The Care Chronicles by A Caring Touch

Efficiency feels like kindness until it strips away the last thing someone can still do for themselves. We break down the difference between doing something for a person with Alzheimer's and doing it with them, and why that distinction protects dignity, capability, and connection. This episode walks through three critical partnerships: collaborating directly with the person you're caring for, navi...

Caregiving for someone with Alzheimer's isn't just about managing medications and meals. It's about showing up in a way that makes someone feel safe, seen, and not alone. In this episode, Avishka shares a story about a woman who received a stuffed cat during the holidays and how that simple gesture opened a door to connection, memory, and joy. You'll hear why approaching from the front matters, ho...

Most of us think retirement is all about saving enough money, but the real challenge sneaks up in the form of healthcare and long-term care costs. In this episode, we pick up where we left off with Robert Linden from The Fitzpatrick Group, diving into how planning ahead can actually protect your hard-earned savings. You’ll hear how small decisions today can prevent big financial stress later, and...

Planning for retirement can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to protect what you’ve worked so hard to build and make sure it actually lasts. In today’s conversation, you’ll hear simple, practical ways to strengthen your financial foundation and sidestep the hidden costs that quietly drain retirement savings. We talk through what really matters as you age: stability, confidence, and...

Staying active as we age isn’t just about fitness; it’s about keeping our bodies, minds, and hearts moving in ways that make life meaningful. But for many older adults, maintaining that rhythm can be tough when health challenges, mobility limits, or low motivation step in. This episode is all about finding doable, life-giving ways to stay active: physically, mentally, and socially, no matter what...

Medicare can be tricky to figure out, and in this Part 2, we’re getting into the details of Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. Daintee Hurst-Dietz, an experienced Independent Insurance Agent, joins us again to break down what seniors and caregivers really need to know. We talk about how to make the most of preventive services, what’s actually covered, and even some benefits that can help you s...

Hitting 65 comes with a lot of big questions, and one of the biggest is figuring out Medicare. Between Advantage plans, supplemental coverage, and all the fine print, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s exactly why we’re having this conversation, so you can get clear answers and feel more confident about your choices. Today, we’re sitting down with Daintee Hurst Dietz, an Independent Insurance A...

Have you ever noticed little things about your parents or grandparents that made you pause? Maybe the bills are piling up on the counter, the fridge looks emptier than usual, or they just don’t seem quite like themselves. Those small changes can be easy to brush aside, but sometimes they’re really signs that our loved ones need more support. In this episode, we talk about how to spot these moments...

A shared meal can be so much more than just food on a plate; it can be a moment of connection, dignity, and joy, especially for seniors living with dementia. But if you’ve ever cared for a loved one with dementia, you know mealtimes can sometimes feel more stressful than sweet. Maybe they’ve lost interest in eating, or struggle to feed themselves, and you’re left wondering how to make it better. I...

Nobody really tells you how aging can sneak up on the little things, like how your favorite meal doesn’t sit the same, or how staying fresh takes a bit more effort than it used to. These shifts in digestion, immunity, and hygiene might seem small, but they can chip away at someone’s confidence and comfort. In this episode, we’re talking about what’s really going on behind the scenes as we age, and...

We don’t usually think much about things like breathing, circulation, or bone strength until something starts to feel “off.” But these everyday systems keep us moving, steady, and feeling like ourselves, and they change more than we realize as we age. This episode is all about what’s really going on behind the scenes with our breath, blood flow, and bones, and how we can support those we care for...

It can be hard to watch our parents or grandparents change; maybe they’re not as into the things they used to love, or they’re starting to forget little things. But what if those shifts aren’t stubbornness or disinterest… just natural parts of getting older? In this episode, we talk about what really happens as our loved ones age, especially how their senses like smell, taste, and hearing can chan...

It starts with a simple question every caregiver asks themselves: How can I make today meaningful for the one I love ? If you’re in the thick of caregiving, you’ve probably asked that more than once. In this episode, we share a simple yet powerful framework that helps turn everyday moments into ones that really matter—at home, in hospice, or anywhere in between. And it’s not about doing more... it...

No one prepares you for the endless phone calls, the missing signatures, and the sinking feeling of watching days turn into weeks while you wait for home health care approval. If you’ve ever felt trapped in that limbo—wondering what’s happening behind the scenes—this episode of A Caring Touch is here to guide you through it. We dive into the most common reasons authorizations get delayed, from ove...

Most people don’t realize just how much hospice care can offer—until they need it. In this powerful and perspective-shifting episode, Avishka clears the air around one of healthcare’s most misunderstood services. From eligibility myths to fears around overmedication, Avishka walks us through the truths behind hospice care—what it really looks like, who it serves, and how it supports not just patie...

When most people hear the word hospice , they imagine a somber setting or assume it’s only for the final days of life. But in this heartwarming and eye-opening episode, we’re challenging those assumptions and shining a light on the incredible power of volunteering in hospice care. Larisa Silveira joins us to share her deeply personal journey into hospice work—starting with her own misconceptions—a...

So many people hesitate to ask for help at home because they think home health care is only for the elderly—or that accepting it means they’re giving up their independence. But honestly? That couldn’t be further from the truth. In this episode, we’re talking through the biggest myths that keep folks from getting the kind of care that could actually help them heal and feel more in control of their...

When it comes to caregiving, few things are more fundamental than ensuring a safe and secure environment. In this episode of A Caring Touch, we take you into the often-overlooked world of home safety—a vital topic for caregivers, healthcare professionals, and families alike. From fire risks to medical equipment mishaps, the home can hold hidden dangers that impact the quality of care and, ultimate...

What does it really take to help patients rebuild strength and reclaim independence at home? In Part 2 of our conversation with Charles Libby, founder of Libby Physical Therapy Services, we dig even deeper into the realities of home-health physical therapy—and what makes it so uniquely effective. With over 30 years of experience, Charles shares the day-to-day challenges therapists face in patients...

For many patients, recovery doesn’t just happen in hospital rooms—it happens in their own homes. This week, we sit down with Charles Libby, founder of Libby Physical Therapy Services, to explore the world of home health care and the powerful role physical therapy plays in restoring strength, mobility, and quality of life. With over 30 years of experience, Charles shares his journey into home healt...

In Part 2 of our powerful conversation with award-winning author and caregiver advocate Leah Stanley, we go even deeper into the emotional, spiritual, and practical challenge of caregiving. Leah opens up about the moments no one prepares you for—when dementia fully takes hold, when hospice becomes part of the journey, and when family dynamics get… complicated. She shares honest insights on what yo...

Leah Stanley was just 29 and barely a year into her marriage when everything changed—both of her grandparents were diagnosed with dementia on the same day. With zero caregiving experience and no idea what to expect, she suddenly found herself making medical decisions, juggling paperwork, and learning how to care for the people who once cared for her. In our conversation, Leah shares what those ear...

So many families face unnecessary struggles after a hospital stay, simply because they didn’t know what support was available. That’s exactly what happened to Maria and her mom—and their story might sound a lot like yours. We’re talking about the real deal when it comes to home health care: what it is, what it’s not, and why it matters more than most people realize. This episode clears up the conf...

Most people think of hospice and immediately feel a lump in their throat—but maybe that’s because we don’t talk about it enough. This episode is about what hospice actually is, and how it can shift the final chapter of life from fear to something more grounded and meaningful. We’re breaking down what hospice care looks like in real life—what it means for families, for comfort, and for the little m...

Most people don’t realize how much support is actually out there for aging loved ones—until they’re knee-deep in trying to figure it all out. This week, we’re talking about the Department of Aging and Disability (also known as the Administration for Community Living) and the real-world help available through programs like Meals on Wheels, Transportation Services, and Local Area Agencies on Aging....