Happy Healthy Caregiver

After struggling with the demands of caring for her aging mother, Paige Wilson made a bold move, leaving her corporate career and becoming an entrepreneur with a big idea to help family caregivers. In this episode of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, we learn about her disruptive care solution that utilizes technology to harness the strength of community. We also discuss normalizing asking for help, the longevity economy, downsizing possessions, and the self-care comfort of a McDonald’s diet coke. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod195 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

Jennifer Cain Birkmose is a sandwich generation caregiver, juggling the responsibilities of caring for loved ones in two different countries and life stages, while employing two distinct caregiving styles. She is also an improv comedian and instructor, with over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry. In this episode of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, we explore how Jennifer integrates her professional skills into her challenging daily caregiving routine. We also delve into her digital eldercare platform, which provides trusted services to ‘olders’ in Illinois, and discuss her all-star care team that, despite their expertise, still faces the intense demands of caregiving. And, we learn how Jennifer's mindset and actions help her navigate and stay afloat amidst these pressures. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod194 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

Gene Lanzoni's life centers around caregiving, both at home and at work. As an only child, Gene and his wife of over 30 years, Elizabeth, took on the responsibility of caring for his aging parents. Professionally, Gene leads the development of thought leadership research and produces content on caregiver trends. He is also a co-lead and founding member of a caregiver-focused employee resource group (ERG). In this episode of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, we discuss the origins of the ERG and the numerous benefits it offers to both employers and employees. And, we explore how Gene's spiritual self-care practices and his love of coffee have helped him navigate the challenges of caregiving. Show Notes Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod193 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

Jessica Patay, a reformed perfectionist and dedicated caregiving mother, provides compassionate support and resources to other moms caring for children with disabilities or unique needs. In this episode of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, Jessica shares how she manages and supports her son Ryan, who has a rare genetic condition called Prader-Willi syndrome, while maintaining her own well-being. We discussed helpful and unhelpful language from friends and family and explore the various ways caregiving mothers can find support through Jessica's community, book, podcast, and retreats. Jessica also highlights the difference between self-care and self-comfort. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod192 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 of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, meet Mark Wilson, a former senior leader at Taco Bell with a focus on organization and people development. After retiring early to care for his mom, who lived with mixed dementia, Mark embraced the role of a 'Care Leader.' Combining his corporate HR skills with his caregiving journey, he developed a dedicated care mission, hired and retained top-notch professional caregivers, and became a passionate learner about dementia care. In this episode, we also delve into Mark's new missions since his caregiving duties have ended and explore how 'holy moments' and the 'mood elevator' have shaped his daily life. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod191 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

Christina Keys was living the American dream until one day in March of 2013, her mom had a life-changing stroke. Within 3 years of caregiving for her mom Pat, Christina was financially, emotionally, and mentally bankrupt. Her doctors told her that the stress of caregiving was literally killing her. Christina took action to make a different choice and turned her caregiving co-dependent mess into a message. In this episode of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, Christina shares a few of her priceless caregiving stories, reveals her first act of self-care, explains how she redefined normal, and introduces the vibrant community she is building to help family caregivers locate the keys to a successful caregiving life. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod190 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

Sabrina Ortolano has been a caregiver for her wife, Cyndi, since 2014 when she was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. In this episode of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, Sabrina and I talk about her identity crisis that sprouted from caregiving, the importance of body work, fundraising for brain surgery, asking for the right help, and managing judgment from others and unsolicited advice. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod189 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

Anthony Cirillo cared for several family member and these experiences prompted him to focus his professional career on helping older adults and advocating for seniors and their caregivers through singing, speaking, consulting and writing. In this episode of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, we learn about Anthony’s new legacy project and product called Sage Stream which provides social engagement and entertainment for seniors using music. We also chat about everything else; from laughter and social prescriptions, to hospice and compound grief.  Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod188 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

Steve Guttenberg is a beloved Hollywood actor, known for his role in films including Diner, Police Academy, Short Circuit, Three Men and a Baby, Cocoon, and television shows including Ballers and Veronica Mars. We have enjoyed Steve Guttenberg in many roles and now I’d like to spotlight maybe the role that was the most difficult for Steve – the role of family caregiver to his dad and hero, Stanley. Steve wrote about his care experience while reflecting on his childhood and Hollywood career in his new book, Time to Thank. We learn about why Steve and his sister pursued home dialysis training, how Hollywood’s portrayal of care and death differ from real life, the self-love creed Steve recited with his dad, and all the terrific micro acts of self-care Steve practices to remain happy and healthy. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod187 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

Vinnie Venugopal cared for his father and is a Certified Aging In Place Specialist with a passion for entrepreneurship and building solutions. In this episode of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, Vinnie shares how a 2-week vacation to India with his parents turned into an 8-week caregiving nightmare. Then, when his family was able to return home more attention was needed to help his dad age in place. We also talk about the small changes online and brick and mortar businesses and home builders can do to serve a growing older adult community. And, we learn about a curated website and newsletter Vinnie created to highlight news and popular articles related to the Baby Boomer generation. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod186 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

Tara Ross brings a wealth of personal experience and unwavering support to fellow caregivers, drawing from more than a decade of caregiving roles. Having navigated the complexities of caring for a veteran, her in-laws, and balancing the needs of young children and pets, Tara intimately understands the challenges caregivers face. In this episode of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, Tara shares her journey of overcoming caregiver burnout and implementing strategies to prevent future exhaustion. She also discusses how her own caregiving journey inspired her to develop innovative products to assist other caregivers. And, Tara introduces a transformative visual tool designed to help caregivers assess their energy levels and maintain balance in their lives. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod185 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

Dr. Zahydie L. Burgos Ribot cares for her husband, Francisco, also known as Paco, who is living with Young Onset Familial Alzheimer's Disease. In this episode, Zahydie and Paco share their caregiving journey. They talk about how they took time to understand and cope with Paco's diagnosis and process their feelings of grief before telling others. They also discuss Paco's treatment, including E2814 therapy and Leqembi medication, which help slow down Paco’s Alzheimer’s. And they talk about how they focus on living each day with intention and are enjoying crossing off things from their bucket list. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod184 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

Steve Powell cared for both of his parents as their health and mobility declined. His experiences mitigating many falls for his parents, prompted his invention of a device designed to lift individuals safely and comfortably off the floor. In this episode, Steve and I chat about aging in place, fall prevention, perfectionism, and why he has the well-deserved nickname of ‘The Singing Wine Maker.’ Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod183 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

Alder Allensworth cared for her mother who had Alzheimer’s and her father who had vascular dementia. Alder’s inspiration to co-create a children’s tool kit for families came from watching her mother interact with her grandchildren. In this episode of the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, we talk about the resources Alder and her friend Brenda created to help children better understand dementia. Alder shares the benefits of having structure in our days, how a continuing care retirement community was the right fit for her parents for a while, how FMLA allowed her to be present for her parents in their final weeks, and what her daily energizing self-care practices look like. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod182 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

Allison Breininger has an MA in Education and spent twenty years in the realm of education. At 31, she became a caregiver for her husband, Sean, when he was diagnosed with the rare genetic disease Fanconi Anemia. She has been by his side through countless treatments and experienced firsthand that caregivers are in what she calls ‘the negative space’: vital yet overlooked and unsupported. In this episode, Allison shares why caregivers are part of the story and need to be recognized, why the oxygen mask analogy falls short, what tried and true tools help her in her caregiving life, and why ‘brightsiding’ is detrimental for care advocacy and caregiver wellness. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod181 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

Natalie Elliott Handy and JJ Elliott Hill are sisters. Together, along with a third sister Emilie, they manage care for their mom who is living with Parkinson’s disease. Natalie is also a caregiver for her spouse, Jason, who receives palliative care to help navigate his cancer journey. In this episode, we discuss all the total messiness around family caregiving. We talk about letting go of perfectionism, getting access to your parent’s finances, the benefits of palliative care, and they both confess their guilty pleasures. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod180 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

Meet Peter Rosenberger who has been a family caregiver for over 38 years for a spouse with severe disabilities. Peter is fluent in the language of caregiver and has navigated a medical nightmare that has mushroomed to 85+ major operations—including the amputation of both of his wife Gracie’s legs below the knee. In this episode, Peter recounts his experience attempting to admit himself to a mental hospital, discusses why caregiving shouldn't hinder us from embracing life, shares his strategies for finding moments of stillness and pursuing energizing hobbies, and outlines the ways he spreads hope among caregivers. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod179 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

Meet family caregiver Jason van den Brand who managed end-of-life care for his grandmother and father over an eight-year span. This experience led him to start his own company, Wellahead, which helps families get matched with the best way to pay for long term care. In this episode we talk about how Jason managed care from a 3,000 mile distance, how his family paid for long term care for his family members, why millions of dollars in veterans benefits for care goes unused, why you shouldn’t wait to use long term care insurance, what to avoid when paying for care, how owning your a home provides long term care payment options for consideration, and how his family values posted in his office inform how he celebrates his personal successes. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod178 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

Nicole Will cared for her grandma Betty and has dedicated her career to enhancing the well-being of older adults, their families, and healthcare professionals. Nicole's approach blends heartfelt advocacy with strategic innovation, making her a sought-after voice in the care economy. In this episode we discuss how vulnerability instigates change in our lives and in the care economy, tips for those looking into senior living options, the hope that is being delivered from agetech initiatives, healthy grab and go meal replacements, and why living with your grandma as a teenager comes with mixed emotions. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod177 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

Paula Muller helped care for her grandmother and has a lifelong passion for technology applied to healthcare. Paula grew up in Chile and was very close to her grandmother and remains close to her mother. Her passions for family and technology came together in her product that we learn about called CareLink360. In this episode we discuss the caregiver guilt that comes with living from a distance from those requiring care, ideas to create connection with verbal and non-verbal care recipients, methods to infuse joy and energy into life, and ways technology can be a part of a caregiver’s care team. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod176 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