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In this episode of Finding a Foothold, I discuss where to begin as you struggle to come to grips with the devastating news that your loved one has had a Stroke.  You are likely entering a new world f…

In this episode of F…

In this episode of Finding a Foothold, I discuss where to begin as you struggle to come to grips with the devastating news that your loved one has had a stroke.  You are likely entering a new world full of unfamiliar medical jargon, different medical professionals, and so many moving parts. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by all the information given to you, on top of the whirlwind of emotions caused by your concern about your loved one.    Take a deep breath. I'm here to help.   And just so you know, I have been in your shoes. During this episode, I will begin to share my personal …

In this episode I address a common yet challenging scenario where a caregiver struggles to manage their own life while caring for an appreciative but unaware parent.  Join us as we explore:The signs …

In this episode I ad…

In this episode I address a common yet challenging scenario where a caregiver struggles to manage their own life while caring for an appreciative but unaware parent.  Join us as we explore:The signs of caregiver burnout and why recognizing them early is crucial.Strategies for having honest conversations with your loved one about the difficulties you're facing.Practical tips for bringing in additional help, including community resources, professional services, and family support.The importance of making home modifications to ease daily tasks.Gain valuable insights and encouragement to hel…

This is a replay of a  previous podcast.  I thought it fitting to replay it, as it had many downloads and many appreciated the first release.  Please enjoy.Caring for your parents is honorable but …

This is a replay of …

This is a replay of a  previous podcast.  I thought it fitting to replay it, as it had many downloads and many appreciated the first release.  Please enjoy.Caring for your parents is honorable but also challenging. You want to do all you can to make things easier for them, so you put all your energy and effort into trying to meet their every need. When you do this, you often do it at the expense of your own mental and physical well-being, and this can have dire consequences.Family caregivers often neglect their health as well as sacrifice other meaningful Relationships and interests in thei…

In this episode, we tackle the complexities of caregiving by addressing the difficult task of setting boundaries with demanding parents.  Learn from the extensive experience of  an occupational ther…

In this episode, we …

In this episode, we tackle the complexities of caregiving by addressing the difficult task of setting boundaries with demanding parents.  Learn from the extensive experience of  an occupational therapist and caregiver as  insight  and strategies for maintaining balance and well-being while caring for a demanding loved one are presented.Discover the importance of acknowledging caregiving challenges and effectively communicating boundaries to demanding parents.  Hear personal anecdotes and practical tips for initiating conversations, offering compromises, and seeking additional support when…

In this episode, we delve into empowering caregivers to create opportunities for experiencing  a happier 2024 by focusing on mindset shifts and strategic planning. We explore the importance of cultiv…

In this episode, we …

In this episode, we delve into empowering caregivers to create opportunities for experiencing  a happier 2024 by focusing on mindset shifts and strategic planning. We explore the importance of cultivating a positive outlook, building a supportive network, and establishing a caregiving team.  We also emphasize the significance of pursuing opportunities for time away, encouraging caregivers to become more proactive in ensuring their ability to participate in activities outside of caregiving.  Discover practical tips for effective communication, asking for help, and integrating others into the…

In this episode, we dive into the vital conversation of assessing the safety of aging parents and grandparents as families reunite for visits during the holiday season. While it's a time to gath…

In this episode, we …

In this episode, we dive into the vital conversation of assessing the safety of aging parents and grandparents as families reunite for visits during the holiday season. While it's a time to gather, have fun, and continue cherished family traditions, it's also an opportune moment to prioritize the well-being of our elderly loved ones.  Listen as we share practical tips for families to help them recognize safety concerns and potential fall risks in the homes of aging relatives. From observing mobility and lighting to addressing bathroom safety, our aim is to equipment you with optio…

In this episode, we talk about the important topic of aging in place.  What are things that we can do when a parent in advanced aging desires to live out their lives in their own home, even when you …

In this episode, we …

In this episode, we talk about the important topic of aging in place.  What are things that we can do when a parent in advanced aging desires to live out their lives in their own home, even when you see that things have become challenging and there are fall risks? What are some things that you can learn to do to improve their safety and ability to do basic personal care and mobility tasks, when they are resistant to having a hired caregiver come in to help? What things can you do to lessen the stress placed on your life as you try to support them as best as you can?There are practical change…

In this episode of "Caregivers Finding a Foothold," we tackle a pressing concern: preventing caregiver injuries. These injuries are happening.  The injuries are changing lives, these injuries often l…

In this episode of "…

In this episode of "Caregivers Finding a Foothold," we tackle a pressing concern: preventing caregiver injuries. These injuries are happening.  The injuries are changing lives, these injuries often long lasting and affect the quality of life of the family caregiver long after the caregiving journey has ended.Caregivers often neglect the subtle signs their bodies give them, leading to injury and disability themselves. We explore four of the primary causes behind these injuries and offer guidance on ways to minimize these risks. Listen as we help you identify injuries that may be occurring in y…

This episode addresses a question called into the podcast call in line, from a caller Jim.  Jim has expressed frustrations this summer, at always having to cancel his plans and never having enough ti…

This episode address…

This episode addresses a question called into the podcast call in line, from a caller Jim.  Jim has expressed frustrations this summer, at always having to cancel his plans and never having enough time to take care of his needs, due to care duties related to caring for him mom. In today's discussion, we delve into the importance of creating time for yourself as a caregiver and the strategies that can help you achieve it. We explore ways to prioritize your needs, attend to your loved one's needs, learn the art of saying no, and seek essential emotional support.  Let's dive in!…

A re-release of a popular podcast from last year which has helped many family caregivers adapt to life caring for a loved one who has had a stroke.As a caregiver, if your loved one has had a stroke, h…

A re-release of a po…

A re-release of a popular podcast from last year which has helped many family caregivers adapt to life caring for a loved one who has had a stroke.As a caregiver, if your loved one has had a stroke, how much help they will need can vary greatly.  It can range from them requiring no assistance with care, to requiring more care than one person can offer.  Do your homework by learning about your loved one’s strengths and weaknesses.    Be realistic about what you can do.  Just because you can’t do it all, doesn’t mean you don’t love them, it just means you can’t do it all.  Find w…

This episodes addresses a question called into the podcast call in line.When you are caring for an aging parent who is still in their own home, things can get challenging.  Especially when you have m…

This episodes addres…

This episodes addresses a question called into the podcast call in line.When you are caring for an aging parent who is still in their own home, things can get challenging.  Especially when you have moved back in to care for them and they are having difficulty accepting recommendations from you.That is the case with Victoria, who called in a question, giving a scenario to a challenge she has assisting with her mom's care.Question/scenario:  Mom is now basically wheelchair confined, but can stand briefly for transfers.  The challenge is mom's bedroom -- the layout does not allow for…

Today's episode features a guest who shares her story of courage.   We will return to our format of addressing your concerns called in to the call-in line, on our next episode.My guest for this …

Today's episode…

Today's episode features a guest who shares her story of courage.   We will return to our format of addressing your concerns called in to the call-in line, on our next episode.My guest for this podcast episode is Eve Hill.  She is a Californian.  She was a former sitcom writer, grant writer and a community liaison for the Los Angeles Unified School District.  She is a licensed California realtor and a Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS).  She is also the co-founder of Customized Aging, an aging in place company and company that assists older adults to find a home that best sui…

In our calendar year, there are seasons. The climate changes as we go through the year and we must navigate through those seasons, making adjustments to accommodate for the newness of events and chall…

In our calendar year…

In our calendar year, there are seasons. The climate changes as we go through the year and we must navigate through those seasons, making adjustments to accommodate for the newness of events and challenges which come. The same is true for caregiving. There are times when you settle into a routine as you make accommodations for your aging parents' needs.  But there are also those times when it feels like everything around you is falling apart --things look gray and damp and you experience intense exhaustion, stress, and emotional strain.  This can equate to a winter season of caregiving…

Not all caregivers endure the same types of stress.  What keeps you up at night or causes tears to flow down your face when someone asks, "How you are doing?" Your story may be very different from an…

Not all caregivers e…

Not all caregivers endure the same types of stress.  What keeps you up at night or causes tears to flow down your face when someone asks, "How you are doing?" Your story may be very different from another family caregiver.    Each story can be different.  As a family caregiver,  you face unique stressors that come with the territory of caring for someone . You may feel overwhelmed by balancing your loved one’s needs and your own daily responsibilities. As much as you would like to provide quality care to an aging parent or other relative while also taking some time out for yourself, it …

The year 2022 has been about change and growth for me and many of you.    Thank you for daring to believe then taking the courage to take the first steps.That has been the case here in the Finding A…

The year 2022 has be…

The year 2022 has been about change and growth for me and many of you.    Thank you for daring to believe then taking the courage to take the first steps.That has been the case here in the Finding A Foothold Community.  Thank you to the many who have joined this community, making the decision to no longer isolate, to connect to others, and begin to experience hope.My desire has been to reach those who have wrongly accepted a definition that depicts caregiving as laying aside your entire life, disconnecting from your needs and desires and solely giving your all to your loved one. My desire h…

A caller left a message on the call-in line, explaining the following scenario:Son states:  Mom previously lived alone, had a fall and injury to her hip 3 months ago.   Mom currently has home health…

A caller left a mess…

A caller left a message on the call-in line, explaining the following scenario:Son states:  Mom previously lived alone, had a fall and injury to her hip 3 months ago.   Mom currently has home health OT and PT to help with her recovery but they will be ending soon.  Mom is much better, using a walker and requires supervision while walking in case she loses her balance.  Son states mom has no cognitive deficits, is very aware and able to cognitively manage the affairs of her day.  Son states mom however sits most of the day, does not do her exercises and only walks with supervision to go to…

Daughter works from home.  She is grateful for that because she is the primary caregiver for her mom who lives with her.   Since home from the hospital after a hip fracture, mom with weakness and ne…

Daughter works from …

Daughter works from home.  She is grateful for that because she is the primary caregiver for her mom who lives with her.   Since home from the hospital after a hip fracture, mom with weakness and needs help with all task.  Daughter very concerned that she may  jeopardize her ability to remain a remote worker due to mom constantly calling her.  Today's question will address that scenario.A caller left a message on the call-in line, explaining that mom is very upset,  she does not want to go to inpatient rehab.Question:  Daughter asking for recommendations of options that may help he…

Being in the hospital for several days would result in most of us wanting to go home.  We would be ready to Sleep in our own beds and eat food that we enjoy.   And this is also often the case with m…

Being in the hospita…

Being in the hospital for several days would result in most of us wanting to go home.  We would be ready to sleep in our own beds and eat food that we enjoy.   And this is also often the case with many elderly patients who are being discharged from the hospital, they are ready to go home!I know this all too well, because after one of my mother's hospitalizations, she was insisting on skipping an inpatient rehab stay and going back home.  But there are several factors which had to be taken into account when making that decision.  Today's question will address that scenario.A calle…