June 26th – this coming Monday – marks the anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court case, Obergefell v Hodges, which made same-sex marriage legal in all 50 US states. Some may know – and some may not – that the man that filed the lawsuit, Jim Obergefell, was a same-sex caregiver who was denied the right to legally marry his love and partner before he passed from ALS in 2013. We would like to take this anniversary as an opportunity to celebrate the progress that has been made while spreading awa...
Jun 22, 2022•13 min•Ep. 73
There are a lot of things to look forward to as we age, and they don’t get nearly enough attention. That’s why today’s episode is dedicated to celebrating the perks of aging! Tina and Terri dive into discussion about what they’re looking forward to and what perks they’re already enjoying. Email Tina: tina@joyshouse.org Learn more about Joy’s House: www.joyshouse.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Jun 13, 2022•12 min•Ep. 71
One of the keys to caring for our aging loved ones is understanding the things that worry them. Older adults may not feel comfortable raising these concerns with others, especially the younger members of their family. Therefore, it is important that friends, family, and caregivers have enough awareness to thoughtfully open the conversation, and work collaboratively to address these common concerns. It is equally important, that those that are aging, know that they are not alone in their concerns...
Jun 07, 2022•15 min•Ep. 72
Most older adults will consider the option of downsizing, moving to a smaller home, and selling off unneeded assets. While this process can offer benefits to seniors and to their families in the long term, the process can be stressful. Mental, emotional, physical, and legal overwhelm are not uncommon. If you find that you or your loved one, has gotten bogged down by unknowns around downsizing, you’re not alone – and this is the episode for you. Christy’s of Indiana: https://www.christys.com/ Ema...
May 30, 2022•12 min•Ep. 70
There are various types of senior housing and levels of care to consider when searching the right senior living arrangement for you or your loved one. These are key details, as are costs, culture, cleanliness, and location. It’s a lot to navigate, which is why we’ve brought in an expert. Dave Holder is owner and Senior Living Advisor at Assisted Living Locators, a no cost service to seniors and their families to guide them step-by-step through the process of finding the senior living solution th...
May 16, 2022•15 min•Ep. 69
Caregiving can become so central to our lives and identities that it can be difficult to image life after. How do we transition when our loved one moves out of the home? How do we transition once they’ve passed on? Where do we find support and purpose? How do we navigate grief? Here to share her personal story, we have Jane Bentley, a former Joy’s House caregiver and dear friend. Email Tina: tina@joyshouse.org Learn more about Joy’s House: www.joyshouse.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.co...
May 10, 2022•15 min•Ep. 68
Oral health is incredibly important to overall health. Normally the body's natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, keep bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Clinical studies have linked periodontal disease to stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, and other serious health problems. On the other hand, a healthy mouth le...
May 02, 2022•14 min•Ep. 67
The CDC reports that 1 in 4 adults over the age of 65 fall each year. While anyone at any age can have a fall, physical changes, health conditions, and the medications used to treat those conditions, make falls my likely as we age. Likewise, the consequences of a fall become more severe as we age. That’s why its so important to learn how to effectively manage fall risks, improve strength, balance, and mobility. In this week’s episode, Stephanie Wierzbicka, who developed the Gaitway Fall Risk pro...
Apr 25, 2022•15 min•Ep. 66
Today, we are excited to welcome back Anna Howard, JD. Anna is a Partner and Managing Attorney at Severns and Howard, and elder law and estate planning firm located in Carmel, Indiana. Anna was on the show about a year ago, and she had so much good information we couldn’t pack it all into one episode. One important topic that we didn’t get to in our last interview (linked below) was the topic of personal care agreements (also known as caregiver contracts or family care agreements). These are agr...
Apr 18, 2022•15 min•Ep. 65
The population of the United States is aging. Today, there are more than 46 million older adults aged 65 and older living in the U.S.; by 2050, that number is expected to grow to almost 90 million. Between 2020 and 2030 alone, the time the last of the baby boom cohorts reach age 65, the number of older adults is projected to increase by almost 18 million. As the number of seniors in our community increases, so does the need for reliable direct care support, that Certified Nursing Assistants and ...
Apr 13, 2022•14 min•Ep. 64
This April (Parkinson’s Awareness Month) we want to shine a spotlight on an incredible organization that helps people living with Parkinson’s and their caregivers (ie. Cornermen) fight back. Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative movement disorder which can cause deterioration of motor skills, balance, speech, and sensory function. The Parkinson’s Foundation estimates there are more than 1 million people in the United States diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and more than 60,000 people are diag...
Apr 05, 2022•13 min•Ep. 63
This week Tina and Terri discuss how to best prepare for your doctor’s visits. In the past, the doctor typically took the lead during appointments, and patients followed along, but today, a good patient-doctor relationship looks more like a partnership. You and your doctor can – and are expected to - work as a team, along with nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists, and other healthcare providers, to manage your medical problems and keep you healthy. This means asking questions if the doctor’...
Mar 28, 2022•17 min•Ep. 62
This week Tina and Terri, interview Kate Washington, writer, editor, recipe developer, and author of Already Toast: Caregiving and Burnout in America . Already Toast tells the story of Kate’s struggle to care for her seriously ill husband, offering a revealing look at the role unpaid family caregivers play in a society that fails to provide them with structural support. Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Already-Toast-Caregiving-Burnout-America/dp/0807011509 Email Tina: tina@joyshouse.org Lear...
Mar 21, 2022•13 min•Ep. 61
We know that it is important for seniors stay active and social to be healthy and happy. However, seniors may struggle to find fitness centers and social spaces that are tailored to their needs. Prime Life Enrichment Center is a senior center in Carmel, Indiana that seeks to fill that gap by providing a wide range of programs that promote independence, wellness, and socialization for those age 50 and beyond. In this week’s episode, we are joined by Julie Barnes, the Community Engagement & Ac...
Mar 14, 2022•13 min•Ep. 60
What if having your next meal delivery was not a matter of convenience but necessity? Meals on Wheels serves 2.4 million people nationwide who are unable to purchase or prepare the food they need. There are loved ones, parents, grandparents, and neighbors in virtually every community in America, that rely on their services to stave off hunger and isolation. We are joined today by Beth Gehlhausen, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels Hamilton County, to learn more about how Meals on Wheels opera...
Mar 07, 2022•14 min•Ep. 59
We have discussed on this show, the many ways that pets enrich our lives, and the ways specific benefits that the provide for the ill and aging. We have not discussed, however, how frequently seniors pet owners choose feeding their pet rather than feeding or caring for themselves. Fortunately, there is a response in motion. This December, CICOA launched a pilot program offering pet food and supplies to low-income and homebound seniors. Here to discuss this newly launched Pet Connect program, it’...
Feb 28, 2022•14 min•Ep. 58
There is no question that cultural beliefs shape social norms and values surrounding caregiving and the role of family and society in that care. In this week’s episode, Tina and Terri discuss the relationship between culture and caregiving and why cultural awareness is so important. We explore what we can learn from statistics, what we can learn from observation, and most importantly, what we can learn from one another. Being Mortal by Atul Gawande (book): http://atulgawande.com/book/being-morta...
Feb 21, 2022•13 min•Ep. 57
If you think death is a hard topic, this episode is for you. This week we are joined by Julie Pope.. Julie is an end-of-life doula, author, and creator of an award-winning barbeque sauce, a product designed as a conversation starter… on the topic of death, dying, and living our best lives now. Julie is dedicated to promoting healthy end-of-life conversations and care options for families in a multitude of innovate and impactful ways. Julie Pope Website: https://www.jpopeunlimited.com/ Email: jul...
Feb 14, 2022•15 min•Ep. 56
This reprise 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 ...
Feb 07, 2022•12 min•Ep. 55
Can you drive safely while on medication? It depends. If managed correctly, yes. If not, the results can be disastrous. Over 50% of American seniors report driving while using 7 or more medications, often prescribed by multiple doctors. It is essential to understand how medications affect the body and how they interact with each other. In this week’s reprise episode, we interview Greg Seiter, the Public Affairs Manager at AAA to discuss safe driving while using one or more medications. Greg Seit...
Jan 10, 2022•10 min•Ep. 54
It’s cold outside, and you may be tempted to spend your free time cuddled up under a warm blanket, but don’t forget, whatever the weather it’s important to stay physically active. Check out this weeks reprise episode with special guest, Riley McClure from American Senior Communities for fresh ideas about how to keep active this winter. Have questions for Tina? Email her at tina@joyshouse.org Want to learn more about Joy’s House. Check out our website at joyshouse.org See Privacy Policy at https:...
Dec 27, 2021•9 min•Ep. 53
Of the 141.1 million Americans who set New Year’s Resolutions only about half (53%) believe they can achieve them and only 8-9% percent stick to their goals throughout the year. If “New Year, New Me” hasn’t been working for you, but you don’t want the “Same Old, Same Old” in the New Year, this is the episode for you! In this special reprise episode of Caregiver Crossing, we speak with Jason Tomsci, Associate Communications Director at AARP about how to set attainable resolutions, that disrupt un...
Dec 20, 2021•10 min•Ep. 52
There are many benefits to pet ownerships. Interacting with – an animal can help decrease depression and anxiety, lower blood pressure, mitigate loneliness and agitation, and dull physical pain. Furthermore, caring for your own animal can lead to a solid routine, an increased sense of purpose, and more physically active lifestyle. In today’s episode, Tina and Terri discuss to ins and outs of pet ownership for seniors. We also touch the topics of emotional support animals (ESAs), therapy animals,...
Dec 13, 2021•15 min•Ep. 51
It is important for seniors to stay active, but finding and facilitating safe, accessible, meaningful, and enjoyable activities can sometimes be a challenge. We are joined today by Kristin Phillips, the Nutrition and Dementia Services Coordinator at CICOA, to provide some helpful tips for caregivers who plan and facilitate the activities of a loved one. Kristin Phillips, AmeriCorps VISTA, Nutrition and Dementia Services Coordinator at CICOA Email: kphillips@cicoa.org CICOA’s Nutrition Tip Sheets...
Dec 06, 2021•11 min•Ep. 50
Good nutrition is important, no matter what your age. It gives you energy and can help you control your weight. It may also help prevent some diseases, such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. But managing your diet can be challenging, and managing someone else’s? That can be challenging too. But when we get it right – good nutrition can make our lives better. This week we are joined by Allyssa Overett. Allyssa is a registered dietitian with...
Nov 29, 2021•11 min•Ep. 49
Art therapy has been shown to benefit people of all ages. Research indicates art therapy can improve communication and concentration and can help reduce feelings of isolation. This type of therapy has also been shown to lead to increases in self-esteem, confidence, and self-awareness. In this week’s episode, we are joined by art therapist, Jocelyn Fitzgerald to discuss the benefits that art therapy – and therapeutic art – can offer caregivers and care recipients alike. Jocelyn is a busy mom who ...
Nov 22, 2021•11 min•Ep. 48
Closing a person’s estate after they die can be long and complicated process. It is not a single task, but many individuals, often unfamiliar tasks that must be done. Many families navigate this process with no outside support, but there are resources available that can help make closing your loved one’s estate more manageable. Today we are joined by Sarah Kendrick – founder of RHEA Services – a company that provide estate closure services. Sarah also assists clients of all ages who want to prep...
Nov 15, 2021•11 min•Ep. 47
In this week’s episode, Tina McIntosh and Terri Stacy entertain listeners with rollicking banter about the personal sleep habits along with some important statistics about a topic of universal human importance: sleep. Do you have a question for Tina? Email her at tina@joyshouse.org Want to learn more about Joy's House? Visit us at www.joyshouse.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Nov 08, 2021•12 min•Ep. 46
Everyone deserves quality end of life care, but finding services can be challenging, especially if the individual and/or their family has limited means. Fortunately, there are options available. Today we are joined by Madison Gonzalez, Executive Director at Morning Light, Inc., a local nonprofit that fosters nonprofit community services and programs in central Indiana for the terminally ill, seniors, and families of limited means in need of health, wellness, or end of life care. Website: https:/...
Nov 01, 2021•11 min•Ep. 45
In today’s episode, Tina and Terri are joined by Dr. Janetta Brown with the Indiana University School of Medicine here to speak with us about Care.Coach, an innovative digital platform that is designed to support people with dementia and their caregivers. Care.Coach platform, and interactive avatars – we’ll talk more about those in a minute - combine human intelligence and compassion with software automation and clinical algorithms to provide 24/7 psychosocial support for older adults. Researche...
Oct 26, 2021•12 min•Ep. 44
