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 of arguing, redirecting, or dismissing, Carmen introduces simple yet powerful techniques—like rephrasing, entering into a loved one’s world, and asking “tell me more”—that reduce stress, build trust, and create space for authentic connection. Through real-life examples, Carmen shows how caregivers can shift their approach and bring more empathy and understanding into daily interactions.

Episode highlights include:

-What the Validation Method is and why it matters in dementia care

-Why “arguing” or “redirecting” often increases stress and distrust

-How to rephrase questions with empathy to build trust

-The power of presence, slowing down, and stepping into a loved one’s world

-Simple tools caregivers can use, like “tell me more” and emotion-matching

-Why tears and grief can be healing—not something to avoid

Helpful links from the episode:

- Carmen’s website: edu-catering.com

- Validation Training Institute: vfvalidation.org

- Book: Validation: The Feil Method by Naomi Feil

- 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 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 aging, not just the quantity—and help their loved ones do the same.

Together, they challenge ageist myths, highlight the importance of mindset and lifestyle over genetics, and explore four science-backed pillars that support joyful longevity: Give, Connect, Adapt, and Grow.

Episode highlights include:

-What is Joyspan—and why it matters as much as lifespan

-How caregivers can shift from a decline mindset to a growth mindset

-Practical ways to spark joy and purpose in your own aging journey

-How to support aging loved ones in building more joyful lives

-Reframing independence as interdependence

Helpful links from the episode:

-Dr. Kerry Burnight’s website: drkerryburnight.com

-Joyspan: The Book – Available at major retailers

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 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 late-in-life partnerships, caregiving roles can become blurred. Tensions may arise around who makes decisions, how responsibilities are shared, and how to manage emotional boundaries and longstanding relationship dynamics.

With over two decades of experience, Pamela brings deep insight and practical strategies to help families navigate these situations with greater clarity, compassion, and cooperation.

Episode highlights include:

- Common sources of conflict in blended caregiving families

- Balancing loyalty, boundaries, and responsibility

- Tips for stepchildren, spouses, and siblings to work as a team

- Strategies for communication, planning, and managing expectations

- Tools to help families align around care goals

Helpful links from the episode:

- Website: https://www.pameladwilson.com

- Book: https://pameladwilson.com/caregiving-trap-book/

- Caring for Elderly Parents Online Program: https://pameladwilson.com/support-caring-for-elderly-parents-overwhelmed-caregiver-support-online-course/

- YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PamelaDWilsonCaregivingExpert

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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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 illness, disability, or chronic conditions, spousal caregiving brings its own set of emotional and relational challenges—from shifts in intimacy to feelings of guilt and isolation.

This episode offers validation, resources, and community for anyone walking this path—or supporting someone who is.

Episode highlights include:

- Who spousal caregivers are and how common they are

- Key differences between spousal and other types of caregiving

- How isolation and role shifts impact relationships

- The emotional rollercoaster of caregiving for a partner

- Resources and support from the Well Spouse Association

Helpful links from the episode:

- Well Spouse Association: wellspouse.org

-Caregiving in the US 2025: caregivingintheus.org

- Home Instead Resources: homeinstead.com/care-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

Instagram: @homeinsteadinc

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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 unpacks the emotional, logistical, and relational factors behind this choice. This episode provides tools to help families pause, reflect, and plan—rather than react in the heat of a crisis.

Episode highlights include:

- Why families consider moving a loved one in—and how to avoid making the decision in crisis.

- Essential questions to ask before inviting a loved one to live with you.

- How guilt, promises, and cultural expectations can influence caregiver decisions.

- The emotional and logistical challenges of multigenerational living.

- What to do when the living situation isn’t working out.

- Tools to help families pause, reflect, and plan rather than react.

Helpful links from the episode:

- Jenerationshealth.com

- Book: Cruising Through Caregiving (Amazon)

- 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 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 along the way. It’s an honest, relatable look at what happens when caregiving becomes a team effort, and why communication and grace are key.

Episode highlights include:

- The emotional and logistical challenges of sharing caregiving across siblings

- What happens when one sibling becomes the “preferred” caregiver, and how it affects family dynamics

- How to manage caregiver guilt when stepping back

- Balancing boundaries when you're the one who always says yes

- Practical advice for dividing responsibilities and staying connected as a caregiving team

Helpful links from the episode:

- Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver - confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.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.

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Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

Instagram: @homeinsteadinc

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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 and Nicole walk through the full continuum of care, from aging in place to assisted living and hospice, and share why planning ahead can help reduce stress and prevent crisis-driven decisions. Whether you’re exploring care for the first time or revisiting options, this episode offers compassionate guidance and real-life tips to help you feel more prepared.

Episode highlights include:

- Why it’s important to plan ahead for care

- Options available for care across the care continuum

- Important considerations when planning and selecting care

- Resources to help with planning

Helpful links from the episode:

- willgather.com

- Podcast: willgatherpodcast.com

- What’s Next Guide: www.homeinstead.com/care-resources/care-planning/40-70-rule-action-plan-successful-aging/

- Home Care Guide: www.homeinstead.com/care-resources/care-planning/home-care-solutions-guide/

- Home Safety Checklist: makinghomesaferforseniors.com

- Funding Solutions Guide: www.homeinstead.com/care-resources/care-planning/home-care-funding-solutions-guide/

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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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.

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