bean to explore VA programs and share tips for successfully accessing these valuable resources. Episode highlights include: - Overview of VA caregiver programs and benefits. - How to get started and who to contact. - Tips for a successful a...

In this second episode of a two-part series on Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), Dr. Lakelyn sits down with Melissa Fisher, a long-distance caregiver and Ambassador for The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD). Melissa opens up about her experience caring for her father, who was diagnosed with Behavioral Variant FTD (BvFTD), and shares valuable insights and lessons she’s gained through...

This episode is part one of a two-part series about Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD).  Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Jerry Horn, a  family care partner and Ambassador of The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD). The two discuss Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), one form of FTD that impacted Jerry’s wife and he shares the lessons he has learned as a caregiver.  Episode highlights include: -O...

In this episode, Dr. Lakelyn and guest Lori La Bey, founder of Alzheimer’s Speaks, and co-founder of Dementia Map discuss the steps to take after an Alzheimer's diagnosis. Lori shares her caregiving journey, offers tips on discussing cognitive concerns with loved ones, and highlights key resources for those navigating dementia. Episode highlights include: -Overview of dementia, including common si...

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Nancy Griffin and Katherine Lord of Glowing Older where they talk about how caregivers can plan ahead to protect their own well-being. Episode highlights include: - Burnout’s impact on caregivers - The importance of planning ahead - Tips for preserving well-being - Insights on the Glowing Older GetSetUp program Helpful links from the episode: - Glowing Older - www.glowingo...

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Elder Rights Specialist Tasha Jones to talk about the latest scams and how caregivers can help their loved one safeguard against fraud. Episode highlights include: - What makes older adults more vulnerable to fraud. - Common scams and why they work. - Tips and resources to safeguard against scams. - How to report if a person falls victim to fraud or other forms of abuse. H...

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Parkinson’s advocates George Ackerman and Pat Donahoo, who will share their respective caregiving journeys and how they have supported their loved ones throughout the process. Episode highlights include: - Early signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease - Challenges of day-to-day care - The benefits of movement and staying active - Helpful resources specific to Parkinson’s...

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by caregiving expert Michele Manger to talk about tips and strategies for caregivers to help them overcome resistance to care. Episode highlights include: - Why older adults are resistant to care and support - Strategies for how to approach the conversation - Practical tips for overcoming resistance to care Helpful links from the episode: - Inspired Caring Podcast - www.miche...