Dr. Lakelyn is joined by retired nurse and stroke caregiver Lana Wilhelm for a deeply personal and practical conversation about what happens after a stroke. In 2021, Lana’s husband Rick suffered a severe stroke, and overnight she transitioned from bedside nurse to full-time caregiver.

Drawing from both her professional background and lived experience, Lana shares the emotional realities of stroke caregiving, including navigating uncertainty, managing behavioral changes, coping with guilt, and finding support when the initial wave of help fades. She also discusses the unique aspects of stroke recovery, why caregiver support directly impacts patient outcomes, and how she is working to build community through Stroke Caregiver Connection and her two books.

Episode highlights include:

-From nurse to caregiver, one family’s overnight transition

-Finding steadiness in the “wait and see” journey of stroke recovery

-Feeling grateful and overwhelmed at the same time

-Why supporting caregivers is essential, not optional

-Creating community so no stroke caregiver feels alone

Helpful links from the episode:

-Stroke Caregiver Connection: www.strokecaregiverconnection.com

-Book: Stroke and the Spouse: A Guide for the Survivor's Care Partner by Lana Wilhelm

-Book: Stroke and the Caregiver: The Definitive Caregiver Guide by Lana Wilhelm

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.

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Dr. Lakelyn is joined by occupational therapist Lindsay DeLong, founder of EquipMeOT, for a conversation about supporting personal care routines as we age. Together they discuss how everyday activities like grooming, bathing, and getting ready for the day are closely tied to dignity, identity, and emotional well being.

Lindsay shares how common physical changes can make these routines more challenging and offers practical strategies for caregivers to support loved ones while still encouraging independence. She also highlights adaptive tools that can make personal care tasks easier and explains how small modifications can help older adults continue the routines that help them feel like themselves.

Episode highlights include:

-Why personal care routines matter for dignity and identity

-Common challenges older adults face with grooming and hygiene

-How caregivers can support independence safely

-Adaptive equipment for grooming, bathing, oral care, and beauty routines

-What to know before purchasing medical or adaptive equipment online

Helpful links from the episode:

-EquipMeOT website: equipmeot.com

-EquipMeOT YouTube channel: @EquipMeOT

-Instagram: @EquipMeOT

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

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Dr. Lakelyn is joined once again by caregiving expert and author Dr. Aaron Blight, returning to Caregiver Chats after his first appearance in Episode #25, Reflecting on Your Caregiving Mindset. This time, the conversation explores the role of spirituality and faith in caregiving.

Caregiving often places people in some of the hardest moments of life, including times of decline, uncertainty, and end of life. For many, these moments naturally prompt deeper reflection, spirituality, or questions of faith. Together, Dr. Lakelyn and Dr. Blight discuss how spirituality can support caregivers across belief systems and how even small daily practices can help sustain the caregiver’s spirit.

Episode highlights include:

-Understanding why caregiving often awakens spiritual reflection

-Exploring three levels of faith that can support caregivers

-How spirituality shows up during end-of-life caregiving

-Simple daily practices that nourish the spirit

-The role of faith communities in practical and emotional support

Helpful links from the episode:

- caregivingkinetics.com

-Book: When Caregiving Calls: Guidance as You Care for a Parent, Spouse, or Aging Relative by Dr. Aaron Blight

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

TikTok: @homeinstead.inc