The Daughters on Fire Podcast

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa talk about how to cope with the frustration around having a clingy loved one. Whether it's anxiety or confusion, being the only person that can calm or distract your loved one can be exhausting. It may feel flattering that you are their security blanket, but that can soon turn to you feeling overwhelmed. Listen now to learn how you can change that dynamic....

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa discuss a situation involving a declining patient that was sent to the hospital to treat a health crisis. Was this the best intervention for quality of life? Were there other options available that would have been better? Join us as we peel through the layers of this complicated yet common healthcare dilemma.   Want to be a more empowered caregiver? Check...

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa talk about saying goodbye. It is an unfortunate but ultimate ending for all of us on our caregiving journey. Sometimes we experience waves of grief on the long declining path, but it doesn't take away the heartbreak when our loved one passes beyond our caring reach. Join us as we explore the pain and sorrow that comes when our loved one passes away.   Want...

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa talk about how to be prepared for an emergency as a caregiver. With the turbulent Spring months ahead it is good to have a bad weather plan in place. You have probably thought this through a thousand times before, but have you considered what to do as a caregiver? How is your loved-one protected? Are they a part of your safety plan now that they can't take...

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa talk about the difference between time and energy. Have you ever spent hours doing something you loved and completely lost track of time? Or on the flip side, has a ten-minute chore you hated consumed your thoughts with dread? These are some examples of the difference between time and energy. Join Melissa and Robyn as they explain why knowing the differenc...

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa have an honest conversation about the thoughts we struggle with as caregivers. There is an ugly side of caregiving that most of us feel embarrassed to talk about. So, we feel it is time to normalize this experience and bring the shame out of the darkness. As Brené Brown likes to say, shame can not live in the light. Join us as we destigmatize those darker...

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa take a look back at year one of Daughters on Fire. It has been a very exciting time for the podcast even in the midst of a hard and unpredictable year. Through all the ups and downs this new podcast and community have been dedicated to supporting the caregiving journey to make it just a little easier to navigate. We are proud of how far we have come, and w...

In this week's episode, we wrap up our Holiday Encore Series with a favorite throwback episode. Melissa and Robyn have a candid conversation about the tendency for many of us to become people pleasers. This comes from an innocent place of wanting to be liked and get along, but it can get in the way of healthy confrontation. People pleasing can impede your ability to advocate for your loved one and...

In this week's episode, we present an encore presentation of Robyn's favorite episode. Can lying be a good thing?  Melissa and Robyn explore the concept of therapeutic lying. Is lying always bad? Are there times when lying or protecting your loved one's dignity becomes more important than the truth? Listen now to see how you can navigate the pros and cons of therapeutic lying.    Want to be a more...

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa talk about how isolation can take a toll on caregivers and our loved ones during the holidays. Yes, this year we are feeling the impact of physical separation, but there is also the painful impact of emotional isolation. This is when you feel disconnected from shared experiences, beliefs, and priorities. Join Melissa and Robyn as they explore what it feels...

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa talk about the importance of sleep for caregivers. Often times caregivers (especially women) put sleep on the back burner in order to power through the mountain of responsibilities on their shoulders. This habit can backfire on your health and on your ability to take care of those same responsibilities. Join Robyn and Melissa as they put a new spin on slee...

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa discuss what it feels like, and how to manage, when you find yourself sick in the middle of caregiving. This very stressful situation can take a toll, both physically and emotionally.   Find out what this can look like and how to be mindful if it is happening to your parents. Often older adults find themselves dealing with chronic issues and an ailing spou...

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa talk about decorating for the holidays. What will that look like for your family? Are you going to pare down or go all out? Are you grappling with how to balance caregiving, decorating, and Covid stress? This year looks different for everyone, but caregivers have an added layer of preparing for the holidays and keeping the safety of their fragile loved-one...

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa have some very exciting news and a special gift to share with you. In addition to this big surprise, they want to spread some holiday cheer with fond memories and funny stories from seasons past. This is a weird and difficult time for all of us in 2020, and for caregivers, it is doubly hard. So, let's take a moment to think about the joy of the past and cr...

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa tackle the complicated discussion around Thanksgiving and coronavirus. Caregiving is hard enough and when you add the virus to the mix, who knows what to expect! We are all dealing with the uncertainty of the season and longing for family connection, but it looks like surging virus numbers and tightening restrictions could jeopardize Thanksgiving Day plans...

In today's episode, Robyn and Melissa tackle an often overlooked aspect of relationship building - our own trustworthiness. Sometimes we can get singularly focused on an objective or opinion and forget that we are dealing with humans who have feelings and their own perspectives. It is crucial to remember that as we build the best care team for our loved-ones, relationships matter. Join Melissa and...

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa talk about how caregivers often are their own biggest stressor. It's an uncomfortable truth, but necessary to face. We often get in our way when we lose focus on our caregiving goals. But don't worry, if you are the problem you are also the solution. Join Robyn and Melissa as they share their own experiences and tips on how to get out of your own way and b...

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa discuss insider tips on how to pick the best facility for your loved one. Hear Melissa's Fish Tank Rule and other tips the gals have learned from decades of working in and around facilities. Have you ever wanted to know how industry professionals evaluate facilities? Well now is your chance. Learn how to see beyond the enticing sales brochure and pick the...

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa talk about the sticker shock of aging. If you haven't taken the opportunity ahead of time to prepare for the cost of senior care the cost can feel like a slap in the face. It is not cheap, this much is true. BUT, the good news is it can be manageable. Melissa and Robyn will break down the different costs involved and give you tips on how to be strategic in...

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa update you on the regulation and mandate changes related to COVID 19 and senior living communities. It has been a very long and difficult 6 months for our older, vulnerable population. In an abundance of caution, senior living communities have placed strict limitations on visitors and outings. This has taken a severe toll on our seniors and their families....

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa talk about the difference between venting and complaining. We have all been stressed out, overwhelmed, and even downright over it when it comes to caregiving. In those tough times, it helps to reach out to a supportive ear, whether that is family or friends. However, those sessions of healthy venting can sometimes turn toxic and become unproductive complai...

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa talk about the taboo topic of sex and the elderly. No use is avoiding these issues, because our loved ones want and still need intimacy in their lives as they age. How can we as caregivers be prepared to handle the issues around intimacy? Robyn and Melissa explore how you can lovingly protect your loved ones from harm and preserve their right and need for...

In today's episode, Melissa and Robyn tackle the tough conversation around how to move your loved one to a memory care facility. The dreaded day has arrived and now you are scared to death that it will all blow up in your face and your loved one will be bitter and angry with you not to mention your family. Sound about right? Don't worry it doesn't have to go down like this. Robyn and Melissa have...

In this week's episode, Melissa interviews Kelsey Williams from the Middle Tennessee Alzheimer's Association. Kelsey shares her knowledge and experience supporting caregivers on their journey through the ups and downs of Alzheimer's disease. From support groups to fundraising and advocacy, there are many ways the Alzheimer's Association is stepping up to provide care and services to those families...

In this week's episode, Robyn and Melissa tackle another tough conversation. Literally, they are talking about how to cope when the going gets tough. Melissa and Robyn find themselves in two different places on the caregiving journey, and they dive into a personal conversation about their experiences. If you are in the middle of caregiving and are wondering what is ahead, or how you are going to m...