1. Encore Episode #1 Advocacy as Caregivers Rayna Neises 22:06

Encore Episode #1, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Carlos Olivas III.  Carlos was a guest last year on the podcast and immediately comes to mind when thinking about advocacy.  In fact, in December of 2022 Carlos was honored as being a Congressional Advocate of the Year in California.  Since 2016, he has been the primary Caregiver for his father living with Alzheimer’s.  During this caregiving season, Carols has been able to connect, encourage, and empathize with caregivers from around the world.  The journey has inspired him to advocate for elder health policy and the practice of Self-Care for caregivers.  Rayna and Carlos share the following insights on caregiving and advocacy:

  • Eldercare policy is not something in the mainstream media.
  • We need to look after our elders with dignity and love.
  • Institutions and policies already in place need to be reviewed.
  • People need to be given information and educational resources to assist them with end-of-life Eldercare challenges.
  • Contact your officials on issues that can help you. Have a conversation or send a letter to let them know what will make a difference for caregivers.
  • Share your stories with all who will listen.
  • Utilize the Alzheimer’s Associations 24/7 Helpline at 1-(800)-272-3900 and the information they provide to help with advocacy.
  • Advocate for research that includes all demographics.
  • Sponsored by Content Magazine a quarterly faith-based electronic magazine for family caregivers.
Rayna Neises A Season of Caring

Rayna Neises understands the joys and challenges that come from a season of caring. She helped care for both of her parents during their separate battles with Alzheimer’s over a thirty-year span. She is able to look back on those days now with no regrets – and she wishes the same for everyone caring for aging parents.

Rayna is the author of No Regrets: Hope for Your Caregiving Season, an ICF certified coach, the host of “A Season of Caring” podcast, Positive Approach® to Care (PAC)Independent Certified Trainer and speaker who is passionate about offering encouragement, support, and resources for regret-free caring aimed at preventing family caregivers from aimlessly wandering through this important season of life.

Rayna lives on a farm in southeast Kansas with her husband, Ron, and small pack of adorable dogs. She is the baby of her family, but most would never guess that. She is a former teacher who enjoys crafts of all kinds and spending time with her grandkids most of all.