When we think of a family caregiver’s support system, we often focus on doctors and nurses. But there are other professionals who play a critical role in keeping both the caregiver and the care recipient safe, healthy, and supported.

In this episode, I’m joined by Emilia Bourland, OTR, ECHM, CFPS, an occupational therapist and entrepreneur dedicated to helping older adults and caregivers access the information, services, and resources they need to live their best lives.

We talk about:

• The true scope of occupational therapy and when to call in a professional
• How OTs support both fall prevention and bone health
• The connection between a caregiver’s health and their ability to keep caring
• Small, practical changes that make a big difference in home safety

This episode is part of an ongoing series showcasing the often-overlooked experts who can—and should—be integrated into your care team.

Guest: Emilia Bourland, OTR, ECHM, CFPS Occupational Therapist | Entrepreneur | Aging Advocate

🔗 Learn more about Emilia’s work: https://meetluma.us/ 🔗 Connect with Emilia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilia-bourland/

🎧 Listen and follow Straight Talk for Giving-Care for more expert insights that help you navigate your care journey with confidence.

For guesting opportunities, send me a message at ⁠slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com⁠

For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit ⁠praxisforcare.com⁠

Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book

Follow me on Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/praxisforcare⁠

Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com

Caregiving is a deeply emotional journey—full of love, frustration, joy, and exhaustion, sometimes all at once. In this episode, we revisit the AIM Framework—a tool designed to help family caregivers manage stress by tuning into the full spectrum of what we feel.

You’ll hear:

• Why it’s just as important to acknowledge joy as it is to acknowledge stress
• How laughter and lightness can serve as tools for emotional resilience
• Practical ways to identify what makes you feel okay—and how to commit to more of it

AIM stands for:

• A – Acknowledge how you're feeling
• I – Identify what you need in order to continue caring
• M – Make a commitment to yourself

This episode is a reminder that it's not selfish to care for yourself—it’s essential. Tune in and take aim at both the heavy and light moments of caregiving.

Helpful Links:

https://caregiver.com/articles/laughter-medicine/

https://familycaregiversonline.net/keeping-your-sense-of-humor-as-a-family-caregiver/

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/its-ok-to-laugh-right-now

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/play-your-way-sane/202010/how-use-humor-manage-stress

For guesting opportunities, send me a message at ⁠slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com⁠

For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit ⁠praxisforcare.com⁠

Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book

Follow me on Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/praxisforcare⁠

Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com

When it comes to fall prevention, we often focus on external fixes—like clearing walkways and installing handrails. But there's an internal factor that's just as important: bone health.

In this episode, I dive into how osteoporosis, often called a “silent threat,” impacts fall risks. We cover:

• The connection between osteoporosis and fall-related injuries

• The difference between osteoporosis and osteopenia

• Different ways to prevent bone loss—and how to fit prevention into your lifestyle as a busy family caregiver

Taking care of your bones is another way of taking care of the people you love. Tune in to learn practical ways to strengthen bone health and reduce fall risks.

Links & Resources for today’s episode:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21855-osteopenia

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4443-osteoporosis

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db405.htm

https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/

Conditions that affect your bones https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/ss/slideshow-bone-conditions

https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/ss/slideshow-boost-bone-health Simple Steps to Strengthen Your bones

8 Weight Bering exercises for Stronger Bones https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/features/exercise-weight-bearing

Do Medications Affect Your bones https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/features/medication-affect-bones

10 Medications that May Increase Your Risk of Osteoporosis https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/osteoporosis/medications-that-may-increase-risk-for-fractures

For guesting opportunities, send me a message at ⁠slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com⁠

For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit ⁠praxisforcare.com⁠

Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book

Follow me on Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/praxisforcare⁠

Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com