Thriving While Aching

In this episode, we delve into the multifaceted world of caregiving with Danielle, a certified financial planner and caregiver for her mother, and Cora, a caregiver for her aging mother who is juggling aches and pains.  Danielle and Cora share their personal journeys of balancing self-care while providing unwavering support to their loved ones. From caring for loved ones with “invisible” conditions to handling mobility and accessibility issues, they offer valuable insights into caregiving across generations. Join host Dr. Laurie Ferguson and expert caregiver Mike Eidsaune as they explore these compelling stories, offering a blend of empathy, practical advice, and a deeper understanding of the family caregiver journey. Among the highlights in this episode: 01:46: Danielle shares her background as a certified financial planner and her transition to specializing in financial education for family caregivers 02:56: Danielle discusses her personal journey as a multigenerational caregiver, supporting her elderly grandmother and her mother 03:54: Cora describes her experience caring for her 70-year-old mother 05:01: Danielle and Cora reflect on the balance of caring for loved ones and self-care, with Danielle addressing her recent realization of the toll caregiving has taken on her 07:42: Mike Eidsaune, CEO of Caregiving.com, offers insights on the importance of self-care for family caregivers and suggests reframing it as a crucial part of the caregiving role 10:52: Cora discusses her activities outside of caregiving, like going to the gym, and its positive impact on her mental health and ability to care for her mother 11:38: Danielle explains her role in planning for her mother's retirement and her grandmother's comfort and care needs 12:30: Mike emphasizes the significance of addressing mental health issues in caregiving, highlighting the importance of community support 15:31: Cora and Danielle share insights on managing mobility issues for their loved ones, including planning for accessibility and comfort during travels 18:31: Mike discusses strategies for caregivers to plan for mobility challenges and the emotional impact of mobility loss on the cared-for individual 23:27: Danielle and Cora offer final pieces of advice for other caregivers, emphasizing living life to the fullest and balancing caregiving with personal well-being 27:14: Mike concludes by expanding on the role of a support system in caregiving, stressing its variety and importance in addressing different needs of caregivers Contact Our Host Dr. Laurie Ferguson, Director of Education Development at the Global Healthy Living Foundation: [email protected] A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to [email protected] Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we explore a unique facet of caregiving as Alyssa, a young woman passionate about hiking, unexpectedly forges a deep bond with an older woman (lovingly known as “new grandma”) who she met while walking her service dog Kernel. This chance encounter grows into a meaningful companionship enriched by shared walks, a mutual love for dogs and nature, and emotional support. Together, they navigate through the obstacles of aging and the pain of loss, while celebrating the joys of friendship and shared interests like photography. Alyssa realizes that caregiving isn’t just about assistance; it’s about connection. Among the highlights in this episode: 01:57: Alyssa describes her caring friendship with “new grandma”, highlighting their shared activities like hiking 04:56: Dr. Ferguson explores the significance of friendship in mitigating loneliness and pain in older age 05:24: Alyssa reflects on how unexpected relationships can be life-changing, mentioning her dog Kernel's role in building connections 06:28: Mike Eidsaune, CEO of Caregiving.com, provides expert insights on the importance of companionship in caregiving, emphasizing human and animal connections 07:26: Dr. Ferguson and Mike address the broader context of loneliness 08:44: Mike highlights the value of finding common ground in caregiving relationships across different generations 10:51: Dr. Ferguson comments on the broader aspects of caregiving, such as companionship and emotional support, beyond physical assistance 11:24: Alyssa talks about the role of humor in her relationship with “new grandma” and how it helps them cope with challenges 17:00: Mike emphasizes the idea that caregiving doesn't always fit traditional definitions and highlights Alyssa's significant impact 18:02: Mike concludes by suggesting resources for caregivers, focusing on the importance of companionship and community engagement for the well-being of loved ones Contact Our Host Dr. Laurie Ferguson, Director of Education Development at the Global Healthy Living Foundation: [email protected] A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to [email protected] Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we dive into the unique story of Aisha, a young Black woman who stepped into the role of caregiver when her mother was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. Facing the dual challenges of her youth and a lack of caregiving resources tailored for her cultural background, Aisha's journey is one of remarkable resilience and innovation. Aisha shares her personal struggles and triumphs, detailing how she navigated uncharted territories to create a supportive and essential community and resources for caregivers like her. Among the highlights in this episode: 01:11: Aisha explains her entry into caregiving at age 27 and the adjustments she made, including leaving her job to care for her mother 03:40: Aisha describes her evolving role as a caregiver, from companion to handling more complex tasks as her mother's condition progressed 04:48: Aisha discusses the lack of available caregiving resources for her specific demographic as a young, African American woman 06:05: Aisha details her initiative in creating "Our Turn 2 Care" to support young caregivers of color and those in the LGBTQ community 10:19: Dr. Ferguson, Director of Education Development at GHLF, highlights the significant issue of resource scarcity for specific caregiver groups 10:54: Mike Eidsaune, CEO of Caregiving.com, emphasizes the importance of tailored solutions and representation in caregiving resources 13:16: Aisha stresses the importance of a strong support network for caregivers 14:36: Aisha shares how music and the arts played a crucial role in her caregiving experience 19:52: Aisha advises caregivers on the importance of self-prioritization and reflects on her caregiving experience 22:11: Dr. Ferguson comments on the non-linear nature of the caregiving journey and the importance of self-patience 23:42: Aisha lists various organizations and resources useful for caregivers 28:43: Mike concludes by suggesting ways for caregivers to educate themselves and find local resources Contact Our Host Dr. Laurie Ferguson, Director of Education Development at the Global Healthy Living Foundation: [email protected] A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to [email protected] Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this touching episode, join Olivia as she navigates the intricacies of caring for her father, who is battling lung cancer. Despite her own struggles with chronic migraine, Olivia finds unique ways to bring joy and empowerment to her father's life. From daily texts to engaging conversations in her father's native language, Tagalog, each interaction helps build a beautiful relationship of care and connection. This episode highlights the challenges caregivers face and illuminates the profound impact of creativity and storytelling in fostering resilience and deepening familial bonds. Among the highlights in this episode: 02:00: Olivia discusses her role in supporting her father with lung cancer, while managing her own chronic condition 03:14: Olivia describes her creative approach to caregiving, such as fostering communication through daily texts and phone calls 06:13: Olivia shares her experience of connecting with her father by practicing Tagalog, her father's native language, highlighting the importance of cultural connection in their relationship 07:54: Dr. Ferguson, Director of Education Development at GHLF, notes the empowering aspect of Olivia's approach, where she enables her father to be the teacher and expert with the practice of Tagalog, enhancing their bond 09:31: Mike Eidsaune, CEO of Caregiving.com, reflects on the impact of Olivia's caregiving approach, emphasizing the significance of small, regular actions and the therapeutic benefits of storytelling in caregiving 11:19: Olivia discusses her passion project – a podcast about Filipino tennis players, starting with her father's story, and how this project enriches their relationship 15:53: Mike discusses the broader implications of Olivia's storytelling approach, including its impact on her father's sense of legacy and the therapeutic benefits for both caregivers and their loved ones 19:01: Olivia shares her philosophy on caregiving, focusing on the importance of finding joy and meaning beyond the illness and diagnosis 21:09: Olivia talks about her personal coping mechanism and source of resilience, including cycling and participating in century rides, drawing parallels between her personal challenges and caregiving 24:30: Mike concludes with key takeaways from Olivia's interview, highlighting the importance of positivity, consistency, and the power of storytelling in caregiving Contact Our Host Dr. Laurie Ferguson, Director of Education Development at the Global Healthy Living Foundation: [email protected] A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to [email protected] Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Thriving While Aching, we meet Marilyn, who lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, with her husband, Joel, who has arthritis and was first introduced in Season 1. This season focuses on how caregivers and care partners can help their loved ones thrive as they age. Marilyn shares how she keeps Joel and herself mentally and physically active. She teaches us that, with some adjustments, you and your loved one can continue to enjoy the things you love, albeit with a twist, and she highlights the significance of adding laughter and curiosity to help them thrive. Among the highlights in this episode:  02:39: Marilyn discusses the major life adjustments she and Joel had to make due to his arthritic pain, impacting their active outdoor lifestyle 03:14: Marilyn explains how she and Joel remain physically active, focusing on bicycling as their primary activity 05:48: Mike Eidsaune, CEO of Caregiving.com and our expert caregiver this season, discusses the importance of finding shared activities and adapting to new life phases 07:27: Marilyn talks about the mental aspects of caregiving, focusing on humor, reading, and maintaining curiosity 11:49: Marilyn describes how she and Joel maintain their social life, adapting their long-standing traditions to suit their current lifestyle 14:20: Mike emphasizes the importance of community support and finding small inspirations in everyday life for caregivers 16:08: Marilyn discusses how she and Joel entertain at home and adapt to changes in household responsibilities 18:21: Marilyn talks about Joel and her community activities, including involvement in the homeowners association 19:27: Dr. Ferguson and Mike reflect on Marilyn's journey, emphasizing the importance of adapting, community, and finding joy in small things Contact Our Host Dr. Laurie Ferguson, Director of Education at the Global Healthy Living Foundation: [email protected] A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to [email protected] Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.