Straight Talk for Giving-Care

Why Every Caregiver Needs an Elder Care Lawyer

In this month’s episode, I’m sharing why an elder care lawyer is an essential member of your caregiver team—and how working with one helped me and my mom through one of our toughest moments. As caregivers, we often take on the responsibility of making life-changing decisions. But without the legal authority to act on behalf of a loved one, even the most basic care steps can turn into overwhelming obstacles. That’s why I’m talking about the durable power of attorney, Medicaid planning, and how early conversations with an elder care lawyer can empower you to care with clarity and confidence. I also open up about my own experience navigating a detour through breast cancer while already on an Alzheimer’s journey with my mom—and how being legally prepared helped me focus on getting her healthy instead of being stuck in red tape.   In this episode, I cover: * Why legal authority matters more than you think * How a durable power of attorney helped me advocate for my mom * When to bring an elder care lawyer onto your team * What you can do now to plan for future care needs * Where to find trusted legal resources   Episode Links: https://www.peckritchey.com/community/healthcare-power-of-attorney-for-seniors-what-you-should-know/ [https://www.peckritchey.com/community/healthcare-power-of-attorney-for-seniors-what-you-should-know/]  https://www.peckritchey.com/community/understanding-guardianship-and-power-of-attorney-which-one-do-you-need/ [https://www.peckritchey.com/community/understanding-guardianship-and-power-of-attorney-which-one-do-you-need/]  https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/caringforyourparents/handbook/finances/startplanning.html [https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/caringforyourparents/handbook/finances/startplanning.html]  https://naela.org/Web/Web/Who-We-Are-Template.aspx?hkey=feb0efd3-bd62-4508-9ca4-20de373d4784 [https://naela.org/Web/Web/Who-We-Are-Template.aspx?hkey=feb0efd3-bd62-4508-9ca4-20de373d4784]    For guesting opportunities, send me a message at ⁠slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com⁠  For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit ⁠praxisforcare.com⁠ Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book  Follow me on Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/praxisforcare⁠ Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com [https://www.bensound.com]

Fall Prevention, Bone Health, and the Role of the OT in Family Caregiving

When we think of a family caregiver’s support system, we often focus on doctors and nurses. But there are other professionals who play a critical role in keeping both the caregiver and the care recipient safe, healthy, and supported. In this episode, I’m joined by Emilia Bourland, OTR, ECHM, CFPS, an occupational therapist and entrepreneur dedicated to helping older adults and caregivers access the information, services, and resources they need to live their best lives. We talk about: * The true scope of occupational therapy and when to call in a professional * How OTs support both fall prevention and bone health * The connection between a caregiver’s health and their ability to keep caring * Small, practical changes that make a big difference in home safety This episode is part of an ongoing series showcasing the often-overlooked experts who can—and should—be integrated into your care team. Guest: Emilia Bourland, OTR, ECHM, CFPS Occupational Therapist | Entrepreneur | Aging Advocate 🔗 Learn more about Emilia’s work: https://meetluma.us/ [https://meetluma.us/] 🔗 Connect with Emilia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilia-bourland/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilia-bourland/]  🎧 Listen and follow Straight Talk for Giving-Care for more expert insights that help you navigate your care journey with confidence.   For guesting opportunities, send me a message at ⁠slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com⁠  For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit ⁠praxisforcare.com⁠ Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book  Follow me on Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/praxisforcare⁠ Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com [https://www.bensound.com]

Finding Joy Amid Caregiver Stress with the AIM Framework

Caregiving is a deeply emotional journey—full of love, frustration, joy, and exhaustion, sometimes all at once. In this episode, we revisit the AIM Framework—a tool designed to help family caregivers manage stress by tuning into the full spectrum of what we feel. You’ll hear: * Why it’s just as important to acknowledge joy as it is to acknowledge stress * How laughter and lightness can serve as tools for emotional resilience * Practical ways to identify what makes you feel okay—and how to commit to more of it AIM stands for: * A – Acknowledge how you're feeling * I – Identify what you need in order to continue caring * M – Make a commitment to yourself This episode is a reminder that it's not selfish to care for yourself—it’s essential. Tune in and take aim at both the heavy and light moments of caregiving.   Helpful Links: https://caregiver.com/articles/laughter-medicine/ https://familycaregiversonline.net/keeping-your-sense-of-humor-as-a-family-caregiver/ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/its-ok-to-laugh-right-now https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456 https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/play-your-way-sane/202010/how-use-humor-manage-stress [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/play-your-way-sane/202010/how-use-humor-manage-stress]   For guesting opportunities, send me a message at ⁠slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com⁠  For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit ⁠praxisforcare.com⁠ Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book  Follow me on Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/praxisforcare⁠ Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com [https://www.bensound.com]

Bone Health for Fall Prevention

When it comes to fall prevention, we often focus on external fixes—like clearing walkways and installing handrails. But there's an internal factor that's just as important: bone health. In this episode, I dive into how osteoporosis, often called a “silent threat,” impacts fall risks. We cover: * The connection between osteoporosis and fall-related injuries * The difference between osteoporosis and osteopenia * Different ways to prevent bone loss—and how to fit prevention into your lifestyle as a busy family caregiver Taking care of your bones is another way of taking care of the people you love. Tune in to learn practical ways to strengthen bone health and reduce fall risks. Links & Resources for today’s episode: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21855-osteopenia [https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21855-osteopenia] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4443-osteoporosis [https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4443-osteoporosis] https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db405.htm [https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db405.htm] https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/ [https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/] Conditions that affect your bones https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/ss/slideshow-bone-conditions [https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/ss/slideshow-bone-conditions] https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/ss/slideshow-boost-bone-health [https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/ss/slideshow-boost-bone-health] Simple Steps to Strengthen Your bones 8 Weight Bering exercises for Stronger Bones https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/features/exercise-weight-bearing [https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/features/exercise-weight-bearing] Do Medications Affect Your bones https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/features/medication-affect-bones [https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/features/medication-affect-bones] 10 Medications that May Increase Your Risk of Osteoporosis https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/osteoporosis/medications-that-may-increase-risk-for-fractures [https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/osteoporosis/medications-that-may-increase-risk-for-fractures]   For guesting opportunities, send me a message at ⁠slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com⁠  For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit ⁠praxisforcare.com⁠ Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book  Follow me on Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/praxisforcare⁠ Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com [https://www.bensound.com]

What Would You Want?

When a loved one faces illness or injury, caregiving becomes a shared journey—not just their experience, but ours too. In this episode, we explore how reflecting on what we would want in a time of need can shape how we care for others. We discuss: * The importance of including your own experience in caregiving decisions * How recognizing the relationship as a two-way journey reduces stress * Why clear thinking and low stress are key to finding the right support By honoring both perspectives, caregiving becomes more sustainable, compassionate, and satisfying for everyone involved. Tune in to learn how.   For guesting opportunities, send me a message at ⁠slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com⁠  For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit ⁠praxisforcare.com⁠ Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book  Follow me on Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/praxisforcare⁠ Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com [https://www.bensound.com]