Dr. Lakelyn is joined by author and aging expert Maddy Dychtwald, to talk about how caregivers can take ownership of our own aging journey. They explore how embracing aging can help overcome societal biases and prioritize self-care.  Episode highlights include: - Why caregivers should care about their own aging journey. - Dispel myths and biases about aging. - Uncover how a person can take charge of their aging journey. - Learn tips for health and wellness that help us age gracefully. Helpful links from this episode: - Maddy’s website - Maddy’s new book: Ageless Aging To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving  newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com. Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media: Facebook: @homeinsteadinc YouTube: @homeinsteadinc

Dr. Lakelyn discusses the intersection of family caregiving for aging loved ones and finances. Episode highlights include: - The costs of caregiving - Impacts of the role on the caregiver’s finances - Options to pay for long term care - Tips for planning for caregivers’ financial well-being Helpful links from this episode: - AARP Caregiving Out-of-Pocket Cost Study - Genworth Cost of Care Report - Funding Solutions Guide - Long Term Care Insurance Guide - Area Agency on Aging  - National Alliance for Caregiving - Wiser Women - Financial Caregiving Hub To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving  newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com. Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homeinsteadinc

Dr. Lakelyn explores the unique role that music plays in providing comfort, connection, and joy to both caregivers and their loved ones. She’s joined by music therapist Tara Jenkins who shares about the therapeutic qualities of music, expert insights, and practical tips on how to integrate music into caregiving routines.  Episode highlights include: - An overview of the therapeutic qualities of music - Insights on when to use music and when not to - Practical tips on using music in day-to-day care - How to use music for caregivers as self-care  Helpful links from this episode: - Harmony in Dementia (Tara Jenkins’ website) To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com. Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media: Facebook: @homeinsteadinc YouTube: @homeinsteadinc

Dr. Lakelyn steps into the important topic of fall prevention. Many older adults worry about taking a spill, and family caregivers stress over what could happen if their loved ones fall. She is joined by fellow gerontologist April Ibarra to talk about tips for being proactive and preventing falls. Episode highlights include: - Importance of fall prevention - Potential risk factors for falls - Tips to proactively prevent falls - Conversation starters to discuss the topic  Helpful links from this episode: -Home Safety Checklist To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving  newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com. Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media: Facebook: @homeinsteadinc YouTube: @homeinsteadinc

Dr. Lakelyn delves into a topic that affects millions of families worldwide: hearing loss in aging adults. As caregivers, it's crucial to understand the prevalence, challenges, and resources available to support our loved ones who may be experiencing this issue. Episode highlights include: - Signs of hearing loss - Challenges of untreated hearing loss - Discussion starters - Tips for caregivers  Helpful links from this episode: - Hearing Loss Association of America - Is Hearing Loss the Culprit? Video - Book: Hearing and Beyond - National Hearing Test (Phone Test)   - Article: Learn the Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving  newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com. Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media: Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

Dr. Lakelyn answers caregiving questions from you - our listeners! These questions focus on mental health, dementia care tips and challenging emotions that come with caregiving. You can submit your questions to Dr. Lakelyn to be answered in a future episode. Email her at  caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com. Episode highlights include: - Challenges of caregiving for someone with mental health issues - Dementia care tips for handling agitation and aggression - Managing the emotions of caregiving   Helpful links from this episode: - Circle of Care Guidebook  - National Association on Mental Illness  - Agitation and Aggression Tips Video To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving  newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com. Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

Dr. Lakelyn chats about driving safety for older adults and how families can navigate this challenging topic. Tune in for conversation starters, tips and resources that can help families find safe solutions. Episode highlights include: - Common conditions and age related changes that can affect driving - Potential signs that an older adult may be an unsafe driver - Conversation starters and how to address driving  - Tips to reduce the impact of a transition from driving   Helpful links from this episode: - Car Fit - car-fit.org  - Clearinghouse for Older Road User Safety: roadsafeseniors.org - NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration): Older Driver page resources - National Aging and Disability Transportation Center - Occupational Therapy Association’s Older Driver Resource Center - The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialist - Assessment: Driving Safely while Aging Gracefully - NHTSA - License Renewal Procedures by State - AARP Smart Driver Courses  - Article: Retiring from Driving  To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving  newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com. Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media: Facebook: @homeinsteadinc YouTube: @homeinsteadinc

Dr. Lakelyn dives deep into one type of service - home care- that can help support older adults and their caregiver. She's joined by Debbie Gross, a Home Instead franchise owner, who shares what families can expect when they look into home care services. Episode highlights include: - An overview of home care services - Scenarios and signs that someone might need home care - The benefits of home care for caregivers  - What the process is like to start home care - Important questions to ask home care providers   Helpful links from this episode: - Guide:  Home Care Solutions - Article: Signs That Your Aging Parent Might Need Help - Article: Difficult Aging Conversations: What to do if You See the Signs To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving  newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com. Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media: Facebook: @homeinsteadinc YouTube: @homeinsteadinc

It’s a new year, which is a great time to set your intention as a caregiver! In this episode, Dr. Lakelyn chats with Dr. Sarah Teten Kanter, author of the book Positive Caregiving, about how family caregivers can harness the power of positive emotions. Episode highlights include: - How to reframe the caregiving experience - An overview of the positive emotions that help to enrich caregiving  - Tips for bringing positivity into daily caregiving and self-care   Helpful links from this episode: - Positive Caregiving Website: positivecaregiving.com   Article: 9 Ways to Be a More Optimistic Caregiver To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving  newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com. Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

Dr. Lakelyn reflects on a great year of Caregiver Chats! She shares her top 5 favorite podcasts from 2023. You will want to be sure to tune in! Episode highlights include: - Dr. Lakelyn’s top 5 favorite episodes from 2023 Helpful links from this episode: - HomeInstead.com  To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving  newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com. Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media: Facebook: @homeinsteadinc YouTube: @homeinsteadinc

Dr. Lakelyn offers up tips on how to reduce the stress caregivers often feel around the holidays. She also offers up gift ideas for caregivers and older adults to help make this season merry and bright! Episode highlights include: - How to reduce your stress this holiday season - Simple modifications to holiday traditions  - Gift ideas for caregivers and older adults    Helpful links from this episode: - Article: 10 Senior-Friendly Holiday Tips - Article: Holiday Stress Busters for Family Caregivers -Article: Holiday Gift Guide: 5 Ideas for Aging Loved Ones - Article: Family Caregiver Holiday Gift Guide - Guide:  Home Care Solutions - Jewelry for caregivers: Gigi Betty Co. To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving  newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com. Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media: Facebook: @homeinsteadinc YouTube: @homeinsteadinc

Often, when family members go home to visit mom or dad over the holidays, they start to realize more help is needed.  In this episode, Dr. Lakelyn talks about important signs to look for when visiting aging relatives this holiday season.  Episode highlights include: - Signs to look for that more help is needed - What to do when you see the signs - Resources to help support your aging loved one - Tips on home safety and setting up a safe environment   Helpful links from this episode: - Article: Signs That Your Aging Parent Might Need Help - Article: Difficult Aging Conversations: What to do if You See the Signs - Guide:  Home Care Solutions - Find your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA)  - Guide:  Home Safety Checklist To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving  newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com. Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media: Facebook: @homeinsteadinc YouTube: @homeinsteadinc 00:00 - Intro 02:59 - Signs more help is needed 07:55 - How to start the conversation 14:09 - Home Instead 14:38 - Resources and solutions 17:16 - Home safety 23:40 - Outro

Dr. Lakelyn addresses the topic of setting boundaries as a caregiver. She is joined by Consuela Marshall, an Occupational Therapist, fellow podcaster and caregiving coach, to discuss tips for the best way to approach boundary setting. Episode highlights include: - Why boundaries can be helpful in the caregiving relationship - How a lack of boundaries can prevent self-care - Tips on the best way to approach boundary setting - How the environment can be modified to support boundaries Helpful links from this episode: - Finding a Foothold: www.findingafoothold.com  - Article: Solving Family Conflict - Article: Tips to Help Families Work Together in Dementia Care - Article: How to Ask Others for Help - Guide:  Home Care Solutions To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving  newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com. Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media: Facebook: @homeinsteadinc YouTube: @homeinsteadinc

Dr. Lakelyn talks about challenging family dynamics and how to navigate them. All families can feel the pressure of caring for an aging loved one. There are things that families can do to keep open lines of communication and address challenges that arise between family members.  Episode highlights include: - Factors that contribute to family dynamics - Reasons why caregiving related conflict commonly occurs - Outcomes of family conflict  - Tips for families on how to navigate conflict Helpful links from this episode: - Article: Solving Family Conflict - Find a Geriatric Care Manager - Article: Tips to Help Families Work Together in Dementia Care - Article: How to Ask Others for Help - Guide:  Action Plan for Successful Aging - Guide:  Home Care Solutions To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com. Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media: Facebook: @homeinsteadinc YouTube: @homeinsteadinc 00:00 - Intro 02:33 - Family dynamic factors 05:48 - Reasons why conflict occurs 12:03 - Home Instead 12:31 - Outcomes of family conflict 15:50 - Tips for better outcomes 24:38 - Outro

Dr. Lakelyn explores the various options for care that are available for aging adults. She is joined by fellow podcaster and aging advocate Nicole Will, who discusses these options with Dr. Lakelyn and what family caregivers should consider when making care decisions. Episode highlights include: - Why it’s important to plan ahead for care - Options available for care across the care continuum  - Important considerations when planning and selecting care - Resources to help with planning Helpful links from this episode: - willgather.com - Podcast: willgatherpodcast.com  - Action Plan for Successful Aging - Home Care Guide - Home Safety Checklist - Funding Solutions Guide - CNN Article: Have this talk with your parents now to reduce heartache later To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving  newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com. Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media: Facebook: @homeinsteadinc YouTube: @homeinsteadinc 00:00 - Intro 02:55 - Why it’s important to plan ahead 10:19 - Exploring care options 46:29 - How to approach difficult conversations 55:36 - Outro

Dr. Lakelyn dives into practical tips for hands-on dementia care. She’s joined by author and dementia care expert David Troxel, who covers the importance of the approach to care and other tips like how to make bathing and personal care easier. Episode highlights include: - Overview of the best way to approach care - How to turn a “no” into a “yes” - Tips for bathing and personal care - Ideas for meaningful engagement Helpful links from this episode: - Best Friends Approach - Alzheimer’s Association - The Benefits of Respite Care for Dementia Caregivers - Guide:  Home Care Solutions - 4 Tips to Make Showering Easier - Communication Plays Critical Role in Dementia Care To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving  newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com. Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media: Facebook: @homeinsteadinc Instagram: @homeinsteadinc YouTube: @homeinsteadinc 00:00 - Intro 03:05 - How to approach dementia care 15:34 - Turning a no into a yes 23:31 - Home Instead 23:59 - Tips for personal care 32:42 - Creating meaningful engagement 37:50 - Takeaways 39:42 - Outro

For World Alzheimer’s Day, Dr. Lakelyn interviews Dr. Joanne Pike, the CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association. Dr. Pike shares about the latest updates in drug development and what it means for those living with the disease and their caregivers. She also shares the important resources that the Alzheimer’s Association offers. Listen in to learn more! Episode highlights include: - An overview of World Alzheimer’s Day - The latest updates in Alzheimer’s drug development - Important tips for keeping your brain healthy - Helpful resources for dementia family caregivers Helpful links from this episode: - World Alzheimer’s Day - Alzheimer's Association To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving  newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com. Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media: Facebook: @homeinsteadinc Instagram: @homeinsteadinc YouTube: @homeinsteadinc 00:00 - Intro 04:54 - Introducing Dr. Pike 06:11 - Exciting developments in research 07:09 - New therapeutics for Alzheimer's 08:43 - Service and support from Alzheimer's Association 11:15 - Highlights from International Conference 13:50 - What can I do today for my brain? 14:46 - First steps for families after getting diagnosis 16:01 - One piece of advice to family caregivers 17:58 - Outro

Dr. Lakelyn will clear up confusion around the terms Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. She will share more about how these diseases impact individuals and how to best support someone living with them. Tune in to learn more!  Episode highlights include: - Definitions of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia - 10 early signs and symptoms of Alzhiemer’s disease -  7 common dementia-related behaviors - Caregiver insights - 6 things caregivers wish they would have known about caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias Helpful links from this episode: - Article: 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's and Dementia -Video: How to Handle Agitation or AGgression  - Video: Addressing Hallucinations and Delusions - Video: Sexual Expression and Inappropriateness  - Video: Tips to Prevent Wandering - Facebook group: Remember for Alzheimer’s - Article: The Benefits of Respite Care for Dementia Caregivers - Guide: Home Care Solutions  - Support groups: HFC - Support groups: Alzheimer's Association -Video: Ambiguous Loss To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving  newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com. Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media: Facebook: @homeinsteadinc Instagram: @homeinsteadinc YouTube: @homeinsteadin

In this episode, Dr. Lakelyn talks about the sandwich generation, those who are sandwiched in-between caring for an aging parent and raising their own children. At times, this generation is feeling the pressure on both sides making them feel more like a pressed panini sandwich. Tune in to learn more! Episode highlights include: - Insights on who makes up the sandwich generation - An overview of the common challenges of caring for aging loved one while raising children - Strategies to balance competing demands on a caregiver’s time - Caregiver question answered - “How do I involve my kids in caregiving without making it overwhelming?” Helpful links from this episode: - Report: Sandwich Generation Caregiving in the U.S. - Research study: Sandwich Generation  -Article: 5 Ways to Survive the Sandwich Generation Press -Support groups: HFC -Support groups: Alzheimer's Association - Online support community: Working Daughters - Guide: Home Care Solutions  - Caregiving resource: Seasons - American Association of Caregiving Youth  - Kid Caregivers and their  Facebook Group  To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com. Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media: Facebook: @homeinsteadinc Instagram: @homeinsteadinc YouTube: @homeinsteadinc 00:00 - Intro 02:09 - Who are sandwich caregivers? 05:22 - Unique challenges 10:45 - Home Instead 11:13 - Strategies to make life easier 17:35 - Question from a family caregiver 23:47 - Outro

In this episode, Dr. Lakelyn concludes a three-part series on caregiving relationships with a discussion on what it’s like to care for a relative who isn’t a spouse or parent, along with the unique challenges that face those caring for a non-relative. Dr. Lakelyn talks with fellow gerontologist and caregiver April Ibarra who has cared for a number of family members including her aunt, Joy. Episode highlights include: - Challenges of caring for non-immediate relatives - Differences in caring for someone outside the family - Important considerations for non-traditional caregiving relationships - Emotional burden among the different types of caregivers - Resources to support caregivers along their journey Helpful links from this episode: - Caregiving in the U.S. 2020 Report -Aging with April: www.aprilibarra.com   Article: Solving Family Conflict - Journal article: “Effects of Relationship Type on Quality of Life in Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment and the Informal Caregivers” - Live chat: Legal Aspects of Estate Planning with an Elder Law Attorney - Find your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA)  - Aging Life Care Association  - Live chat: Finding Joy in Caregiving with Loretta Veney - Article: Laughter is the Best Medicine  - Meals on Wheels of America - Guide: Home Care Solutions  To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving  newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com. Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media: Facebook: @homeinsteadinc Instagram: @homeinsteadinc YouTube: @homeinsteadinc 00:00 - Intro 01:11 - Who are non-immediate family members? 02:25 - Introducing April Ibarra 03:40 - April’s caregiving experience 10:39 - Assuming the caregiving role 12:18 - Becoming more dependent on family 14:03 - Advantages to being non-immediate 15:24 - Sometimes communication is easier 18:17 - Giving ownership to the person being cared for 20:44 - Prioritizing what’s important 22:00 - Managing legal affairs 25:28 - Navigating family dynamics 31:12 - Pacing yourself 32:48 - Emotional strain with caregiving 38:28 - Plug into your resources 40:41 - Laughter is the best medicine! 41:56 - Spending quality time together 43:17 - Outro