Caregiver's Compass

Am I a caregiver? People tell me I am a caregiver but I don’t think I am one. Society tells me I’m not a caregiver but I feel like one.Have you ever had any of these thoughts? What does being a ‘caregiver’ even mean? In this episode Stephanie talks about the perceptions of what the definition of ‘caregiver’ is and whether or not you have to be called a caregiver in your situation. Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In this episode Stephanie talks about the (several year long) process and journey to her mom’s diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia. Stephanie speaks in detail about the clinicians she saw, the barriers and obstacles she faced on the way, complications she faced along the way given her mom’s behavioural expression and how she finally felt once a neurologist provided a diagnosis. Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

Have you ever wondered what to look for or even where to start when searching for a therapist? Have you felt confused and lost when it came to locating allied health supports including art therapists for your loved one? In this episode, Stephanie and therapist Erica Curcio discuss the education and regulation requirements in the United States and Canada to help you on your search to locating a knowledgeable and licenced clinician.  Erica Curcio is the owner of Art Therapists at Home, a Boston-based art therapy practice for people living with dementia and their families. She is a Registered Art Therapist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor that has spent the past decade focusing on improving the therapeutic services available to people living with a dementia-related diagnosis. Erica travels to client’s homes and uses art therapy techniques to bring out feelings of joy in the person living with dementia and their families. Her Art Therapy sessions aim to create new connections and reconnect people living with dementia to themselves and the world around them.  To learn more about Erica and her practice, visit:  www.arttherapistsathome.com Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community!  For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In this episode, Learning Specialist and Behaviour Consultant Cori Stern discusses the difficulties many parents in the sandwich generation face when balancing their children and their parents. Some topics discussed include: navigating one’s own emotions and anxiety when uncertain how to expose their children to a declining family member or a family member who has changed from the person they once knew; managing a child’s emotions when visiting a behavioural (physically or verbally) family member; how to speak to a child about sudden changes in a family member and the potential decline of a family member.Cori is a Learning Specialist and Behaviour Consultant. She’s also a Mother of an 8 & 6 year old. After completing her Masters in Child Study & Education she merged her backgrounds in Positive Parenting, Education, Child Development, and Behavioural Sciences to deliver a very unique perspective on child growth & development. She has over 15 years of clinical experience working with families who have children on the Autism Spectrum. Her current work focuses on coaching parents through the different ages and stages of development so they can parent with less of the day to day stress and overwhelm! Consider her your Chief Executive Problem Solver-  from the toddler years straight through the school age years.Find Cori:www.coristern.comOn Instagram: @cori_sternOn Facebook: us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community!  For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

Caregiving in the sandwich generation is becoming more and more common. Individuals are living longer and requiring support as they age while parents are having children at later stages in life than in previous decades. The demands and stress involved as a caregiver in the sandwich generation are extreme- it can feel as though you are being pulled on both sides with no reprieve. Stephanie normalizes this experience in this episode and details some coping techniques that can help during this overwhelming time.  Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community!  For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

Stephanie details how difficult it can be to care for a parent that was abusive and/or who was the instigator of traumatic experiences with the caregiver. She also provides her top techniques to managing this specific situation.Please note: when it comes to trauma it is extremely important to speak to a licensed mental health professional as all situations are unique and may require specific processing and management. Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community!  For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In this episode Stephanie discusses the concerning changes she started to see in her mom that eventually led to her seeking out a neurological diagnosis. Stephanie details physical and verbal changes in addition to problem solving, ‘logic and reasoning’ shifts she saw her mom experiencing. Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community!  For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In this episode Stephanie summarizes the top 5 episodes from season one of Caregiver’s Compass- trust us, you don’t want to miss these. 1) Episode 14: My 27 Year Caregiving Journey'- balancing care for a bipolar husband, two special needs children and a mother with complex medical needs 2)  Episode 4: The INTENSIVE Caregiver: Caring for a Spouse, Working as a Professor and Parenting a Young Child - With Brian Smith 3) Episode 5:Role Shifts in the Family System: Chaos and upheaval in the family and navigating breaks in family dynamics as a result of a loved one’s diagnosis4) Episode 13:I Am Grieving But My Loved One Is Still Alive- The Ongoing Cycles of Grief During Caregiving5) Episode 6: Is it Normal to Feel THIS Overwhelmed as a Caregiver? Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community!  For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In this episode Stephanie discusses her recent major life changes (she had a baby!) and upcoming changes coming to Caregiver’s Compass. Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community!  For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In this episode, Anna Cantor discusses finding out about her mom's cognitive decline from across the world and moving home to provide care for her at the age of 26. She identifies the gaps that she found while caregiving and what inspired her to become a certified life coach and dementia care consultant. Anna Cantor is a Certified Life Coach and Dementia Care consultant. After her mother was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimers in 2010, Anna became her full time caregiver at only 26 years old. For over a decade Anna has managed her care & sought out how to help others deal with grief and loss and get the right support they need. Anna found that she lacked community and 1:1 help that was specific to her needs, alongside the needs of her mother. She believes firmly that you cannot care for others unless you care for yourself first. She became a certified life coach to mentor caregivers dealing with the daily challenges that come with a loved ones diagnosis with dementia. She helps people find value and meaning in their lives, and teaches them healthy perspectives through mindset shifts, emotional processing tools and communication strategies. Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community!  For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In this episode, Natacha and Stephanie discuss how one can go about accessing mental health supports as a caregiver, particularly if their culture/community of origin stigmatizes mental health treatment. They also discuss how to communicate with family/ friends if struggling as a caregiver when caregiving is viewed as a cultural norm or expectation. About Natacha:Natacha Pennycooke is an award winningpsychotherapist, international speaker, clinicalconsultant, and director of NatachaPennycooke Psychotherapy a group privatepractice. In her over 11 years of practice, Natacha's work is guided from an anti-oppressive, healing focused, trauma informed, anti-Black racism lens and racial justice framework, to unpack and challenge Euro-centric ideologies, systemic oppression and generational traumas that have been detrimental to racialized communities. She has presented at a number of international and national psychological conferences; and, is sought after for her passionate speaking style and expertise on mental health, coping, racialtrauma and healing to speak at various corporate and community events acrossCanada, and beyond. Natacha is a founding member of the Association of Black Psychologists - Toronto Chapter (ABPsi-TO), and is the current recipient of the ByBlacks People’s Choice Award for Best Canadian Counsellor of 2020.Find Natacha: On Instagram: @natachapennycooke.therapy

In this episode, Roxanne discusses the impact her grandfather's Alzheimer's diagnosis had on her grandmother who was his primary caregiver. She explores how her grandfather's diagnosis impacted her and the reasons why she decided to found Wilson & Grandpa, a brand dedicated to Alzheimer's awareness. Stephanie and Roxanne also touch upon the differences in cultural views pertaining to cognitive decline in North America vs. South America. About Roxanne: Roxanne Santiago, is the founder of Wilson & Grandpa, a project dedicated to bringing awareness to Alzheimer's Disease. The project was inspired after her Grandpa Esteban passed away from Alzheimer's Disease in October 2020. Through Wilson & Grandpa, Roxanne strives to normalize the conversation of Alzheimer's in a simple, relatable way and help others understand more about the disease and how they can make a difference even if they're not primary caregivers - as everyone plays an important role in the lives of people living with dementia.Find Roxanne:On Instagram: @wilsonandgrandpa  us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community!  For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In this episode, registered kinesiologist Sarah Pludwinski discusses how a caregiver or a loved one can incorporate exercise and movement into daily life as a way to benefit one's overall body and mind. Sarah uncovers some of the fears surrounding exercise particularly when it comes to exercising with a chronic illness, comorbidities, cognitive decline or aging. About Sarah:Sarah Pludwinski is a Registered Kinesiologist and certified exercise physiologist, with more than 10 years of experience working in both private and public health care settings. Currently she is working at a community health centre in East Toronto, Ontario. Her work primarily focuses on chronic disease prevention and self management. She specializes in behaviour change, providing exercise prescription and support to help individuals achieve their health and wellness goals.Sarah strongly believes in providing services that help break down the barriers people face while engaging in healthy living.Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community!  For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In this episode Stephanie discusses how to navigate the guilt, anxiety and overwhelm that caregivers can when traveling. She also discusses practical suggestions to establishing care while away and setting boundaries and communication strategies while traveling.Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community!  For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

At the age of 29, Kris McCabe made the decision to care full-time for her 'grams' living with Alzheimer's. 5 years later she has never looked back, enjoying a life full of meaning and fun with her grandmother on a daily basis. In this episode, Kris discusses how she made the decision to care for her grandmother full-time and how she structures her daily life as she provides care as a millenial caregiver. She also touches upon some of the negativity she has received on the internet and how she remains resilient so she can enjoy her life to the fullest. Find Kris (and her grams Mary):IG: @lifewithgramsVisit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community!  For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In this episode, Lani Lipson, co-founder of ee-mah very candidly opens up about her experiences caring for both her mother and father simultaneously in her 20s as an only child. She explores the grief she felt after losing both her parents and the decision to then start her own family without her parents by her side, while at the same time seeing so many friends raise families with parental support. About Lani:Lani Lipson is a busy mom of two and co-founder of ee-mah. There are so many things that no one ever tells you about being a new mom which is how ee-mah came about. Lani loves working with her partner Jordana and talking to moms about the ups, the downs, the beauty and the hardships of motherhood. Ee-mah is an anonymous storytelling platform that gives moms an opportunity to share their story to help other mothers feel less alone on their journey. Find Lani:Instagram: us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community!  For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In this episode, esteemed professor Lucy Lach discusses her many years of research looking at the outcomes for caregivers of a child with epilepsy, particularly after undergoing surgery. Specific outcomes discussed include community supports, accessing and navigating community supports and caregiver mental health. Stephanie and Lucy also discuss how the global pandemic has impacted caregivers overall and their ability to access community supports and mental health supports. This episode is part 1 of 2. Dr. Lucyna Lach is an associate professor in the School of Social Work and an associate member of the Departments of Pediatrics, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University. Her program of research focusses on the well-being of children with neurodisabilities and their caregivers (i.e. caregiver health, and parenting). Dr. Lach's current projects address social determinants of health of children with neurodisabilties.  Dr. Lach is a peer-reviewer for numerous journals as well as organizations who provide funding in this area of research.Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community!  For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

Trauma as a result of caregiving (particularly as a result of caring for a child with a disability) with Donna Thomson (Part 2) (Episode 30)Donna Thomson, a well-known advocate for caregivers, joins Stephanie in this episode to discuss her experiences as a caregiver both to her father and her son with severe cerebral palsy and medical complexity. She also touches upon the trauma that can result from caregiving and her experiences navigating the Ontario healthcare system. Donna Thomson is the co-author with Dr. Zachary White of The Unexpected Journey of Caring and the author of The Four Walls of My Freedom: Lessons I've Learned From a Life of Caregiving. Donna facilitates Caregiving Essentials and instructs the Family Engagement in Research, both at McMaster University. Donna has sat on The Expert Group on Home and Community Care, the advisory committee for the white paper on aging and on the Working Group on Complex Care for Adults with Developmental Disabilities for the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care . She is a lifelong family caregiver and advocate. Find Donna: episode is part 2 of 2.Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community!  For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

Donna Thomson, a well-known advocate for caregivers, joins Stephanie in this episode to discuss her experiences as a caregiver both to her father and her son with severe cerebral palsy and medical complexity. She also touches upon the trauma that can result from caregiving and her experiences navigating the Ontario healthcare system. Donna Thomson is the co-author with Dr. Zachary White of The Unexpected Journey of Caring and the author of The Four Walls of My Freedom: Lessons I've Learned From a Life of Caregiving. Donna facilitates Caregiving Essentials and instructs the Family Engagement in Research, both at McMaster University. Donna has sat on The Expert Group on Home and Community Care, the advisory committee for the white paper on aging and on the Working Group on Complex Care for Adults with Developmental Disabilities for the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care . She is a lifelong family caregiver and advocate. Find Donna: episode is part 1 of 2. Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community!  For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In today's episode Stephanie shares a real case example of a very overwhelmed primary caregiver who had to say 'no' and take a step back while her father was admitted to the hospital.This story emphasizes that it is ok to take a step back when needed and discusses who you can lean on and transfer concerns to when you need to say no.Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community!  For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving