The Whole Care Network

Hospice nurse and end of life doula Gabby Jimenez of the Hospice Heart shared her thoughts in our great conversation about supporting MAID caregivers, and her new book Dignity Day. Hospice and end of life workers should know what Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) is, regardless of their personal opinion about MAID. If patients and caregivers ask questions, every EOL worker should be able to answer quest...

What does it mean to be on the frontline during a global health crisis? Lt. Colonel Angella Mudd joins us for another episode of B2B to talk about her deployment to New York at the peak of the COVID-19 crisis. Angella highlights her leadership role, the bizarre living conditions, and the intense pressures faced at the hospital during the first wave of the pandemic. Nurses and Medics: This is your...

Stripping down the complexities of our emotional and mental 'equipment' that shape our personal growth. Suzi invites you to take stock of your own life 'equipment.' Arm yourself intellectually, spiritually, and financially, as well as physically and emotionally. Learn how to shed the unnecessary and embrace strategies that propel you forward. It's time to redefine what it means to be 'crazy well'...

Debbie Compton, a certified caregiving consultant, Alzheimer's Association educator, speaker, and author of 9 books, shares her invaluable experience in caring for her parents and in-laws, who faced various conditions, including dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and vascular dementia. Debbie recounts her journey, starting with her mom as the first to exhibit signs, eventually diagnosed with vasc...

Today's episode is all about good old Teddy Kaczynski and his boom boom boxes. Enjoy and Happy New Year! Jenn and ******** References: https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/unabomber https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Kaczynski https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/10/us/ted-kaczynski-dead.html https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/unabomber/manifesto.text.htm

This episode features our interview with New York Times columnist and best selling author Theresa Brown. Theresa is a nurse, writer and advocate. We chat about how she became a writer and clinician, how her experience as a patient changed her clinical work and what the future holds for her. To learn more about Theresa and to purchase her new book, visit: https://www.theresabrownrn.com/ Visit our w...

PTSD and how it can affect come in many forms. In today's episode, Lauren Aguon, Veteran spouse, joins Hannah to discuss how she and her husband tackle PTSD in their family unit. Communication and empathy are key to understanding the symptoms and being able identify triggers that may contribute to the behavior and reactions. There will be a peer support complement event on Tuesday, Jan 31, 2024 at...

In this episode, we delve into empowering caregivers to create opportunities for experiencing a happier 2024 by focusing on mindset shifts and strategic planning. We explore the importance of cultivating a positive outlook, building a supportive network, and establishing a caregiving team. We also emphasize the significance of pursuing opportunities for time away, encouraging caregivers to become...

Today's episode isn't just another story—it's a narrative of transformation and triumph with Carnell Smith Jr., or as he's known, Sgt WarDawg. His journey is a mirror to the many soldiers who return home to battles of a different kind—battles with PTSD, with reintegration, with finding a new mission in civilian life. His words are a beacon for the lost, as he passionately discusses his life's new...

In Episode 83, Don and I had a heartfelt and informative conversation with Dr. George Ackerman who started the movement Together for Sharon to honor his late mother Sharon Riff Ackerman, who succumbed to complications from Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease on January 1, 2020. George is an absolutely tireless #advocate for those who suffer with PD and their families and has an unending ho...

When Alan Swanson speaks about his battle with alcohol addiction, it's not just a story—it's a roadmap for transformation and hope. Alan joins us to recount his journey to sobriety through SMART Recovery. His candid sharing on how he moved from the grip of addiction to a place of empowerment is not just inspiring; it's a testament to the power of self-help and the strength of community support. Th...

In this episode, Sarah interviews Kristen Beatty about her journey taking care of her father as he battled Alzheimer's and her advocacy work with the Alzheimer's Association. You can find the Alzheimer's Association at: Alzheimer's Association | Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Help You can also reach us at: Stelmach Brown Media llc Remember, we are affiliated with AngelSense. If you are looking...

Discover Anxiety, Health & Care Stress Reduction Techniques. Dementia caregiver burnout is as much as health issue as anxiety, heart disease or depression. In fact, caregiving can create many of those issues in caregivers. Looking into the fundamental needs of dementia caregivers you'll discover that they need most is understanding and support. Coping strategies for dementia involve a multifac...

Enjoyment is a pivotal part of achieving an empowered caregiver lifestyle. As caregivers, we often sideline our own needs and desires, giving priority to our loved ones. This can eventually lead to burnout and guilt. And that's why we need to talk about happiness and enjoyment in the self-care process. Yes, it's possible to enjoy self-care, even amidst the whirlwind of caregiving responsibilities!...

Are you a working caregiver? If you are you might be wondering if there are any benefits for people like you. In some countries parents can take up to 1 year leave when their babies are born, but what about caregivers? We end up using all our time off in taking care of our loved ones, but very rarely do we get to enjoy any benefits or support from our employers. Now that diversity, equity and incl...

What does it mean when Chris says that we should "step into our comfort zone?" Josh asks, Chris answers! A gay senior, Christopher MacLellan, and an ally, Josh Wilson, podcasting about life, love, liberty and travel. Don't Say Gay?... Say AgingGayfully™! Subscribe NOW, where you listen to your favorite podcast. Learn more at AgingGayfully™. Familiar Wilsons Media produces content to bring people t...

Frances Hall is the founder and executive director of ACAP, Adult Children of Aging Parents, a nationally unique nonprofit organization that she founded when she was the caregiver for her mother. In 2012, Frances began offering monthly educational programs first for her fellow faculty and university staff university and then for her broader North Carolina community. Since then, ACAP has grown to n...

Caregiver, physician, wife, and griever - Dr. Lucy Kalanithi shares her remarkable journey with her husband Dr. Paul Kalanithi, author of When Breath Becomes Air. Lucy’s experience with her terminally-ill husband and his death has shaped how she approaches patient care and thinks about human suffering. Dr. Kalanithi is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, a member of the Alpha Omega Alp...

No matter the reason you enter a hospital, it's intimidating, and the process is not self-explanatory. Each step from admission to discharge to rehab to home is fraught with managing communication and decisions. My guest Dianne Savastano can help. Diane is founder and principal of Health Assist a Massachusetts based company founded in 2004 that specializes in helping clients navigate the complexit...

In this episode, we welcome Jean Lee, author of the memoir Alzheimer's Daughter. Jean opens up about her emotional journey of caring for both her parents as they battled Alzheimer's in their 80s. As a third-grade teacher, she noticed their health and abilities declining and, along with her sister, faced the tough task of convincing them to transition from their home to assisted living facilities -...

Did you know our brains evolved to protect us from immediate dangers, like breaking eaten by lions? While the risk of being hunted by a lion is rare today, the stress we face as caregivers can trigger our brain's survival mechanisms. The worry for our loved ones can seriously stress us out! But guess what? Living in a constant stress zone isn't good for you! Join me today to talk about self-regula...

Caregiver Andrea Couture juggles young children, caregiving during the COVID 19 pandemic, and stigma to share her father's Alzheimer's journey, seeking connection and support in a rural community. Andrea Couture, the author of "Embracing What Remains," brings a unique perspective to the podcast with her firsthand experience caring for her father, a surgeon diagnosed with dementia, while also raisi...

This episode features our interview with Tracey Human and Bob Parke. Tracey is a pain and symptom management consultant who provides education and palliative care in the community. Bob is a bioethicist consultant. We chat about how the 7 keys can apply to individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability and their families and how to achieve patient-centered care. For more information v...

Haunted by the specter of war long after his plane touched down, Bob Taylor, a Desert Storm veteran and former B-52 navigator, bravely opens up about his personal battle with PTSD, a struggle many of our valiant servicemembers confront in silence. As Bob recounts the haunting nightmares and the darkness of depression and the profound courage it took to reach out for help. In our candid dialogue, B...

I am so stoked to bring our next couple of guests in this one of a kind interview. We interviewed one of our brother in arms, Tom Cruz for Episode 56 and now, we have the honor to have both his wife Heather and 10 year old Holden on the show. I am personally grateful that little man gave us his time to share with us how he helps his dad out when he sees his PTSD kick in. I am also equally grateful...