The Whole Caregiver Podcast

Navigating Financial Well-Being for Family Caregivers

In this enlightening episode of The Whole Caregiver, hosts Erna and Megan dive deep into the essential topic of financial well-being for family caregivers. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, Erna shares her experience with financial planning while managing her mother’s care, offering practical advice on balancing caregiving responsibilities with personal financial health. 
Listen in as they explore the importance of having open conversations with loved ones about financial matters and the necessity of thinking ahead to safeguard your own financial future. The discussion also highlights the value of enlisting professional help, such as accountants and elder care attorneys, to manage caregiver finances effectively.
Erna and Megan emphasize that preparation is key to self-care, urging caregivers to prioritize their own financial needs alongside those of the people they care for. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who finds themselves in the caregiving role, offering invaluable resources and support to maintain financial balance and overall well-being.
Here are some resources to support caregivers with their financial responsibilities:
https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_considering-a-financial-caregiver-know-your-options_guide_2021-05.pdf
 
https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/financial-legal/info-2020/managing-someone-elses-money.html
 
https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/financial-legal/info-2020/caregivers-legal-checklist.html
 
https://www.caringinfo.org/planning/financial-matters/how-to-provide-financial-caregiving/
 
https://www.schwab.com/schwabsafe/financial-caregiving-101

To Caregivers In LA

In this short episode, Erna and Megan reach out to listeners, particularly those in the Los Angeles area, who are facing dire circumstances due to recent wildfires. They express solidarity and offer support, sharing their thoughts and prayers with those affected. 
This page is a good place to start for area resources and how to assist those needing support. Please see additional resources below:
California Wildfire Resources 2025 
The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection 
SoCal Wildfires: How You Can Help 

Navigating Financial Wellbeing: A Focus on Megan's Research

Welcome to a new episode of The Whole Caregiver, where hosts Erna and Megan kick off the New Year 2025 with a critical discussion on financial well-being. This episode is part one of a two-part series focusing on the financial challenges faced by caregivers. Megan shares her personal journey into caregiving research, driven by her own experiences during the Great Recession, emphasizing the intersection of health, caregiving, and financial stress.
The conversation delves into Megan's research findings, highlighting the lack of structural support in the U.S. for unpaid caregiving roles. The discussion also touches on the broader societal issues such as essential workers, gender norms, socioeconomic disparities, and the cultural undervaluing of care work that compound financial difficulties for caregivers. Whether it's through advocating for paid family leave or supporting fellow caregivers, Erna and Megan encourage listeners to explore ways to alleviate the financial burdens in caregiving.
Tune in to uncover insights and practical approaches to support caregivers financially and stay tuned for the continuation of this important discussion in the next episode. 
Check out this article for an example of Megan's academic work: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10365074/
Check out Moms First for advocacy opportunities related to care work and mothers: https://momsfirst.us/our-work/

Memories and Moments: The Heartfelt Journey of Caregiving During the Holidays

Join hosts Megan and Erna on "The Whole Caregiver" podcast as they reminisce about holiday caregiving memories. In this episode, they share personal stories and reflections, highlighting the challenges and rewards of caregiving during the festive season.
Listen as Erna shares memorable moments from her family traditions, including key experiences with her mother and mother-in-law. Megan recounts bittersweet memories from her daughter's hospital visits during the holidays, offering insight into the resilience and strength found in difficult times.
Together, they explore the emotional complexity of caregiving, balancing the joys and the hardships, and emphasize the importance of reflecting on one's caregiving experiences. As they exchange stories and traditions, Megan and Erna also discuss the beauty of human connections, love, and support that illuminate even the most challenging caregiving journeys.
If you are interested in reading "Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make us Whole" by Susan Cain, check out this link: https://susancain.net/book/bittersweet/
Happy holidays and love to all of you!

Empowering Caregivers: Insights from the Caregiver Nation Summit

Join Erna and Megan in a special December episode as they discuss the transformative experiences and insights gained from the Caregiver Nation Summit. Recorded amidst holiday preparations, this episode highlights the significance of advocacy and awareness in family caregiving.
Megan shares her journey as a participant at the Summit, organized by the National Alliance for Caregiving, an advocacy group focused on family caregiving research and awareness. She reveals the unique aspects of this conference, which emphasized advocacy in tandem with traditional research, and how it brought together people from varied backgrounds, including policymakers and individual advocates.
Listen to inspiring stories and discussions on the universal nature of caregiving, the importance of narrative change, and powerful moments when personal stories were used to advocate for policies like the Older Americans Act. Megan and Erna emphasize the role each of us plays at our community level to support caregivers and influence legislative decisions.
This episode reminds us of the strength in collective experiences and the potential to make caregiving a normalized and supported aspect of life. Tune in to feel empowered and informed about how you can contribute to the caregiving community, regardless of your current caregiving status.
Senate Bill Information for Older Americans Act Reauthorization: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/4776
Administration for Community Living Older Americans Act Information: https://acl.gov/OAArule
National Alliance for Caregiving Information:
https://www.caregiving.org/research/caregiving-in-the-us/caregiving-in-the-us-2020/
Caregiver Nation Summit Recordings:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqooqFMD2JDsSNai8JCNe8rGPymVEVHcR
 
 

Unmasking the Caregiver: Truths, Assumptions, and Emotional Journeys

Join hosts Erna and Megan in a compelling episode of The Whole Caregiver as they welcome Ellen Patnaude, an award-winning author and coach, to share her candid caregiving journey. Ellen opens up about the assumptions she had before stepping into the caregiving role and the emotional complexities that followed.
In a heartfelt conversation, Ellen discusses the misconceptions surrounding caregiving and the internal and external pressures caregivers face. She emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and the need for more honest discussions about the realities of caregiving.
Listeners will also hear about Ellen's book, "You're Not Doing It Right," which sheds light on the raw truths of caregiving, offering a voice to those who feel unseen. Discover how Ellen's journey can inspire and validate your own experiences in this powerful episode.
For more information on Ellen's book, please check out the links below:
To buy a signed copy (paperback or hardcover) from Ellen directly, AND to download a resource list and see photos of her family's journey: https://patnaudecoaching.com/patnaude-coaching-books/not-doing-it-right/
To buy the book from Amazon, in paperback, hardcover, or on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Youre-Not-Doing-Right-Unpredictable/dp/B0D2Z5H7BH/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=jpU4W&content-id=amzn1.sym.e5c4b41c-5fcc-40aa-ba1a-d4f042d962e8&pf_rd_p=e5c4b41c-5fcc-40aa-ba1a-d4f042d962e8&pf_rd_r=139-7026157-9939007&pd_rd_wg=vT1Ta&pd_rd_r=4e838b52-2998-40e9-ae30-99c7796090a1&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk
To listen to a free sample of the audiobook and order it from the platform that gives authors the most credit for their own work: https://awesound.com/a/youre-not-doing-it-right
The audiobook is also now available on Audible, Spotify, Barnes & Noble, Nook, and more.

Embracing the Power of the Reset

In this special episode, Erna shares a reflection in honor of National Caregiver Month, emphasizing the importance of hitting the reset button in our lives. Through a personal story of hiking an active volcano in Sicily with her husband, Erna explores how this challenging yet rewarding experience allowed her to confront fears and gain new insights.
The episode delves into the emotional journey from the somber start of summer, marked by the loss of a beloved niece, to the joyous celebration of a family wedding. Erna highlights the profound impact of stepping away from routine and embracing new adventures, ultimately finding gratitude and joy amidst life's challenges.
Listeners are encouraged to find their own way to reset, whether through travel or simple changes in daily life, to gain a fresh perspective and rejuvenate their spirit. Tune in to discover the transformative power of taking time for yourself and embracing life's unexpected adventures.

Finding Balance: The Caregiver's Journey

In this heartfelt episode of "The Whole Caregiver," host Megan Hebden shares her personal reflections on the challenges and triumphs of family caregiving. As Family Caregiving Month is celebrated, Megan opens up about her own struggles in balancing numerous responsibilities, from hosting the podcast to caring for her family, including a father with Alzheimer's disease.
Drawing from her own experiences and a well-known biblical story of Mary and Martha, Megan explores the importance of finding a balance between caring for others and taking care of oneself. She candidly discusses the difficulties of asking for help, the societal gaps in support systems, and the need to acknowledge personal needs.
Listeners are encouraged to explore hidden sources of support and to let go of the notion of being a martyr in caregiving. Megan also highlights ongoing efforts in caregiving research aimed at making resources more accessible. Tune in for an honest conversation about the reality of caregiving and the significance of self-compassion.
If you do need help, consider the following resources:
2-1-1
Area Agencies on Aging
Churches in your community (even if you are not religious--some resources are for the community)
Family (sometimes boundaries need to be drawn and specific requests need to be made)
 

Preparing for Safety: Aging Loved Ones and Caregiver Insights

Join hosts Erna and Megan in the final episode of The Whole Caregiver podcast as they welcome back Susan Chaityn Lebovits. Dive into a comprehensive discussion on ensuring the safety of aging loved ones, emphasizing early preparation. Susan shares practical tips on home modifications, from installing grab bars to rearranging household items for accessibility.
Discover strategies to introduce safety measures to loved ones and learn the importance of regular health check-ups, including eye and hearing tests. The episode highlights the significance of power of attorney, healthcare directives, and POLST forms in planning for end-of-life care. Gain valuable insights and resources to support caregivers on their journey, ensuring they are not alone in navigating the complexities of aging care.
You can find Susan at Ease into Aging: Susan@EaseintoAging.com
Here is the helpful information Susan compiled for our episodes: 
Secure your loved one with a home care organization before there’s an emergency.At the least, do the research and have the information ready!
Maintaining social connections is critical to healthy aging for:● Sense of community● Strengthening brain synapses to maintain memory● Physical activity (getting to and from event)
Some seniors avoid socializing. Keep in mind that what may appear as being stubborn could actually be:● Social anxiety● Concern of finding a toilet● Painful to walk● Fear of technology● Lack of transportation● Hearing loss● Vision loss
Have an annual vision check to ensure safety.
Have an annual hearing test to avoid social isolation.
Home Safety Checklist
Find Caregiving
Caregiving Plan to Download and Print
Websites and Apps to Aid Families with Caregiving Support
Find a Geriatric Care Manager
Moving Support- Find a Senior Moving Manager
End of Life Planning
POLST Forms

Navigating Communication Challenges in Caregiving

Welcome back to another enlightening episode of "The Whole Caregiver" with your hosts, Erna and Megan. In this second installment of our series with Susan, we delve deep into the intricacies of communication as our loved ones age. Susan shares her wealth of experience and insights on the physical and emotional changes that impact communication, offering practical techniques to improve interactions with aging parents.
Throughout the episode, Susan highlights the importance of understanding the emotional versus cognitive changes in our loved ones and how these affect their ability to express and process information. From mobility issues to social isolation, learn about the barriers that can hinder effective communication and how to overcome them.
Discover strategies to help aging parents maintain their dignity and independence, while also ensuring their safety and well-being. Explore the role of social connections in enhancing emotional and physical health, and hear real-life examples of how caregivers can navigate challenging situations with empathy and understanding.
Tune in for valuable takeaways on utilizing geriatric care managers, community resources, and innovative solutions to support caregivers and their loved ones. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of caregiving and seeking to foster meaningful communication with their aging family members.
You can find Susan Chaityn Lebovits at Ease into Aging: Susan@EaseintoAging.com
Here is the information Susan compiled for our episodes:
Secure your loved one with a home care organization before there’s an emergency.At the least, do the research and have the information ready!
Maintaining social connections is critical to healthy aging for:● Sense of community● Strengthening brain synapses to maintain memory● Physical activity (getting to and from event)
Some seniors avoid socializing. Keep in mind that what may appear as being stubborn could actually be:● Social anxiety● Concern of finding a toilet● Painful to walk● Fear of technology● Lack of transportation● Hearing loss● Vision loss
Have an annual vision check to ensure safety.
Have an annual hearing test to avoid social isolation.
Home Safety Checklist
Find Caregiving
Caregiving Plan to Download and Print
Websites and Apps to Aid Families with Caregiving Support
Find a Geriatric Care Manager
Moving Support- Find a Senior Moving Manager
End of Life Planning
POLST Forms