New!
Finding the beautiful transformation in the caregiving process
June 21, 2021
Mary Tutterow is a wife, mom, caregiver, author, speaker, and teacher. As a caregiver for her husband’s mother, and their adult daughter who has chronic seizure disorder, Mary has learned gifts that will last a lifetime. She wrote The Heart of the Caregiver during some of her most difficult years. She talks about her lessons learned and the joy she gets in helping other frazzled caregivers find beautiful transformation in the caregiving process – for themselves, their family, and the people they care for.
New research report looks at the various needs of people with dementia
June 14, 2021
There are between 3.7 million and 5.8 million people living with dementia in the U.S., and that number is likely to grow as the population ages. Research Scientist and IU School of Medicine Professor of Medicine, Christopher Callahan, M.D. joins Caregiver Crossing to discuss the research and report that details the state of dementia care and research in America. He talks about how the report provides guidance on future research to make sure both patients and their families are having their needs met by the care they receive.
Tips and resources for grandparents caregiving for their grandchildren
June 07, 2021
Patricia is the Director of Kinship Care Services for Duet AZ and is a leading expert on issues surrounding grandparents raising grandchildren. She talks about the challenges and rewards that grandparents face while raising their grandchildren. Patricia also provides key insights and tips for caregivers, along with information about the kinship care programs she’s created over the years.
Insights into caregiving from a former co-caregiver and author
June 01, 2021
Rick Lauber is a former co-caregiver for his aging parents, where he assumed new – and unexpected – responsibilities, struggled with loss and balancing his time, advocated for his parents (including making key life and financial decisions for his father due to Alzheimer’s disease), and learned many joys of caregiving along the way. Rick is the author of two published caregiver guidebooks and a contributing columnist who writes about caregiving and caregiving-related issues. He shares his insights, lessons learned, and some tips for caregivers with co-hosts Tina McIntosh and Terri Stacy on Caregiver Crossing.
What to Know and Ask When Exploring Senior Communities
May 17, 2021
Kara Shipman is the Director of Community Engagement of CarDon & Associates. With 20 communities owned, operated, or managed in the Midwest and more than 40 years of senior living experience, CarDon & Associates continued its personalized care during the pandemic. Kara talked about how they kept residents and families safe and lessons learned over the past 14 months. She also shared some helpful tips for families exploring a senior community for their loved one, including what to look for and questions to ask.
Alzheimer’s Prediction May Be Found in Writing Tests
May 10, 2021
Is it possible to predict who will develop Alzheimer’s disease simply by looking at writing patterns years before there are symptoms? We asked that question to Guillermo Cecchi, principal researcher at IBM Research and lead scientist on their Alzheimer's prediction research. You’ll have to listen to the episode for the answer, but it’s worth the listen. Guillermo discusses how IBM researchers trained artificial intelligence to pick up hints of changes in language ahead of the onset of neurological diseases – and it’s just the beginning.
Recognizing and supporting the millions of children who are caregivers
May 03, 2021
In addition to 48 million adults who are family caregivers, 3.4 million children under the age of 18 are serving as a caregiver to a family member, while attending middle or high school. Dr. Connie Siskowski is the Founder and President of American Association Caregiving Youth, where she and her team serve as a national resource for children and adolescents who are caring for ill, injured, aging, frail, or disabled family members. Dr. Siskowski talks about the challenges young adults face as caregivers and what we can do to support them.
Keeping Seniors and Families Connected Through Technology
April 28, 2021
Stacia Lozer is the Chief Operating Officer at Sherish Connect. She joined Caregiver Crossing to talk about an easy-to-use platform that allows families to connect in a meaningful way through easy to install technology. Sherish lets every family member share their special photos into a single Family Album. When older family members are living in a senior community or at home alone, they can enjoy an always-up-to-date, never-ending slideshow of the Family Album on their TV.
Sherish Connect is offering Joy’s House a 20% discount off the Sherish Device and first month’s subscription using the promo code JOYSHOUSE. Visit www.sherish.com
Understanding Elder Law and Common Law Issues Families Face
April 19, 2021
Anna Howard is a partner and managing attorney for Severns & Howard. She’s a VA Accredited attorney specializing in VA and Medicaid planning, as well as basic Asset Protection Planning. She talks about her family, her career path, and how she fell in love with elder law. She provides important insight into legal challenges and the most common elder law issues families face and what they can do. Learn more about severns.com
Tips for successful dining experiences for those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia
April 12, 2021
Vickie Greenough is the Memory Care Business Development Specialist for American Senior Communities. In this episode, she talks about the aging population they serve and the ASC Dining Red program – a program that helps people living with Alzheimer’s, or related forms of dementia, have more successful dining experiences. Vickie also provides some tips to help caregivers nourish themselves and those they care for.
Jennifer Pinson teaches us music therapy techniques to help caregivers caring for their loved ones
April 05, 2021
As a Music Therapist, Jennifer knows all the right notes to hit with elderly individuals and their caregivers. She knows the benefits music has for people struggling with cognitive decline and helps individuals increase their levels of physical, mental, social, and emotional functioning. The information and tips she shares in this episode is music to our ears! Caregivers: Turn up the tunes and enjoy!
A caregiver’s journey and The Work she does now to help others
March 29, 2021
Jodi Patsiner is a longtime caregiver and has more than 25 years of experience partnering with our Elders and Youth creating interdependent communities. She is a Certified Facilitator of The Work of Byron Katie, practitioner of Multidimensional energy work, and a certified Reiki Master. She also holds an M.A. in Gerontology. She specializes in specialize in Elder Communities, Caregiver Support and Addiction recovery and talks with us about her work – The Work. She shares free resources, talks about self-care, and provides some specific tools caregivers can use to release stress.
Find the Funny and Go from Tired to Terrific
March 22, 2021
It’s ok to let out a good laugh, but we don’t always give ourselves permission to laugh during difficult times. Dr. Lynne Shaw is a Certified Laughter Leader and a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader (among other credentials). She joined Caregiver Crossing to talk about the importance of laughter and how laughter can reduce caregiver stress. Find the funny!
Dr. Lynne Shaw is also an Associate Professor at the University of Indianapolis in the Phylis Lan Lin Department of Social Work.
CARE Kits: How caregivers can organize and keep information for loved ones
March 15, 2021
Co-hosts Tina McIntosh and Terri Stacy talk about CARE Kits, a resource designed to help caregivers keep important information in one place, along with templates to track medications, sleep patterns, behavior changes, and more. CARE = Consistency, Advocacy, Reassurance & Education. Tina and Terri talk about how to think through different situations and who can help you care for your loved ones. It’s packed with so much information – some information you might not even think about. Email info@joyshouse.org to learn more.
Celebrating Centenarians and connecting with seniors during COVID
March 08, 2021
Madison Schmitt, with American Senior Communities and Bethany Village, talks about their Centenarian Club and the importance of celebrating our seniors. She also talks about how caregivers can connect with their loved ones living in independent living communities and long-term care facilities during the pandemic.
Tips for Caregivers Traveling with Loved Ones Living with Alzheimer’s and Dementia
March 01, 2021
Jan Dougherty is the Founder & CEO of TravALZ. She is the author of the book “Travel Well with Dementia: Essential Tips to Enjoy the Journey”. Jan talks about creating dementia friendly travel solutions – for the travel industry and family caregivers. She shares some of her greatest travel tips during this episode.
Natalie Sutton, Alzheimer’s Association
February 22, 2021
Natalie Sutton, Chapter Executive at Alzheimer's Association of Greater Indiana, talks about the 110,000 Hoosiers living with Alzheimer's disease, the 342,000 unpaid Indiana caregivers, and the work they are doing to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease. She also talks about what people should know about risk reduction and early detection.
A conversation about advocacy and overcoming Alzheimer’s and dementia
February 15, 2021
Ian Kremer, Executive Director at Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease (LEAD), talks about the diverse, growing national coalition of more than 90 member organizations committed to overcoming Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. He shares his thoughts on dementia risk and improving quality of life, along with the stigma that exists with people living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Exploring and understanding generational differences
February 08, 2021
Melanie Perry, Director of Memory Care Support Services for American Senior Communities, talks about a new program that addresses generational memory care needs. By blending and representing different generations, they have found a way for each generation to appreciate what the other is experiencing.
Fascinating findings from a career dedicated to researching dementia
February 01, 2021
Dr. Maggie Ellis has dedicated her career to researching and raising awareness of people living with dementia. She is the Senior Lecturer at the School of Psychology and Neuroscience, St. Andrews, United Kingdom. In this episode, Dr. Ellis talks with us about her research and how she’s helping people with dementia communicate with others through “adaptive interaction”.
Resources and tips for caregivers from an insider’s perspective
January 25, 2021
Patrick Broccolo, co-owner of Senior 1 Care, talks about the services they provide, helping people become more independent rather than dependent, and his top tips for caregivers. Patrick also opens up about his personal experience as a caregiver to his mother-in-law.
Dustin Ziegler talks about making Indiana the most dementia friendly state in the U.S.
January 18, 2021
Dustin Ziegler, is the VP of Community Programs for CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions. He joins us to talk about the Dementia Friends Indiana movement – a movement to make Indiana the most dementia friendly state in the U.S. Find out where Indiana ranks, what’s being done, and where we are headed. Dustin also talks about new partnerships and how they benefit individuals living with Dementia and their caregivers.
Uniting quality senior service providers to aging resources
January 11, 2021
Jim Morgan shares his passion for serving the community and our seniors in this week’s episode of Caregiver Crossing. He talks about Life’s Copilot, central Indiana’s premiere resource for connecting area seniors with dependable professionals, products, and services. Find out why it’s so important to unite quality senior service providers to those in need of aging resources.
The value of preparing food in advance, with love and heart
January 05, 2021
Matt Mills, with Mills Catering, talks about the importance, value, and ease of preparing food in advance as a caregiver. Most importantly is getting the most out of the process. From freezing meals to foods “getting acquainted” in a crockpot, Matt covers quite a bit in this episode. For Matt, the key is to try and have a plan, do it out of love, and know that it’s ok to fail.
Patricia Flockhart shares her love story, heartbreak, and gives advice for other caregivers
December 21, 2020
Patricia, a dear friend of Joy’s House, shares a beautiful love story and the heartbreak she endured after her husband, Michael, died. Patricia was a true advocate for Michael while he was living with dementia. In this episode, Patricia encourages others to seek help and answers when caring for a loved one.
Tina and Terri talk about the holidays and share tips for caregivers
December 18, 2020
For some caregivers, the holidays are a joyful time caring for and spending time with loved ones, celebrating with family traditions. But for others, the holidays can add stress and sadness. In this episode, Tina and Terri share some tips for help caregivers during the holiday season.
Stevi Kersh is a new caregiver, caring for her 103-year-old mom
December 14, 2020
Stevi talks about her experience as a new caregiver. She shares some information that’s relatable and helpful to all caregivers. Her mom suffered a stroke over a year ago. Stevi chose to leave her successful career to care for her mom. They’re laughing and crying together, and they’re reconnecting. It’s the hardest job Stevi has ever had, but she wouldn’t change a thing.
Sarah Waddle, AARP
December 07, 2020
Sarah Waddle serves as the State Director for AARP – the place that some call the “go-to place for feeling good about aging”. Sarah talks about the latest AARP news and the important work being done for people 50+. We are all aging every day and AARP is empowering people how to live successfully as they age. She talks about the organization’s social impact, advocacy work, and some of the challenges aging people are facing.
DR. LOUIS PROFETA TALKS MORE ABOUT COVID-19, FLU SEASON AND CAREGIVING
November 30, 2020
Dr. Louis Profeta joins Caregiver Crossing to talk more about COVID-19, flu season, and caregiving. Is it a cold or COVID? Dr. Profeta talks about the difference between the two, his thoughts on the timing of a COVID vaccine, and what caregivers need to know. He also talks about the “sandwich generation” and caring for parents and kids during the pandemic.
Grace Whiting Talks About the State of Caregiving
November 23, 2020
A recently released report indicates that today’s family caregivers are 61% are women, 39% are men, 61% work, 34% are boomers, 45% have had at least one financial impact. In this episode, Grace Whiting, President & CEO for the National Alliance for Caregiving, talks about the organization, their latest research study, and the critical work they are doing to help friend and family caregivers.
Matt Mills talks about nutrition and healthy eating for seniors
November 16, 2020
Matt Mills started Mills Catering two decades ago with a simple mission to make good food for good people. Matt talks about comfort foods, balancing healthy habits, and being intentional about good nutrition. He chats about how caregivers can make simple steps to help those they love with healthy meals.
Andrew Bradford talks about safe places at Conner Prairie for people living with dementia
November 09, 2020
Andrew Bradford is the VP and Chief Advancement Officer at Conner Prairie - an interactive, hands-on outdoor living history museum that welcomes nearly 400,000 visitors of all ages. Andrew talks about the significant work they are doing to make the museum a friendlier place for people living with dementia, including creating safe places for people to enjoy a world-class museum, dementia training for staff members, and plans for the future.
Shelley O’Connell talks about helping seniors navigate health care services
November 02, 2020
Shelley O’Connell is the Director, Post-Acute Clinical & Community Based Services at Community Touchpoint. She talks about helping seniors access and navigate health care services, while maximizing their quality of life through fun and fellowship with other seniors. She shares information about their free services, resources and programs.
Stephanie Monroe talks about what’s happening with African Americans and Alzheimer’s
October 26, 2020
This episode features Stephanie Monroe, Executive Director of African Americans Against Alzheimer’s, the first national network created specifically to respond to the disparate impact of Alzheimer’s on African Americans. Stephanie shares some startling stats and talks about social determinants of health, the lack of attention to our brain health, and the need for more participation among minorities in clinical trials. Stephanie is a caregiver to her father who is living with Alzheimer’s and understands the costs and emotional strain of the disease.
Dr. Louis Profeta talks about COVID-19, Flu Season, and Caregiving
October 15, 2020
Dr. Louis Profeta talks about COVID-19 and the trend he’s seeing with elderly people being frozen with fear and delaying medical care during the pandemic. He also talks about his worries and concerns during flu season and the prolonged pandemic. Dr. Profeta provides some valuable insights and advice for caregivers during this time.
