Description: 

Providing support and innovative solutions for caregivers who are assisting the aging population. Debbie Hertha shares her expertise in gerontology, offering insights into the challenges faced by caregivers and suggesting creative ways to enhance the well-being of seniors. The episode emphasizes understanding the needs and capabilities of the elderly, the emotional toll on caregivers, and the importance of community and professional resources to aid in effective caregiving.

Summary:

In this episode of the "Care to Listen" podcast, host Sean Burke talks with Debbie Hertha, who has a deep background in caring for older adults and runs a company called Creative Aging. Debbie shares her experiences and the challenges that come with helping seniors and their caregivers. She offers useful tips for improving the lives of elderly people and talks about the personal and emotional challenges caregivers face. The conversation covers a lot of ground, including how to better support aging parents and what can be done to help those caring for them.

Content Warning: 

This audio episode contains some sensitive content, such as discussions of addiction, the ongoing opioid crisis, suicide, grieving, and loss. As such, we recommend that you listen to it with caution.

Takeaways:

• Think Differently About Aging: Debbie talks about focusing on what elderly people can still do, instead of just their problems. This helps come up with better ways to help them keep living a full life.

  
  



• Understand the Strain on Caregivers: The episode sheds light on how hard caregiving can be, emotionally and physically. It discusses why caregivers need to find ways to take care of themselves too.

  
  



• Customized Help for Seniors: Debbie explains her way of working directly with older adults to really understand what they need and prefer, which makes her care plans more effective.

  
  



• Support for Caregivers is Crucial: Debbie points out that there’s a big need for more help for caregivers, including in workplaces and through community resources, so they can keep up with their responsibilities without burning out.

  
  

Time Stamps:

00:00 :00- Introduction of Debbie Hertha and the topic of supporting caregivers and the aging population.

00:04:00 - Debbie describes her early experiences working with seniors and her decision to study gerontology.

00:08:00 - Discussion on the creative approaches to supporting aging populations and the inception of Creative Aging.

00:12:00 - Debbie talks about the emotional toll on caregivers and the importance of self-care and support networks.

00:20:00 - Exploration of the complexities and challenges faced by caregivers in both their professional and personal lives.

00:28:00 - Debbie and Sean discuss the growing need for services as the population ages and the impact on caregivers working in various capacities.

Resources:

Creative Aging 

Care to Speak | Care For Caregivers

Phone Resources

SafeCare BC: Your Mental Health Matters

Bounceback (bouncebackbc.ca)

This podcast is brought to you by: 

Home | Care For Caregivers

Care to Speak | Care For Caregivers

Care2Listen Podcast | Care For Caregivers

Home - SafeCare BC

CMHA British Columbia – Mental Health for All