Being a caregiver has its joys and tough times, too. Sometimes we step into the role thinking that we are knowing what our job will be. But it’s hard to foresee how being a caregiver will interrupt our families, jobs, finances, relationships, and lives.

If you are or have been a caregiver, are you ready to do this once again? Do you feel more prepared now for surprises, and think you know how to do the job better, or just as well as you did? What happens when you’ve done this twice and now you have to step into the role a third, fourth, or even fifth time?

In this episode, my guests, Dr. Emily Mroz, and Amanda Piechota, from the Yale School of Medicine share their research and findings on how second, third, or multiple-time caregivers thought about their roles and whether they’re more prepared and willing to take this responsibility on again.

Would you do this again for others, such as a parent, family member, or even friend? You might be surprised to learn how other who have cared for a loved on - men and women alike in this role - are managing the second, third, and even fourth time around.

Here's a link to the Been There Done That: A grounded theory of future caregiver preparedness in former caregivers of parents living with Dementia study.

#dementia, #caregiver, #alzheimersdisease, #familycare #elderly #dementia #medicalstudy #yale #yaleschoolofmedicine #dementiacare

GUESTS: Emily Mroz Ph.D., is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Yale School of Medicine, where she’s focused on geriatric medicine and caregiver research. She completed her doctorate in Psychology and Gerontology at the University of Florida. Her research examines pathways to positive and maladaptive psychological outcomes for seriously ill individuals and their informal family caregivers. Dr. Mroz also develops tools and techniques to improve palliative care communication.

Amanda Piechota, is a research assistant at the Yale School of Public Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Host: Nancy May, Author of How to Survive 911 Medical Emergencies, Step-by-Step Before, During, After! is an expert in managing the path of step-by-step caring for aging parents, even from over 1200 miles away. For a free, fillable File-of-Life go to www.howtosurvive911.com. Nancy is also the Co-Founder of CareManity LLC, and the private FaceBook group, Eldercare Success.

Disclaimer: The views, perspectives, and opinions expressed in this show are those of the show guests and not directly those of the companies they serve or that of the host or the producer CareManity, LLC. The information discussed should not be considered or used as medical, legal, or financial advice. Please seek the advice of your own medical, legal, or financial advisors as each person’s situation differs. (c) Copyright 2023 CareManity, LLC all rights reserved.

CareManity and Eldercare Success are trademarks of CareManity, LLC. "There is a Better Way" is a Service Mark of CareManity, LLC

Finding a good home healthcare agency can be a challenge for any family caregiver, especially for those living in suburban and rural areas.

In this episode, I speak with two special guardian angels who seem to know just how reduce the fear and loneliness that comes from caring for an elderly parent or frail spouse. In-home care does not have to be just for the wealthy. In our discussion, we dive into how caregivers can effectively research and successfully hire a home care agency. We also talk about when NOT to hire an agency, how to manage your own loneliness and stress as a caregiver; what happens when things go wrong, and more.

My guests, Julie Brubaker and Inga Lake are the founders of EPAGA Home care in Bigfork, Montana. They’ve combined their personal and professional experience, heart, and love of farming (think sheep, cattle, apple pie, and more) and family, and their Christian faith to build the foundation of their values-based homecare agency. Part of that is their rule that every hire must meet their “Grandma Test.” Listen and learn more on this and other guidelines they live and work by.

Extra bonus: Checklist on how to hire an agency.

Show Host: Nancy May, Author How to Survive 911 Medical Emergencies, Step-by-Step Before, During, After! Expert in managing the path of step-by-step caring for an aging parent or family member, even from over 1200 miles away, or more. For a Free File-of-Life to www.howtosurvive911.com

Guests: Julie Brubaker and Inga Lake, Co-CEOs, EPAGA Home Care, Inc, Kalispell, Montana. The EPAGA is Agapé spelled backwards, which was not not picked randomly or without purpose. The Biblical definition of “agapé” exemplifies what Inga and Julie believed to be the key reason for their mission and service to others in the home care setting. Agapé is “love”, the highest form of love, especially brotherly love – the love of God for man and of man for God. They felt their choice of such an agency name was essential to convey to the world the true meaning and mission of their business.

Disclaimer: The views, perspectives, and opinions expressed in this show are those of the show guest and not directly those of the companies they serve or that of the host or the producer CareManity, LLC. Information discussed should not be taken as medical, legal, or financial advice. Please seek the advice or you own personal medical, legal or financial advisors as each person’s situation is different. (c) Copyright 2021 CareManity, LLC all rights reserved. CareManity is a trademark of CareManity, LLC

Can you become Co-Dependent on the Caregiving Role? What's that about?

In this episode of 'Doing It Best with Eldercare Success,' host Nancy May addresses the profound challenges and emotional journey faced by those caring for multiple elderly family members and what happens when our “job” in caring for them is over. Have you identified so much with being a caregiver that you become stuck in knowing who you really are? How do you move forward? How do you get the right support from friends and family? When is their support detrimental to your own well-being?

Nancy’s guest in this episode is Joined by Dr. Evan Plys, a PhD a board certified geropsychologist and professor at Harvard Medical School. Listen in as Dr. Plys and Nancy delve into the impact of caregiving on personal identity and emotional well-being.

Their discussion covers the struggle with accepting the term 'caregiver,' redefining roles beyond caregiving, and managing the emotional highs and lows associated with long-term caregiving. They also provide practical strategies for dealing with grief and transitioning to a new normal after a loved one's passing.

This episode of Eldercare Success is rich with insights and recommendations for you and other caregivers to maintain balance and mental health while fulfilling their caregiving duties.

Key Takeaways: How to. . .

• 📓 Better understand your role and position as a caregiver
• 🌟 Redefine your life after caregiving
• 📝 Maintain your personal identity
• ⚖️Normalize caregiving experiences
• 🧘‍♀️Get the right support from friends and family at the right time
• 💔How to move with strength.

Episode Goals:

This episode of Eldercare Success aims to support and empower caregivers like you to understand how to identify some of the key issues that will make your life easier after your care role has been completed. Even if you're in the beginning, middle, or end of your caregiving role, this episode can help you find more strength for yourself and those you love and who are dependent on your support.

Helpful Links:

• Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research: Massachusetts General Hospital
• Dr. Evan Plys, Ph.S. ABPP
• Podcast: Eldercare Success (please share with those you care about)
• Book: How to Survive 911 Medical Emergencies, Step-by-Step Before, During, and After
• Eldercare Success on YouTube
• Eldercare Success, link to ask Nancy a question: A small blue tab on the right side of the page says "Send a Voice Mail Message to Nancy." Click on that and follow the directions on the pop-up. Then, send me your comments and questions so I can answer them on the show.

00:00 Introduction to Eldercare Success

00:46 Meet Dr. Evan Plyes: Expert in Caregiver Wellbeing

01:52 What is our role and Identity as a Caregiver

02:43 Challenges and Misconceptions we face

04:48 Emotional Health and Professional Comparisons

07:46 Redefining who we are and what’s important to us

10:28 Grief and Identity After Caregiving Ends

26:48 Strategies for Coping with Loss

33:53 Final Thoughts and Resources and more.

🎤Guest: Dr. Evan Plys, Ph.D. Dr. Evan Plys (he/him) is a board-certified clinical geropsychologist at MGH CHOIR and a member of the Faculty at Harvard Medical School. He is a current Faculty Scholar with the NIA IMPACT Collaboratory. Evan’s research primarily focuses on optimizing psychosocial intervention with systematically disadvantaged older adults and aging families at critical time points along the long-term care continuum, such as post-acute rehabilitation. His research also seeks solutions to p...

Caregiving Blues: Beating Them Before They Beat You and Your Parents, too!

In this episode of Eldercare Success, Nancy May delves into a topic that resonates deeply with nearly every caregiver at some point in time - battling depression while caring for aging parents. Renowned for her insightful guidance and compassionate approach, Nancy tackles the emotional toll of caregiving with practical, uplifting advice.

Why Listen?

For anyone feeling the weight of caregiving, this episode is a must-listen. Nancy blends some rather personal anecdotes with expert advice to offer strategies that not only uplift caregivers but also help them recognize and address the emotional needs of aging parents. This episode promises to give you some good tools to keep the caregiving blues at bay and foster a more positive, resilient mindset.

P.S. (from Nancy) I was dealing with a rather blue day when recording this episode. Listen to the very end to learn why and what happened next.

Key Points:

• Discover simple yet effective practices to rejuvenate your spirit and enhance your well-being.
• Learn how to create a robust support system - and what/who to avoid through your caregiving journey.
• Ways to understand the signs of depression in elderly loved ones and explore creative ways to boost their emotional health, too.

Helpful Links: 📌

• PDF Blues & Depression Signals to watch for in yourself, and your parents.
• Podcast: Eldercare Success (please share with those you care about)
• Book: How to Survive 911 Medical Emergencies, Step-by-Step Before, During, and After
• Eldercare Success on YouTube
• Eldercare Success, link to ask Nancy a question: A small blue tab on the right side of the page says "Send a Voice Mail Message to Nancy." Click on that and follow the directions on the pop-up. Then, send me your comments and questions so I can answer them on the show.

💪 How you can help:

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a friend, family member, or even someone you see at your local coffee shop who might be dealing with similar caregiving challenges. Don't forget to subscribe to "Doing it Best with Eldercare Success" on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a five-star review. Your support helps us continue to bring valuable content to caregivers everywhere. Visit EldercareSuccess.Live to leave Nancy a voicemail with your questions or comments for a chance to be featured on the show.

🎧🎤Host: Nancy May has gone from the Boardroom to the Emergency Room to care for her aging parents and educate business owners, corporate employees, and leaders with more strength and confidence in doing well and doing good. Nancy is the five-star author of How to Survive 911 Medical Emergencies, Step-by-Step Before, During, After! and an award-winning expert in managing the complexities of caring for an aging parent or family member, even from over 1200 miles away, or more for a Free File-of-Life to www.howtosurvive911.com.

Nancy is also the Co-Founder of CareManity LLC and the private FaceBook group Eldercare Success.

Disclaimer: The views, perspectives, and opinions expressed in this show are those of the show guests and not directly those of the companies they serve or that of the host or the producer CareManity, LLC. The information discussed should not be considered medical, le...

🏡 "Navigating Senior Living: Insider Tips and Tricks" 🌟

In this episode of Eldercare Success, host Nancy May and her guest Lynn Smargis discuss the ins and outs of finding a care facility for our delve into the intricacies of finding the right senior living arrangements for your aging parents. This episode is a must-listen for anyone grappling with the emotional and logistical challenges of eldercare.

Episode Description

Are you facing the daunting task of finding the right care facility home for your aging parents? Join us as Nancy May, host of Eldercare Success, and her guest Lynn Smargis, Senior Care Advisor, explore the essential steps in navigating the senior living landscape.

This episode provides invaluable expertise on everything from initial medical evaluations to financial planning, helping you make the best decisions for your loved ones. Discover the common pitfalls families encounter and learn how to avoid them, ensuring your parents receive the best possible care possible without unnecessary stress for them and you. Whether you're at the beginning of this journey or in the midst of it, this episode is packed with practical advice and insights to guide you through the process.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Senior Care Needs: critical steps to take when assessing your parent's need for assisted living. 🩺💼
• Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Discover tips on avoiding the most common mistakes families make in vetting senior living communities 🚫❓
• Medicaid and Financial Planning: Understand the intricacies of Medicaid and how it impacts eligibility for admission into care facilities. 💸📋
• Evaluating Senior Living Options: We discuss the different types of senior living communities, including Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) and regular retirement communities, and what to consider when choosing the right one. 🏠🔍
• Handling Emergency Situations: Insights on what to do when emergencies arise in senior living facilities and the importance of being prepared with necessary information and resources. 🚨📞
• Personal Stories and Practical Advice: Throughout the episode, personal anecdotes and practical advice are shared to help listeners navigate the emotional and logistical challenges of eldercare. 📖💬

Previous Eldercare Success Episodes that add value to the subject of finding a care facility for mom and dad.

• Six Red Flags to Know about Care Facilities
• Behind Closed Doors at Care Facilities
• How to Get Paid to Care for Mom and Dad
• The Law, You, and Care Facilities (part 1)
• The Law, You and Care Facilities (part 2)

Guest: Lynn Smargis is a Senior Care Advisor | Senior Care Consultant providing senior placement for the elderly in our community who want to live their most independent lifestyle with the security of a community. Lynn works with families, adult children, and spouses to assist them in finding the correct type of care for their loved ones. Whether that is assistance in locating a trustworthy in-home care companion or vetting and finding the right assisted living community, memory care, or skilled nursing facility, addresses the challenges along the journey of finding th...