Listen Now

Kris has been the full-time family caregiver for her Grams, Mary, since 2017. They started sharing their life and love as they navigate Alzheimer’s together on Instagram that same year. Now with nearly half a million followers on TikTok Kris continues to create connections with fellow caregivers while sharing the special bond she has with her Grandma during the progression of this disease. Leading with love, laughter & NY attitude! In this episode, we dive into what a sole caregiving life looks like, share our dislike for internet trolls, explore what Kris would say to “new to caregiving Kris”, discover where lifewithgrams is headed, and extract the various steps Kris has intentionally taken to elevate her overall mental wellness. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod159 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

Matthew Cauli became a full-time caregiver to his wife, Kanlaya, after she experienced two massive strokes and an ovarian cancer diagnosis. Matthew and his wife are in their thirties and raising their 6-year-old son Ty. In this episode, Matthew displays his dedication to keeping his family physically, emotionally, and financially afloat. We chatted about how his family’s life was turned upside0down, how he found therapy through social media channels, why he could no longer keep working while caregiving, and how the caregiving community has shown up for him in ways he didn’t anticipate. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod158 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

Tena Scallan cared for her parents and her uncle through hospitalizations and end of life events. She was introduced as a family caregiver very young when her mom was diagnosed with liver cancer. Later, Tena worked in healthcare where she developed her passion for supporting family caregivers and sharing her secrets. In this episode, Tena and I reveal secrets around squeezing in time for yourself, helping your care recipients bust boredom and grumpiness, staying organized, and finding the resources you need to be the ultimate caregiver. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod157 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

Sue Ryan has been in roles of family caregiving for more than 40 years. Her mission is to empower individuals to maximize and accept the potential opportunities that change will bring. Sue moved from feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and yes - sometimes frightened - to confident, balanced, and supported, navigating the transitions in her life, her care receivers, and those who support them on their journey. She shares what she has learned through her speaking, coaching, and writing. In this episode, we talk about creating a caregiving friendly work environment, preparing for a natural disaster, strategies for guilt-free decision making, and other valuable resources to help you navigate the caregiving journey. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod156 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

Most people run away from the topics of death and dying but Registered Nurse and family caregiver Barbara Karnes runs toward it. She’s a quoted expert in many national media publications and has been awarded the NHPCO Innovator award for her decades as an end-of-life educator. She is a pioneer in the hospice industry and the author of what is referred to as “the little blue hospice book”.  In this episode, we talk about all things related to hospice and end of life. We dispel the popular myths, define the terms, and discover why Barbara continues to make this her life’s work. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod155 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

In this episode, meet Sherrell D. Mims. She is a family caregiver, registered nurse, entrepreneur, and author. Her passion is empowering caregivers worldwide. In this episode we talk about the importance of securing help in your community, sharing your story, being patient with yourself, seeking a good belly laugh, and proactively dealing with the cloudy days that come upon us. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod154 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

In 2019 Tiffany moved home to Maui, Hawaii to become primary caregiver to her adult brother Christian. Christian is now in his thirties and has been living with autism. Inspired by her brother's interest in jewelry and wanting to help him find a job, Tiffany created Depo Market, a retail business that provides jobs to other adults with disabilities like Chris. In this episode, we chat about what made Tiffany relocate from NYC to Maui, how her partner created a personal living space for her brother Chris, what it’s like to balance care for a brother and a brand new baby, and how Depo Market came to be and how others can support what they are doing. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod153 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

Joe Vazquez and his wife Laura live in Texas and have been married over 11 years. In February 2021, Laura suffered a traumatic and anoxic brain injury. With Laura’s freak garden accident, life as they knew it changed. Joe had to find his way as a family caregiver with zero care experience. In this episode, Joe shares his story and we discuss marital commitment, mental health therapy, FMLA benefits, and the role TikTok has played in his caregiving journey. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod152 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

Susie Singer Carter cared for her mom Norma for 16 years until she passed away last July from Alzheimer’s disease. Susie is a multi-award-winning filmmaker, actor, and caregiver advocate. You can see all of these skills intertwine in her 2018 Oscar Qualified short film, “My Mom And The Girl” starring Valerie Harper in her final performance. Susie also produces and hosts the Love Conquers Alz podcast and is the co-creator of the outrageous horror/comedy narrative podcast “I Love Lucifer”. She is currently producing a documentary, "No Country For Old People", which centers on long term care neglect and the systemic healthcare crisis responsible for it. In this episode we dive deep into Susie’s current documentary project and the stories surrounding it. Susie also reflects on some of the toughest years of her life and the essential (and totally accessible) self-care tools which have helped make her 16 year caregiving season sustainable. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod151 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

Inesa Ponomariovaite is a former family caregiver living in Chicago. She is also a holistic health professional and an expert on the benefits of hemp. Inesa is the founder of Nesas Hemp, a company providing full-spectrum CBDa Hemp Oil with preserved healing compounds. In this episode, we learn about Inesa’s caregiving stories, her self-care practices and how CBDa Hemp Oil can optimize your health and healing. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod150 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

Michele Houck is a serial caregiver who started her caregiver roles at age 16 with her mother's first breast cancer diagnosis. Over the last 5 years, she's been the primary caregiver for her mother, her sister, AND her father all who passed due to different cancers. Michele also has over 20 years Marketing experience for many companies in the health and wellness space. Her lessons learned as the main caregiver for her family in addition to her professional Marketing expertise make her the perfect fit to help improve the caregiver experience and promote a culture of care. In this episode, we chat about reaching out for help, how Michele became an instant mom after her sister passed, the exhausting business of death and estate planning, moving forward after repeat losses, and navigating the unwanted roadblocks life throws our way. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod149 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

After working at National Geographic for 21 years, Gina Martin saw how important visual storytelling can bring awareness to important issues. Gina helped her dad Bob care for her mom, Diane, who had Alzheimer’s. The Bob & Diane Fund was created to bring a visual awareness and understanding to Alzheimer's and Dementia. In this episode, Gina shares her parent’s story and how the fund in their names came to be. Gina was definitely a self-care cheerleader for her dad and she was able to do this even from 3,000 miles away. And, Gina also talks about how she had to learn to ask and accept help during her breast cancer journey and recovery earlier this year. A reminder for us all to schedule your mammogram and make sure the others you care about have, too! Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod148 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

Ben Mandelbaum grew up in a home along with his 14 siblings where he witnessed his Mom caring for his great grandmother, and then his grandmother. Ben was also part of his dad’s care team – his dad passed from ALS earlier this year. Ben’s background is in finance for skilled nursing communities. In this episode, we talk about living life while caring for others, the difference between Medicare and Medicaid, what benefits Medicaid can help families with, and how his company NavigAid can help guide and support you through the Medicaid application process. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod147 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

Charlotte Bayala is a spousal caregiver determined to love her caregiving life and help others along the way. Charlotte’s life changed forever when her husband was diagnosed with an incurable form of thyroid cancer in 2013. She uses her experience as a caregiver and her training as a Yoga and Meditation teacher to help caregivers find easy ways to care for themselves. In this episode, we talk about Chicago life, protecting the spousal relationship, addressing worries, themed digital photo albums to help you through rough patches, and how self-care can look different for each of us every day.  Enjoy the show! Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod146 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

Kim Albrecht knows what the sandwich generation feels like. She has been her 18-year-old daughter’s primary caregiver since Miranda was born and she helps care for her mom who is living with dementia. Kim is a southerner transplanted to California via the Midwest along with her husband and 2 teenage daughters, the oldest of which has level 3 nonspeaking autism. Kim hosts the award winning LOMAH Disability Podcast, where over 150 expert guests have been interviewed on topics relevant to planning the future for teens and young adults with disabilities.  In this episode, we talk about how Kim and her husband are preparing Miranda for adulthood and living independently from her parents, Kim’s gratitude for some tough feedback from trusted individuals that shaped her current caregiving mindset, how she recovered from caregiver burnout, and why every caregiver may need to purchase some construction worker headphones. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod145 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

Susanne White is the founder of Caregiver Warrior. She cared for her parents and this caregiving adventure changed her life. She blogs about this journey on her website, caregiverwarrior.com and shares her experience, strength and hope with others so that they too may survive caregiving with grace and empowerment. In this episode, we go deeper into talking about emotional self-care including being vulnerable, coping with anxiety, and modifying our behaviors in the spirit of self-improvement. You’ll also learn about what to expect in Susanne’s new book on our favorite topic – self-care for caregivers! Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod144 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

Carlos Olivas III is a California native who is a three time caregiver. He currently cares for his dad who is living with Alzheimer’s and provides support to his adult daughter and his brother who have mental health concerns. Carlos is archiving and documenting his Dad’s dementia progression through his vast assortment of art In this episode, Carlos and I chat about how work can sometimes feel like respite, what his typical day looks like, how impactful Miguel’s story in the hit TV show This is Us was, self-care routines, and we list out a variety of support options for family caregivers. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod143 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

Sheila Welch is a dementia family advocate and educator. For over 12 years, Sheila has been the Developer/Coordinator of Loving Through Dementia: a free, all volunteer ministry that offers help, hope, inspiration and dementia education to families facing dementia; and provides resources and guidance for churches of all faiths, all communities, and all individuals who seek to better serve these families. Sheila's family has lost eight family members to Alzheimer's. Her husband, who has led this ministry with her for over twelve years, was diagnosed a year and a half ago with Parkinson's dementia. Her own family’s journey, along with the journeys of the families she serves inspire her work today. In this episode, we chat about loving someone through dementia, setting yourself up for a successful caregiving journey, how a faith community ministry could be started in your area, and how to give yourself grace. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod142 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

Caregiving happens. My upcoming guest needed to reschedule – dad in hospital. Family always comes first. I’m not as batched up with episodes as I’d like and the show must go on with a new episode every other Wednesday. So like caregiving, I pivot and haven’t done a show on this topic before. In today’s show, I’m sharing strategies to help the family caregiver that is or feels like they are all alone in their caregiving season. Bottom line is – being a solo caregiver isn’t sustainable. I have yet to hear a solo caregiving success story. Typically the health (and happiness) of the family caregiver suffers when trying to control all the aspects of caregiving plus the other family, household and career responsibilities. Likely your plate was already full. Then heaped on caregiving responsibilities. May have seemed doable at first or you just love this family member or chosen family member so much that you wanted to do whatever it takes. Perhaps you realize this isn’t sustainable but you are in too deep. Today I’m offering strategies to consider. Small changes add up. I believe in you. If you want to work through this together 1:1 – take me on the offer for complimentary coaching or perhaps work with me on an ongoing coaching basis. Schedule your complimentary session today! Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod141 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

Aisha Adkins is an only child caring for her parents. Her mom has Frontal Temporal Dementia, and her dad has suffered multiple strokes. Aisha’s career is the Constituency Organizer for Caring Across Generations. She is a storyteller, advocate, international speaker, and passionate about building an equitable, inclusive, and comprehensive public health and care infrastructure. She enjoys classic film, live music, and the great outdoors when she is not trying to affect positive systemic change. In this episode, we talk about the nuances of being a young caregiver and only child, small yet impactful care advocacy steps can we take, community care, acceptance, managing expectations, and sipping tea. Enjoy the show! Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod140 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW