Advertise on podcast: Caregiver Crossing

A deck of cards, a short walk, and a few minutes of music. Beth Timko from CarDon & Associates joins us to share how recreation therapy shows up in everyday life with older adults. She walks through what engagement really looks like, how to read what someone needs, and why simple activities can open the door to connection. We also spend time on two topics that come up more often than people expect: loneliness and addiction. What they can look like in day-to-day life, what caregivers might notice first, and where support can begin. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Grief can be confusing at any age, especially for children. In this episode, we talk with Hilary Bercovitz and Danielle Behnke from Brooke’s Place about how kids experience and express grief, what it can look like when they don’t have the words for their feelings, and how caregivers can support them through it. We also explore how grief may show up differently in neurodivergent children, including those on the autism spectrum, and share simple, meaningful tools to help them feel seen and supported.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre, Constance Macy, Christel DeHaan Artistic Director, shares how theatre can open the door to conversations people are not always sure how to start. We talk about Wasabia, a production that touches on dementia, end of life decisions, and medical aid in dying, and how being in a theatre setting allows people to sit with these topics in a different way. Constance also walks through how stories like this are shaped with care, what it looks like to bring audiences into something honest, and how the April 12th show continues with a live Badassery Life recording that invites people to stay, reflect, and be part of the conversation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre, Constance Macy, Christel DeHaan Artistic Director, shares how theatre can open the door to conversations people are not always sure how to start. We talk about Wasabia, a production that touches on dementia, end of life decisions, and medical aid in dying, and how being in a theatre setting allows people to sit with these topics in a different way. Constance also walks through how stories like this are shaped with care, what it looks like to bring audiences into something honest, and how the April 12th show continues with a live Badassery Life recording that invites people to stay, reflect, and be part of the conversation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

PrimeLife Enrichment has been part of Indianapolis for years, but what stands out is how it continues to shift with what people actually need right now. Finding something that fits your day again can take time, especially when routines start to change. Sloane and Leesa share how PrimeLife Enrichment helps caregivers and older adults get into classes, movement, and social opportunities. From lifelong learning to Memory Cafés for people living with dementia and their caregivers, they talk through what people are showing up for and why. We also share Harper’s story and the custom shoes she designed for the Iowa basketball team. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Caregiving by nature is an incredibly lonely job. Realizing there are other caregivers out there can change everything. Amanda and Emmalee share how Cocktails & Caregivers shows up in real ways, from care packages and travel support to gatherings where no one has to explain what they are carrying. We also touch on Mythical Kitchen’s Last Meals and how simple questions can open the door to stories caregivers rarely get to tell. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rachel Nelson, Executive Director of Home Repairs for Good, joins us to talk about the repairs that can determine whether someone can continue living in the home they love. She explains what her team often discovers during their first visit, from bathrooms without grab bars to steep steps that make it difficult to enter the house. Rachel shares how mobility repairs, home stabilization work, and one on one support help older homeowners stay safe even when money is tight. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How can talking about death bring more meaning to life? Richard Brendan, a speaker, mentor, and advocate for authentic living, joins Caregiver Crossing to share how open conversations about mortality can shift our perspective, deepen connections, and inspire a more intentional way of living. Richard played a key role in helping Joy’s House host our first Death Café, creating space for Guests and caregivers to reflect on what truly matters See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Robert Russell, Chief Medical Officer at Majestic Health, joins us to share what led him into geriatric medicine and why he believes caring for older adults is some of the most meaningful work a physician can do. He explains what his role entails, how families can advocate for their loved ones within a medical team, and the top three concerns facing our aging population today. We also talk about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, including why cognitive decline should never be dismissed as a normal part of aging. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Doug joins us to share how chaplain work shows up far beyond hospitals or end of life settings. From workplaces to community spaces, he explains how being present and listening without judgment can change the direction of a hard conversation. We talk about what caregivers often keep to themselves, how to sit with someone who feels overwhelmed, and why simply knowing someone is available can make a difference even if you never reach out. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It usually starts with a question no one feels ready to ask. If care cannot continue at home, what happens next? Madison Wood-Gonzalez shares what happens next and how Morning Light steps in for people who have nowhere else to go. She explains who qualifies for a hospice home, what daily life looks like inside the house, and how residents are welcomed with dignity. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dave Holder has walked alongside countless families facing some of the hardest decisions they'll ever make. In this episode, he shares what it really looks like to find the right care setting, what families need in those first conversations, and how to build trust when emotions are running high. Dave also reflects on his personal experience as a caregiver, why he believes in the power of community, and what made him say yes to joining the Joy’s House board. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The decision to bring in home care usually grows out of everyday life. Jake Campbell talks about the small changes families notice first, how routines become harder to keep up with, and why caregiving can slowly turn into constant coordination. He shares what often stays familiar once support begins, what starts to ease for caregivers, and how home care can help families regain time and attention for what actually matters at home. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shelly and Mark share how Pure Memory Water grew out of their years caring for Shelly’s mom as she lived with Alzheimer’s. They talk about what pushed them to start thinking about brain health earlier, why hydration became their entry point, and how small daily habits can fit into real caregiving life. Somewhere along the way, you may also decide it is time to try the pomegranate flavor. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former Wisconsin Governor Martin J. Schreiber shares the personal story behind his book My Two Elaines and the years he spent caring for his wife after her Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Marty reflects on loving two versions of the same person, the early realities many spouses are unprepared for, and how his understanding of the disease changed as Elaine’s needs evolved. He speaks honestly about guilt, asking for help, and the long stretch of caregiving that reshapes daily life. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.