Ep. 18 Father Knows Best

Special guest Deb Watt, MFT,  joins us in a deeply poignant discussion about how we cope with past traumas while engaging with and caring for our aging parents. Deb is a California licensed therapist who has her own practice -- Lifewise Therapy.  She shares a panoply of therapy techniques as great options to manage past hurts and traumas in a kind, merciful and healthy manner.  Curiosity, kindness, and humor can go a long way when relating to our family as adults.

Sit back and join us for this free hour of therapy!

Learn more about Deb here:  https://lifewisetherapy.com/

Deb mentions author and mindset researcher Dr.  Carol Dweck , Ph.D.; you can find out more about MindSet work here (scroll down to see her TED talk):
https://www.mindsetworks.com/default#research-modal-window

NOTE: All information in this episode are the sole opinions of the hosts and guests and not intended for medical advice. Always check in with your own health advisors for your optimal health care needs.



New music for Season 2: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod

Illustration by Erica Karlin Studio

We are back and thought it fitting to have our very first guest from last year return to start off Season 2. Evan Georgieff returns to grace our microphones with his humorous take on what being Sandwiched was like for him as a full time oral surgeon and single dad to two young children while trying to keep his parents from spending every last dime of their family wealth.

Evan brings humor and warmth to his memories of caring for his parents because he says there is no other way to survive it! He brought us to hysterics with stories of his father dancing the polka on TV to clearing out the sewer line in an RV, and helps us appreciate that laughter is the best medicine. Plus, he shares the most poignant lesson he learned from his father.

And while you're here, take a listen to Episode 2, where Evan educates us about dental care and shares hilarious stories about his live-in grandmother during his childhood.
 
"When a father gives to his son, both laugh; when a son gives to his father, both cry."
- William Shakespeare

New music for Season 2: Carpe Diem by Kevin MacLeod

Illustration by Erica Karlin Studio

We are delighted to welcome Jim McAleer CEO of Alzheimer's Orange County.
Alz OC provides support to families and individuals though brain health and dementia education, care consultations, community resource connections,  Adult Day Health Services and more.

Alzheimer's Orange County Website
https://www.alzoc.org

Additional resources that reach nationwide services:

Alzheimer's Association
https://www.alz.org

National Council on Aging
https://www.ncoa.org

Alzheimer's Family Center
https://afscenter.org

Music by Pixaby

Illustration by Erica Karlin Studio

We are thrilled to speak with Christy Byrne Yates, psychologist, coach, speaker and author of the book, Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation. 

She is wise, warm, and inspiring, and leaves us with a profound reason to pay attention to sunsets.

Who knew there was such an informative how-to manual for those of us living in the sandwich generation? We are here to tell you to look no further, this book literally has it all--caregiving, parenting, planning, prepping-- around topics such as finances, faith, ceremony, communication, self-care, transitions, and so much more. And, this book takes the reader on Christy's personal journey that beautifully exemplifies how she managed this stage in her life. Abundant resources and actionable steps to help make life easier and more manageable, and, as she says, 'ease the squeeze' in an otherwise stressful situation.

Check out Christy's website for more resources and information:
http://www.christyyates.com

Music by Pixaby

Illustration by Erica Karlin Studio

We are thrilled to the bone to welcome Dr. William T. Long, orthopedist in Los Angeles. We naturally talk about bones, but Dr. Long also shares with us several profound ways he keeps his life balanced while sandwiched between career and caregiving of his mother and family. He also enjoys a dedicated, lifelong pursuit as an elite athlete. His wisdom is an inspiration to us all as we age.

Dr. Long was the first surgeon in Los Angeles to perform Robot Assisted Knee Replacement Surgery in 2008. Dr. Long is board certified by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and is a member of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.

More information about Dr. Long and the Computer Surgery Institute:
https://orthocsi.com/dr-long

He also volunteers with Operation Walk:
https://operationwalk.org/dr-william-t-long/

Watch Dr. Long on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/NSnK1LU8SEg

***All information in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended to give medical advice. Always seek out your own medical professionals for your personal health needs. Thanks for listening.***


Music by Pixaby

Illustration by Erica Karlin Studio

Welcome to this special episode where we move the focus away from the caregiver and shake things up a bit.

Meet Bobette, Joanna, Lorena, Molly, Joyce, James, Duane and Roni. These vibrant, plucky seniors are enjoying life at Covenant Living at Mt. Miguel retirement village in San Diego county.  Accomplished, creative, energetic folks who managed to avoid sandwiching their kids by making their own decision to secure their future care through a three-tiered community that goes from independent living to assisted living to skilled nursing.

Their stories are relatable, honest, humble and completely dispel the stereotypes we harbor about what a retirement home is.  As a matter of fact, they don't use the word 'home' rather they are a village who look after each other, stay connected through all levels of care and provide peace of mind for their family knowing they are in a safe, stimulating environment that offers many activities and camaraderie they wouldn't otherwise get living with their children.

It was an honor to meet them.

https://www.covlivingmountmiguel.org

Thank you for listening and be sure to subscribe. 


Music by Pixaby

Illustration by Erica Karlin Studio

We are thrilled to have author, Ruth Stevens, join us to discuss her novel, Stage Seven, a compelling story of love, family, loss, and renewal surrounding the care of those with Alzheimer's. Filled with humor, grace, romance and valuable insight, her novel reminds us of the important role fiction serves in our need to both escape and grapple with the realities of caring for those with dementia.

Meet Ruth:
Website: https://ruthfstevens.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthfstevensauthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rfsauthor

AlzAuthors~ Writing, Sharing, Inspiring, Caring
https://alzauthors.com

Music by Pixaby

Illustration by Erica Karlin Studio

Welcome Kristina Lubofsky, gerontologist and creator of the Busy Minds Box, providing crafts, puzzles, games and more for older adults to help keep their brains stimulated. Kristina joins us to share her journey helping three grandparents with dementia and her lifelong passion for enriching the lives of older adults.

Busy Minds Box website where you can find all the information to subscribe, or shop individual products and activities.
https://www.busymindsbox.com

Kristina's fantastic blog.
https://www.busymindsbox.com/blogs/news 

The Dalai Lama says,  "A happy mind is a healthy mind, and a healthy mind is good for the body." 

Music by Pixaby

Illustration by Erica Karlin Studio

Jennifer sits her father down and chats about his memories of Christmas and other childhood moments. Sioux discovers a treasure from her mother's very early years that prompts her to remember that her mother was once a tiny little girl. It's remarkable how precious those simple times were and how we could all benefit from slowing down and thinking about our parents as children.
Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year and that 2023 ushers in a bit more simplicity and self reflection in your life.



Music by Pixaby

Illustration by Erica Karlin Studio

Where should our elderly parents spend the rest of their lives? In their homes? In our homes? In assisted living? Retirement Community with levels of care? how do we make these decisions? How does this puzzle fit together?
Special guest, Krista Nay, Sales and Marketing Director at ECS, with over thirty years experience in retirement communities, shares with us an abundance of sound advice on what questions to ask, and what to look for in a retirement community while embracing the gift of giving your parent the opportunity to live their best life, and perhaps join a Bucket List Club!   ;-)

ECS For Seniors  https://www.ecsforseniors.org
The Covington  https://www.ecsforseniors.org/covington
Music & Memory     https://musicandmemory.org
Dakim Brain Fitness   https://www.dakim.com

The Mather Institute’s Landmark Study on Life Plan Communities
https://www.matherinstitute.com/agewellstudy/

Long-Term Care Ombudsman (California)
https://aging.ca.gov/Programs_and_Services/Long-Term_Care_Ombudsman/

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (National)
https://acl.gov/programs/Protecting-Rights-and-Preventing-Abuse/Long-term-Care-Ombudsman-Program

Fitch Ratings on Retirement Communities
https://www.fitchratings.com/search/?query=retirement%20communities

It’s Never Too Late (iN2L) Content-Driven Engagement for Older Adults
https://in2l.com

California Dept of Aging
https://aging.ca.gov/Providers_and_Partners/Area_Agencies_on_Aging/Contracts_Download_Page/

Music by Pixaby

Illustration by Erica Karlin Studio