In this month’s episode, I’m sharing why an elder care lawyer is an essential member of your caregiver team—and how working with one helped me and my mom through one of our toughest moments.

As caregivers, we often take on the responsibility of making life-changing decisions. But without the legal authority to act on behalf of a loved one, even the most basic care steps can turn into overwhelming obstacles. That’s why I’m talking about the durable power of attorney, Medicaid planning, and how early conversations with an elder care lawyer can empower you to care with clarity and confidence.

I also open up about my own experience navigating a detour through breast cancer while already on an Alzheimer’s journey with my mom—and how being legally prepared helped me focus on getting her healthy instead of being stuck in red tape.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why legal authority matters more than you think
• How a durable power of attorney helped me advocate for my mom
• When to bring an elder care lawyer onto your team
• What you can do now to plan for future care needs
• Where to find trusted legal resources

Episode Links:

https://www.peckritchey.com/community/healthcare-power-of-attorney-for-seniors-what-you-should-know/

https://www.peckritchey.com/community/understanding-guardianship-and-power-of-attorney-which-one-do-you-need/

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/caringforyourparents/handbook/finances/startplanning.html

https://naela.org/Web/Web/Who-We-Are-Template.aspx?hkey=feb0efd3-bd62-4508-9ca4-20de373d4784

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 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