Caregiver Relief Podcast

Navigating the VA system shouldn't feel like a battle. In today’s episode, we discuss a game-changer for veterans and their surviving spouses: accessing VA-funded home care without the year-long delays. https://www.caregiverrelief.com/veterans-first-va-care-without-the-wait-with-john-mozdzien-episode-169 Key topics covered: Breaking through the "hurry up and wait" bureaucracy to get...

Are you feeling the emotional weight of the caregiving journey? You aren't alone. 🫂 In today’s episode, Diane Carbo sits down with Wes Michael, founder of Rare Patient Voice, to talk about the "shadows" of the rare disease experience. We discuss the mental health burden on caregivers, the frustration of seeking a diagnosis, and why sharing your story can be a truly cathartic experie...

Caregiving is one of the most meaningful roles you’ll ever take on, but it shouldn't cost you your wellbeing. 🌿 In today’s episode, Dr. Corey Seemiller joins the podcast to help us navigate the complex dynamics of caregiving, from handling unsolicited advice to mastering the art of the "no." https://www.caregiverrelief.com/setting-boundaries-and-letting-go-of-guilt-with-corey-seemil...

Navigating insurance battles and equipment denials can feel like a nightmare. Today, we’re shining a light on the hidden struggles of DME and why your caregiving experience is so often hindered by "the system." 🩺 https://www.caregiverrelief.com/its-not-your-fault-why-medical-equipment-fails-families-with-tara-slaughter-episode-166 Key highlights from this episode: 🛏️ Why a "Long-Te...

Are you or a loved one navigating the "big unknown" after a stroke? 🧠 Today, we’re bridging the gap in care with Yagiz Sisman, co-founder of HoustonBionics. https://www.caregiverrelief.com/bridging-the-gap-how-houstonbionics-is-revolutionizing-home-rehab-for-stroke-survivors-with-yagiz-sisman-episode-165 Beyond the Clinic: We break down why standard therapy isn't enough and how to b...

Caregiving is one of the most challenging and meaningful things you will ever do—but you don't have to do it alone. 💙 https://www.caregiverrelief.com/mit-tech-to-daily-mobility-fall-preventing-adaptive-shoes-with-dr-tyler-susko-episode-164 Today, we are joined by Dr. Tyler Susko, an MIT mechanical engineering PhD and the founder of Cadense. Dr. Susko shares his journey from developing rehab r...

What if you had a pair of "eyes" in your pocket, ready to assist you whenever you need them? https://www.caregiverrelief.com/from-low-vision-to-global-vision-the-inspiring-story-of-be-my-eyes-with-founder-hans-jorgen-wiberg-episode-163 Today on the Caregiver Relief Podcast, I’m joined by Hans Jørgen Wiberg, the founder of the global phenomenon Be My Eyes . Hans joins us to discuss how hi...

"Hormones are the messengers... when no one is listening to them, the body doesn't have a voice anymore." https://www.caregiverrelief.com/the-hidden-hormone-connection-understanding-chronic-illness-through-a-functional-lens-with-dr-debra-muth-episode-162 In this episode, Diane welcomes back Dr. Debra Muth , a pioneer in women’s health and functional medicine, to dive deep into the ho...

What if the secret to better mental health for our kids lies in the wisdom of our elders? 🌟 Join Diane Carbo and Dana Griffin (CEO of Eldera.ai) as they explore how virtual mentoring is eradicating loneliness and boosting brain health for seniors while giving kids the steady, loving support they need. https://www.caregiverrelief.com/how-eldera-turns-lonely-seniors-into-kids-lifeline-with-dana-gri...

In this moving episode, Jill Siegal Chalsty joins Diane Carbo, RN to discuss the often unspoken aftermath of caregiving. Learn how to move from a place of exhaustion and "identity collapse" back to a life of purpose and joy. https://www.caregiverrelief.com/packets-of-hope-rediscovering-self-after-the-caregiving-journey-with-jill-siegal-chalsty-episode-160 Key Takeaways: 🩹 Self-Care: Why...

Can you heal beyond the limits of mindset and strategy? Today, Diane Carbo, RN, sits down with Dr. Neja Zupan, founder of the Energy Masters Academy. https://www.caregiverrelief.com/beyond-logic-real-healing-and-transformation-with-dr-neja-zupan-episode-159 After rejecting conventional treatments for aggressive cancer in 2013, Dr. Zupan pioneered a method to rewire the body’s energy system. Now ca...

Stop surviving and start thriving. 🌸 Caregiving is a marathon, but you don't have to run it exhausted. In this episode, Deepak Chari, MS , explains how Voice Biofeedback Technology can end caregiver stress without rehashing the past. https://www.caregiverrelief.com/end-caregiver-stress-with-voice-biofeedback-with-deepak-chari-ms-episode-158 Highlights: 🎙️ The Science of Sound: Learn how 60 tr...

Are "dormant" viruses causing your loved one's chronic fatigue? Diane Carbo, RN, explores how viruses like Epstein-Barr and Shingles resurface in seniors, leading to pain and brain fog often mistaken for aging. https://www.caregiverrelief.com/viruses-that-linger-epstein-barr-shingles-and-seniors-wellness-with-linda-mac-dougall-episode-157 Key Takeaways: Viral Reactivation: Why weaken...

Grief doesn't just go away with time; it requires active work and a decision to heal. In this episode, Diane Carbo, RN, welcomes John Kammer, whose personal journey through multiple significant losses led him to create a unique platform for emotional processing. https://www.caregiverrelief.com/when-grief-changes-you-a-conversation-about-loss-healing-and-holding-on-with-john-kammer-episode-156...

Is AI going to replace the human touch? Host Diane Carbo, RN, and guest Costin Tuculescu dive into why AI is actually a force for good in caregiving. https://www.caregiverrelief.com/beyond-the-hype-the-truth-about-ai-and-aging-in-place-with-costin-tuculescu-episode-155 What you’ll hear: 🤖 AI 101: Why AI is a tool for augmentation, not a replacement for human connection. 📞 Joy Calls: How a simple...

Can you "think" your way to better blood sugar? 🤔 On today's episode, Diane is joined by Dr. Keith Hersey —pharmacist, wellness coach, and Type 2 Diabetes survivor—to explore how shifting your mindset is the first step to healing. https://www.caregiverrelief.com/mindset-to-prevent-or-overcome-type-2-diabetes-with-dr-keith-hersey-episode-154 We cover: ✨ The Mind-Body Link: How stres...

Most people think aging in place simply means not moving. But as Tara Ballman (Executive Director of the NAIPC) explains, true success requires balancing five critical pillars: housing, healthcare, finance, transportation, and social engagement. https://www.caregiverrelief.com/beyond-the-house-what-it-really-takes-to-age-in-place-successfully-with-tara-ballman-episode-153 In this episode, Diane Ca...

In this episode of the Caregiver Relief Podcast , host Diane Carbo, RN, takes you inside the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab —the #1 rehabilitation hospital in the world—to explore the cutting-edge future of stroke recovery. https://www.caregiverrelief.com/rebuilding-life-after-stroke-inside-shirley-ryan-abilitylabs-cutting-edge-rehab-with-holly-paczan-and-caitlin-newman-episode-152 We are joined by thera...

Are you just surviving your caregiving journey? It’s time to thrive. ✨ Join host Diane Carbo and therapist Katherine Jansen-Byrkit as they discuss the spiritual and practical tools needed to protect your peace while caring for others. https://www.caregiverrelief.com/mindfulness-boundaries-and-healing-tools-for-the-caregiving-journey-with-katherine-jansen-byrkit-episode-151 What you’ll learn in th...

Startling fact: Being named a trustee isn’t just about helping a loved one—it’s a legal role that can put your own financial future at risk if mishandled. https://www.caregiverrelief.com/trust-but-verify-what-every-caregiver-needs-to-know-about-trustee-responsibilities-with-linda-mac-dougall-episode-150 In this episode, Diane Carbo connects with Linda Mac Dougall (Holistic Health Practitioner &amp...

Are you ignoring the body's early warning system? 🧠 On today's episode, we dive into Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) with Stroke Nurse Navigator Justin Vechayiem. Discover why a "mini-stroke" requires major attention and how acting fast can save a life. https://www.caregiverrelief.com/warning-shots-understanding-transient-ischemic-attacks-with-justin-vechayiem-episode-149 What...

Does your loved one have trouble understanding speech even though their hearing tests are fine? In this episode, Diane Carbo and guest Linda MacDougall discuss Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)—a condition often overlooked in seniors. https://www.caregiverrelief.com/the-hidden-struggle-auditory-processing-disorders-in-seniors-and-caregivers-with-linda-macdougall-episode-148 What You'll Learn:...

"I don't have a creative bone in my body." "I can't leave my family alone." "It's too late for me." 😔 Sound familiar? https://www.caregiverrelief.com/on-second-thought-maybe-i-can-care-for-myself-too-with-debbie-weiss-episode-147 Host Diane Carbo joins Debbie Weiss, author of On Second Thought, Maybe I Can , for a powerful conversation about shattering th...

Why does Lewy Body Dementia often take 12 to 18 months to diagnose? In this episode, Diane Carbo sits down with Brandi Hackett from the Lewy Body Dementia Association to unpack the complexities of LBD. https://www.caregiverrelief.com/the-overlooked-dementia-shedding-light-on-lewy-body-with-brandi-hackett-episode-146 What We Cover: 🔍 Distinguishing LBD: Understanding the "umbrella" of sy...

Is caregiving taking a toll on your health? 🥀 Today, we sit down with Sabrina Ciceri, a nurse, wellness advocate, and author, to sound the alarm on caregiver decline. https://www.caregiverrelief.com/when-caregiving-hurts-protecting-your-health-while-caring-for-others-with-sabrina-ciceri-episode-145 We discuss the harsh reality that many caregivers give until they break, often facing serious healt...