Happy Healthy Caregiver

Meet Patti Lafleur who says she has the amazing opportunity to be the care partner for her Mom, Linda, who has dementia and type 1 diabetes. Patti was a Kindergarten teacher for 9 years before quitting her job to care for her mom full time. People truly enjoy watching Patti and Linda’s life through social media and this keeps Patti connected, too. Patti’s goal in sharing our story is to change the stigma around a dementia diagnosis and share their daily joy! In this episode we talk about traveling with your loved one, leaving the workforce to care, activities you and your care recipient can do together, Amazon wish lists, caregiver respite, making a hospice decision, and how to find the joy in your caregiving journey.  Please note that this episode was recorded before the recent passing of Patti’s mom, Linda. Please keep Patti and her family in your thoughts and prayers. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod134 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv

Meet Bianca Padilla. Bianca’s experiences caring for her grandma inspired her to start Carewell along with her husband John – a family-founded company that simplifies life for caregivers by providing personalized service, compassionate content, and expert-vetted home care products.  In this episode, we talk about how Bianca’s family came together to create a care plan, seeking bi-lingual health care accommodations, long term care insurance, work/life boundaries, training care compassionate employees, and even discuss how the laundry gets done! Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod133 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIE

Meet Lucinda Koza. Lucinda is a family caregiver and the founder & CEO of I-Ally, an app that provides a secure community and marketplace for millennial family caregivers. She started the company after her own experience becoming her father's sole caregiver at a young age. In this episode we chat about societal stigmas, the importance of keeping our identities, solo caregiving, millennial caregiving support, and our favorite traditional and digital games. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod132 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

Meet Theresa Wilbanks who cared for her father until his passing at 99 years of age. During that time, she experienced the raging river of emotions that comes with caring for a family member. Overwhelmed and drowning, she navigated toward a more sustainable caregiving experience. Theresa founded Sustainable Caregiving and works with fellow family caregivers to help them navigate their caregiving journey. With humor and vulnerability, Theresa shares her story and strategies in her book, Navigating the Caregiver River: A Journey to Sustainable Caregiving. In this episode, we talk about finding peace in the caregiving journey, setting boundaries with care help, uncovering local financial resources, meditation, travel, and adjusting to life after caregiving ends. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod131 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast

I this episode, I am shining the caregiver spotlight on someone in the caregiving space that has my utmost respect - Teepa Snow. She’s an Occupational Therapist with over 40 years of rich and varied clinical and academic experience. Her company, Positive Approach to Care® (PAC) provides online and in-person education and products for anyone impacted by dementia. I can say firsthand that Teepa presents with extraordinary expertise and humor to audiences throughout the world. In today’s show, we learn how Teepa’s experience caring for grandparents shaped her career focus, the language and visual cues to use to better communicate with our care partner, her self-care rituals, where she obtains her trusted dementia information, how her training may also help better communicate with persons with developmental disabilities, and the story of how she got the name ‘Teepa’. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod130 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a c

In today's show, I am shining the caregiver spotlight on Mary Daniel. During her husband’s long-term care community’s pandemic lockdown, family caregiver Mary Daniel’s story went viral when she accepted a job as a dishwasher so she could visit and, more importantly, physically touch her husband, Steve. Mary is a dementia family caregiver based in Jacksonville, FL, and one of Next Avenue’s 2021 Influencers in Aging. In this episode, you’ll be inspired by Mary’s story and understand how she continues to influence change through her caregiver advocacy and leadership in organizing a social community called Caregivers for Compromise which has over 14K members. You’ll also learn about Mary’s self-care strategies. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod129 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https:/

Meet military family caregiver Caira Benson. Before Caira was a family caregiver she was a thriving non-profit director who loved teaching Art History at her local college. She left it all to take up the most important vocation she had never wanted – caregiver to her husband, Eric, a catastrophically injured veteran. Armed with coffee and a lot of humor, Caira is determined to fight for her family to function somewhat normally despite all their challenges. In this episode we talk about how Caira navigated her husband’s health journey with the VA, how she made the choice to not be angry, how her prayers were clearly answered, and which military and inclusive resources have helped all the members of her family, especially her five children. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod128 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportuni

In today’s show, I am shining the caregiver spotlight on Brenda Blais Nesbitt. Brenda is a master in advocating and navigating the confusing world of disability. Her personal experience has enhanced her ability to help others navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and excel in the challenging journey of caring for and loving those with complex needs. In today’s episode we discuss how Brenda embraced outside help, why Brenda doesn’t want to be pitied, and how to get comfortable having a one-sided conversation with a loved one. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod127 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

In this episode I reflect back on 2021 and my 4 years of podcasting and looking ahead to 2022. I talk about my podcasting journey, some highlights from 2021, how I did on my 21 for 2021 list, the Happy Healthy Caregiver Holiday Gift Guide, what my plans are for the holiday season and some initial thoughts for 2022. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod126 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

In this episode, we are shining the caregiver spotlight on Cassidy Bastien. Cassidy cared for her father who had COPD and Emphysema before he passed in 2020. I have no doubt he received exceptional care as Cassidy has been a professional Certified Nursing Assistant for 19 years. During these past 5 years, she has worked in hospice and received her certifications as a hospice and palliative care nurses aide and an end of life doula. Cassidy lives and works in Washington State and shares her story about what it was like to work in the healthcare system that was the epicenter for Covid-19 in the US. In this episode we also talk about death cafes, the differences between hospice and palliative care, and about her popular Facebook community called The Caregivers Hub Support Group. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod125 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal

In this episode, we are shining the caregiver spotlight on Richard Lui. Richard Lui is a veteran and award-winning journalist. You’ll find him currently on MSNBC. He is the first Asian American man to anchor a daily national cable news program, and a team Emmy and Peabody winner. When his dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Richard made a tough decision – he put his successful career on the back burner to help care for his dad. This selflessness didn’t come easy for him and he writes about this in his new book Enough About Me: The Unexpected Power of Selflessness. Richard also completed a powerful documentary on young caregivers in military families. In this episode, we talk about all of Richard’s current projects plus mental self-care practices, pivots during the caregiving journey, and seeking the flexibility you need in your professional career. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod124 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of E

In today’s show we are shining the caregiver spotlight on Kate Washington. Kate Washington earned her PhD in Victorian literature and is the author of Already Toast: Caregiving and Burnout In America. She writes and speaks eloquently about the systemic challenges facing family caregivers. She knows the struggle well as she helps care for her husband Brad. Kate and Brad along with their two daughters live in Sacramento, California. In this episode, we talk about the negative emotions caregivers have, how caregiving is undervalued, what US can do to help caregivers, how Kate's daughters have been impacted by caregiving, and what inspires Kate's writing. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod123 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Ca

In today’s show we are shining the caregiver spotlight on my wonderful first cousin, Meghan Swope! Meghan says her faith & family – both the blood kind, and the chosen kind -- give her life purpose. She could talk for hours about the book she's reading, the Disney trip she's planning, her latest Crossfit workout or what's on your mind. Her "real job" in healthcare marketing has taught her a lot, but nothing prepared her for every aspect of caregiving until she was in it. In this episode we talk about the pros and cons of living in a rural community when it comes to caregiving, how to make caregiving more sustainable, elder fraud, hospice, and some of Meghan’s favorite reads. Show notes with product and resource links: http://bit.ly/HHCPod122 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contac

In this episode of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, we are shining the caregiver spotlight on Paul Malley. Paul Malley is President of Aging with Dignity, a position to which he was named in 2002. Throughout his career he has nearly 20 years of experience in the field of aging and advance care planning. In this episode Paul and I talk about what aging with dignity looks like (and doesn’t look like), how the founders work with Mother Theresa ignited the purpose of the Aging with Dignity organization and the Five Wishes document. What the 5 Wishes are and why if you are over the age of 18 you need to write them down. We also talk about trends in aging include Artificial Intelligence and capturing our life stories. You’ll also learn how this working parent of six children infuses self-care into his daily routine and how their organization helps their employees carve out the time and space to invest in their health and happiness. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod121 Receiv

In this episode of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, we are shining the caregiver spotlight on Rachel Davis. Rachel is a volunteer retreat leader with No Barriers USA and a full-time caregiver for her husband Jay. Jay suffered a spinal cord injury during a plane crash. This event completely uprooted their lives. Learn how Rachel is coping and moving forward. Rachel shares what a typical day looks like, where she found her supportive tribes of people, how she receives some pay for her caregiving responsibilities, and how chickens play a role in her self-care. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod120 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Request the Self Care Plan download: http://bit.ly/SELFCAREPLAN Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of t

In this episode of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, meet Lauren Dykovitz. Lauren is a writer and author, who lives in New Jersey with her husband and two black labs. Lauren’s mom was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s in July 2010 at the age of 62. Lauren was only 25 years old at the time. She quit her full-time job and became a caregiver for her mom at age 28. Although her mom passed in April 2020, it is Lauren’s mission to help others on their Alzheimer’s journey by sharing stories and lessons from her personal experience. In many ways, she feels like she is just getting started! In this episode we chat about what it's like to include your mother with Early Onset Alzheimer's in the wedding-planning process, why she started her blog, giving voice to the hard emotions of caregiving, and storytelling as a form of advocacy. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod119 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Request the Self Care Plan download: http://b

In this episode of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, I chat with my sister Susie ten months after our mom's death - an event that also ended her primary caregiving role for mom. Susie shares what the weeks before and after mom's passing was like and reflects on her 4.5 years of caregiving. We talk about what she's proud of, what she would have done differently, and where she is focusing her energy now. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod118 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Request the Self Care Plan download: http://bit.ly/SELFCAREPLAN Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

In this episode of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, host Elizabeth Miller talks about her 50th milestone birthday. The big 5-0! She time travels a bit and walks you down memory lane. Elizabeth shares stories and highlights her proudest moments, aging fears, thoughts on getting older, plans for her 50th, and provides a few ways you can help her celebrate. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod117 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Request the Self Care Plan download: http://bit.ly/SELFCAREPLAN Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

In this episode of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, meet family caregiver, Ashley Jackson. Ashley cared for her husband Troy (who was diagnosed with and treated for stage four cancer) while planning their wedding. In this episode, we chat about lodging services during cancer treatments, how she reclaimed her identity, family legacies, her 5 minute daily self-care practice, and why you may want to visit a rage room. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod116 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Request the Self Care Plan download: http://bit.ly/SELFCAREPLAN Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

In this episode of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, meet family caregiver Rayna Neises, who coaches other caregivers to live their lives without regret. Rayna cared for both of her parents during their separate battles with Alzheimer’s over a thirty-year span. She is a new author and a fellow podcaster. In this episode, we discuss creating manifestos, enduring a long-distance care situation, establishing a care team, and how to live a season of caring without regrets. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod115 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Request the Self Care Plan download: http://bit.ly/SELFCAREPLAN Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network.