Caregivers Circle Stephanie Erickson

Dr. Al Etmanski writes “Words matter. Not just theirs but ours too. They transform both speaker and hearer. When we are angry or hurt, when we feel ignored or misunderstood, our words can amplify our deepest insecurities and perpetuate mutual misunderstanding.”  The language we use is the platform for which many of our thought patterns, perceptions and behaviours are built.  … Read more about this episode...

Care coordination.  Continuity of care.  Team planning.  Care manager.  Or how about cognitive capacity, disorientation, palliative, terminal, agitated, delirious, Demented…..AHH!  There are so many terms that health care professionals toss around casually and families and patients struggle to follow along and understand what symptoms are present, what it means and what treatment is available.  Language in the healthcare world can … Read more about this episode...

No matter how difficult parenting is in the moment, parents can always consider that the day to day grind and worry of parenting will lessen when our children leave the home, marry and have kids of their own. That’s not to say we don’t always worry about our children, but our sense of responsibility over their well-being and basic survival … Read more about this episode...

It’s very difficult to keep a balanced perspective on life when you feel like you are sinking.  I personally have tried to look at the big picture to stay calm and focused but often get overwhelmed with the little details and feel trapped in my situation.  Many of us tell ourselves that we will start to slow down, not sweat … Read more about this episode...

But it’s my decision!  I’m the one who’s been taken care of him!  What gives you the right to make a decision for me?  These are not uncommon statements made by families experiencing medical and health crises.  And what about the health care professionals caught in these family disputes?  How do they treat and care for a patient when the … Read more about this episode...

No two individuals are alike.  Even twins have distinct personalities and behaviours that distinguish them from one another.  So then it would seem that no 2 brains are alike either.  Just because someone has a diagnosis on the Autism Spectrum does not mean that they are similar to those with the same diagnosis, and in fact, it does not mean … Read more about this episode...

As I get older I often hear myself making interesting and new sounds as I stand up, sit down and roll over in bed – the creaks and pops are predictable music in my home.  Many individuals experience these chronic and on-going physical annoyances but are able to function without too many limitations.  However, there are so many others who … Read more about this episode...

When people ask me how I am, I’m not sure what they mean.  Are they just following social norms and niceties or are they really asking me about my overall well-being?  I actually think it’s more of a social reflex and I definitely don’t think they want to know about my emotional state.  But what does this really mean, how … Read more about this episode...

How many times have you heard someone say, “I wouldn’t want to be kept alive if I were like that.”  Or, “Where is his quality of life?”  I hear this from families who are caring for someone with Dementia as they watch their loved one disengage from what they define as “life”.   But quality of life discussions are also present … Read more about this episode...

Caregivers are selfless.  They continually push aside their own needs and emotions to devote all their energy and time to care for another.  “Care for the caregiver” is a common phrase used.  In all honesty, what caregiver has time to care for themselves?  Is this even realistic?  This week’s guest on Caregivers’ Circle, Eleanor Silverberg, author of Keeping it … Read more about this episode...

Animals bring us joy and delight with each tail wag and nose nuzzle.  They can also be used to help people heal from physical and emotional challenges.  There is research showing that individuals with varied difficulties such as Veteran’s with PTSD, seniors with Dementia, those at the end of their life, individuals with development disabilities and even those with literacy … Read more about this episode...

Through my own personal experience with anxiety, I have learned first-hand how the words we use change the way in which we evaluate, respond and react to a situation.  Joining me this week is Dr. Andrew Newberg, author of Words can Change Your Brain: 12 Conversation Strategies to Build Trust, Resolve Conflict and Increase Intimacy.  In part 1 … Read more about this episode...

Through my own personal experience with anxiety, I have learned first-hand how the words we use change the way in which we evaluate, respond and react to a situation.  Joining me this week is Dr. Andrew Newberg, author of Words can Change Your Brain: 12 Conversation Strategies to Build Trust, Resolve Conflict and Increase Intimacy.  In part 1 … Read more about this episode...

Have you ever called an aging relative and had that gut feeling that something was “off?”  Or after a weekend visit over the holidays you notice how disorganized and dirty your aging relative’s home is?  Unfortunately, you know something is going on with your loved one but you live too far away to provide any support.  What do you do?  … Read more about this episode...

“I wish I could do more.  I feel so guilty that I find this so hard.  How can people say they appreciate or feel caregiving is rewarding when I hate it!”  Or how about, “I feel lost.  I don’t know where to turn?  What has my life become?”  Comments like these are not uncommon for caregivers AND many of us … Read more about this episode...

HIV is a very complicated disease that many of us know nothing about.  It is not a common topic amongst caregiver communities and support groups on a larger scale.  But HIV is something that needs to make its way into mainstream caregiver conversations and policy considerations.  HIV is really a chronic disease and it is a relevant and important topic … Read more about this episode...

There are many times when I walk into a room and wonder what I had intended to do.  Some days I feel like I cannot put a thought together and wonder if my brain is getting old and tired.  I spend a lot of time and energy taking care of my physical health with exercise and eating well, but what … Read more about this episode...

As I get older I often hear myself making interesting and new sounds as I stand up, sit down and roll over in bed – the creaks and pops are predictable music in my home.  Many individuals experience these chronic and on-going physical annoyances but are able to function without too many limitations.  However, there are so many others who … Read more about this episode...

How many times have you heard someone say, “I wouldn’t want to be kept alive if I were like that.”  Or, “Where is his quality of life?”  I hear this from families who are caring for someone with Dementia as they watch their loved one disengage from what they define as “life”.   But quality of life discussions are also present … Read more about this episode...

It is no secret that caregivers are tapped out of physical and emotional energy.  In theory, caregivers know it’s healthy and necessary to take time for themselves but this is not always possible.  Transcendental meditation has been proven to reduce stress and improve overall health.  Today’s guest on Caregivers’ Circle, Bob Roth, Executive Director of the David Lynch Foundation… Read more about this episode...