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/understanding-guardianship-and-power-of-attorney-which-one-do-you-need/ 
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 
 
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 
 

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, CFPSOccupational Therapist | Entrepreneur | Aging Advocate
🔗 Learn more about Emilia’s work: https://meetluma.us/ 🔗 Connect with Emilia on LinkedIn: 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 

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
 
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

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/4443-osteoporosis
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db405.htm
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-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
Do Medications Affect Your 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
 
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 

Rethinking How You Show Up for a Loved One and Yourself

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 

Revisiting Taking AIM at Caregiver Stress

Caregiving is already challenging, but when outside forces—like political decisions—affect those we care for, stress levels can rise even higher. This episode isn’t about politics, but about how caregivers can manage stress in uncertain times.
We revisit the AIM framework with a fresh perspective:
A – Acknowledging your feelings and the impact of external factors
I – Identifying the outlets you need to process and cope
M – Making a commitment to engage in the strategies that support you
By recognizing how we feel and actively working toward solutions, we can stay strong for ourselves and those we care for. Tune in to learn how to navigate stress and uncertainty while maintaining balance in your caregiving journey.
 
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 

How to Build a Care Team Around Your Actual Needs

As family caregivers, it's easy to feel like you have to do it all. The pressure to manage every task, every responsibility, and every emotion can be overwhelming. But the truth is, we can only do so much as one person.
In this episode, I explore the power of creating a care team to break the cycle of doing it all alone. We talk about:
Why caregivers often push aside their own needs to prioritize their loved ones
How a care team can reduce stress and prevent burnout
Practical steps to build a support network that lightens your load
Remember, caregiving isn’t just about your loved one—it’s about ensuring you have the support to show up fully. You don’t have to do it all alone. Tune in to learn how you can take care of yourself while continuing to care for others.
 
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

Welcome to Straight Talk for Giving-Care

Welcome to my podcast, Straight Talk for Giving-Care. My podcast is for family caregivers created by a family caregiver. I’ve been on a care journey through dementia with my mother for more than 12 years. On our journey I’ve learned that the most difficult part of caring for a loved one isn’t taking on additional responsibilities and performing additional tasks. It’s doing that while feeling what you’re feeling. In these podcasts, I share stories and the life lessons I’ve learned to help family caregivers create a journey that is satisfying for both people.

Wellness for 2

As family caregivers, we've all heard the advice to "go with the flow." But let's be real—going with the flow can sometimes feel like you're completely out of control. Caregiving is full of unpredictable changes, and when you're trying to keep up with those while managing your own emotions, it can take a serious toll on your health.
In this episode, I dive deep into what wellness truly means for caregivers—how to keep your loved one safe while making decisions that prioritize both of you.
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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

Taking AIM at Family Caregiver Stress: A Game-Changing Strategy for Your Care Journey

I had no idea that SO MANY EMOTIONS would come with the unexpected change to the relationship with my mother.
In this episode, I share my journey with "AIM" – a strategy that has profoundly shaped my caregiving experience. 
AIM stands for:
Acknowledging Your Feelings
Identifying What You Need to Continue Caring, and 
Making a Commitment to Yourself to Get the Support You Need.
I discuss the importance of recognizing your emotional states as a caregiver and how this awareness can sustain you in the long term. I also provide insights on how to identify your needs and the steps necessary to ensure you receive the support you deserve. 
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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/praxisforcare⁠Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com