CareLab

Most people think aging has only two paths: either you live independently until you peacefully pass, or you struggle and move to a nursing home. The truth is far more complex—and far more hopeful. In this episode, Brandy and Emilia challenge the binary thinking that holds families back from making smart, supportive choices as they age. From assisted living myths and real costs, to downsizing strat...

What if a $30 grab bar could save you a $30,000 hospital stay? In this episode, we’re joined by OT Maria Lindbergh of Toilet Talk to explore the real cost of bathroom falls, what equipment actually prevents them, and why most homes just aren’t built for real people. Brandy, Emilia, and Maria also dive into inclusive design, visitability, and the power of diversity in healthcare. It’s a must-listen...

In this episode of CareLab, we’re joined by Dr. Lawrence Schiller, renowned gastroenterologist and educator, to explore the fascinating and emerging connection between gut health and Parkinson’s disease. From constipation and swallowing challenges to the groundbreaking idea that Parkinson’s may begin in the gut's nervous system, this conversation will change the way you think about digestive h...

In this inspiring episode of CareLab, hosts Brandy Archie, OTD, OTR/L, and Emilia Bourland sit down with Sam Porritt, founder of the Falling Forward Foundation, to discuss the life-altering moment that changed his path forever—a catastrophic spinal cord injury sustained during a vacation in Italy. Sam shares his personal journey of overcoming paralysis, the critical role rehabilitation played in h...

Hearing loss isn’t just about missing sounds—it impacts brain health, social connections, and overall well-being. Untreated hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline, increased fall risk, and even conditions like diabetes and heart disease. In this episode of CareLab, Dr. Hope Lanter, audiologist and founder of Dr. Hope for Hearing, explains why hearing health should be a priority, how hearing a...

Occupational therapists are natural problem solvers—but did you know they can also be great business owners? In this BONUS episode of CareLab, Brandy Archie, Justin Oakley, and Emilia Bourland explore why OTs are uniquely positioned for entrepreneurship and how they can successfully transition from clinical practice to business ownership. This episode dives into why OTs have a unique advantage in...

Dentures do more than replace missing teeth—they affect nutrition, social connection, and overall health in ways many people don’t realize. In this episode of CareLab, Dr. Joy Poskozim breaks down the essentials of denture care, from selecting the right type to maintaining hygiene and ensuring a proper fit. We discuss common challenges in long-term care settings, the link between dentures and slee...

Caring for a loved one with dementia presents unique challenges, but it also offers opportunities for meaningful connection. In this episode, we explore the experiences of caregivers who transformed their personal journeys into something special—creating a tool that helps others engage with their loved ones in a tactile, accessible, and joyful way. Our guests share their caregiving stories, the st...

Home accessibility is about more than just modifications—it’s about preserving dignity, independence, and safety. In this episode, we sit down with Justin Oakley, founder of Oakley Home Access, to explore the critical role of home modifications in aging in place and fall prevention. Justin shares his journey from occupational therapist to entrepreneur and how he built a business dedicated to makin...

Caring for a loved one comes with emotional, financial, and logistical challenges, often leaving caregivers feeling overwhelmed. In this episode of CareLab, hosts Brandy Archie and Emilia Bourland sit down with Mim Senft, co-founder and CEO of Motivity Care, to discuss how caregivers can better manage stress, streamline caregiving responsibilities, and prioritize self-care. Mim shares her personal...

In this episode of CareLab, hosts Emilia Bourland and Brandy Archie welcome hospice expert Helen Bauer for an insightful discussion on end-of-life care, the importance of rituals in grief, and how to choose the right hospice provider. Helen shares her expertise on navigating the emotional and logistical challenges of hospice care, the role of cultural traditions in the grieving process, and the la...

Falls aren’t just a possibility—often, they’re an inevitability. In this episode of CareLab, hosts Emilia Bourland and Brandy Archie discuss practical strategies for preventing falls, from addressing them the moment they happen to involving occupational therapists and family caregivers in proactive safety planning. They explore the role of assistive devices, when and how to introduce them, and how...

Death is an inevitable part of life, yet so many of us struggle to talk about it. In this episode of CareLab, hosts Emilia Bourland and Brandy Archie sit down with end-of-life doula and Holding Space Consultant, Carole Silvoy, to explore why these conversations matter and how to approach them with curiosity and openness. They discuss the Death Deck, a thought-provoking game designed to spark discu...

Dementia caregiving is a journey filled with challenges, love, and creativity. In this episode of CareLab, hosts Emilia Bourland and Brandy Archie sit down with caregivers to explore how music, advocacy, and storytelling can transform the caregiving experience. They discuss the role of music in memory recall, the importance of building relationships with care staff, and how personal storytelling l...

Did you know that poor oral health can lead to chronic disease, systemic inflammation, and even impact brain function? In this episode of CareLab, hosts Emilia Bourland and Brandy Archie sit down with Dr. Joy Poskozim, DDS FSCD CDP, to uncover the critical yet often overlooked connection between dental health and overall well-being. Dr. Joy explains how inflammation in the gums can contribute to c...

Too many patients leave the hospital unprepared, leading to preventable falls, medication errors, and costly readmissions. Discharge planning isn’t just a formality—it’s a critical step in recovery. This episode breaks down the biggest discharge mistakes, why socialization matters just as much as medical care, and what caregivers, healthcare professionals, and families can do to improve the transi...

Worried about keeping track of medications while traveling for the holidays? In this episode of CareLab, Leeanna Gantt, founder of TookTake, shares how her personal health journey led to the creation of a simple, no-tech solution for tracking medication intake. Learn how TookTake helps prevent missed doses, reduces caregiver stress, and ensures medication adherence—whether at home or on the go. Re...

Have a care situation you’re not sure how to handle? Welcome to The Situation Room, a special episode of CareLab where Emilia and Brandy tackle surprise caregiving scenarios and break down what to do and who to call for help. Whether it’s navigating medication management, home modifications, or ensuring a loved one gets proper care while you're away, we’ve got expert insights to guide you. Res...

The amazing Lisa Kendall LCSW, CSW-G returns! In this episode: Brandy and Emilia explore the hardest lessons they've learned as caregivers and discuss an important topic: Do caregivers need therapy? How can they access it? What are the best support options available? Learn how to recognize signs of caregiver stress, find affordable therapy, and discover other essential resources designed to he...

When caregiving roles reverse, how do you manage both the emotional weight and daily responsibilities? And what’s the real difference between care-giving and giving-care? In this episode, Dr. Sheri L. Yarbrough, Ph. D., joins hosts Emilia and Brandy to discuss her caregiving journey for her mother with Alzheimer's dementia and how she developed the Praxis for Care framework. Resources:Find Car...

Hip fractures are more than just a broken bone—they can lead to serious complications, long-term disability, and even death. Why are broken hips so dangerous, and what can be done to improve recovery outcomes? In this episode, emergency physician Dr. Brittany Lamb joins occupational therapists and hosts Emilia and Brandy to discuss the devastating effects of hip fractures, the biggest risk factors...

Balancing work responsibilities while caregiving can be overwhelming, requiring constant adjustments to expectations, priorities, and mindset. In this episode of CareLab, Brandy and Amelia share personal experiences and practical strategies to help caregivers navigate these challenges. They discuss the importance of setting realistic expectations, prioritizing tasks effectively, and establishing b...

End-of-life care is a deeply personal and often difficult topic, but it’s a conversation everyone deserves to have. In this insightful episode of CareLab, we welcome back Helen Bauer from The Heart of Hospice podcast to explore how to approach discussions about hospice with loved ones. From bucket-list travel dreams to the realities of advanced care planning, this conversation highlights why early...

What exactly do CareLab co-hosts Emilia Bourland and Brandy Archie do—and how does it help YOU?In this episode, you'll meet the founders of AskSAMIE and Higher Standards Caregiver Training—two occupational therapists who stepped outside the clinic to create tools that support caregivers and patients beyond the hospital walls. They share their entrepreneurial journeys, the problems they're...

Self-care isn’t just spa days and bubble baths—it’s foundational habits backed by science. In this episode, Brandy and Emilia break down five key self-care principles that actually make a difference to your health and well-being. They talk about why these basics—like sleep, food, movement, purpose, and connection—are so hard to maintain in real life, especially for caregivers, and share simple, re...