Caring for Caregivers With Lauren Eisleben

04/09/24 • 47 min

Of the many roles women undertake in their lifetime, the act of caregiving stands out as one of the most universal and demanding. The Institute on Aging reports that women make up roughly 75% of caregivers and typically dedicate up to 50% more time to caregiving duties compared to their male counterparts. It appears that being a woman—whether you're a daughter, daughter-in-law, distant relative, or simply a friend—often means taking on the responsibilities of caregiving with family and friends.
Caregiving comes with a host of challenging effects. Absorbing the financial costs associated with caregiving is often problematic. Time away from work for medical appointments, along with the expenses associated with medications, necessary medical equipment, and the hiring of supplementary private care to alleviate the primary caregiver's duties, can be financially overwhelming. Beyond the monetary impacts, caregiving can also lead to severe emotional and physical fatigue. And as the baby boomer population prefers to age in their own homes, the demand for more comprehensive aid and support from caregivers escalates.
Join us as we welcome Lauren Eisleben, Clinical Director at IMF Counseling. Lauren brings her extensive experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor to the “Family and Friends Groups” aimed at supporting caregivers. With her specialized knowledge in aiding those who care for individuals with chronic illnesses, mental health issues, substance use, and eating disorders, Lauren provides invaluable guidance. Her compassionate approach not only recognizes the challenges caregivers face, but she also offers empathetic, constructive advice to caregivers and those who support them.
Show notes:
To learn more about Lauren Eisleben, go to: https://imfcounseling.com/therapists/lauren-eisleben
Caregiver Support Groups: https://caringbridge.org/resources/caregiver-support-groups
The Emotional Cost of Caregiving: https://online.simmons.edu/blog/emotional-cost-of-caregiving
Caregiver Bill of Rights: https://www.caregiver.org/resource/caregivers-bill-rights
Caregiving Is Crucial: How To Support Caregivers And Why It Matters So Much:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/tracybrower/2021/08/14/caregiving-is-crucial-how-to-support-

Previous Episode

Preparing For the Inevitable: Understanding The Benefits of Hospice Care With Dr. Jaymi Meyers

The U.S. population is older today than it has ever been. In fact, one-fourth of the total population is 65 or older. Researchers predict a 47 percent increase in this demographic between 2022 and 2050, resulting in 82 million citizens 65+ years old. Approximately 10,000 baby boomers will turn 65 every day for the next few decades.
The fact individuals are living longer, divorcing later in life, and choosing to live alone and age in their homes has resulted in a significant caregiver gap. Whether you are a baby boomer or love someone who is, the likelihood is you will find yourself in the caregiver role at some time in the future.
Preparation, knowledge, and advance care planning are paramount to navigating what some are calling the Silver Tsunami.
Our April series on various aspects of advance care planning, the benefits of palliative care and hospice, as well as support and suggestions for caregivers is intended to elicit conversations, provide knowledge, and prepare those who embark on the caregiving role.
Special Guest:
Dr. Jaymi Meyers is with us today to continue our discussion about all things hospice. Dr. Meyers is a family medicine physician, palliative care specialist, and hospice medical director in Seneca, SC. He studied at the University of Iowa (home of Caitlin Clark) and currently practices at
Oconee Palliative Medicine and is affiliated with Prisma Health Oconee Memorial Hospital.

Next Episode

Navigating the Future: The Guide to Estate Planning and Protecting Your Legacy With Attorney Brett Barton

Ever considered the unforeseen consequences of putting off estate planning? Let's face it, it's not just about drafting a document – it's about ensuring your legacy thrives and your wishes are honored. Advance care planning extends beyond creating an Advance Directive or discussing our end-of-life wishes. It encompasses crucial legal and financial considerations that play a significant role in ensuring that all of a person's preferences are fully honored.
Discussing finances and assets can often be a taboo subject within families. The legal jargon can be intimidating, and the thought of consulting a lawyer can be unsettling. However, it's crucial to explore questions like: Should you draft a Will or establish a Trust? Who have you entrusted as your Durable Power of Attorney? What does the term "Medicaid spenddown" imply?
In this discussion on Estate Planning, we'll be diving into these topics with the expertise of attorney Brett Barton at our side. Our conversation illuminates the pitfalls of deferring this essential life task and provides a compelling call to action to take control of your estate planning journey before it's too late.

As part of our ongoing series, "What To Know Before You Go," we invite you to delve into the intricacies of Estate Planning with us. Just like completing an Advance Directive, preparing for your estate is more than a mere task; it's a gift that provides peace of mind and eases the burden for your loved ones.

Special Guest: Brett Barton

Brett is licensed to practice law in Missouri and Iowa and practices solely in the area of Estate Planning and all that it encompasses. Brett has over 25 years of experience and is a frequent speaker on the topic of Medicaid Planning and the protection of assets from nursing home spenddown. Brett is married and has four children, one grandchild, and another on the way. His hobbies include snow skiing, table tennis, and European board games.

The Problem With Perfect - Caring for Caregivers With Lauren Eisleben

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:00.080

Hey friends , welcome to the Problem with Perfect . What is the Problem with Perfect ? It's the myth that if we just do more , be more and have more , our lives will be perfect .

Speaker 100:00:12.301

I'm Robin May , a journalist , wife , mother and , most days , a faith-filled Christian .

Speaker 200:00:18.640

And I'm Denise Bickel ,