The Daughters on Fire Podcast

In today's episode, Melissa and Robyn talk about driving concerns with our loved ones. This touchy subject is a common problem when our loved ones lose their mental and physical abilities to drive safely. All too often they do not make the decision to stop driving on their own and interventions from caregivers are necessary for their safety and the safety of the community. How do you intervene and...

In this week's episode, Melissa interviews Kayse Martin with the Council on Aging of Middle Tennessee. Kayse's career spans many decades of work in the world of geriatrics and aging. In her current role, she has been collaborating with employers and human resource departments. In this role, she has seen and heard first hand how caregiving is impacting companies and what proactive steps they are st...

In this week's 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 advocate for yourself. Caregiving is hard work and healthy confrontatio...

In this week's episode, 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. You can also join us on Facebook to continue the conversation.    www.daughtersonfire.com www.facebook.com/Daug...

In today's episode, Melissa interviews 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 talks to us today about the power of music...

In this week's episode, Melissa and Robyn talk about how exposure to heat in these hot summer months can pose a serious danger to the elderly. There are some unexpected risk factors that caregivers need to be aware of as your aging loved one soaks up the sun this summer. We will also offer tips on how to avoid the dangers.    www.daughtersonfire.com www.facebook.com/Daughtersonfirepodcast/

In today's episode, Robyn and Melissa talk about how to evaluate home safety for your loved one. From fall risks and fire safety to medication management, find out how your loved one can safely navigate staying at home longer with easy to implement tips and suggestions.   www.daughtersonfire.com www.facebook.com/Daughtersonfirepodcast/

In this week's episode, Melissa interviews Bethany Thomson, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (a real-deal food and nutrition expert) with extensive education and training in nutrition and wellness and a background in clinical dietetics. Bethany is going to dive deep into how we can combat insomnia. Many caregivers suffer from insomnia but think that it is just par for the course without much to...

This time of year often brings trips home to see mom and dad. As they age you may find each trip uncovers changes in how they are managing their lives and their home. In this episode, Robyn and Melissa discuss the red flags to look for when someone is starting to struggle with living independently. You will also get tips on how to be a detective and how to know when it is time to intervene.     ww...

In this episode, Melissa interviews Laurel Burton on her relatable and inspiring caregiver journey. Often caregiving can feel like a lonely and overwhelming experience. So, Daughters on Fire wants to bring you our new segment, Stories of Strength, to introduce you to other caregivers who are also on this difficult journey. We will learn, laugh, cry, inspire, and support each other as we share in t...

In today's episode, Robyn and Melissa celebrate Father's Day with a special tribute episode. Today is the day to reminisce and honor the men in our lives who have shaped who we are today. We will also be discussing what it looks like when you become the caregiver for your dad. How can you navigate this sometimes complicated dynamic and role reversal?    www.daughtersonfire.com www.facebook.com/Dau...

In today's episode, Melissa and Robyn talk about aging and lost friendships. Losing friends as you age is normal. Whether it's due to a move, decline, or death, losing friends is hard. It can be further complicated when dementia tears apart a friendship and the hobbies and routines you share. In today's episode, we will explore this issue and provide tips on how you as a caregiver can navigate thi...

In today's episode we welcome back Be Well Mel and she dives deep on the power of journaling. You might be thinking journaling is just one more item on your to-do list, but it doesn't have to be that hard. In fact, journaling can actually bring you stress relief and clarity. Listen now to find out how you can incorporate this tool into your life in a transformative way.     www.daughtersonfire.com...

In this week's episode, Melissa Burton interviews octogenarian James Vandiver in a 2 part series on caregiving topics including aging, gender, and the future of caregiving. Born and raised in Nashville, James has many connections and influences in our communities. Although retired, he continues to serve families on their caregiving journeys. James has worked with Resource Center on Aging, been a S...

In this week's episode, Melissa Burton interviews octogenarian James Vandiver in a 2 part series on caregiving topics including aging, gender, and the future of caregiving. Born and raised in Nashville, James has many connections and influences in our communities. Although retired, he continues to serve families on their caregiving journeys. James has worked with Resource Center on Aging, been a S...

In today's episode of Daughters on Fire, Melissa and Robyn explore the tricky process of taking a vacation as a caregiver. Sometimes caregivers forego this much-needed break because the planning and implementing seem like a big hassle. The problem is, caregiving without a break can lead to burnout and potentially even health problems. Melissa and Robyn talk about both the obstacles and opportuniti...

In today's episode, Robyn and Melissa explore how dementia can impact holidays and celebrations. When your loved-one forgets the precious milestones you shared together like anniversaries, birthdays, and special occasions it can feel devastating. How do you cope with your emotions and navigate the logistical issues that arise when dementia crashes the party? Listen now to find get some important i...

Melissa Burton welcomes back Jodi Jackson, RN, and president of LifeLinks Care Management. This time Jodi and Melissa talk about how COVID 19 is completely disrupting how families and facilities are caring for our frail and aging loved-ones. How has the industry adapted to our new norms? Are these changes temporary, or are we seeing a complete shift in the way care is and will continue to be provi...

On this special Mother's Day tribute, Melissa and Robyn share fond memories of their mothers and talk about the amazing role mom's play in our lives. As caregivers, we often find ourselves in the reverse role of taking care of our parents. Today, we want to remind you to look back on the amazing job your mom did raising you to become the powerful and compassionate caregiver you are today.    www.d...

On today's episode, Melissa Burton interviews senior resource consultant and guru Sheila Uselton. Sheila has a unique career that includes music, speaking, and teaching to young children and senior adults alike. She expanded her career to include senior living transitions which gave her a voice to express the struggles that she and her siblings experienced with their mother’s Alzheimer’s disease....

In today's episode, Melissa and Robyn explore the sometimes difficult issues around caring for someone who is mean to you. Is this normal? Is it personal? And most importantly, how can you navigate around it without making it worse?   www.daughtersonfire.com https://www.facebook.com/Daughtersonfirepodcast/  

In today's episode of Daughters on Fire, Melissa shares some heartfelt insight on how can you live well and cultivate a mindset that benefits you not only as a caregiver but personally as well. It is simple but not easy. Listen now to learn how you can start to become more grounded and empowered.  www.daugthersonfire.com https://www.facebook.com/Daughtersonfirepodcast/ www.connectionfirstcounselin...

In this episode, Melissa Burton and Robyn Arab answer the question: Is it normal that our loved one acts perfectly normal around friends and healthcare providers when WE know something is NOT right? 

Katherine Phifer from the Happy Love Project and podcast joins Melissa Burton to discuss love in a crisis. Caregiving can cause stress and disruption that ripples throughout your life, and sometimes what we love can get pushed to the back burner. Unfortunately, for our relationships, this can lead to resentment and possible rejection. Katherine shares some tips on how to avoid this relationship pi...

COVID 19 is still disrupting our lives and forcing us into crisis management, but for caregivers, crisis management is nothing new. Robyn and Melissa share tips on how to navigate a crisis, and how to use this crazy time as a reminder to be better prepared for a future crisis.   www.daughtersonfire.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/daughtersonfire/