Lighting the Path: A New Concept of Hospice Care

Episode Overview In this enlightening episode, Dr. Barry Jacobs shares his journey from clinical psychologist to widely-read AARP columnist and best-selling author. Dr. Jacobs discusses how he began collaborating with AARP and the path that led him to write a monthly column addressing the needs and struggles of caregivers across the country. Together with his wife and co-author, Dr. Julie Mayer, D...

In this episode of  Lighting the Path , host Jerry Fenter welcomes Dr. Julia Mayer, a seasoned psychotherapist and co-author of the newly published The AARP Caregiver Answer Book , written with her husband, Dr. Barry Jacobs. Dr. Mayer brings her extensive expertise to offer a comprehensive look at the caregiving journey—from its challenging beginnings to its often-overlooked end. Key Topics Discus...

In this episode of Lighting the Path, we welcome Dr. Barry Jacobs, a clinical psychologist and acclaimed writer for AARP, known for his expertise on caregiving issues. Dr. Jacobs brings a unique perspective, blending his professional background with his deeply personal journey as a caregiver. Join us as Dr. Jacobs opens up about the complexities of caregiving—sharing candid stories from his own ex...

In this insightful episode, Jerry sits down with Dr. Julia Mayer, a clinical psychologist specializing in women's issues and caregiver support. Drawing from both her professional expertise and lived experience, Dr. Mayer opens up about the unique challenges, emotional complexities, and unexpected rewards of caregiving. The discussion includes,  The emotional impact of becoming a caregiver unexpect...

In this episode, we sit down with Shanna Briggs, Regional Manager for the Southeast Texas chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. Shanna shares a comprehensive look at the wide range of resources the Association offers to individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Key topics covered: Caregiver Support: Shanna highlights the importance of caregiver support groups,...

In this heartfelt episode, we welcome Shanna Briggs, the Southeast Texas Regional Manager for the Alzheimer's Association. Shanna opens up about her deeply personal journey as a caregiver for her mother, who was diagnosed with a rare form of dementia. She shares the challenges and rewards of being a "sandwich caregiver," balancing the responsibilities of raising her two daughters while supporting...

In this episode, we welcome Jill Couch, a DAWN Dementia Care Specialist, Trainer, and Occupational Therapist, who brings years of expertise helping families and professionals navigate the challenges of dementia care.  Jill explains how the DAWN Method offers a strength-based, person-centered approach that transforms the caregiving experience for both families and professionals. The DAWN Method hel...

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, we sit down with Jill Couch, a dementia care specialist, DAWN Method trainer, and founder of Better People Care. Jill shares her personal journey into dementia care, sparked by her experiences as a caregiver for her father, who recently passed away after living with dementia for several years. Jill opens up about the challenges and rewards of caring for a...

In this episode, we welcome Carrie Aalberts, also known as The Dementia Darling, to discuss her work in gerontology and dementia care. Carrie, the founder of Dementia Darling, provides valuable resources, speaking engagements, and consulting services for both private and professional caregivers. Episode Highlights: Carrie shares her journey into gerontology and what inspired her to create Dementia...

In this episode, we welcome Carrie Aalberts, widely known as The Dementia Darling, to share her inspiring journey in the field of dementia care and support.  Carrie shares her expertise, personal experiences, and the mission behind Dementia Darling, offering valuable insights for anyone touched by dementia care. Carrie recounts her pre-teen experience of watching her grandmother battle dementia wh...

In this episode, we explore the world of hospice volunteering with Deanna Sonnier, the volunteer coordinator for Harbor Hospice of Beaumont. With 14 years of experience, Deanna shares valuable insights into the roles of hospice volunteers and the process of becoming one. Key Points Volunteer Roles : Hospice volunteers can contribute in various ways, including: Providing companionship to patients O...

In this powerful episode, we welcome Sheralin Samuels, a dedicated caregiver who shares her personal journey of caring for her mother with early-onset Alzheimer's. Sheralin opens up about the challenges of balancing her caregiving responsibilities with raising two young children, maintaining her marriage, and working full-time. She offers valuable insights into the unique difficulties of caring fo...

In this episode, we welcome Sheralin Samuels, a dedicated caregiver and medical professional, who shares her personal journey of caring for her mother diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Sheralin's story highlights the challenges of recognizing the disease at a young age and the profound impact it has on families. She reflects on how she and even some physicians were initially in denia...

In this episode, we speak with two exceptional Harbor Hospice and Beacon Hospice professionals who have been recognized for excellence in their field: Hope Nelson, office coordinator in Oakdale, Louisiana Genevieve Himes, volunteer coordinator in Victoria, Texas Our guests share their personal journeys into hospice care and offer valuable insights for those considering a career in this meaningful...

In this episode, grief specialist Gary Roe discusses how survivors can manage feelings of guilt after the death of a loved one. Roe explores the difference between guilt and regret and offers methods for finding forgiveness and reducing emotional baggage. Guilt vs. Regret Roe explains that while often used interchangeably, guilt and regret are distinct emotions: - Guilt is the feeling we experienc...

In this episode, we welcome grief specialist Gary Roe, author of several books on grief, to discuss how loss impacts relationships. Gary shares insights from his extensive experience and personal journey with grief. This episode offers valuable insights for those navigating grief and its effects on past, present, and future relationships. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the grieving...

In this podcast episode featuring grief specialist  Gary Roe , the discussion centers on managing grief during the holidays, a time often marked by intensified emotions for those experiencing loss. Here are the key points covered in the episode: Why Grief Intensifies During the Holidays Emotional Triggers : The holidays can amplify feelings of grief due to memories associated with loved ones who h...

In this episode, we speak with two exceptional Harbor Hospice and Beacon Hospice professionals who have been recognized for excellence in their field: Dina Stepan, receptionist Carey Davis, social worker Our guests share their personal journeys into hospice care and offer valuable insights for those considering a career in this meaningful field. Topics discussed include: What drew them to work in...

As the holiday season approaches, many individuals find themselves grappling with grief and sadness rather than experiencing the traditional joy and cheer. The holidays, typically a time for family gatherings, can feel particularly heavy when a significant family member is no longer present. In this replay episode, Polly Stock, the Bereavement Coordinator at Harbor Hospice of Missouri, offers valu...

In this episode, host Jerry Fenter interviews Susanne White, founder of Caregiver Warrior. As a family caregiver with personal experience, Susanne has created an organization dedicated to supporting the family caregiver. Tune in for invaluable insights and encouragement for caregivers everywhere! Episode Highlights: Inspiration for Caregiver Warrior : Susanne shares her personal journey as a careg...

In this episode, we welcome Susanne White, who dedicated a decade to caring for her family members, including four years for both of her parents, who passed away just seven weeks apart. Susanne opens up about her transformative caregiving journey, sharing invaluable lessons learned along the way. She hopes to empower fellow caregivers, offering hope and guidance drawn from her own experiences. Tun...

In this episode, we speak with two exceptional Harbor Hospice and Beacon Hospice professionals who have been recognized for excellence in their field: Shannon Britan, RN Case Manager Erica Sanchez, RN Case Manager Our guests share their personal journeys into hospice care and offer valuable insights for those considering a career in this meaningful field. Topics discussed include: What drew them t...

In this episode, we speak with two exceptional Harbor Hospice and Beacon Hospice professionals who have been recognized for excellence in their field: Shawna Sibley, Hospice Administrator Graham Paterson, Hospice Spiritual Counselor Our guests share their personal journeys into hospice care and offer valuable insights for those considering a career in this meaningful field. Topics discussed includ...

In this episode, we welcome Rosanne Corcoran, host of Daughterhood: The Podcast for Caregivers and a recognized advocate for aging. Rosanne shares the inspiring story behind Daughterhood, a vital resource for caregivers, and discusses how her personal caregiving experience was helped by this supportive community.  Rosanne brings her wealth of experience and compassionate approach to caregiving, of...

In this episode of  Lighting the Path , Rosanne Corcoran shares her transformative journey through 12 years of caregiving for her mother with dementia. Rosanne discusses the emotional and practical challenges she faced, the lessons learned, and the importance of community and support for caregivers. Listeners will gain valuable insights into navigating the complexities of caregiving, including str...