Caregivers Circle Stephanie Erickson

We rely on health care providers to provide quality care and timely interventions.  We expect that providers know the right questions to ask in order to understand our personal health situation and to obtain the appropriate resources.  The reality is that many health care professionals are drowning in paperwork and case overload and cannot spend a sufficient amount of time … Read more about this episode...

When you see a group of women hanging out with one another, you typically see hysterical laughing, silliness, and the occasional tears.  Women have a unique opportunity to improve and enhance the lives of other women as we age.  We can be confidants, mentors, cheerleaders and grief counselors.  But sometimes the media and others present unattainable standards about what aging … Read more about this episode...

According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, there are more female caregivers than male caregivers.  In fact, 66% of caregivers are women.  Why are the caregiving responsibilities unequal across genders?  What are the expectations within genders as to who should do what?  This week’s guest, Nira Rittenberg, occupational therapist and co-author of Dementia – A Caregiver’s Guide and I will be … 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...

We hear the terms Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy Body, etc. and wonder, what are the differences and does it really matter when someone we love has cognitive losses?  Understanding and diagnosing Dementia is a difficult task for doctors and often the diagnosis differs from physician to physician. Why is this?  How come it seems that we don’t really know much … 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...

Your aging mother FINALLY agreed to allow some help in her home so you set out on the task of finding the right person.  As you do your homework, you realize that home care is expensive and finding the right person or agency is not as simple as you thought.  You begin to wonder if home care is the right … Read more about this episode...

We are all aging.  The demographics are shifting and resources are lacking to support our seniors.  For the LGBT community, resources, and particularly housing needs are virtually non-existent. Due to stigma, discrimination, family dynamics and other issues, this aging community is at risk of having limited support.  This week’s guest, Serena Worthington from SAGE discusses the complexity of this issue … Read more about this episode...

If you misplace your keys what is your first thought?  If you walk into a room and forget what you were looking for what goes through your mind?  What about if you are driving to your friend’s house, a place you have been several times in the past, and you suddenly feel lost and despite looking around do not find … Read more about this episode...

Caregivers give it their all, physically, emotionally and financially.  What they often miss is time for themselves, a few hours of shut eye and some companionship.  Many caregivers, due to geography, family dynamics, and work schedules can feel alone and isolated.  Other caregivers, due to their own perception of their situation whether it be guilt, embarrassment or shame, avoid contact … Read more about this episode...

At least 20% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and many of those affected turn to drugs and alcohol to cope.  In addition, the physical stress of war and service can lead to physical injuries that require pain management, and that can unfortunately lead to substance misuse as well.  This week’s guest Allyson Bowers a military … Read more about this episode...

A diagnosis of Dementia can be paralyzing.  Most of the families with whom I work feel overwhelmed, lost and devastated when faced with this reality.  Quickly families often see their loved one as “fading away,” “having disappearing,” or “lost.”  This language creates a perception of those living with Dementia as inaccessible yet this person is still alive and present.  Although … Read more about this episode...

In November 2014 Brittany Maynard made the news when at 29 years old, after being diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer, she evoked Oregon’s “Death with Dignity Act” which allows those with a terminal illness to voluntarily end their own life.  This sparked a lot of controversy about assisted suicide, euthanasia and who, if anyone has the right to end … Read more about this episode...

Daily I come across unprepared families.  Daughters and sons call me unsure as to what to do when their mother or father has just had some sort of medical or health crisis and they are now left to pick up the pieces.  Families tread water as doctors, nurses and discharge planners request that care and housing decisions be made and … Read more about this episode...

Nineteen thousand men and women suffer sexual assault each year in the military, but only about 3,200 assaults are reported. Half of these victims are male and in total only about 8% of cases are pursued in the military court.  Clearly we have a big problem here.  This week’s guest, BriGette McCoy, CEO and Founder of Women Veteran Social Justice… Read more about this episode...

The survivors of the Holocaust – those from Auschwitz and other camps – are now seniors.  The average age of a survivor is 83 years old so we can assume that many require the care and support of their families and the community.  Because of their traumatic early years, aging can present unique challenges for survivors and for those who … Read more about this episode...

Being a parent is not easy.  When your child has special needs, whether it is a developmental or intellectual disability, a mental health diagnosis, or a physical disability, parenting demands can be even more stressful and overwhelming.  If there are other children in the home that don’t have special needs, parents tend to feel guilty that they are sacrificing or … Read more about this episode...

How many times has a health care professional walked into a room without knocking on the door first?  Or allowed their patient to wander up and down the hospital hallway with their backside exposed?  Or assumed that because someone has Dementia they do not need a warm greeting or gentle touch during care?  Dignified care must be provided to all … Read more about this episode...

When a loved one transitions into a nursing home, especially into a secured Dementia setting, we have our perceptions, expectations and in truth, fear as to what this experience will be for us and our loved one.  This week’s guest, Charles Schoenfeld, author of the book “A Funny Thing Happened on My Way to the Dementia Ward: Memoir of a … Read more about this episode...

Our perception of aging has directly influenced the way in which our systems and families care for our seniors.  Why are we so afraid of aging?  Why do we only see negative aspects of aging?  This week’s guest, Dr. Marc Agronin, author of How We Age: A Doctor’s Journey into the Heart of Growing Old and I discuss how society … Read more about this episode...