In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Adrianna Yemhatpe, Director of Social Services at Travelers Aid Society of San Diego, an organization that has been connecting vulnerable populations to critical services for nearly 125 years. Listen to their conversation about free transportation options available to low-income older adults and people with disabilities in San Diego County, including paratransit, rideshare, and a volunteer driver program that compensates caregivers for rides they're already providing. They also explore supported services like orientation and mobility training, travel training, and organized social outings that help seniors maintain independence and quality of life.

Keywords: paratransit, caregiver respite, senior mobility, social isolation

As we celebrate Men's Health month, we are revisiting a conversation about how to support the male caregiver. In this episode, we explore the unique challenges male caregivers face, from discomfort with hands-on personal care to the emotional stress they often feel pressure to hide. We also share practical advice on destigmatizing the ask for help, finding male-specific support groups, and why reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Junie Baratti, Director of Operations at A Caring Touch Home Care, an organization specializing in senior care management with innovative approaches to supporting older adults and their families. Listen to their conversation about the emotional and practical challenges family caregivers face when deciding to bring professional help into the home. They explore strategies for easing that transition, including how to share personalized information about a loved one's preferences and how to use redirection techniques to create meaningful, calming experiences for those living with dementia.

Keywords: respite care, redirection techniques, Alzheimer's disease, behavioral symptoms, caregiver guilt

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with David Schwartz, an attorney with Elder Law and Advocacy, where he supports seniors on a broad spectrum of legal issues, from fraud to conservatorships to elder abuse, social security benefits, landlord and tenant disputes, and Medicare. Listen to their conversation about importance of planning ahead through legal documents like advance healthcare directives and powers of attorney, which allow trusted individuals to make medical or financial decisions if someone becomes unable to do so.

Keywords: law, legal planning, end of life documents, lawyer

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Eve Lefkowitz, Founder and Executive Director of Conversations To Remember, a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to alleviating senior loneliness and isolation through weekly intergenerational video calls with young adult college student volunteers. Listen to their conversation about fostering meaningful connections and building surrogate families for those in need.

Keywords: chosen family, loneliness, isolation, intergenerational

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Dr. Barry Jacobs, a clinical psychologist, family therapist, author, and former family caregiver for his step-father and mother. Listen to their discussion about navigating complex relationships when caregiving, including how long-standing conflict can intensify stress and resentment during caregiving. They emphasize that negative feelings about caregiving is normal, and suggest ways to set boundaries and find support systems.

Keywords: conflict, strained relationships, burnout

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with James Wieme, Clinical Counselor Program Supervisor at Elizabeth Hospice. Listen to their discussion about hospice, how to navigate end of life decision making, and the benefits of grief counseling for families.

Keywords: hospice, end of life, palliative care, grief, counseling

This month, we are revisiting a conversation about caregiving during the holidays. We hope you are enjoying this time of year with family and friends, but we also know this season can bring additional stress, new challenges, and the need to change expectations.

Please remember, our team is here to help you navigate your caregiving journey. Connect with us at SCRC.CARE or by calling 858.268.4432. From all of us at SCRC, we wish you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season.