The Whole Care Network

Have you been told to walk away from loved ones with Alzheimer's, assuming there's nothing left to connect with? The pain of feeling disconnected and hopeless in caregiving is all too real. But what if there was a way to find joy and connection in the midst of it all? Let's uncover the power of creativity and joy in dementia care together. In this episode, Marilyn Raichle, author of "Don't Walk Aw...

"I forgot how to care for myself." - Tara Ross In this powerful episode of Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver, hosts Natalie and JJ welcome guest, Tara Ross to dive deep into the raw realities of caregiving—especially within military families. Tara opens up about her journey from falling in love with John, a dedicated Navy submariner, to facing the life-altering challenges of his traumatic brain...

Social Worker Rosie Gaston brings energy and compassion to the care of people and families dealing with life-limiting illness. As a passionate clinical social worker, she’s worked for over a decade supporting individuals, families, and professionals through the intricate journey of end-of-life care. Rosie founded A Better Ending in 2022 to focus on personalized support, community education, and fo...

Caregiving, especially for those with dementia, presents unique financial challenges. This episode explores the intersection of financial planning and wellbeing for caregivers, addressing the often-unforeseen costs associated with providing care. We discuss proactive financial measures to take before caregiving becomes necessary, including legal considerations and long-term care planning. The conv...

Caring for a loved one with dementia comes with unique challenges, but it can also open the door to meaningful moments of connection. In this episode, we dive into the journey of caregivers who turned their personal experiences into something truly special, and created a way for other caregivers to find connection with their loved ones. Join us as our guests share their caregiving stories, the obs...

In today’s episode, we sit down with Christopher Hensley, a financial advisor with years of expertise in guiding families through financial planning. Christopher shares invaluable advice tailored specifically for caregivers, focusing on how to manage the finances of their loved ones with care and foresight. One of his key messages is the importance of taking proactive steps: “Do it before you need...

Dr. Robert Klitzman has learned the truth about the value of spiritual care through his professional practice and his own lived experience. As an author, he’s written over 180 articles and books on critical issues in bioethics regarding doctor-patient relationships and communication, research, and other areas. Robert realized the whole-person impacts of a traumatic grief event after the death of h...

Jerri McElroy is a full time in home dementia family caregiver and a Caring Across Generations Fellow. She is passionate about care advocacy and created first care for me to encourage family caregivers to prioritize self preservation for their own health and well being. Jerry is a published author, artist, minister, and also a Daughterhood circle leader. Aisha Adkins is an Atlanta based family car...

My guest Gabby Jimenez and I are busting the hospice myths to get to the truth about end of life care. Because there are so many misconceptions about hospice care, many people don’t choose to have care from a hospice team or they delay hospice care until very close to death. It’s important to know the truth about all the aspects of hospice care - how medicines are managed, how morphine is really u...

Kitty Norton left her job as an NBC assistant editor in Los Angeles in 2016, for her hometown of Portland, Oregon, to walk, stumble, crawl with her dementia mother to death’s door. While doing so, she authored the dementia caregiver blog Stumped Town Dementia, writing tales of dementia life which resonated deeply with readers around the world. After her mother's death, Kitty turned her storytellin...

Dr. Fred Mirarchi is working to create personalized, specific advance care plans for patients, accommodating every stage of life and end of life wish. After seeing clinicians in the hospital struggle to determine exactly what patients’ wishes were, Fred realized documentation of advance directives didn’t truly communicate clearly. He and the team at Mideo Health have developed a best-practice mode...

🚨Home Safety Matters!🚨 In this powerful conversation about access and advocacy, Brandy Archie and Emilia Bourland sit down with Justin Oakley, founder of Oakley Home Access, to explore the intersection of occupational therapy and home modifications. 🏡✨ Justin shares his journey from therapist to entrepreneur, building a business that not only improves home accessibility but also shifts the way...

Imagine your loved one living with Alzheimer's in a place where they could truly feel at home, free from the fear of wandering. This episode shares heartfelt stories of personal experiences, including my own mother's joyful time in a vibrant Los Angeles loft community. Join my co-host, Don Priess and I, as we welcome esteemed guest Dr. Allen Power, a renowned geriatrician, whose compassionate appr...

Have you ever considered creating a “contract” with yourself as a caregiver—one that clearly defines what you can and cannot do? Debra Hallisey, caregiver advocate and author of A Relationship Contract for Dementia Caregivers, joins us to share her insights on navigating caregiving dynamics, especially for those caring for a loved one with dementia. In this heartfelt conversation, Debra offers pra...

"I was feeling angry, I was feeling resentful." - Kate Washington JJ and Natalie sit down with author Kate Washington to uncover the emotional, financial, and mental health challenges of caregiving. Kate shares her personal journey of caring for both her mother and husband, revealing the unseen struggles caregivers face, from healthcare system hurdles to burnout and grief. Kate and the sisters, JJ...

Connection is key in dementia care. Discover the transformative power of arts engagement for people living with dementia in this inspiring conversation with Mary Crescenzo, author of “The Planet Alzheimer’s Guide: 8 Ways the Arts Can Transform the Life of Your Loved One and Your Own.” In this heartfelt episode, a replay of an Aging & Amazing Books & Chit Chat discussion, Mary shares her de...

In this episode of Care Lab, hosts Emilia Bourland and Brandy Archie welcome back hospice expert Helen Bauer to discuss the importance of rituals in grief, cultural perspectives on funerals, and how to find the right hospice care that aligns with personal values. They explore the emotional aspects of loss, the significance of shared experiences, and the need for compassionate care at the end of li...

This episode is a heartfelt invitation to practice self-appreciation and self-care. Isabel shares practical tips on how to be gentler with ourselves, acknowledge our efforts, and treat ourselves with the same care and affection we offer to others. Whether it's indulging in a small treat, taking a quiet moment to reflect on your progress, or simply speaking kind words to yourself, she encourages yo...

As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we often face the challenging question: "Is it time to change my care receiver's living situation?" We are Nancy Treaster and Sue Ryan, and through our experiences, we've developed five essential tips to help you navigate this complex decision-making process. Connect with us and share your tips: Website: https:// www.th...

In today’s podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Paul and Rachel, who share their wisdom on mindfulness, chocolate, yoga and self-care. They dive into the incredible benefits of cacao, highlighting it as one of the most powerful antioxidants available. They also explain how combining cacao with other natural ingredients from the earth can help us feel more grounded and connected. Beyond the science,...

Caregiving for a loved one with dementia can often feel like chaos. Days are unpredictable, emotions run high, and the demands can seem endless. This constant state of chaos not only impacts the person with dementia, but also takes a toll on the caregiver's well-being. It can lead to burnout, stress, and even health problems. It's crucial to move away from this chaos and find moments of calm. By c...

In this episode of CareLab, hosts Brandy Archie and Emilia Bourland welcome Mim Senft, co-founder and CEO of Motivity Care, to discuss the complexities of caregiving and the importance of self-care strategies for caregivers. The conversation explores various techniques for managing stress, the impact of caregiving on women's financial stability, and the significance of human connection in caregivi...

In this episode, I share practical tips to help you break free from dwelling on the past and bring your focus back to the present. It's easy to get caught in the cycle of reliving moments that are long gone, but there are ways to regain control of your thoughts and emotions. The first step is awareness. Recognize when your mind has wandered back to the past. Ask yourself: How do I feel about this...

Serene-Meshel Dillman’s documentary series Take Me Out Feet First captures the courage and compassion of people choosing Medical Aid in Dying. In the six part series, Serene features the end of life journeys of people dealing with terminal illness, as well as both her own parents. The struggles, grief, joy, and determination of those dying patients and their families shine through in the films. Se...

Heather Henderson is what I’m calling a boomerang family caregiver since she has moved in with her mom to be her primary caregiver at various times in her life. Heather initially became a primary caregiver overnight in 2003 when her parents were in a fatal car accident - her dad did not survive, and her mom was seriously injured. She moved home to care for mom until she was fully recovered. Fiftee...