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.

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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.

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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.

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Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

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In this episode, Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Dr. Monique S. Nugent, a practicing hospitalist, physician leader, and author of Prescription for Admission. Together, they explore how caregivers can best support their aging loved ones during hospitalizations—a time that can feel overwhelming, confusing, and emotionally draining.

Drawing from her years of experience working inside hospitals, Dr. Nugent offers practical tools to help caregivers feel more confident, communicate effectively with care teams, and advocate for their loved one’s needs. She also shares advice from her book and podcast, both titled Prescription for Admission, which provide families with a roadmap for navigating hospital stays and ensuring smoother transitions afterward.

Episode highlights include:

- How to prepare for a hospital admission, whether scheduled or unexpected- Common hospital processes and terms every caregiver should know- Tips for effective communication and advocacy during a hospital stay- Supporting emotional health and reducing stress during hospitalization- Ensuring smoother transitions home or to long-term care after discharge

Helpful links from the episode:

- drmoniquenugent.com

- Book: Prescription for Admission

- Podcast: Prescription for Admission

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

Instagram: @homeinsteadinc

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Dr. Lakelyn talks with Cindy and Christina Hardin-Weiss, founders of Adaptive Equipment & Caregiving Corner, about one of the most sensitive but essential parts of caregiving—incontinence care and restroom safety. Together, they break down the common causes of incontinence, share product recommendations, and offer practical tips for creating safer, more comfortable bathroom routines. Whether you’re helping a loved one manage daily care or planning ahead for home modifications, this conversation offers the kind of clear, compassionate advice caregivers can use right away.

Episode highlights include:

-Common types and causes of incontinence in older adults

-How to choose incontinence products that are comfortable and effective

-Tools and safety modifications for the bathroom

-Tips for managing toileting routines with someone who has dementia

-Encouragement for caregivers navigating embarrassment or uncertainty

-The value of creating a safe, dignified care environment at home

Helpful links from the episode:

- Adaptive Equipment & Caregiving Corner: adaptiveequipmentcorner.com

- Seni (Pads, Briefs, Underwear, and more): seni-usa.com

- Potty Cap: pottycap.com

- PureWick System: purewickathome.com

- Bottom Buddy: bottombuddy.com

- QuickChange Men’s Wraps: quickchange.com

- Care Zips Pants from Jo and Bella: joeandbella.com/products/carezips-adaptive-pants-for-men

- Hydration Jelly Drops: jellydrops.com

- AE Corner: Changing Briefs without Removing Pants or Shoes (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4K2WuSbLAVg

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 dementia educator Carrie Aalberts, also known as Dementia Darling, about challenging dementia-related behaviors like agitation, aggression, and sexual expression. Carrie explains how these actions are rooted in brain change—not purposeful or willful—and offers practical, empathetic strategies for caregivers. Together, they discuss medical triggers to watch for, when to seek outside help, and how to handle sensitive situations with compassion.

Episode highlights include:

-Understanding why agitation and aggression are symptoms of brain change

-Reframing “behaviors” with empathy instead of blame

-Trying different approaches when one solution doesn’t work

-Spotting hidden medical causes like pain or UTIs

-Knowing when it’s time for respite, home care, or memory care

-Navigating sexual expression in dementia with sensitivity and respect

Helpful links from the episode:

- Follow Carrie on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok: @dementiadarling

- Learn more about Carrie’s work:www.dementiadarling.com

- Listen to Carrie’s podcast Gather Darlings with Nicole Will

- 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.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

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Dr. Lakelyn is joined by actor, filmmaker, and former caregiver Katie Prentiss, whose mother lived with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). In this powerful episode, Katie shares how caregiving reshaped her perspective on life and how her upcoming film Wake Up Maggie aims to honor the unseen heroes of caregiving. Together, they explore the emotional journey from trying to control the chaos of caregiving to learning how to embrace acceptance. Katie’s story is not only personal but deeply universal—and she’s now turning her experience into art that validates and uplifts fellow caregivers.

Episode highlights include:

-Katie’s caregiving journey and her mom’s FTD diagnosis

-The emotional transition from control to acceptance

-How caregiving inspired Katie’s new film Wake Up Maggie

-The healing power of storytelling in the caregiving experience

-Encouragement for caregivers feeling overwhelmed or unseen

Helpful links from the episode:

- www.katieprentiss.com

- Instagram: @wakeupmaggiemovie

-TikTok: @katieprentiss

- 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.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

Instagram: @homeinsteadinc

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Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Danielle Miura, a Certified Financial Planner and family caregiver, for a conversation on how to navigate caregiving without sacrificing financial health. Drawing from her own experience and her work with women in life transitions, Danielle shares actionable insights to help caregivers plan ahead, manage costs, and protect their financial future.

Episode highlights include:

- Danielle’s story of caregiving and founding Spark Financials

- The 3 phases of financial planning for caregivers

- Understanding hidden caregiving costs and long-term financial impact

- Common financial questions caregivers ask

- Strategies for balancing finances, caregiving, and career goals

Helpful links from the episode:

- Spark Financials: spark-fin.com

- Article: Finding a Financial Advisor: https://spark-fin.com/blog/f/how-your-finances-can-benefit-from-a-team-of-advisors?blogcategory=Personal+Finance

- Article: Long-Term Care Planning:

https://spark-fin.com/blog/f/guide-to-long-term-care?blogcategory=Long-Term+Care+Planning

- 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.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

Instagram: @homeinsteadinc

YouTube: @homeinsteadinc

TikTok: @homeinstead.inc