PODCAST · education
Caregiver Chats
by Home Instead, Inc.
The Caregiver Chats podcast is a space for family caregivers and care partners to find support and expertise to help make the caregiving journey a little more manageable. Dr. Lakelyn and her guests will focus on five key areas of caregiving that tend to be most challenging: Caregiver Support; Aging in Place; Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiving; Care Planning; and Caregiver Self-Care. Guests will include aging industry experts and advocates and caregivers who will share their experiences and personal stories with Dr. Lakelyn. New episodes will drop regularly on all major podcasting platforms.
Episodes
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82: Karen Sandone on Facing Younger-Onset Dementia as a Family
Dr. Lakelyn welcomes family caregiver and advocate Karen Sandone to share her family’s journey after her husband, Anthony, was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease at age 55. Karen opens up about the long road to a diagnosis, how Alzheimer’s changed the future they had imagined, and...
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81: Nicole Will's Checklist for Choosing a Senior Living Community
Dr. Lakelyn welcomes back Nicole Will, international thought leader on aging, caregiving and connection, to take a closer look at one of the biggest decisions families may face: moving a loved one into senior living. Building on their Episode 10 conversation about the care continuum, Nicole…
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80: What Matters Most at the End of Life with Dr. Julie Masters
Dr. Lakelyn welcomes gerontologist Dr. Julie Masters for a thoughtful conversation about what it means to be there for someone we love at the end of life. Together, they explore why accepting death can be especially difficult for family caregivers, including how the loss of a loved one can also...
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79: Caring for a Narcissistic Parent Without Losing Yourself with Rebecca Johnson, LMHC
Dr. Lakelyn is joined by licensed mental health counselor Rebecca Johnson for an honest conversation about one of caregiving's most complicated and often unspoken realities, caring for a narcissistic parent. For many adult children, becoming a caregiver means stepping back into painful family...
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78: Lessons from the Caregiving Journey with Yvette Nicole Brown
Dr. Lakelyn welcomes Emmy-nominated actress, producer, author, and caregiver advocate Yvette Nicole Brown for an honest and heartfelt conversation about caring for her father, who is living with Alzheimer's disease. Together, they discuss Yvette's caregiving journey, the lessons she's learned…
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77: Hearing Loss: Signs & Solutions with Dr. Debbie Abel, AuD
Dr. Lakelyn welcomes audiologist Dr. Debbie Abel for an important conversation about hearing loss and why recognizing it early can make a tremendous difference in health, relationships, and quality of life. Hearing loss is often dismissed as a normal part of aging, but untreated hearing loss can...
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76: How to Talk with Kids About Dementia and Grief with Mindy Crouch, LCSW
Dr. Lakelyn is joined by geriatric social worker and author Mindy Crouch for a thoughtful conversation about helping children understand dementia and grief. Drawing from nearly two decades of experience supporting older adults and families, Mindy shares practical guidance for caregivers who are...
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75: A Lifetime of Caregiving: Debbie Weiss on Love, Loss, and the Challenges We Don’t Always See
Dr. Lakelyn sits down with Debbie Weiss, author, speaker, and host of the “Maybe I Can” podcast, for a heartfelt conversation shaped by more than 40 years of caregiving. From supporting her father after a stroke at age 17 to raising a son with autism and caring for her husband through cancer and...
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74: Navigating Dementia Care: Expert Insights for Everyday Challenges
Dr. Lakelyn is joined live in the Caregiver Chats studio by a panel of three dementia care experts: Michelle Magner, Carrie Aalberts (aka Dementia Darling), and Aaron Fish. Together, provide practical tips to help family caregivers create more comfortable family gatherings, as well as tips for...
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73: What It Means to Live Well with Dementia with Sam and Susan Simon
Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Sam and Susan Simon for an inspiring conversation about what it means to live well after a dementia diagnosis. Together, they share how purpose, creativity, advocacy, and connection continue to shape their lives and relationship as they navigate dementia as a couple.…
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72: The Hidden Impact of Trauma in Caregiving with Jean Hartnett
Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Jean Hartnett, a healthcare leader and trauma-informed care advocate, for a powerful conversation about the hidden ways trauma—both past and present—can show up in caregiving. With more than 30 years of experience in senior care, Jean shares insights shaped by her work...
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71: Self-Care Is Not Enough: Real Strategies and Resources with Ashley Stevens
Dr. Lakelyn sits down with fellow gerontologist, licensed clinical social worker, and dementia educator Ashley Stevens for an honest conversation about what caregivers truly need beyond traditional self-care advice. With 16 years of professional experience and a personal connection to Alzheimer’s...
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70: Life After a Stroke: Supporting the Caregiver with Lana Wilhelm
Dr. Lakelyn is joined by retired nurse and stroke caregiver Lana Wilhelm for a deeply personal and practical conversation about what happens after a stroke. In 2021, Lana’s husband Rick suffered a severe stroke, and overnight she transitioned from bedside nurse to full-time caregiver. Drawing…
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69: The Beauty of Personal Care As We Age with OT Lindsay DeLong
Dr. Lakelyn is joined by occupational therapist Lindsay DeLong, founder of EquipMeOT, for a conversation about supporting personal care routines as we age. Together they discuss how everyday activities like grooming, bathing, and getting ready for the day are closely tied to dignity, identity…
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68: Spirituality in Caregiving with Dr. Aaron Blight
Dr. Lakelyn is joined once again by caregiving expert and author Dr. Aaron Blight, returning to Caregiver Chats after his first appearance in Episode #25, Reflecting on Your Caregiving Mindset. This time, the conversation explores the role of spirituality and faith in caregiving. Caregiving often...
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67: A Daughter’s Cross-Country Dementia Caregiving Story with Nicole Smith
Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Nicole Smith—author, advocate, and dementia daughter—for a heartfelt conversation about caring for multiple parents living with dementia across different states during the pandemic. Nicole shares what it was like to navigate healthcare, legal, and financial systems while...
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66: Let's Talk About Dating with April Ibarra
Dr. Lakelyn is joined by return guest April Ibarra, gerontologist and aging expert, for a thoughtful conversation on a topic that many families don’t know how to approach: what happens when an aging parent or loved one starts dating again. From companionship and loneliness to online dating safety...
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65: What Cancer Caregivers Need Most with Sheri Biller
Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Sheri Biller, philanthropist, cancer caregiving advocate, and co-founder of the Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation. Sheri brings both personal experience and professional passion to the conversation as she shares how her foundation is changing the landscape of...
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64: The Validation Method for Dementia Care with Carmen Bowman
Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Carmen Bowman, consultant, educator, and founder of Edu-Catering, to discuss the Validation Method, a compassionate approach to dementia care. Caregivers often feel stuck when faced with repeated questions like “Where’s my mom?” or behaviors they don’t understand. Instead...
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63: Joyspan: Adding More Joy to Every Year with Dr. Kerry Burnight
Dr. Lakelyn welcomes Dr. Kerry Burnight, a nationally recognized gerontologist and bestselling author of Joyspan, for a powerful and uplifting conversation about redefining what it means to grow older. In this episode, they explore how caregivers can cultivate “joyspan”—the quality of life in...
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62: When Caregiving Meets Complex Family Relationships with Pamela D. Wilson
Dr. Lakelyn is joined by caregiving expert Pamela D. Wilson to explore one of the most emotionally complex and commonly misunderstood aspects of caregiving: navigating blended family dynamics and complex relationships. As families evolve through remarriage, step-siblings, second spouses, or...
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Best of Caregiver Chats: The Spousal Caregiving Experience with Laurel Wittman
In this listener-favorite episode, Dr. Lakelyn revisits a powerful conversation with Laurel Wittman, spousal caregiver and President of the Well Spouse Association. Together, they explore the deeply personal and often under-discussed experience of caring for a spouse or partner. Whether due to...
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61: Home Together? What to Consider Before Co-Living with a Loved One with Jennifer L. FitzPatrick
Dr. Lakelyn welcomes Jennifer FitzPatrick, gerontologist and author of Cruising Through Caregiving, to discuss one of the biggest decisions caregivers face: whether to move a loved one into their home. Drawing from her clinical background and decades of experience advising families, Jennifer...
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60: Sibling Dynamics in Caregiving: Real Talk with the Elliott Sisters
Dr. Lakelyn talks with sisters Natalie and JJ Elliott, hosts of Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver, about the ups and downs of caregiving with siblings. They share personal stories from supporting their mom through Parkinson’s and navigating family roles, disagreements, and emotional challenges...
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Best of Caregiver Chats: Understanding Care Options with Nicole Will
In this episode, we’re bringing back a fan-favorite conversation with aging advocate and fellow podcaster Nicole Will, host of the Will Gather podcast. As families gather for the holidays, many begin to notice changes in their aging loved ones—and questions about care often follow. Dr. Lakelyn…
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59: Caregiving Through Hospitalizations: Tips for Families with Dr. Monique S. Nugent
In this episode, Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Dr. Monique S. Nugent, a practicing hospitalist, physician leader, and author of Prescription for Admission. Together, they explore how caregivers can best support their aging loved ones during hospitalizations—a time that can feel overwhelming…
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58: Incontinence & Restroom Tips: Making Daily Care Easier with Cindy & Christina Hardin-Weiss
Dr. Lakelyn talks with Cindy and Christina Hardin-Weiss, founders of Adaptive Equipment & Caregiving Corner, about one of the most sensitive but essential parts of caregiving—incontinence care and restroom safety. Together, they break down the common causes of incontinence, share product...
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57: Agitation, Aggression & Intimacy in Dementia with Dementia Darling
Dr. Lakelyn talks with dementia educator Carrie Aalberts, also known as Dementia Darling, about challenging dementia-related behaviors like agitation, aggression, and sexual expression. Carrie explains how these actions are rooted in brain change—not purposeful or willful—and offers practical,...
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56: Moving from Control to Acceptance with Katie Prentiss
Dr. Lakelyn is joined by actor, filmmaker, and former caregiver Katie Prentiss, whose mother lived with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). In this powerful episode, Katie shares how caregiving reshaped her perspective on life and how her upcoming film Wake Up Maggie aims to honor the unseen heroes of...
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55: Navigating Financial Stability as a Family Caregiver with Danielle Miura
Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Danielle Miura, a Certified Financial Planner and family caregiver, for a conversation on how to navigate caregiving without sacrificing financial health. Drawing from her own experience and her work with women in life transitions, Danielle shares actionable insights to...
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54: Why Respite Matters: Insights from the 2025 Caregiving in the US Report with Jason Resendez
Dr. Lakelyn is joined by nationally recognized caregiving and equity expert Jason Resendez to explore the newly released Caregiving in the U.S. 2025 report. Together, they unpack emerging trends in caregiving and focus on one critical gap: the underuse of respite care— breaks that give caregivers...
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53: Let’s Talk About Death with Lisa of Death Deck
Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Lisa Pahl, LCSW—hospice and emergency medicine social worker, and co-creator of The Death Deck—for a discussion on how open, honest conversations about death can ease fear, build connection, and create peace at the end of life. Lisa shares wisdom from her years supporting...
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52: Foot Care 101: What Caregivers Need to Know with Sheila Buehler
Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Nurse Practitioner Sheila Buehler to explore why foot care is a vital part of aging well. Together, they discuss how caregivers can help prevent pain, infections, and falls by supporting healthy feet at home. You’ll learn what warning signs to watch for, when to involve a...
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51: Balancing Safety & Independence in Dementia with Adria Thompson
Dr. Lakelyn is joined by dementia care expert Adria Thompson, M.A., CCC-SLP for a conversation on how caregivers can support a loved one living with dementia while preserving their independence. Together, they explore the concept of “dignity of risk,” a philosophy centered around balancing…
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50: Dementia Care at Home with David Troxel
In our 50th episode of Caregiver Chats, Dr. Lakelyn welcomes back dementia care expert David Troxel for an in-depth discussion on hiring in-home care for loved ones living with dementia. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience caring for his mother, David offers practical...
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49: Male Caregivers & Alzheimer's with Marty Schreiber
In this heartfelt episode of Caregiver Chats, Dr. Lakelyn sits down with former Wisconsin Governor Marty Schreiber, who shares his caregiving journey with his wife Elaine, and the wisdom he’s gained from nearly two decades of supporting her through her journey living with Alzheimer’s. From...
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48: Tough Talks: How to Start the Conversation with Amy Friesen
Dr. Lakelyn is joined by eldercare expert and author Amy Friesen for a practical conversation on how to start tough talks with aging loved ones. Drawing from over 20 years in senior living and her book “Breadcrumbs,” Amy shares compassionate strategies for discussing care needs, aging, and future...
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47: Young Onset Dementia & Caregiving Support with Diana Shulla-Cose & Patti LaFleur of Lorenzo's House
Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Diana Shulla-Cose and Patti LaFleur from Lorenzo’s House for a powerful conversation on the challenges of young-onset dementia. Drawing from their personal caregiving experiences, they share insights on supporting young caregivers, balancing life roles, and building...
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46: Navigating Caregiving Without Losing Yourself with Stephanie Muskat MSW, RSW
Dr. Lakelyn is joined by registered social worker, psychotherapist and founder of Compassion in Caregiving, Stephanie Muskat, who shares how caregivers can navigate their caregiving journey without losing themselves in the process. She provides practical tools for balancing personal needs with…
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45: Geriatric Dental Care and Oral Health with Dr. Joy Poskozim
Dr. Lakelyn is joined by geriatric dentist and advocate Dr. Joy Poskozim, who shares her expertise on the importance of oral health for older adults. She provides practical advice for caregivers on how to support their loved ones’ dental hygiene. Episode highlights include: - Understanding how...
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44: Caregiver Empowerment with Christina Keys
Dr. Lakelyn is joined by family caregiving advocate Christina Keys, who shares her personal caregiving journey and offers insights on how caregivers can feel empowered to care for their loved ones. Episode highlights include: - Adapting to the challenges of caregiving. - Tools and resources for...
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43: Grief and the Grieving Process with Dr. Eboni Green
Dr. Lakelyn is joined by caregiving expert and author Dr. Eboni Green to discuss navigating grief and the grieving process. Together, they cover the importance of honoring emotions, finding support, and embracing healing. Episode highlights include: - Understanding grief and its complexities…
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42: Hospice and End-of-Life with Jules Stracquadanio
Dr. Lakelyn is joined by RN Jules Stracquadanio to talk about the difficult topic of end-of-life and hospice care. Together, they’ll unravel common misconceptions and discuss how to navigate these sensitive conversations. Episode highlights include: - The importance of discussing end-of-life…
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41: Alzheimer's Research and Clinical Trials with Jim Taylor
Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Jim Taylor, President and CEO of Voices of Alzheimer’s, to talk about the latest in Alzheimer's research and treatment. Jim will share his wife’s story and how she was able to take part in a clinical trial for the most recent treatment approved by the FDA. Episode...
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40: Working While Caregiving with Liz O'Donnell
Dr. Lakelyn sits down with Liz O’Donnell, founder of Working Daughter and a passionate advocate for caregivers who juggle work and family responsibilities. Together, they delve into the unique challenges faced by working caregivers, offering practical tips and strategies to help listeners manage...
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39: Your Questions Answered
Dr. Lakelyn answers caregiving questions from you - our listeners! These questions focus on tips for dementia care, how to support a caregiver in your life, nutrition for aging adults and more. You can submit your questions to Dr. Lakelyn to be answered in a future episode. Email her at...
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38: Home Safety Checklist
Dr. Lakelyn discusses essential home safety tips for aging adults. She offers practical suggestions for each room of the house to help minimize the risk of falls and other accidents. Episode highlights include: - Importance of home safety - Room by room suggestions for home safety - Tools and...
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37: Navigating Medicare: Simplifying Complexities for Caregivers
In this episode of Caregiver Chats, Dr. Lakelyn sits down with Kristen Burke, president of Meaningful Insurance Solutions, to demystify the complexities of Medicare. Kristen, with over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, provides a comprehensive overview of Medicare Parts A, B, C…
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36: Caregiver Guilt and Shame: Why We Feel It and How to Cope with Susanne White
Dr. Lakelyn delves into the often-overlooked topic of caregiver guilt and shame with author, speaker, and family caregiver Susanne White. Together, they explore why these feelings emerge and the impact they have on caregivers. Episode highlights include: - Understanding the taboo topic of…
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35: Veterans Assistance (VA) Benefits with Greg Bean
In this episode, Dr. Lakelyn discusses a type of benefit that many caregivers may be unaware of—Veterans Assistance (VA) benefits. She is joined by expert Greg Bean to explore VA programs and share tips for successfully accessing these valuable resources. Episode highlights include: - Overview of...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Caregiver Chats podcast is a space for family caregivers and care partners to find support and expertise to help make the caregiving journey a little more manageable. Dr. Lakelyn and her guests will focus on five key areas of caregiving that tend to be most challenging: Caregiver Support; Aging in Place; Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiving; Care Planning; and Caregiver Self-Care. Guests will include aging industry experts and advocates and caregivers who will share their experiences and personal stories with Dr. Lakelyn. New episodes will drop regularly on all major podcasting platforms.
HOSTED BY
Home Instead, Inc.
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Caregiver Chats have?
Caregiver Chats currently has 87 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Caregiver Chats about?
The Caregiver Chats podcast is a space for family caregivers and care partners to find support and expertise to help make the caregiving journey a little more manageable. Dr. Lakelyn and her guests will focus on five key areas of caregiving that tend to be most challenging: Caregiver Support; Aging...
How often does Caregiver Chats release new episodes?
Caregiver Chats has 87 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Caregiver Chats?
You can listen to Caregiver Chats on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Caregiver Chats?
Caregiver Chats is created and hosted by Home Instead, Inc..
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