Straight Talk for Giving-Care

In this month’s episode, I’m sharing why an elder care lawyer is an essential member of your caregiver team—and how working with one helped me and my mom through one of our toughest moments. As caregivers, we often take on the responsibility of making life-changing decisions. But without the legal authority to act on behalf of a loved one, even the most basic care steps can turn into overwhelming...

When we think of a family caregiver’s support system, we often focus on doctors and nurses. But there are other professionals who play a critical role in keeping both the caregiver and the care recipient safe, healthy, and supported. In this episode, I’m joined by Emilia Bourland, OTR, ECHM, CFPS, an occupational therapist and entrepreneur dedicated to helping older adults and caregivers access th...

Caregiving is a deeply emotional journey—full of love, frustration, joy, and exhaustion, sometimes all at once. In this episode, we revisit the AIM Framework—a tool designed to help family caregivers manage stress by tuning into the full spectrum of what we feel. You’ll hear: Why it’s just as important to acknowledge joy as it is to acknowledge stress How laughter and lightness can serve as tools...

When it comes to fall prevention, we often focus on external fixes—like clearing walkways and installing handrails. But there's an internal factor that's just as important: bone health. In this episode, I dive into how osteoporosis, often called a “silent threat,” impacts fall risks. We cover: The connection between osteoporosis and fall-related injuries The difference between osteoporosis and ost...

When a loved one faces illness or injury, caregiving becomes a shared journey—not just their experience, but ours too. In this episode, we explore how reflecting on what we would want in a time of need can shape how we care for others. We discuss: The importance of including your own experience in caregiving decisions How recognizing the relationship as a two-way journey reduces stress Why clear t...

Caregiving is already challenging, but when outside forces—like political decisions—affect those we care for, stress levels can rise even higher. This episode isn’t about politics, but about how caregivers can manage stress in uncertain times. We revisit the AIM framework with a fresh perspective: A – Acknowledging your feelings and the impact of external factors I – Identifying the outlets you ne...

As family caregivers, it's easy to feel like you have to do it all. The pressure to manage every task, every responsibility, and every emotion can be overwhelming. But the truth is, we can only do so much as one person. In this episode, I explore the power of creating a care team to break the cycle of doing it all alone. We talk about: Why caregivers often push aside their own needs to prioritize...

Welcome to my podcast, Straight Talk for Giving-Care. My podcast is for family caregivers created by a family caregiver. I’ve been on a care journey through dementia with my mother for more than 12 years. On our journey I’ve learned that the most difficult part of caring for a loved one isn’t taking on additional responsibilities and performing additional tasks. It’s doing that while feeling what...

As family caregivers, we've all heard the advice to "go with the flow." But let's be real—going with the flow can sometimes feel like you're completely out of control. Caregiving is full of unpredictable changes, and when you're trying to keep up with those while managing your own emotions, it can take a serious toll on your health. In this episode, I dive deep into what wellness truly means for c...

I had no idea that SO MANY EMOTIONS would come with the unexpected change to the relationship with my mother. In this episode, I share my journey with "AIM" – a strategy that has profoundly shaped my caregiving experience.  AIM stands for: Acknowledging Your Feelings Identifying What You Need to Continue Caring, and  Making a Commitment to Yourself to Get the Support You Need. I discuss the import...

If I had a nickel for every time I’ve been told I have to take care of myself, I’d never have to work again. There is good intent behind those words, but they never come with a guide on how to act on them. Self-care has to be done consistently to prevent caregivers from burning out while fulfilling their life role. Giving-care is extending the same kind of care to yourself that you extend to your...

Dementia had eroded my mom’s judgment, leading to choices that caused frustration and more work for me. But one unfortunate day, I learned that her decline had also greatly impacted her safety. One moment of distraction on my part led to a broken hip and the possibility of Mom being bed-bound for the rest of her life. I felt like I had failed in my commitment to keeping her safe. It was then that...

How do you heal a broken relationship with someone who no longer has the capacity to process complex emotions? My mother and I have always had a rocky relationship marked by cycles of anger and unfulfilled expectations. After becoming her caregiver, I realized the need to confront our past and find a new way forward. In this episode, we’ll discuss: 📌"The Praxis for Care" and its role in reshaping...

Have you ever faced a moment that completely changed the way you approach life?  In this episode, I share the story on how mom’s breast cancer diagnosis reshaped my perspective on caregiving and my role in the care relationship. Today I’ll discuss: The unexpected impact of a cancer diagnosis on my caregiving role The struggle of making critical decisions about treatment without comprimising mom’s...

This is a story about generational trauma and coming to terms with a life-changing diagnosis. It was supposed to be a routine doctor's appointment until it wasn't. My mom's Alzheimer's dementia diagnosis turned my world upside down, literally. It forced me to move back into my childhood home to take on my new role: family caregiver. This is how it all began. ___________________________________ Thi...