The Selfull Caregiver Podcast

Hey Caregiver!

I know it's been a while so this is a short check-in podcast from me and Mama!  We talk about getting older, watching the Game Show Network, and the importance of respite!

Parental Advisory because Mama is a trip!!

Enjoy and be selFULL!

Hey Caregiver!

I have learned so much on this caregiving journey and one of the things that I have witnessed, and have learned from others, is that middle-class people (folks that have worked all of their lives, have assets, but do not have access to 10s of thousands of dollars/disposable income) find themselves depleting ALL of what they have to get adequate health care, equipment, activities, etc. or going without.  Those that make too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to write a check for a $5000 Barton Chair or pay an agency $35/hr for around-the-clock care. And, what about the family caregiver?! Well, that's what Dr. Donna Benton, Director of the USC Family Caregiver Support Center (FCSC) and the Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center (LACRC), and I will discuss in this episode. 

Dr. Benton has over 30 years of experience in providing direct service, advocacy and programs for families caring for persons with dementia. Her research focus is on the development of online evidence-based interventions for family caregivers to improve mental and physical health and well-being and prevention of elder mistreatment. She also serves as a mentor to students interested in advocacy for caregivers. 

Dr. Benton is with us today as a representative of the California Caregiver Resource Centers, which is a network of 11 centers throughout California which annually serve over 18,000 family caregivers who are caring for adults affected by chronic and debilitating health conditions, degenerative diseases, or traumatic brain injury.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Dr. Benton's CRC (LA CRC):
fcsc.usc.edu

Instagram & Twitter: @uscfcsc
Dr. Benton's Personal Twitter: @donnabentonphd

Statewide CRCs:
caregivercalifornia.org
Instagram & Twitter: @caregiver_ca

Hey Caregiver! 

Caregiving ain't for punks.  We all know that.  However, you can make a difference, by caring for yourself in the midst of the journey.  In this episode, you'll hear how Taueret K. Thomas manages to stay sane while caring for her parents, grandmother, her business, and herself.   

We'll discuss:

* The importance of taking breaks;

* Support;

* Honoring your feelings; and more.

Listen in!! 

Hey Caregiver!! We are ending this podcast year with a bang and you’re in for a real treat! Me and Mamaaaa!!

On August 5, 2018 Mama was placed on life support after she suffered a severe subdural hematoma, which resulted in a brainstem stroke.  Two months later, the neurosurgeon said that she wouldn't be able to do much of anything and that with a brainstem stroke most patients are "locked-in". Therefore, her baseline was better than most.

Three years later, post rehabs, hospitals, and hospice, she's still here and living life out-loud and not "locked-in".  While she's immobile her brain isn't. Listen in as Mama and I travel through this caregiving journey with humor. (her description) Note: She didn't laugh for months.

Parental advisory advised...Explicit Content.  Just sayin’. She loves Jesus but she might cuss a little! LOL

Listen in and laugh with us for 15 minutes. Happy Holidays and Be Selfull! Enjoy y'all! 

As we know caregiving has it's challenges. But, along with challenges come progress.  In this episode you'll hear how Marc Paylor, long distance caregiver to his dad, is making progress with his brother to ensure that their father has the best care. We'll discuss:

• What caring remotely looks like
• Sharing caregiving duties with siblings
• Self-care as preservation 
• The finances of caregiving 

Listen in and BE SELFULL.

In this episode we will talk "All Things Caregiving" with Antoinette Peele, who cares for her mom. 

In this episode we discuss:

• Antoinette's caregiving journey as a caregiver for her father, sister, and mother
• The importance of estate planning
• The ugly side of nursing facilities
• Caring for the uninsured and more!

Enjoy and be selfull!

In this episode we will hear from Howard and Joyce Mason who are caregivers for Howard's mom. In this episode we discuss:

• The importance of caring for parents with love
• Self-care and selfullness
• Accepting help and not doing it all alone
• Words of wisdom for husbands and wives caring for parents

Enjoy and be selfull!

Creating a community of wholistically well selfull caregivers....mind, body, and spirit.