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, confusing, and emotionally draining.

Drawing from her years of experience working inside hospitals, Dr. Nugent offers practical tools to help caregivers feel more confident, communicate effectively with care teams, and advocate for their loved one’s needs. She also shares advice from her book and podcast, both titled Prescription for Admission, which provide families with a roadmap for navigating hospital stays and ensuring smoother transitions afterward.

Episode highlights include:

- How to prepare for a hospital admission, whether scheduled or unexpected- Common hospital processes and terms every caregiver should know- Tips for effective communication and advocacy during a hospital stay- Supporting emotional health and reducing stress during hospitalization- Ensuring smoother transitions home or to long-term care after discharge

Helpful links from the episode:

- drmoniquenugent.com

- Book: Prescription for Admission

- Podcast: Prescription for Admission

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 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 recommendations, and offer practical tips for creating safer, more comfortable bathroom routines. Whether you’re helping a loved one manage daily care or planning ahead for home modifications, this conversation offers the kind of clear, compassionate advice caregivers can use right away.

Episode highlights include:

-Common types and causes of incontinence in older adults

-How to choose incontinence products that are comfortable and effective

-Tools and safety modifications for the bathroom

-Tips for managing toileting routines with someone who has dementia

-Encouragement for caregivers navigating embarrassment or uncertainty

-The value of creating a safe, dignified care environment at home

Helpful links from the episode:

- Adaptive Equipment & Caregiving Corner: adaptiveequipmentcorner.com

- Seni (Pads, Briefs, Underwear, and more): seni-usa.com

- Potty Cap: pottycap.com

- PureWick System: purewickathome.com

- Bottom Buddy: bottombuddy.com

- QuickChange Men’s Wraps: quickchange.com

- Care Zips Pants from Jo and Bella: joeandbella.com/products/carezips-adaptive-pants-for-men

- Hydration Jelly Drops: jellydrops.com

- AE Corner: Changing Briefs without Removing Pants or Shoes (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4K2WuSbLAVg

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 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, empathetic strategies for caregivers. Together, they discuss medical triggers to watch for, when to seek outside help, and how to handle sensitive situations with compassion.

Episode highlights include:

-Understanding why agitation and aggression are symptoms of brain change

-Reframing “behaviors” with empathy instead of blame

-Trying different approaches when one solution doesn’t work

-Spotting hidden medical causes like pain or UTIs

-Knowing when it’s time for respite, home care, or memory care

-Navigating sexual expression in dementia with sensitivity and respect

Helpful links from the episode:

- Follow Carrie on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok: @dementiadarling

- Learn more about Carrie’s work:www.dementiadarling.com

- Listen to Carrie’s podcast Gather Darlings with Nicole Will

- Visit www.homeinstead.com/care-resources to explore more caregiving resources

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 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 caregiving. Together, they explore the emotional journey from trying to control the chaos of caregiving to learning how to embrace acceptance. Katie’s story is not only personal but deeply universal—and she’s now turning her experience into art that validates and uplifts fellow caregivers.

Episode highlights include:

-Katie’s caregiving journey and her mom’s FTD diagnosis

-The emotional transition from control to acceptance

-How caregiving inspired Katie’s new film Wake Up Maggie

-The healing power of storytelling in the caregiving experience

-Encouragement for caregivers feeling overwhelmed or unseen

Helpful links from the episode:

- www.katieprentiss.com

- Instagram: @wakeupmaggiemovie

-TikTok: @katieprentiss

- Visit www.homeinstead.com/care-resources to explore more caregiving resources

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.

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Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

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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 help caregivers plan ahead, manage costs, and protect their financial future.

Episode highlights include:

- Danielle’s story of caregiving and founding Spark Financials

- The 3 phases of financial planning for caregivers

- Understanding hidden caregiving costs and long-term financial impact

- Common financial questions caregivers ask

- Strategies for balancing finances, caregiving, and career goals

Helpful links from the episode:

- Spark Financials: spark-fin.com

- Article: Finding a Financial Advisor: https://spark-fin.com/blog/f/how-your-finances-can-benefit-from-a-team-of-advisors?blogcategory=Personal+Finance

- Article: Long-Term Care Planning:

https://spark-fin.com/blog/f/guide-to-long-term-care?blogcategory=Long-Term+Care+Planning

- Visit www.homeinstead.com/care-resources to explore more caregiving resources

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.

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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 time to rest and recharge.

With nearly 4 in 10 caregivers reporting that respite services would be helpful, but only 13 percent actually using them, the conversation highlights why access to this type of support matters for caregivers’ emotional, physical, and financial well-being.

Episode highlights include:

- Key findings from the 2025 Caregiving in the U.S. report

- The growing diversity and complexity of caregiving

- Why respite care is essential and why so few caregivers access it

- Types of respite care available and where to find support

- Jason’s insights on advancing caregiving equity and systemic change

Helpful links from the episode:

- Caregiving in the U.S. 2025 Full Report - caregivingintheus.org- National Alliance for Caregiving - caregiving.org

- Final your local Area Agency on Aging - eldercare.acl.gov/home

- ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center- archrespite.org

- Visit www.homeinstead.com/care-resources for more caregiver support

- National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA) - nadsa.org/locator

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.

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Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

Instagram: @homeinsteadinc

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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 individuals and families through the dying process and offers gentle guidance on how to start meaningful end-of-life discussions with loved ones.

Episode highlights include:

-Why avoiding conversations about death may lead to more fear and confusion.

-How to approach end-of-life talks with empathy and clarity.

-Tools to normalize and open up conversations around dying and grief.

-Lessons learned from Lisa’s work in hospice and emergency care.

-How engaging with death can actually deepen appreciation for life.

Helpful links from the episode:

- www.thedeathdeck.com

- Instagram: @thedeathdeck

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.

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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 podiatrist, and practical ways to help with nail trimming, hygiene, and footwear—all aimed at keeping your loved one safe and mobile.

Episode highlights include:

- Why foot care is essential to aging well and staying independent

- The most common foot issues older adults face and how to spot them early

- When to schedule podiatry visits and what to expect

- Practical tips for caregivers: nail care, hygiene, and footwear choices

- How regular foot care can prevent falls and reduce chronic pain

Helpful links from the episode:

- Sheila’s General Foot Care Tips

- CDC’s Tips for Healthy Feet

- Foot Care Professionals: footcaremn.com

- Facebook: facebook.com/SheilaBuehlerCNP

- American Foot Care Nurses Association: afcna.org

Products recommended by Sheila:

- Pedifix Medical Footcare: pedifix.com

- Goldbond Softening Foot Creme (Amazon Link)

- Pedors Shoes: pedors.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