The Whole Care Network

The Whole Care Network

On The Whole Care Network, We're passionate about... Helping You Share Your Story

We believe podcasts are a fantastic way for your story to be told in your own words and in your own voice.

We believe it is through story-sharing where diversity meets the road to collaboration on a common cause.

Our common cause is supporting caregivers, their care partners, and the care team before, during, and after caregiving ends.

On The Whole Care Network, we feature a variety of shows and hosts who have a story to share, a resource to provide, and a kind word of encouragement because we believe the best information and referral for caregivers come from caregivers who have been in the trenches and understand the journey, helping us balance our four pillars of care.

Please enjoy all of our shows and show hosts!

*Views and opinions featured on the Whole Care Network are those solely of the hosts and guests and may not necessarily be those of the Whole Care Network. Views and opinions on the Whole Care Network are for information purposes only. Always check with your doctor for medical advice or your attorney for legal advice. Thank You for listening to The Whole Care Network!

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Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Episodes

The Ultimate Value of Precious Time Described by Jennifer O'Brien
Apr 11 2024
The Ultimate Value of Precious Time Described by Jennifer O'Brien
Jennifer O’Brien is sharing details of her caregiving journey, telling the story of her husband’s life-limiting illness and how she’s learned to make the most of Precious Time. After working 35+ years as a practice management consultant to physicians, Jennifer supported her husband Bob up to and through the end of his life. As a hospice and palliative care physician, Bob knew what to expect from his illness. He and Jennifer experienced all the ups and downs of serious illness and caregiving for someone who’s dying. The art journal she kept as a form of self-care during Bob’s 22-month illness was published as The Hospice Doctor's Widow: A Journal. The book has won several awards for both its content and design. Jennifer shares her story, wisdom, and experience to help others understand the role of family caregivers and the importance of end-of-life preparations. The concept of Precious Time is a way of communicating gently and respectfully that time is limited, and death is approaching. She also sees it as a way for healthcare practitioners to avoid creating unrealistic hope in the minds of families, patients, and caregivers. You can get a copy of Jennifer’s FREE Download Precious Time at https://www.hospicedrswidow.com/resources. Order your copy of The Hospice Doctor’s Widow: A Journal: Bookshop.org Barnes & Noble Amazon Jennifer’s website: hospicedrswidow.com Jennifer on social media: Facebook Insta LI YouTube Register for the Tree of Life Conference from the International Doula Life Movement here. Want to know more about doulas, or connect with others who are doing death doula work? Visit internationaldoulalifemovement.com. If you’re interested in becoming a certified death doula through IDLM, click here. Access all the courses that IDLM provides here. See all the events that IDLM is offering by clicking here. Connect with IDLM on social media. Facebook IG YouTube If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com. Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by emailing helen@theheartofhospice.com.
Chris MacLellan - Validation, Resources & Respite for Caregivers
Apr 11 2024
Chris MacLellan - Validation, Resources & Respite for Caregivers
In this heartfelt episode of Bullets 2 Bedpans, Dee Tox is joined by special guest, Chris MacLellan. Chris, a seasoned caregiver and advocate, as he shares his insights on the complexities of navigating the healthcare system, the emotional rollercoaster of caring for a loved one, and the importance of building a strong relationship with medical professionals. From his days in pastoral education to his intimate experience caring for his partner Richard, Chris imparts wisdom that transcends the clinical aspects of care, touching on the human elements of love, commitment, and the indelible impact of asking "why?". This conversation is a must-listen for anyone in the caregiving field, whether professional or personal, as it underscores the critical role of advocacy, the power of story-sharing, and the necessity of setting a daily intention for self-care. Join us for an episode that not only honors those on the front lines of care but also provides a sanctuary for those who seek solace and understanding in their caregiving roles. Nurses and Medics: This is your platform! We want to hear your stories of the good, the bad and the ugly. Send us an email at cominghomewell@gmail.com Do you know a health worker that needs a laugh? B2B N.F.L.T.G. Certificate click here Get the ammo you need to seize your day at Soldier Girl Coffee Use Code CHW10 for a 10% off at checkout! Special Thanks to Artwork: Joe Weber @joeweber_tattoos Intro/Outro/Disclaimer Credits: Pam Barragan Host of 2200TAPS Podcast "Racer" by Infraction https://bit.ly/41HlWTk Music promoted by Inaudio: ...
How to Provide LGBTQ Inclusive Care From Kimberly Acquaviva
Apr 4 2024
How to Provide LGBTQ Inclusive Care From Kimberly Acquaviva
The story of the terminal illness and death of Kimberly Acquaviva’s wife Kathy is powerful, intense, real… and human. As a hospice social worker and LGBTQ+ community advocate, Kim knows what good end of life care looks like. During their experience with Kathy’s end stage cervical cancer, the women discovered that none of the hospice agencies where they lived had LGBTQ - inclusive non-discrimination statements. Both Kathy and Kim were determined not to settle for anything less than the best care. They made the decision not to use hospice. In this interview, Kimberly shares the details of their experience, including their communication style, how they connected with friends and family on social media, and the way they made decisions that affected their 19-year old son. Kimberly and Kathy shaped Kathy’s end of life experience in their own way. Quality of life for them meant autonomy, advocacy, and allowing their journey to create change in the hospice industry. They were teachers for the hospice industry, causing a ripple effect of change that expanded awareness of what inclusive care looks like. Kimberly chronicled the story of Kathy’s illness and death in her book The Handbook of LGBTQIA-Inclusive Hospice and Palliative Care (October 2023). You can order your copy here. Connect with Kimberly Acquaviva at kimberly-acquaviva.com Find Kimberly on LinkedIn and X (Twitter). Order your copies of The Care Plan from Odonata here. It’s available in English and Spanish! Check out the free video tutorials from Nancy Heyerman and Brenda Kizzire here. Register for the Tree of Life Conference from the International Doula Life Movement here. Want to know more about doulas, or connect with others who are doing death doula work? Visit internationaldoulalifemovement.com. If you’re interested in becoming a certified death doula through IDLM, click here. Access all the courses that IDLM provides here. See all the events that IDLM is offering by clicking here. Connect with IDLM on social media. Facebook IG YouTube If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com. Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com) Follow The Heart of Hospice: Facebook, IG Twitter (X) LinkedIn.
Caregiving Confessions: Emotional Rollercoasters, Miracles, and Moving Mountains
Apr 4 2024
Caregiving Confessions: Emotional Rollercoasters, Miracles, and Moving Mountains
Todd Keitz shares his journey as a caregiver for his parents. After noticing she looked worse each week on video calls, he organized doctor's appointments and flew to Florida to accompany his mother to visits. He advocated strongly for her medical care, successfully transferring her to a better facility. Todd took over his parents' healthcare decisions and was their main advocate during his mother's 17 hospitalizations over 22 months. He also helped his father make difficult decisions about cancer treatment when he was diagnosed a few months later. Todd discusses the emotional toll of caregiving. He experienced PTSD from constant cancer testing and waiting for results. Todd shares how he regained some control in his life after caregiving by writing about his journey and starting a podcast. He hopes to help other caregivers by sharing resources and stories. Todd emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive mindset while caregiving and finding one's voice when advocating for patients with medical professionals. About Todd: Todd Kietz is a passionate advocate for social good with a history of integrating community engagement and social impact into his life, starting from his teenage years volunteering in senior living centers. His commitment to social change has led him to create inter-generational programs, volunteer for Special Olympics, develop business curriculum for high schools, teach for Junior Achievement, mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and consult in the healthcare industry. He also worked with the South Korean government on technology company consultancy in the 2000s. In 2012, Todd co-founded Stock4Good, aiming to simplify stock donations to 501(c)3 organizations. In 2018, he moved to Florida to care for his parents, facing life-threatening diseases, an experience that inspired him to start My Care Friends, a platform supporting caregivers and patient advocates. Additionally, Todd contributes to the caregiving community as a member of the National Advisory Council of the American Association of Caregiving Youth and serves on the board of SayAh!, focusing on health literacy. He is also the Founder/CEO of 17 Commerce, bridging healthcare and technology through exceptional products. Todd holds a degree from Temple University, where he studied Business and Economics. Connect with Todd: Website: www.mycarefriends.com & www.17commerce.com Twitter/X: @toddkeitz @mycarefriends @1day1weekblog @17commercellc Instagram: mycarefrien Support the show Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver Sisterhood of Care, LLC Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com Like us on Facebook! Tweet with us on Twitter! Follow us on Instagram! Watch us on Youtube! Pin us on Pinterest! Link us on LinkedIn! Tune in on Whole Care Network
Essential Caregiving Knowledge Zen From Zero
Apr 4 2024
Essential Caregiving Knowledge Zen From Zero
Essential Caregiver Knowledge = Zen From Zero Navigating the relentless journey of caregiving, fraught with challenges that threaten to overwhelm, requires comprehensive knowledge. Each decision feels like a weight, each responsibility a burden too heavy to bear alone. But amidst the chaos, this week's guest offers solace and sanctuary. Alex brings a wealth of insights, understanding legal complexities, financial burdens, and medical care intricacies like no other. This knowledge was gained from caring for one parent, then the other. What she learned from caring for her Dad, she used to maintain her sanity while caring for her Mom. With her guidance, you'll find the strength to confront challenges. Legal understanding becomes a shield against uncertainty, financial literacy empowers against scarcity, and medical awareness ensures proper care. Investing in caregiver knowledge is a lifeline, promising to lift burdens and breathe new life into weary souls. So heed their wisdom, for it holds the promise of peace, security, and the comfort of knowing you're not alone in this journey. About Our Guest - Alexandra Free Having spent twenty years working in live television I had become a pro at putting out fires when they popped up. No matter how much you may have rehearsed for a show, when the cameras start rolling, you just never know what can happen. Your brain learns to problem solve at warp speed, so that if a situation does arise, you’re usually ready for it. Although, no amount of prepping could have prepared me for what laid ahead with my mother, I knew I needed a plan. A plan on how I was going to care for her. A plan on how I was going to afford that care. And a plan on how to navigate this new and final chapter of our lives. So, I packed up my life and my TV career in Los Angeles and moved back to the east coast to be closer to her, and to the rest of my family. Through trial and error and a lot of research, I managed to navigate the next decade of my mother’s care with fortitude and grace. Avoiding being crushed both financially and mentally by the situation, and actually becoming a better and stronger person because of it. I truly wish you didn’t have to be here. I honestly wish I had never been there myself. But if everything my mother and I went through means that I can help you somehow, shape, or form, then at least it all wouldn’t have been in vain.