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 learning the language of caregiving in real time. Together, they discuss the importance of building a care team, the emotional realities of asking for help, and how Nicole transformed her experience into advocacy through her book Diagnosis Dementia and leading a Daughterhood Circle. This episode offers validation, perspective, and practical guidance for caregivers—especially those caring from a distance.

Episode highlights include:

-Caring for multiple loved ones with dementia across state lines

-Navigating the healthcare, legal, and financial complexities of caregiving

-Why building a care team matters—and why it’s so hard to ask for help

-Turning lived experience into advocacy through Diagnosis Dementia and Daughterhood Circles

-Practical insight and encouragement for long-distance caregivers

Helpful links from the episode:

Nicole’s website: www.njsmithbooks.com

Book: Diagnosis Dementia by Nicole Smith

Daughterhood Circles: daughterhood.org

Area Agencies on Aging: eldercare.acl.gov/home

Find Geriatric Care Managers - Aging Life Care Association (ALCA): aginglifecare.org

Steve Gurney: retirementlivingsourcebook.com

To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com.

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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 and changing family dynamics, this episode explores how caregivers and adult children can support their loved one’s emotional well-being while also addressing important concerns. With over 35 years of experience in senior care, April offers practical strategies, compassionate guidance, and empowering insights to help families navigate this delicate, yet joyful stage of life.

Episode highlights include:

- How to talk with aging loved ones about loneliness, companionship, and the desire for connection

- Supporting safe dating, both online and in-person

- Navigating emotions when a parent begins a new relationship

- Balancing respect for independence with family concerns

- Celebrating love, intimacy, and thriving in later life

Helpful links from the episode:

- www.aprilibarra.com

To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com.

Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

Instagram: @homeinsteadinc

YouTube: @homeinsteadinc

TikTok: @homeinstead.inc

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 supportive care for serious illnesses, especially for cancer patients and their caregivers.

The Biller Family Foundation defines supportive cancer care as a whole-person approach that complements medical treatment by addressing the emotional, physical, and practical needs of people with cancer and their caregivers—from diagnosis through survivorship.

Dr. Lakelyn and Sheri will discuss what true supportive care means, the emotional and logistical toll of cancer caregiving, and how caregivers can find the resources and community they desperately need—but often don’t know that it is available or where to turn.

Episode highlights include:

- Sheri Biller’s personal and professional caregiving journey

- What “supportive care” really means in the cancer world

- Addressing the deep emotional isolation many cancer caregivers feel

- Practical ways caregivers can access connection, resources, and relief

- Tips for navigating the intensity of caregiving for loved ones undergoing treatment

Helpful links from the episode:

www.acsresources.org

www.CancerCare.org

www.cancersupportcommunity.org

www.supportivecarecare.org

www.alexslemonade.org

To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com.

Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

Instagram: @homeinsteadinc

YouTube: @homeinsteadinc

TikTok: @homeinstead.inc