Care Giver Life with Dignity Podcast
45 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 months ago -Sue Salach-Cutler and Fran Piekarski co-host this podcast on the challenges caregivers face when helping their loved ones. Each episode is committed in ensuring that our listeners, and those they care for, live a life with dignity, no matter their mental or physical state. We advocate for our listeners in a system that grows more complicated each year. https://habaneromedia.net/
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Episodes
How To Know if Your Lifestyle is a Fit for the Future
February 23, 2024 19:24 - 24 minutes - 14.4 MBHow To Know if Your Lifestyle is a Fit for the Future In this episode Sue and Fran challenge the listeners to reflect on their current lifestyle and assess if it's still a good fit for the future. Does your home ownership and current social circles still make sense? That's the topic for today. Caregiver Life with Dignity Podcast Sue Salach-Cutler and Fran Piekarski co-host on the challenges caregivers face when helping their loved ones. Each episode is committed to ensuring caregivers...
Celebrating the Holidays While Caregiving #42
December 16, 2023 16:14 - 24 minutes - 14.6 MBCelebrating the Holidays While Caregiving With the holidays upon us, it's a moment for caregivers to pause, reflect,t and take advantage of the opportunity to spend quality time with family, and friends while making special the time spent with those we care for. Fran and Sue share advice that any caregiver will find value during the holiday bustle. This is a production of Habanero Media
Family Dynamics - How to Avoid Drama
October 13, 2023 19:57 - 25 minutes - 15 MBFamily Dynamics - How to Avoid Drama Drama is often hard to avoid when a family is stressed with sickness and disease. Fran and Sue delve into this challenge with advice, rules, and stories of how to best deal with and avoid families hurting the ones they love most. This is a production of Habanero Media
How To Recognize the Right Level of Care #40
September 19, 2023 16:11 - 20 minutes - 12 MBHow To Recognize the Right Level of Care Have you ever wondered how to determine the level of care that your family member needs; where they should be cared for and how long? That's the topic Fran and Sue discuss in this episode. This is a production of Habanero Media.
Adult Services with Margo Vesely
August 02, 2023 16:08 - 37 minutes - 21.7 MBAdult Services with Margo Vesely In this episode, Fran and Sue interview Margo Vesely who shares her life journey into adult services, and then they discuss various caregiving opportunities available for the community. This is a production of Habanero Media.
Strategies for Moving Your Loved Ones #38
March 14, 2023 21:10 - 26 minutes - 15.6 MBStrategies for Moving Your Loved Ones #38 Caring for an elderly loved one and moving them to a new home can be a challenging task. Start with a plan: Develop a detailed plan for the move, including a timeline, budget, and a list of tasks that need to be accomplished. Identify any specific needs or preferences your elderly loved one may have regarding their new home. Communicate: Keep open lines of communication with your elderly loved one throughout the process. Include them in decision-...
Special Needs Trusts with Nancy Roach #37
March 09, 2023 19:39 - 19 minutes - 11.5 MBSpecial Needs Trusts with Nancy Roach In this episode Sue and Fran invite guest Nancy Roach to visit and speak about the challenges of Special Needs Trusts and their ability to create financial stability.
Shoulda Woulda Coulda Caregiving Advice
October 12, 2022 19:09 - 29 minutes - 17.3 MBShoulda Woulda Coulda Caregiving Advice In this episode Sue asks Fran who asks Sue about caregiving advice that arrived from personal experiences caring for loved ones, and those they've discovered in their consulting profession. Don't bemoan with shoulda woulda coulda but be proactive with these many great takeaways. This is a production of Habanero Media
The Ins and Outs of Having and Being a Power of Attorney
September 08, 2022 14:51 - 29 minutes - 17.4 MBThe Ins and Outs of Having and Being a Power of Attorney In this episode Fran and Sue discuss Powers of attorney and ask the question, do you really know what you're signing up for. Both types of Powers of Attorney are discussed: Property and for Healthcare. The episodes delves into what to consider when becoming a Power of Attorney and your rights when you choose a Power of Attorney. This is a production of Habanero Media
Understanding Medicare with Medicare Mike Rice
August 01, 2022 20:34 - 23 minutes - 13.9 MBUnderstanding Medicare with Medicare Mike Rice What are the basics? Medicare is a complex program and can sometimes be confusing. · What are your coverage options? · Should you enroll in Part D? · How much does Medicare Part B cost? · What does Original Medicare cost? · Is there help for me if I can't afford Medicare? Fran and Sue chat with Mike Rice about all things Medicare. This is a production of Habanero Media
How To Place Your Loved One In A Nursing Facility
June 22, 2022 09:00 - 32 minutes - 18.6 MBHow To Place Your Loved One In A Nursing Facility In this episode Sue and Fran discuss about the decision making process of choosing a skilled nursing facility (Nursing Home) for your loved one. There are many issues to consider including services, price, staffing, cleanliness, and others. Don't choose the first place you visit! Instead visit many and ask the questions shared in this episode. This is production of Habanero Media.
Five Things We Take For Granted You Need to Know
June 07, 2022 16:59 - 37 minutes - 22 MBFive Things We Take For Granted You Need to Know In this episode Fran and Sue discuss five things they take for granted, but understand not everyone knows. The topics include: What words to use that help caregivers The impact of masks on cognition Your right to choose Distinctions of terms for home health care Where you can go to get support This is a production of Habanero Media https://habaneromedia.net
Caregiving with Cannabis Products with Mr. CBD
May 18, 2022 16:00 - 33 minutes - 19.3 MBCaregiving with Cannabis Products with Mr. CBD In this episode Fran interviews Mr. CBD Chicago about the benefits of CBD and Cannabis THC products. The conversation discusses the cannabinoid system, it's effect on homeostasis, various cannabis products from smoking flower, to vaping, to edibles and tinctures. This is a production of https://habaneromedia.net
Hoarding and Steps You Can Take to Help Part 2
April 13, 2022 14:00 - 25 minutes - 15 MBThis is the second part of a series on hoarding. Hoarding disorder is a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them. A person with hoarding disorder experiences distress at the thought of getting rid of the items. Excessive accumulation of items, regardless of actual value, occurs. Sue asks Fran about her experiences working with hoarders. This is a production of Habanero Media
Hoarding and Steps You Can Take to Help Part 1
March 29, 2022 20:59Hoarding and Steps You Can Take to Help Part 1 Hoarding disorder is a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them. A person with hoarding disorder experiences distress at the thought of getting rid of the items. Excessive accumulation of items, regardless of actual value, occurs. Sue asks Fran about her experiences working with hoarders. This is a complex topic and will include a second part. This is a production of Habanero Media
Hoarding and Steps You Can Take to Help Part 1
March 29, 2022 20:59Hoarding and Steps You Can Take to Help Part 1 Hoarding disorder is a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them. A person with hoarding disorder experiences distress at the thought of getting rid of the items. Excessive accumulation of items, regardless of actual value, occurs. Sue asks Fran about her experiences working with hoarders. This is a complex topic and will include a second part. This is a production of Habanero Media
Part 2 Understanding Dementia in a Loved One with Dr. Jennifer Stelter
March 14, 2022 15:49 - 28 minutes - 16.5 MBUnderstanding Dementia in a Loved One Part 2 with Dr. Jennifer Stelter This is the second part of our Dementia conversation. Caring for someone living with advanced Alzheimer disease is a challenge. It can make you feel like you're on a hamster wheel—running in circles, trying the same things over and over with no effect on your loved one. You may also find it difficult to connect with your loved one and to understand what those living with Alzheimer disease are going through. In The Busy ...
Understanding Dementia in a Loved One with Dr. Jennifer Stelter
February 17, 2022 16:34 - 36 minutes - 21.4 MBUnderstanding Dementia in a Loved One with Dr. Jennifer Stelter
Understanding Grief with Rev. Paul Cutler
December 14, 2021 20:40 - 33 minutes - 19.2 MBUnderstanding Grief with Rev. Paul Cutler Holidays are a tough time when you've lost a loved one. How can you navigate Christmas and New Years when the loss is ever present? Guest Rev. Paul Cutler shares his thoughts and advice for those suffering with grief. Find our website Life With Dignity This is a production of Habanero Media
How to Hire a Caregiver
November 08, 2021 22:31 - 31 minutes - 18.3 MBHow to Hire a Caregiver In this episode Fran and Sue share advice on how to interview and choose a caregiver for your loved one. They explain what you can expect, what's important and what's not important when bringing a stranger into your loved one's home. This is a production of Habanero Media
So Long Summer Fiesta - a Thank You!
September 20, 2021 21:57 - 12 minutes - 7.3 MBJoin the Life with Dignity Team for an outdoor Fiesta! Enjoy Mexican cuisine and margaritas from the taco truck and catch up face to face with other referral sources and peers. Last Thursday, September 16th from 3-6pm 250 business companions were invited to have tacos at the World headquarters in St. Charles IL. It's our way of saying thank you for all you do to support others in both your work and everyday life. This is a production of Habanero Media.
Hospice and Palliative Care with Tammy Smith
June 17, 2021 10:00 - 26 minutes - 15.3 MBHospice and Palliative Care with Tammy Smith For over 15 years Tammy has assisted families as they navigate some of the most challenging and emotional times in their lives. She recognizes that each person and each family can have very different needs but upholding one's dignity is universal. She gives families comfort and knowledge of all the options for families to ensure they can care for their loved ones in the best way possible without taking away their choice and independence. ...
Creative Caregiving
June 03, 2021 19:52 - 21 minutes - 12.1 MBHow creativity can support your caregiving journey In this episode Fran and Sue discuss how creativity can support your caregiving journey Getting creative with caregiving support Search for supportive products (don’t reinvent the wheel) Be creative with time management to create time to take care of yourself Summary - Sum up today’s answer and conversation into a few memorable points to further answer the curiosity of your audience. Point 1 Get creative – Ask others for ...
Advocating for patient rights: the Jimmo Act
May 13, 2021 18:02 - 31 minutes - 17.2 MBAdvocating for patient rights: the Jimmo Act Linda Strohschein is an estate planning and elder law attorney. Linda, Fran and Sue discuss long term care planning and the impact of the Jimmo Settlement Agreement. Jimmo clarified when a beneficiary needs skilled nursing or therapy services under Medicare. This is a production of Habanero Media
Your Right To Choose #20
April 07, 2021 16:00 - 18 minutes - 10.3 MBYour Right To Choose #20 When it comes to your healthcare, you're the decision maker. In this episode Fran and Sue discuss how you have the right to choose since you're the one to live with the consequences. The path to wise decision-making is to be fully informed. Ask questions and demand answers. Doctors work for you. When you're ill you may not be able to make the wisest of decisions. Seek out an advocate care manager. This is a production of Habanero Media
Your Right To Choose
April 07, 2021 16:00 - 18 minutes - 10.3 MBYour Right To Choose When it comes to your healthcare, you're the decision maker. In this episode Fran and Sue discuss how you have the right to choose since you're the one to live with the consequences. The path to wise decision-making is to be fully informed. Ask questions and demand answers. Doctors work for you. When you're ill you may not be able to make the wisest of decisions. Seek out an advocate care manager. This is a production of Habanero Media
I Care A Lot - A Movie Review #19
March 30, 2021 16:34 - 22 minutes - 12.7 MBI Care A Lot - A Movie Review A new movie recently released by Netflix is reviewed and condemned for being all fiction and no reality when it comes to guardianship for the elderly. In this animated conversation, Fran and Sue walk through elements of the plot and with outrage point out the lack of truth in the story. In real life this kind of thing NEVER EVER HAPPENS! Check it out! Produced by Habanero Media
Applied Neuroplasticity for Caregivers with John Kennedy #18
March 08, 2021 19:04 - 27 minutes - 16 MBApplied Neuroplasticity for Caregivers with John Kennedy #18 John Kennedy is an innovative master coach, consultant, and trainer who has helped thousands of people and their organizations exceed their performance expectations for over 35 years. In this episode Sue and Fran learn that In response to a contract by the US Marines in 2007, John created the field of Allied Neuroplasticity to rapidly improve intuition, focus and faster and better decision making under stress. John’s Combat Br...
Understanding the Dementia Connection Model
February 26, 2021 20:48 - 32 minutes - 18 MBUnderstanding the Dementia Connection Model In this episode Fran and Sue welcome back Dr. Jennifer Stelter (Clinical Psychologist) and Jessica Ryan (Biologist and Educator) to the podcast. All four discuss the "dementia connection model" and how it explains what's going on with dementia in a loved one and practical advice on how to intervene. Caregivers rarely get enough training on dementia and arrive in situations that have a significant hurdle. The NeuroEssence provides a dementia con...
How To Recognize Exploitation
February 21, 2021 19:31 - 22 minutes - 12.8 MBHow To Recognize Exploitation In this episode Fran and Sue share advice on how to recognize a situation where a loved one is being exploited. Exploitation is a case where the act of using resources or treating people unfairly in order to benefit for their effort or labor. It may or may not have anything to do with money. The signs of exploitation include the inability to understand financial issues, becoming physically fragile and can't do for themselves, isolated or suddenly have a br...
Preparing for Elective Surgery
December 22, 2020 01:11 - 19 minutes - 10.9 MBPreparing for Elective Surgery What are the key elements? What are the pre-op & post op procedures Get prescriptions filled ahead of time and get a list of potential medical equipment that might be needed. Who will be contacting you once the surgery is complete (make sure they have the correct phone number) Keep in mind: Point 1 Be pro-active in thinking through your loved ones needs Point 2 Make a check-list of both to-do list items and questions for the doctor or surgical cen...
How to be a Remote Advocate.
December 04, 2020 00:18 - 18 minutes - 10.7 MBHow to be a Remote Advocate What to do when you cannot be on-site to advocate for a loved one. What are the key elements? Have your loved one put you on speaker Try other avenues to get information Be creative in your approach (think outside the box) For more information you can visit our website at LifewithDignity.net or like us on facebook @ LivingLifewithDignity. Thank you for listening today, please share this episode with your friends and subscribe to the podcast on your fav...
How to Pick an Attorney
July 29, 2020 21:42 - 19 minutes - 10.8 MBHow to Pick an Attorney In this episode Sue and Fran discuss common concerns and advice regarding estate planning and asset protection. Pick an attorney before the crisis to ensure a wise decision Choose an attorney with experience in a specific area e.g. estate planning, medicare, elder law or disabled children Ask for attorney referrals from trusted others Have a free initial meeting to see if your personalities gel Make sure the attorney can explain things simply Evaluate the...
CareScout Services with Larry Nisenson
July 02, 2020 18:48 - 28 minutes - 16 MBCareScout Services with Larry Nisenson In this episode Fran and Sue interview Larry Nisenson,l, SVP and Chief Commercial Officer at Genworth. In this episode Larry chats about CareScout, a growing, dynamic market leader providing care management support services and long term care focused risk management solutions that help companies and families keep their promises to make the best informed decisions regarding care needs. Links mentioned include: carescout.com/benefit information employ...
Alternative Solutions to Mental Anguish
June 03, 2020 11:00 - 30 minutes - 16.7 MBAlternative Solutions to Mental Anguish Brain Help with Oils In this episode Fran and Sue welcome Dr. Jennifer Stelter (Clinical Psychologist) and Jessica Ryan (Biologist and Educator) to the podcast. All four discuss alternative methods of working with stressed caregivers and patients with dementia and mental health issues, amidst COVID-19. There are many solutions to mental anguish beyond pharmacological medication. For example, meditation, deep breathing, and essential oils are gre...
Reducing Stress with Scents
April 30, 2020 13:20 - 27 minutes - 14.3 MBReducing Stress with Scents Fran shares ways to relieve stress through Aroma Therapy. Sue asks Fran to share scents and examples that are soothing during times of stress. Some examples include Lavender. It's important to dilute with coconut oil for wound care and scrapes. If not diluted, it can actually stimulate. You don't want that! You can also diffuse oils in water and steam into the air or when on the go, using felt furniture stickies on lapels. A number of scents are discussed....
What We've Learned From Covid-19
April 14, 2020 20:28 - 25 minutes - 32.3 MBFran and Sue are sequestered and share what they've learned from the experience. Topics discussed include how to be prepare yourself and your loved ones. Three key elements discussed: You don't know what you don't know, until you do How you can pro-actively prepare yourself for emergencies What conversations should you have with your elderly loved one to help them prepare Take time to create a list of items for your emergency kit and make copies of your elderly parents important pap...
Aroma Therapy for Caregivers
March 01, 2020 23:36 - 27 minutes - 28.6 MBAroma Therapy for Caregivers Due to limits on psychotropic medications, there is an impact on patients who have behaviour issues. Aroma therapy speaks to that challenge. Sometimes medications are the correct choice, but too often they have been misused with side affects. Aroma therapy can be used to help sleep, increase appetite and improve mood. There are many alternatives so it's best in incorporate one at a time to test success. Take a scientific approach. Start with one and attach to...
How to Address Issues in Nursing Homes
February 18, 2020 03:17 - 15 minutes - 16.9 MBHow to Address Issues in Nursing Homes Write down the facts of issues that your loved ones face in a nursing home. Facts matter and will allow you to keep your focus plus keep the emotions in check. These kinds of observations create possibilities. With facts in hand, ask what can WE do about it. Skilled nursing facilities post the number for the state ombudsman. Facilities do NOT want visits from the ombudsman. Just the threat of a call can make a difference. For the most part, staff t...
How To Prepare for Surgery
February 17, 2020 23:58 - 23 minutes - 25.5 MBHow To Prepare for Surgery Surgery is a dangerous and anxious time. The best way to mitigate risk and accelerate convalescence is to prepare. Proactivity is key and get resourceful. Sue shares her experiences how she prepped for her husband's knee surgery. They practiced getting in, out, up and down and through your home and car. Consider the weather, snow can be a challenge. Decide which is the easier door to use. This preparation paid off once the surgery was completed. Create a list...
What You Need to Know About Power Attorney
January 08, 2020 17:02 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MBIn this episode Fran and Sue explain the Power of Attorney, what it means for caregivers, friends and family members. Having the Power of Attorney is a significant responsibility and it’s best to proactive when giving and taking the Power of Attorney. Produced by Habanero Media
Self Care For Caregivers
December 04, 2019 21:04 - 20 minutes - 19.5 MBTo take care of others, you must take care of yourself. In this episode Fran and Sue provide advice on how caregivers can schedule time focused on themselves. Self care is critical for health and wellness. They recommend having a tool box of activities. Listen for advice you can take action today. Produced by Habanero Media
How Guardianship is the Measure of Last Resort
December 04, 2019 17:10 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MBIn this episode Fran and Sue explain the definition of guardianship, the process for getting guardianship and the difficulties in that process that makes guardianship the measure of last resort. Produced by Habanero Media
What to do when someone you live with is hospitalized
November 27, 2019 15:41 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MBIn this episode Fran and Sue discuss situations where a loved one is hospitalized with a life threatening illness. This difficult situation creates a toll on caregivers. Advice on how to overcome the stress and responsibilities is shared. To learn more go to Living Life With Dignity for tips and help that you can take action today. Podcast Produced by Habanero Media
Introduction to the Care Giver Life with Dignity podcast
November 27, 2019 15:38 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MBIn this introductory episode, Fran and Sue share their background in caregiving. First how they each entered the profession and next how they met to become business partners. Lastly, they share topics and issues that will be discussed on the podcast and the community they have created and continue to nurture and foster. Listen here to learn how it all began. Podcast Produced by Habanero Media