Dr. Lakelyn welcomes Jennifer FitzPatrick, gerontologist and author of Cruising Through Caregiving, to discuss one of the biggest decisions caregivers face: whether to move a loved one into their home. Drawing from her clinical background and decades of experience advising families, Jennifer unpacks the emotional, logistical, and relational factors behind this choice. This episode provides tools to help families pause, reflect, and plan—rather than react in the heat of a crisis.

Episode highlights include:

- Why families consider moving a loved one in—and how to avoid making the decision in crisis.

- Essential questions to ask before inviting a loved one to live with you.

- How guilt, promises, and cultural expectations can influence caregiver decisions.

- The emotional and logistical challenges of multigenerational living.

- What to do when the living situation isn’t working out.

- Tools to help families pause, reflect, and plan rather than react.

Helpful links from the episode:

- Jenerationshealth.com

- Book: Cruising Through Caregiving (Amazon)

- Visit www.homeinstead.com/care-resources to explore more caregiving resources

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.

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Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

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Dr. Lakelyn talks with sisters Natalie and JJ Elliott, hosts of Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver, about the ups and downs of caregiving with siblings. They share personal stories from supporting their mom through Parkinson’s and navigating family roles, disagreements, and emotional challenges along the way. It’s an honest, relatable look at what happens when caregiving becomes a team effort, and why communication and grace are key.

Episode highlights include:

- The emotional and logistical challenges of sharing caregiving across siblings

- What happens when one sibling becomes the “preferred” caregiver, and how it affects family dynamics

- How to manage caregiver guilt when stepping back

- Balancing boundaries when you're the one who always says yes

- Practical advice for dividing responsibilities and staying connected as a caregiving team

Helpful links from the episode:

- Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver - confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.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

Instagram: @homeinsteadinc

YouTube: @homeinsteadinc

TikTok: @homeinstead.inc

In this episode, we’re bringing back a fan-favorite conversation with aging advocate and fellow podcaster Nicole Will, host of the Will Gather podcast. As families gather for the holidays, many begin to notice changes in their aging loved ones—and questions about care often follow. Dr. Lakelyn and Nicole walk through the full continuum of care, from aging in place to assisted living and hospice, and share why planning ahead can help reduce stress and prevent crisis-driven decisions. Whether you’re exploring care for the first time or revisiting options, this episode offers compassionate guidance and real-life tips to help you feel more prepared.

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 the episode:

- willgather.com

- Podcast: willgatherpodcast.com

- What’s Next Guide: www.homeinstead.com/care-resources/care-planning/40-70-rule-action-plan-successful-aging/

- Home Care Guide: www.homeinstead.com/care-resources/care-planning/home-care-solutions-guide/

- Home Safety Checklist: makinghomesaferforseniors.com

- Funding Solutions Guide: www.homeinstead.com/care-resources/care-planning/home-care-funding-solutions-guide/

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