The Daughters on Fire Podcast

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa discuss the financial missteps aging loved ones can make when they try to be generous to others. They may be putting their care needs and resources in jeopardy. In addition, caregivers need to be mindful that they too aren't jeopardizing their financial future caring for a loved one.    For more information about the podcast or for caregiving resources vis...

Robyn and Melissa return with more great insight and support for caregivers. This week they discuss the toll caregiving can take on your marriage and how to safeguard your relationship from any negative fallout.    For more information about the podcast or for caregiving resources visit: www.yourcaregiverjourney.com   For counseling support in Tennessee, you can find Melissa at: www.connectionfirs...

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa discuss some scary situations that can arise when caring for someone with dementia. What happens when your loved one doesn't recognize you and is fearful? How do you handle angry or paranoid outbursts? Listen now to find out tips and insight around these complicated and sometimes scary situations.     Want to be a more empowered caregiver? Check out our co...

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa tackle the maddening aspects of Showtiming! What is showtiming? It is what happens when your loved one with dementia presents to doctors as perfectly intact and healthy. It can be so frustrating, unproductive, and downright crazy-making. You think you know things at home are dysfunctional, but this put-together gem sitting in front of you and the doctor ma...

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa talk about the importance of advocating for your loved one in healthcare settings. This might be an obvious statement, but knowing where to turn and when to speak up can be confusing. Listen now to find out the resources and tips on how to speak up for yourself and your loved one.    Want to be a more empowered caregiver? Check out our courses at Shop Cour...

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa talk about issues that arise with swallowing as Alzheimer's disease progresses. Changes in eating and drinking are normal as your loved one declines. What should you look for, and when should you reach out for help? Listen now as we explore these issues.   Want to be a more empowered caregiver? Check out our courses at Shop Courses (daughtersonfire.com)  ...

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa dive into the emotions that accompany aging and caregiving. Are you dealing with a moody parent? Are you a moody caregiver? How can you help, and when do you ask for help? We will walk you through the emotions of aging and when it is appropriate to cheer up or when it is better just to show up.    Want to be a more empowered caregiver? Check out our course...

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa explore the tendency to revert back to our old childhood dynamics when we get together with our family. We may look like grounded and mature adults, but sometimes all of that goes out the window when we are around our loved ones. When this happens it can throw a wrench in the caregiving process. So, is this normal, and is there a way to manage this tendenc...

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa talk about caregivers going on vacation. This is a necessary time to unwind and recuperate from the difficult job of caregiving. But what happens if there is an emergency with your loved one back home? Should you be notified, do you come home early, or are you completely unplugged and incommunicado? Navigating these considerations and having specific and o...

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa talk about the common feeling of confusion amongst dementia caregivers. On the journey of dementia, caregivers are often the ones who feel lost and dumbfounded by the weird interactions with their loved ones. How do you know when to trust yourself and when to trust your loved one? It is not easy, and it is often a very fluid process.  Join us as we explore...

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa dive into money matters. As your loved one declines, managing their own bills can become burdensome. This can be the first and best way to start assisting them as a caregiver. In this episode we explore what that might look like and tips on how to navigate this stage of the caregiving collaboration.    Want to be a more empowered caregiver? Check out our c...

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa dive into the frustrating feelings that go along with the unanswered questions on your journey. You know, those circular conversations with your loved one with dementia. No matter how or how many times you ask them they just can't give you any answers. And, on a more critical level, sometimes even the professionals and experts don't have the answers you ar...

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa tackle the emotional logistics around adjusting to celebrations. As your loved one declines, large gatherings and celebrations can become burdensome for both of you. How do you deal with the changes, and how do you deal with the grief that comes from saying goodbye to traditions? It's not easy, but Robyn and Melissa have some ideas and suggestions on how t...

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa talk about how fear and anxiety at the beginning of caregiving can lead to anticipatory dread. We can often get caught up in the overwhelming "what if" thoughts about the journey ahead. How can you avoid this dreadful state and learn to take caregiving one day at a time? Listen now to hear some powerful tips on how to ease your fear and anxiety as you begi...

In this episode, Robyn and Melissa reflect on how caregiving changes the relationship dynamics with our parents. Often this may feel like we are becoming our parent's parent. While the responsibilities feel like a role reversal, your parents will always be your parents. How do we honor and respect our parents while we balance taking on the responsibility for their care? Join us on this week's epis...

In This week's episode, Melissa and Robyn talk about creating balance with expectations and visits with your loved one. Oftentimes during a crisis, around the clock attention becomes necessary, but once life settles back down we don't always readjust our focused attention. Is it time to evaluate your visits and responsibilities now that the caregiving crisis has calmed? Listen now to look inside t...

In this week's episode, Melissa and Robyn explore how to ask for help on your caregiving journey. We will dive into the strategies, mindset, and resources out there that make asking for and receiving help easier.    Want to be a more empowered caregiver? Check out our Empowered Caregiver Course at https://daughters-on-fire.mykajabi.com/encore   www.daughtersonfire.com www.facebook.com/Daughtersonf...

In this week's episode, Melissa and Robyn talk about how to say "no" to all of the extra requests and responsibilities that bog you down on your caregiving journey. We all know setting healthy boundaries is necessary, but it can be hard to figure out the best ways to say "no" and set limits. Listen now for the strong, diplomatic, and strategic ways you can confidently say "no."   Want to be a more...

In this week's episode, Melissa and Robyn round out their series on time management with some practical and mindset tips. These simple but useful tips can save you time and headaches as you manage your caregiving journey. If you are interested in learning more about time management tendencies be sure to check out episodes 59-61.    Want to be a more empowered caregiver? Check out our Empowered Car...

In this week's episode, Melissa and Robyn wrap up their series on time management styles. Today we explore the tendencies of the "Analysis Paralysis" and "Second Guesser" types. As we have mentioned, these styles are not good or bad. They are just our unique way of engaging with the world around us. Each of them has strengths and weaknesses. So today you will learn tips on how to manage these two...

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa continue their deep dive into different time management tendencies and how the "McBossy" and "List Maker" styles operate. As we mentioned last week, these styles are not good or bad. They are just our unique way of engaging with the world around us. Each of them has strengths and weaknesses. So today you will learn tips on how to manage these two styles an...

In this week's episode, Melissa and Robyn launch a three-part series unpacking different time management approaches. These styles or tendencies are not good or bad. They are just our unique way of engaging with the world around us. Each one of them has strengths and weaknesses. Over the next three weeks, we will look at how six different types of time management tendencies affect caregiving. Learn...

The Daughters on Fire team has been hard at work developing more courses and tools to help empower caregivers. So while we are away for another week we want to bring you one more popular encore episode. We will be back with you next week with brand new episodes in our Time Management series.  In today's episode, Robyn and Melissa talk about how to evaluate home safety for your loved one. From fall...

In this week's episode, we bring you an encore of a fan-favorite episode with Christine Finnegan. Christine is a music therapist turned mental health counselor and private practice owner. She serves young women at her practice in Nashville called Replenish Her. She has also worked in the past with aging adults in multiple areas of mental health from Alzheimer's disease to depression. Christine tal...

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa talk about the embarrassing but common problem of age-related incontinence. If you are taking care of your loved one on the go you may have to deal with bladder or even bowel accidents. It may sound scary and gross, but you can deal with it if you are prepared. In this episode, we will give you tips and tricks that will help you manage and maybe even avoid...