Caregiver Crossing

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...

Nearly 60% of Americans don’t have crucial healthcare documents like a Power of Attorney or advance directive. On this segment of Caregiver Crossing, we speak with Audrey Augustinovicz, founder of Peaceful Journey LLC, about why planning ahead is key for caregivers and families. Audrey walks us through the importance of personalized advocacy, from attending medical appointments to preparing health...

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 real moments from her own experience, tips for keeping loved ones comfortable,...

Medicare can be confusing, especially during open enrollment. In this episode of Caregiver Crossing, Bruce Muller from the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)explains how his team helps families cut through the complexity. From breaking down Parts A, B, C, and D to clearing up myths about coverage and costs, Bruce shares practical guidance and stories that show how SHIP makes a real d...

Companion Care can mean everything from a ride to the grocery store to help with bathing, meal prep, or simply sharing conversation over coffee. In this episode of Caregiver Crossing , we sit down with Kim Moore, Companion Care Administrator at CarDon, to explore how these services meet both the practical and emotional needs of seniors and their families. Kim walks us through the first steps famil...

Laura Johnson has spent years walking alongside families at Joy’s House, first in direct care and now in development. She’s seen caregivers at their most stretched and at their most resilient, and she carries their wisdom with her every day. In this conversation, Laura shares what those lessons look like in real life: a family discovering relief when they finally accept help, friendships that star...

When a loved one gives the gift of life, the journey for their family is only beginning. Courtney Tillotta, Aftercare Support Manager at Indiana Donor Network, joins Tina McIntosh to explain what Aftercare Services look like in practice. She shares how families are paired with a coordinator, the kinds of grief resources and personal check-ins that are offered, and why traditions like quilts and re...

"You are capable of anything", a sentiment shared by Kris from the popular TikTok account Lifewithgrams. In this touching episode of Caregiver Crossing , Kris shares her experiences caring for her grandmother with dementia, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and moments of joy she finds along the way. Her down-to-earth nature and unwavering love for her grandmother shines through...

What happens when a caregiver decides she’s done facing it all alone? Ellen Gullett took her experience caring for her mom and turned it into something powerful: a support group that now brings comfort, laughter, and honesty to caregivers at Second Presbyterian Church. In this episode, she shares how the group began, the surprising things she’s learned, and the stories that stay with her. You’ll a...

As we age, managing health becomes more complex. Multiple doctors, medications, and appointments can make it hard to keep everything connected. Dr. Zaidi, Plan Performance Medical Director at Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, joins Tina McIntosh to talk about what coordinated care really means for seniors and their families. He explains the role of a hospitalist, why preventive care matters, an...

The first weeks of school bring new pencils, fresh notebooks, and the chance to get organized. Caregivers can use that same mindset to prepare for the day-to-day needs of someone they support. Tina McIntosh, Founder and CEO of Joy’s House, shares what that can look like, from keeping a favorite sweater or puzzle in a day bag to choosing a program where your loved one spends the day with people who...

When someone leaves the hospital, there’s often a quiet stretch of time where families are left to figure out the next steps on their own. Angie Light, Founder and CEO of RadiusCare, steps into that space to make sure care keeps moving in the right direction. She talks about the first moments of connection with families, how she untangles the confusion that can follow a hospital stay, and why her...

Most people have an idea of what organ donation looks like, but the reality is more complex and far more human. Erin Brown from Indiana Donor Network explains what actually happens after someone says yes, how families are supported through loss, and why the language we use can shape how people understand their role in the process. She shares what these conversations look like in hospitals, classro...

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...

Do you find the health care system overwhelming? We're excited to introduce a valuable resource designed for this very purpose. The Map to Good Health Resource Kit, created by former nurse and patient advocate Nan Wetherhorn, equips you with the tools to confidently navigate America’s health care system. Start advocating immediately for the quality care you and your family deserve. Show notes: www...

Making a home safe and accessible doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive! This week on Caregiver Crossing , we chat with Carly Weiner from Rosarium Health, an organization dedicated to helping families find trusted professionals for life-changing home modifications. From small, budget-friendly tweaks to major accessibility upgrades, Carly shares insider tips that make a big impact—helping ca...

Joy’s House at UIndy is celebrating 11 years of serving families on the south side of Indianapolis. In this episode, we sit down with Lia Taylor, Program Coordinator, and Nyc Sigmon, Care Services Manager, to reflect on what makes this house feel so full of life. Guests light up when they see familiar faces. Caregivers find peace of mind when they walk through the door. And every day brings someth...