Dr. Lakelyn answers caregiving questions from you - our listeners! These questions focus on tips for dementia care, how to support a caregiver in your life, nutrition for aging adults and more. You can submit your questions to Dr. Lakelyn to be answered in a future episode. Email her at caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com.

Episode highlights include:

• Suggestions to support an overwhelmed caregiver

• Nutrition tips for someone who’s lost their appetite

• Overview of home care options, questions to ask and payment

• Medicare resources

• Dementia care tips: sharing a person’s diagnosis, care tips and how to address short-term memory loss

Helpful links from this episode:

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

- Caregiver Chats Episode 17: Home Care: What is it and What to Expect

-Caregiver Chats Episode 37: Navigating Medicare: Simplifying Complexities for Caregivers You Tube version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acv1eIITuZ4&t=1s

-AARP article 12 Things Caregivers Need to Know About Medicare: :https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/info-2024/medicare-caregiving-support.html

- Caregiver Chats Episode 32: Getting an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis and What’s Next

- Caregiver Chat Episode 26: Top 10 Resources Every Dementia Caregiver Should Know! With Carrie Aalberts (aka Dementia Darling)

- Zinnia - Therapeutic TV - zinniatv.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 discusses essential home safety tips for aging adults. She offers practical suggestions for each room of the house to help minimize the risk of falls and other accidents.

Episode highlights include:

- Importance of home safety

- Room by room suggestions for home safety

- Tools and resources to help families evaluate home safety

- Low cost home modifications

Helpful links from the episode:

-Home Safety Checklist: makinghomesaferforseniors.com

-Dementia Home Safety video series, on YouTube search: ALZ/DIY

-Adaptive Equipment Corner: AECorner.com

-Handyman services: trublueally.com

-Be Light Care: belightcare.com

-EquipMeOT: equipmeot.com

-Local Area Agency on Aging: eldercare.acl.gov

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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In this episode of Caregiver Chats, Dr. Lakelyn sits down with Kristen Burke, president of Meaningful Insurance Solutions, to demystify the complexities of Medicare. Kristen, with over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, provides a comprehensive overview of Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, explaining their benefits, costs, and the importance of understanding each part. The discussion also covers the significance of Medicare supplement plans, the upcoming changes in drug coverage due to the Inflation Reduction Act, and the benefits of working with a knowledgeable insurance agent to navigate these options. This episode is a must-listen for caregivers seeking to better understand Medicare and make informed decisions for their loved ones.

Key Points:

- Medicare Basics: Overview of Parts A, B, and their costs.

- Supplement and Drug Plans: Medigap and Part D details, including 2025 changes.

- Advantage Plans: Benefits and considerations of Medicare Advantage.

- Annual Review: Importance of reviewing coverage and consulting an agent.

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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Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

Instagram: @homeinsteadinc

YouTube: @homeinsteadinc

Dr. Lakelyn delves into the often-overlooked topic of caregiver guilt and shame with author, speaker, and family caregiver Susanne White. Together, they explore why these feelings emerge and the impact they have on caregivers.

Episode highlights include:

- Understanding the taboo topic of caregiver guilt and shame

- Acknowledging why caregivers feel these emotions

- Tips for overcoming shame and guilt

- Resources to help caregivers feel empowered

Helpful links from the episode:

-caregiverwarrior.com

-Book: Self Care for Caregivers by Susanne White

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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Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

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In this episode, Dr. Lakelyn discusses a type of benefit that many caregivers may be unaware of—Veterans Assistance (VA) benefits. She is joined by expert Greg Bean to explore VA programs and share tips for successfully accessing these valuable resources.

Episode highlights include:

- Overview of VA caregiver programs and benefits.

- How to get started and who to contact.

- Tips for a successful application process.

Helpful links from the episode:

- www.va.gov

- VA Benefits Enrollment: 404-828-5257

- Caregiver Chats Episode 23: Caregiving & Financials

- Funding Solutions Guide: https://www.homeinstead.com/contentassets/e3cf4ce582a04572bd0a265d9e6c1fce/hi_sp_funding_sollutions_guide_insides_digital.pdf

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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Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

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In this second episode of a two-part series on Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), Dr. Lakelyn sits down with Melissa Fisher, a long-distance caregiver and Ambassador for The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD). Melissa opens up about her experience caring for her father, who was diagnosed with Behavioral Variant FTD (BvFTD), and shares valuable insights and lessons she’s gained through her caregiving journey.

Episode highlights include:

-Overview of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) and the various types

-Common symptoms of Behavioral Variant (Bv FTD)

-The diagnosis journey and challenges

-Tips for supporting someone living with FTD

Helpful links from the episode:

- The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration: www.theaftd.org

- AFTD’s HelpLine 1-866-507-7222

-AFTD’s Comstock Grants: www.theaftd.org/comstock-grants

-Remember Me FTD Podcast: www.remembermeftd.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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This episode is part one of a two-part series about Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Jerry Horn, a family care partner and Ambassador of The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD). The two discuss Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), one form of FTD that impacted Jerry’s wife and he shares the lessons he has learned as a caregiver.

Episode highlights include:

-Overview of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) and the various types

-Common symptoms of Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA)

-The diagnosis journey and challenges

-Tips for supporting someone living with FTD

Helpful links from the episode:

- The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration: www.theaftd.org

- AFTD’s HelpLine 1-866-507-7222

-AFTD’s Comstock Grants: www.theaftd.org/comstock-grants

-Well Spouse Association: wellspouse.org (also see episode 5)

-Remember Me FTD Podcast: www.remembermeftd.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

In this episode, Dr. Lakelyn and guest Lori La Bey, founder of Alzheimer’s Speaks, and co-founder of Dementia Map discuss the steps to take after an Alzheimer's diagnosis. Lori shares her caregiving journey, offers tips on discussing cognitive concerns with loved ones, and highlights key resources for those navigating dementia.

Episode highlights include:

-Overview of dementia, including common signs and symptoms.

-Importance of early diagnosis for planning and treatment.

-Tips for discussing cognitive concerns with loved ones.

-Resources and support systems for individuals and families navigating dementia.

Helpful links from the episode:
-Alzheimer’s Speaks: alzheimersspeaks.com
-Dementia Map: dementiamap.com
- ADI World Alzhiemer’s Month: alzint.org
- Alzheimer’s Association - alz.org
- Alzheimer’s Foundation - alzfdn.org
- Dementia Action Alliance - daanow.org
-Dementia Mentors - dementiamentors.org
-Memory Cafe Directory - memorycafedirectory.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