We’re excited to feature a roundtable discussion with a group of amazing hospice nurses discussing what makes a “good death” and the rituals they’ve created for themselves and caregivers. Jean Ann Menna, Carrie Oram, and Shelley Henry have many years of end of life nursing experience. Along with Helen, they share the many facets of helping patients create good deaths for themselves. This conversation is a great inside look into how hospice nurses care for families when death occurs.

Find Jean Anne Menna and her book “Go with Grace: A Simple Guide to Caring for Someone on Hospice” here.

Connect with guest Carrie Oram at Angel Heart Holistics here.

Find Shelley Henry and Amity Staffing at amitystaffing.com

Podcast host Helen Bauer is a great addition to your event or conference! For speaking inquiries, send an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com.

Hospice Navigation Services understands that you need unbiased, expert support to have the best end of life experience possible. And we believe you deserve to get good hospice care. If you have questions about hospice care for yourself or someone you care about, Hospice Navigation Services can help. Whether you want to connect by phone or video, you can book a FREE 30-Minute Hospice Navigation Session, or a more in-depth 60-Minute Navigation Session for $95. If you need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, we’re here to answer your questions. A 60-Minute Navigation Session by video call allows up to 3 family members to get the same expert information at the same time. Book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.

Connect with The Heart of Hospice Podcast and host Helen Bauer

Website: theheartofhospice.com

Social media: Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn

Email: helen@theheartofhospice.com

More podcast episodes: The Heart of Hospice Podcast

n this episode of the Aging Gayfully podcast, host Christopher MacLellan speaks with Dr. Andrew Wagner, an audiologist with Hear USA, about the importance of hearing and communication, the impact of hearing loss on social interactions and cognitive health, and the advancements in hearing aid technology.

Dr. Wagner shares his personal journey into audiology, discusses how to recognize hearing loss, and explains the process of hearing tests and the significance of custom hearing solutions. The conversation emphasizes the need for awareness and proactive measures in maintaining hearing health as we age.

As we age, maintaining our hearing health becomes increasingly vital, yet many of us overlook its significance.

Understanding the Journey into Audiology:

Dr. Andrew Wagner shares his personal journey into audiology, rooted in his family background as communication specialists. His passion ignited when he witnessed the profound impact of cochlear implants on his best friend's brother, who was born deaf.

The Education Behind Hearing Health:

Dr. Wagner's academic journey began with a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders at Ohio University, followed by a doctorate in audiology. His externship brought him to sunny South Florida, where he now practices. This blend of education and personal experience equips him to advocate for hearing health and the importance of early detection.

Recognizing Hearing Loss:

One of the most challenging aspects of hearing loss is recognizing it. Dr. Wagner emphasizes that many patients first become aware of their hearing issues through the concerns of loved ones. Common signs include frequently asking for repetition, difficulty hearing in noisy environments, and feeling fatigued after conversations. He emphasizes the importance of getting a baseline hearing test around age 55 to track changes over time.

The Social Impact of Hearing Loss:

The conversation shifts to the isolation that often accompanies hearing loss. Dr. Wagner recounts how his grandmother's reluctance to engage socially diminished her quality of life. He explains how individuals might withdraw from group settings due to the frustration of not being able to follow conversations. His wife’s experiences as a speech pathologist reveal that many people in care settings may not be nonverbal; they could simply be unable to hear, highlighting the need for proper hearing assessments.

Empowering Social Connections:

Dr. Wagner encourages listeners to view hearing health as a vital aspect of overall well-being. He shares how his grandmother embraced new social environments in assisted living, treating it like a college experience and finding joy in connecting with others. He believes that communication is fundamental to our existence and that addressing hearing loss can significantly enhance one’s social interactions and quality of life.

Conclusion:

Maintaining our hearing health is crucial for staying connected as we age. As Dr. Wagner highlighted, the gradual nature of hearing loss often leads to isolation, but awareness and proactive measures can foster social engagement and improve our overall well-being. By recognizing the signs of hearing loss early and seeking help, we can ensure that we continue to participate fully in our communities and maintain meaningful relationships.

Learn more at https://www.hearusa.com/

Contact Dr. Wagner at: Andrew.Wagner@hearusa.com

Key Takeaways:

1. Hearing health is essential for maintaining social connections and overall well-being.

2. Early detection and regular hearing assessments can help track changes over time.

3. Addressing hearing loss can alleviate feelings of isolation and enhance the quality of life.

Tags: #HearingHealth #Audiology #AgingGayfully #Communication #HearingLoss #SocialIsolation #WellnessInAging #CochlearImplants

Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to care for aging parents while raising children? Do you find yourself stretched thin between different generations, each with their own unique needs?

My name is Sue Ryan. As a caregiver for loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, I understand the unique challenges faced by those in the sandwich generations. I recently spoke with Christy Byrne Yates, a licensed educational psychologist and author of “Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation.” Christy has personally navigated the challenges of caring for aging parents while raising her own children, and she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to help families thrive during this demanding season of life.

Connect with us and share your tips:

• Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/
• Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaregiversjourneys/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/
• Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.org, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.org

Full Show Notes

Additional Resources Mentioned

• Chirstyyates.com - https://www.christyyates.com/
• Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney

Takeaways

Tip 1: C — Choose Your Role as a Caregiver

The first step in successfully navigating the sandwich generation is making a conscious choice to embrace your caregiving role. Many people say “I didn’t choose this.” or “I had no choice.” We always have a choice. Even not making a choice is still a choice.

Tip 2: A — Address the ‘Elephants’ in the Room

Successful sandwich generation caregiving requires having difficult conversations early and often. These are the ‘elephants’ dancing in every family room that everyone sees — but no one wants to discuss.

Tip 3: R — Recharge Through Ruthless Self-Care

Recharging takes on critical importance when you’re caring for multiple generations. Self-care isn’t selfish — it’s essential for everyone you’re caring for.

Tip 4: E — Enlist Your Support Team

You’re not meant to journey alone, and this is especially true for sandwich generation caregivers who face multiple competing demands. Building a comprehensive support team is essential for sustainable caregiving.

Tip 5: S — Surrender Control and Embrace Grace

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of sandwich generation caregiving is accepting that you cannot control everything, even though you desperately want to. If everyone could just do things your way, life would be so much easier — but that’s not reality.

Read More in This Blog here