Sue Salach-Cutler and Fran Piekarski co-host this podcast on the challenges caregivers face when helping their loved ones. Each episode is committed in ensuring that our listeners, and those they care for, live a life with dignity, no matter their mental or physical state. We advocate for our listeners in a system that grows more complicated each year. https://habaneromedia.net/
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Pets and Older Adults #47 Pets are great. But do they make sense for order adults who struggle to take care of themselves? Fran and Sue discuss the challenges and rewards. Caregiver Life with Dignity Podcast Sue Salach-Cutler and Fran Piekarski co-host on the challenges caregivers face when helping their loved ones. Each episode is committed to ens…
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Transitioning Into Assisted Living with Anne Marie Davidson #46
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Transitioning Into Assisted Living with Anne Marie Davidson #46 In this episode, Anne Marie Davidson visits Sue and Fran for a discussion on the challenge aging adults face regarding their needs and preferences for retirement living. There are many housing options from which to choose. In this conversation, Anne Marie considers care options, lifest…
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Why Caregivers Must Advocate For Themselves
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Why Caregivers Must Advocate For Themselves #45 In this episode, Fran and Sue talk about why it's crucial to stand up for yourself, especially for caregivers who face a lot of responsibility. Caregivers often overlook their own needs, whether it's about time, energy, or medical expenses. Sue shares a dramatic story about an accident involving her a…
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Why Setting Boundaries Is Essential to Care Giving
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Why Setting Boundaries Is Essential to Care Giving In this conversation, Fran and Sue highlight how important it is for caregivers to set boundaries. Caregivers have many responsibilities, which can take up a lot of their time, money, and emotional energy. To stay strong and healthy, it's crucial for caregivers to establish clear limits. They'll di…
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How To Know if Your Lifestyle is a Fit for the Future
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How To Know if Your Lifestyle is a Fit for the Future In this episode Sue and Fran challenge the listeners to reflect on their current lifestyle and assess if it's still a good fit for the future. Does your home ownership and current social circles still make sense? That's the topic for today. Caregiver Life with Dignity Podcast Sue Salach-Cutler a…
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Celebrating the Holidays While Caregiving #42
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Celebrating the Holidays While Caregiving With the holidays upon us, it's a moment for caregivers to pause, reflect,t and take advantage of the opportunity to spend quality time with family, and friends while making special the time spent with those we care for. Fran and Sue share advice that any caregiver will find value during the holiday bustle.…
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Family Dynamics - How to Avoid Drama Drama is often hard to avoid when a family is stressed with sickness and disease. Fran and Sue delve into this challenge with advice, rules, and stories of how to best deal with and avoid families hurting the ones they love most. This is a production of Habanero Media…
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How To Recognize the Right Level of Care #40
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How To Recognize the Right Level of Care Have you ever wondered how to determine the level of care that your family member needs; where they should be cared for and how long? That's the topic Fran and Sue discuss in this episode. This is a production of Habanero Media.
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Adult Services with Margo Vesely In this episode, Fran and Sue interview Margo Vesely who shares her life journey into adult services, and then they discuss various caregiving opportunities available for the community. This is a production of Habanero Media.
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Strategies for Moving Your Loved Ones #38
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Strategies for Moving Your Loved Ones #38 Caring for an elderly loved one and moving them to a new home can be a challenging task. Start with a plan: Develop a detailed plan for the move, including a timeline, budget, and a list of tasks that need to be accomplished. Identify any specific needs or preferences your elderly loved one may have regardi…
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Special Needs Trusts with Nancy Roach #37
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Special Needs Trusts with Nancy Roach In this episode Sue and Fran invite guest Nancy Roach to visit and speak about the challenges of Special Needs Trusts and their ability to create financial stability.
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Shoulda Woulda Coulda Caregiving Advice In this episode Sue asks Fran who asks Sue about caregiving advice that arrived from personal experiences caring for loved ones, and those they've discovered in their consulting profession. Don't bemoan with shoulda woulda coulda but be proactive with these many great takeaways. This is a production of Habane…
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The Ins and Outs of Having and Being a Power of Attorney
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The Ins and Outs of Having and Being a Power of Attorney In this episode Fran and Sue discuss Powers of attorney and ask the question, do you really know what you're signing up for. Both types of Powers of Attorney are discussed: Property and for Healthcare. The episodes delves into what to consider when becoming a Power of Attorney and your rights…
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Understanding Medicare with Medicare Mike Rice
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Understanding Medicare with Medicare Mike Rice What are the basics? Medicare is a complex program and can sometimes be confusing. · What are your coverage options? · Should you enroll in Part D? · How much does Medicare Part B cost? · What does Original Medicare cost? · Is there help for me if I can't afford Medicare? Fran and Sue chat with Mike Ri…
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How To Place Your Loved One In A Nursing Facility
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How To Place Your Loved One In A Nursing Facility In this episode Sue and Fran discuss about the decision making process of choosing a skilled nursing facility (Nursing Home) for your loved one. There are many issues to consider including services, price, staffing, cleanliness, and others. Don't choose the first place you visit! Instead visit many …
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Five Things We Take For Granted You Need to Know
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Five Things We Take For Granted You Need to Know In this episode Fran and Sue discuss five things they take for granted, but understand not everyone knows. The topics include: What words to use that help caregivers The impact of masks on cognition Your right to choose Distinctions of terms for home health care Where you can go to get support This i…
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Caregiving with Cannabis Products with Mr. CBD
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Caregiving with Cannabis Products with Mr. CBD In this episode Fran interviews Mr. CBD Chicago about the benefits of CBD and Cannabis THC products. The conversation discusses the cannabinoid system, it's effect on homeostasis, various cannabis products from smoking flower, to vaping, to edibles and tinctures. This is a production of https://habaner…
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Hoarding and Steps You Can Take to Help Part 2
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This is the second part of a series on hoarding. Hoarding disorder is a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them. A person with hoarding disorder experiences distress at the thought of getting rid of the items. Excessive accumulation of items, regardless of actual value, occurs. Sue asks …
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Hoarding and Steps You Can Take to Help Part 1
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Hoarding and Steps You Can Take to Help Part 1 Hoarding disorder is a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them. A person with hoarding disorder experiences distress at the thought of getting rid of the items. Excessive accumulation of items, regardless of actual value, occurs. Sue asks Fr…
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Part 2 Understanding Dementia in a Loved One with Dr. Jennifer Stelter
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Understanding Dementia in a Loved One Part 2 with Dr. Jennifer Stelter This is the second part of our Dementia conversation. Caring for someone living with advanced Alzheimer disease is a challenge. It can make you feel like you're on a hamster wheel—running in circles, trying the same things over and over with no effect on your loved one. You may …
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Understanding Dementia in a Loved One with Dr. Jennifer Stelter
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Understanding Dementia in a Loved One with Dr. Jennifer Stelter
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Understanding Grief with Rev. Paul Cutler
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Understanding Grief with Rev. Paul Cutler Holidays are a tough time when you've lost a loved one. How can you navigate Christmas and New Years when the loss is ever present? Guest Rev. Paul Cutler shares his thoughts and advice for those suffering with grief. Find our website Life With Dignity This is a production of Habanero Media…
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How to Hire a Caregiver In this episode Fran and Sue share advice on how to interview and choose a caregiver for your loved one. They explain what you can expect, what's important and what's not important when bringing a stranger into your loved one's home. This is a production of Habanero Media
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Join the Life with Dignity Team for an outdoor Fiesta! Enjoy Mexican cuisine and margaritas from the taco truck and catch up face to face with other referral sources and peers. Last Thursday, September 16th from 3-6pm 250 business companions were invited to have tacos at the World headquarters in St. Charles IL. It's our way of saying thank you for…
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Hospice and Palliative Care with Tammy Smith
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26:34
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Hospice and Palliative Care with Tammy Smith For over 15 years Tammy has assisted families as they navigate some of the most challenging and emotional times in their lives. She recognizes that each person and each family can have very different needs but upholding one's dignity is universal. She gives families comfort and knowledge of all the optio…
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How creativity can support your caregiving journey In this episode Fran and Sue discuss how creativity can support your caregiving journey Getting creative with caregiving support Search for supportive products (don’t reinvent the wheel) Be creative with time management to create time to take care of yourself Summary - Sum up today’s answer and con…
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Advocating for patient rights: the Jimmo Act
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Advocating for patient rights: the Jimmo Act Linda Strohschein is an estate planning and elder law attorney. Linda, Fran and Sue discuss long term care planning and the impact of the Jimmo Settlement Agreement. Jimmo clarified when a beneficiary needs skilled nursing or therapy services under Medicare. This is a production of Habanero Media…
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Your Right To Choose #20 When it comes to your healthcare, you're the decision maker. In this episode Fran and Sue discuss how you have the right to choose since you're the one to live with the consequences. The path to wise decision-making is to be fully informed. Ask questions and demand answers. Doctors work for you. When you're ill you may not …
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I Care A Lot - A Movie Review A new movie recently released by Netflix is reviewed and condemned for being all fiction and no reality when it comes to guardianship for the elderly. In this animated conversation, Fran and Sue walk through elements of the plot and with outrage point out the lack of truth in the story. In real life this kind of thing …
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Applied Neuroplasticity for Caregivers with John Kennedy #18
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Applied Neuroplasticity for Caregivers with John Kennedy #18 John Kennedy is an innovative master coach, consultant, and trainer who has helped thousands of people and their organizations exceed their performance expectations for over 35 years. In this episode Sue and Fran learn that In response to a contract by the US Marines in 2007, John created…
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Understanding the Dementia Connection Model
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32:49
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Understanding the Dementia Connection Model In this episode Fran and Sue welcome back Dr. Jennifer Stelter (Clinical Psychologist) and Jessica Ryan (Biologist and Educator) to the podcast. All four discuss the "dementia connection model" and how it explains what's going on with dementia in a loved one and practical advice on how to intervene. Careg…
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How To Recognize Exploitation In this episode Fran and Sue share advice on how to recognize a situation where a loved one is being exploited. Exploitation is a case where the act of using resources or treating people unfairly in order to benefit for their effort or labor. It may or may not have anything to do with money. The signs of exploitation i…
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Preparing for Elective Surgery What are the key elements? What are the pre-op & post op procedures Get prescriptions filled ahead of time and get a list of potential medical equipment that might be needed. Who will be contacting you once the surgery is complete (make sure they have the correct phone number) Keep in mind: Point 1 Be pro-active in th…
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How to be a Remote Advocate What to do when you cannot be on-site to advocate for a loved one. What are the key elements? Have your loved one put you on speaker Try other avenues to get information Be creative in your approach (think outside the box) For more information you can visit our website at LifewithDignity.net or like us on facebook @ Livi…
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How to Pick an Attorney In this episode Sue and Fran discuss common concerns and advice regarding estate planning and asset protection. Pick an attorney before the crisis to ensure a wise decision Choose an attorney with experience in a specific area e.g. estate planning, medicare, elder law or disabled children Ask for attorney referrals from trus…
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CareScout Services with Larry Nisenson In this episode Fran and Sue interview Larry Nisenson,l, SVP and Chief Commercial Officer at Genworth. In this episode Larry chats about CareScout, a growing, dynamic market leader providing care management support services and long term care focused risk management solutions that help companies and families k…
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Alternative Solutions to Mental Anguish Brain Help with Oils In this episode Fran and Sue welcome Dr. Jennifer Stelter (Clinical Psychologist) and Jessica Ryan (Biologist and Educator) to the podcast. All four discuss alternative methods of working with stressed caregivers and patients with dementia and mental health issues, amidst COVID-19. There …
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Reducing Stress with Scents Fran shares ways to relieve stress through Aroma Therapy. Sue asks Fran to share scents and examples that are soothing during times of stress. Some examples include Lavender. It's important to dilute with coconut oil for wound care and scrapes. If not diluted, it can actually stimulate. You don't want that! You can also …
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Fran and Sue are sequestered and share what they've learned from the experience. Topics discussed include how to be prepare yourself and your loved ones. Three key elements discussed: You don't know what you don't know, until you do How you can pro-actively prepare yourself for emergencies What conversations should you have with your elderly loved …
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Aroma Therapy for Caregivers Due to limits on psychotropic medications, there is an impact on patients who have behaviour issues. Aroma therapy speaks to that challenge. Sometimes medications are the correct choice, but too often they have been misused with side affects. Aroma therapy can be used to help sleep, increase appetite and improve mood. T…
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How to Address Issues in Nursing Homes Write down the facts of issues that your loved ones face in a nursing home. Facts matter and will allow you to keep your focus plus keep the emotions in check. These kinds of observations create possibilities. With facts in hand, ask what can WE do about it. Skilled nursing facilities post the number for the s…
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How To Prepare for Surgery Surgery is a dangerous and anxious time. The best way to mitigate risk and accelerate convalescence is to prepare. Proactivity is key and get resourceful. Sue shares her experiences how she prepped for her husband's knee surgery. They practiced getting in, out, up and down and through your home and car. Consider the weath…
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What You Need to Know About Power Attorney
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In this episode Fran and Sue explain the Power of Attorney, what it means for caregivers, friends and family members. Having the Power of Attorney is a significant responsibility and it’s best to proactive when giving and taking the Power of Attorney. Produced by Habanero Media
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To take care of others, you must take care of yourself. In this episode Fran and Sue provide advice on how caregivers can schedule time focused on themselves. Self care is critical for health and wellness. They recommend having a tool box of activities. Listen for advice you can take action today. Produced by Habanero Media…
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How Guardianship is the Measure of Last Resort
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In this episode Fran and Sue explain the definition of guardianship, the process for getting guardianship and the difficulties in that process that makes guardianship the measure of last resort. Produced by Habanero Media
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What to do when someone you live with is hospitalized
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In this episode Fran and Sue discuss situations where a loved one is hospitalized with a life threatening illness. This difficult situation creates a toll on caregivers. Advice on how to overcome the stress and responsibilities is shared. To learn more go to Living Life With Dignity for tips and help that you can take action today. Podcast Produced…
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Introduction to the Care Giver Life with Dignity podcast
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In this introductory episode, Fran and Sue share their background in caregiving. First how they each entered the profession and next how they met to become business partners. Lastly, they share topics and issues that will be discussed on the podcast and the community they have created and continue to nurture and foster. Listen here to learn how it …
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