The Caring Generation® supports conversations about care and well-being for caregivers and care receivers. Gain insights about aging, health conditions and prevention, family caregiving relationships, navigating healthcare, care costs, legal planning, and the importance of being proactive to make the best choices for yourself and your loved ones.
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Welcome to Spotlight on Care, the podcast where we share stories, experiences, tips and advice on caring for loved ones affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Spotlight on Care is produced by the University of California, Irvine Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, UCI MIND. Please subscribe to the Spotlight on Care podcast wherever you listen. For more information, visit mind.uci.edu. What would like to hear about next? Email us at mwitbrac@uci.edu.
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Steps Caregivers Can Take to Deal With Unexpected News
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Learn how to respond to unexpected news and events related to aging, health, and money with a proven process. Caregivers and persons with health concerns can experience constant change, resulting in anxiety and worry. Instead of struggling to respond to bad news or ongoing uncertainty, create a path forward to identify and implement solutions to ev…
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How Daily Routines Support Better Health for Aging Parents and Caregivers
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Elderly health routines can support healthy aging habits. Monitoring the daily activities of elderly parents can help identify and create routines to support health and a healthy lifestyle to help parents stay at home. Attention to health and activities that support elderly health is critical for persons who want to stay at home after retirement. D…
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In this episode, Diana Marquez-Siemers and Rachel Smyth from the Caregiver Resource Center (CRC) provide expert insights on the challenges and solutions for families caring for loved ones with dementia. Join Steve and Virginia as they learn about the CRC’s commitment to supporting caregivers. They also discuss the development of their personalized …
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When to worry about aging parents health can be a concern for adult children desiring to move ahead with their lives. Missing early warning signs can result in emotional and physical problems. Learn tips to deal with the declining health of loved ones, notice symptoms of worsening health, and how to emotionally deal with parents declining health. P…
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How to Estimate Care Will Progress | Caring for Elderly Parents, Spouses and Loved Ones
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Caregivers can lose sleep or become immersed in a whirlwind of constant worry when caring for elderly parents, spouses, or loved ones. Caregiving expert Pamela D Wilson shares four stages of caregiving for how to estimate care will progress. You can learn to identify and predict care needs to Minimize unexpected surprises and health emergencies Fee…
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Caring for Difficult Parents with Pamela D. Wilson
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Virginia and Steve are joined by Pamela D. Wilson, MS, BS/BA, NCG, CSA.– an international resource for caregivers with over two decades of experience in aging and caregiving– known for her consultations, advocacy, and her book, "The Caregiving Trap: Solutions for Life's Unexpected Changes," as well as her own podcast called “The Caring Generation.”…
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What to Do When Family Dynamics Complicate Care for Aging Parents
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Are you struggling to navigate family dynamics and differences when caring for aging parents? Caregiving expert Pamela D. Wilson explains why family relationships are complex and how caregivers can navigate uncomfortable, unproductive, or disagreeable interactions. Find this week's show transcript for Episode 197 https://pameladwilson.com/family-dy…
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How to Stop Feeling Left Out When Everyone Else is Living Their Life
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Are you a caregiver or a person with health problems who feels left out of everyday activities and social gatherings? Do you watch others enjoy their lives while you are stuck at home caring for elderly parents or a spouse or are too sick to venture out? Caregiving expert Pamela D. Wilson shares tips to help you stop missing out on life's opportuni…
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Helpful Caregiving Tips with Virginia Naeve (Part 2)
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Virginia rejoins Steve in this concluding 2 part series on caregiving strategies. In this episode, they provide insights into activities and products that can be utilized to enhance daily living and simplify routine tasks. Tune in for valuable information that aims to elevate the day-to-day experience for both caregivers and those living with Alzhe…
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Tips to Manage Out of Control Caregiving Situations
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When trying to keep elderly parents at home becomes chaotic, family caregivers can feel like they are dealing with a hot mess. Learn tips to manage out of control caregiving situations and choose how you want to live your life from caregiving expert Pamela D Wilson.By Pamela D Wilson
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Tips to Navigate Health Complications of Aging
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Learn tips to navigate the health complications of aging. Be proactive to ensure you and your loved ones receive the best care possible from healthcare systems and doctors. Caregiving expert Pamela D Wilson shares examples and stories to help you remain healthy and avoid preventable care issues.By Pamela D Wilson
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Caregiver Tips: How to Respond to Elderly Parent Healthcare Disasters
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Elderly parent healthcare disasters happen unexpectedly. High levels of caregiver stress result from managing falls, fractures, memory loss, and other health conditions. Caregiving expert Pamela D Wilson shares strategies to get ahead of health issues before they get ahead of you and loved ones.By Pamela D Wilson
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Helpful Caregiving Tips with Virginia Naeve (Part 1)
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Steve interviews Virginia about tips she has compiled over the years to improve the caregiving journey. Listen along as they delve into topics on healthcare visits, money matters, safety, and mood changes. This is part 1 of a 2 part series of tips and tools that can help improve quality of care for loved ones living with Alzheimer's and other forms…
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Caregiving: How to Free Yourself from Judgment
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Learn tips to stop judgment or criticism, which can destroy self-esteem and cause resentment and conflict in caregiving relationships. Caregiving expert Pamela D Wilson shares how to change your mindset and set expectations for interactions with family members that focus on appreciation, cooperation, and shared goals.…
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Tips to Cope With Patient and Caregiver Anxiety and Stress
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Anxiety, fear, and worry can stress relationships and prevent healing when caregivers and patients experience physical or emotional breakdowns. Learn tips from caregiving Pamela D Wilson to create balance when daily life feels out of control.By Pamela D Wilson
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Supporting patients and families; a geriatrician’s perspective with Dr. Nathaniel Chin
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Virginia and Steve are joined by Nathaniel Chin, MD, a geriatrician, associate professor at the University of Wisconsin Department of Medicine, Medical Director of the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, and host and creator of the popular Dementia Matters podcast. Dr. Chin recounts how his father's Alzheimer's diagnosis and dementia jou…
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How to Avoid Regret About Caregiver or Patient Decisions
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Patients and caregivers are often faced with making decisions about health diagnoses or treatment recommendations that can have life-effecting consequences. What are the differences between individuals who make good decisions and others who experience decision regret? Caregiving expert Pamela D Wilson shares tips and suggestions to help you work th…
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Aging: How to Live Better as You Grow Older
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How do people handle getting older? Why do some people age so well? What is the secret to aging well? Caregiving expert Pamela D Wilson shares the habits of people who age well. Learn tips to live a better life as you grow older. Whether you are a caregiver or a person with health concerns, it is never too late to embrace positive habits and live a…
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What caregivers should know about working with doctors extends beyond the basic knowledge of the person who needs care. Caregiving expert Pamela D Wilson shares tips to gain insights into the healthcare system that can help caregivers more easily coordinate care for loved ones.By Pamela D Wilson
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Dealing with grief and loss is a lifelong experience that may not be recognized until the loss of an aging parent or family member. Learn how to deal with feelings of grief that result from loss and the self-transformation that can result in a better and stronger you.By Pamela D Wilson
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Finding the Discipline to Move Ahead and Leave the Drama Trauma Behind
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Finding the discipline to move ahead from drama and trauma can be challenging in any stage of caregiving—beginning to end. Caregivers who feel stuck often lack a plan and the motivation to change. Find tips here from caregiving expert Pamela D Wilson.By Pamela D Wilson
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Advances in Alzheimer’s Disease Clinical Care with Ahmad Sajjadi MD,PhD
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Steve and Virginia sit down with Ahmad Sajjadi, MD, PhD, associate professor of Neurology at UC Irvine and research clinician at UCI MIND, to discuss some of the recent advances that have been made in Alzheimer’s disease research and care. He discusses the newly approved drugs, diagnostic tests and coverage of some of those tests, and care navigato…
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How to Manage Sibling Relationships When Caring for Elderly Parents
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Sibling agreements can be critical for the care of elderly parents. Learn how to prevent and manage disagreements when siblings have different personalities and behavioral styles from caregiving expert Pamela D Wilson.By Pamela D Wilson
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How to Face Fears When Caring for Aging Parents
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Learn why managing fears is essential when caring for aging parents who experience ongoing health challenges. Caregiving expert, Pamela D Wilson shares seven tips to help caregivers remain practical and positive when facing some of life's most difficult decisions.By Pamela D Wilson
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Health impacts many aspects of life, including becoming a caregiver or needing care. Learn why self-care is important at all ages. Pamela D Wilson, caregiving expert, shares why attention to physical and mental health throughout life can increase resilience and balance the effects of aging.By Pamela D Wilson
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Keeping the Holidays and Celebrations Happy, Healthy and Safe with Dr. Miriam Galindo
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Virginia and Steve speak with Dr. Galindo, who cared for her father with Alzheimer's disease and helps the listeners understand the importance of simplifying the holidays to maximize enjoyment for everyone. She gives tips on focusing on one or two traditions and recruiting help instead of trying to balance caregiving with all of the pressures of ma…
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Caregiving: How to Have a Better Tomorrow By Planning Ahead
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If you are a caregiver, having a better tomorrow means finding a balance between the urgent and routine. Not planning for the care of aging parents can leave caregivers in an ongoing state of crises management. Caregiving expert Pamela D Wilson shares caregiver stories and tips to help caregivers stop being emergency responders to the needs of othe…
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Cognitive testing with Dr. Michelle McDonnell
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Steve and Virginia are joined by Dr. Michelle McDonnell, a neuropsychologist at UCI MIND, who discusses the importance of cognitive testing. She discusses the process involved in the testing, tips to encourage your loved one to participate, and the benefits of tracking Alzheimers as it progresses.By UCI MIND
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Balancing Work and Family Caregiving Responsibilities
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Being a caregiver is hard work. Learn how to manage increasing family care responsibilities and careers by applying practical skills from the workplace to the tasks of caring for aging parents and loved ones. Caregiving expert Pamela D Wilson shares ten practical tips.By Pamela D Wilson
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Why you should start early with end of life wishes and details with Susan Papiri
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Susan Papiri, Community Relations Director for Dignity Memorial. She discusses involving loved ones earlier regarding their wishes, preferences and religious traditions. These conversations can give honor to their legacy and reduce family stress. If you are in the Orange County/San Diego area and wish to learn more about services offered, you can c…
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Caregiving: How to Manage What Life Throws at You
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If you are a family caregiver or a person managing health issues, your time may be consumed with ongoing tasks, doctor appointments, treatments, and responding to unexpected challenges. Learn how to manage what life throws at you with five tips to manage emotional ups and downs and gain focus to balance life responsibilities.…
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Caregivers: How to Stop Avoiding and Start Living
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Caregivers often find themselves in a wait-and-see pattern that can last years. Learn how to stop avoiding and start living life. Gain insights about how your environment shapes your thoughts about who you are and what you can accomplish when you focus on your goals.By Pamela D Wilson
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How to Understand The Differences Between Medicare Plans
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Trying to understand Medicare programs can be challenging if you don't understand the long-term financial and health impacts of your choices. If you are a caregiver for an aging parent, an adult enrolling in Medicare, or enrolled and thinking about changing plans, learn how Original Medicare, a Medicare Supplement, or Medicare Advantage offers acce…
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Family caregivers pay a high price when trading time and money to care for loved ones. Learn the risks caregivers face and why creating a care plan is essential for having a life while managing care tasks, building a career, preserving mental and physical health, and minimizing financial losses.By Pamela D Wilson
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When is change good for caregivers? Knowing when you can’t do it anymore is a crossroads moment in caregiving situations. It might be time for a change when caregiving responsibilities limit your potential, damage your self-esteem and your confidence. Caregiving expert Pamela D. Wilson shares 12 insights and suggestions.…
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Why is Medicaid So Difficult to Understand?
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Are you a caregiver struggling with the financial aspects of paying for a spouse’s or elderly parent’s care? Pamela D. Wilson, caregiving expert, offers an explanation of Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) and long-term care support services to help caregivers understand the complexities involved for aging parents receiving Medicaid …
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How Not to Lose Sight of What is Important
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Learn how not to lose sight of what is important. The sacrifices involved in caring for others can result in the loss of relationships and difficulties working with healthcare providers. Caregiving expert Pamela D Wilson offers insights for caregivers, spouses, and friends concerned about the all-consuming responsibilities of caring for loved ones.…
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The dangers of denial with Elizabeth Lonseth
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Steve and Virginia are joined by Elizabeth Lonseth, an author and caregiver, who discusses the dangers of denial in Alzheimer’s caregiving. She touches on the many ways that both patients and caregivers can suffer when caregivers do not come to terms with the realities of the disease. Elizabeth also gives listeners a few tips to help improve the ca…
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Are caregivers brainwashed? Caregivers can focus on fixing or doing things for aging parents or spouses due to societal, cultural, family, or groupthink to the exclusion of their well-being. In this episode, caregiving expert Pamela D Wilson shares insights about how pressures and expectations from others affect the lives of caregivers.…
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Doing the Best You Can With What You've Got
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Being a caregiver is hard. Doing the best you can with the resources and time you have to care for aging parents may never feel like enough. Caregiving expert Pamela D Wilson shares examples of caregiving challenges and offers a resource to help with care and decision-making.By Pamela D Wilson
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Things That Don't Make Sense to Caregivers Until Later
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Learn about the things that don't make sense to caregivers until later in life. Caregiving expert, Pamela Wilson, shares how minor decisions and personal interactions can have major consequences that affect life today and in the future.By Pamela D Wilson
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What Happens When Caregivers Have Too Many Responsibilities
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Too many responsibilities? Caregiving expert Pamela D Wilson shares what caregivers can do about major life changes that result in feeling hyper-responsible for managing the care of aging parents and how to create a new identity when caregiving responsibilities end.By Pamela D Wilson
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Reducing caregiver stress with Dr. Natali Edmonds
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Virginia is joined by Dr. Natali Edmonds, a board certified Geropsychologist and founder of Dementia Careblazers, an online resource for dementia caregivers. Dr. Edmonds talks about 4 mistakes caregivers make when dealing with their loved ones, and the steps we can take to avoid these behaviors. You can learn more about Dr. Edmonds and Dementia Car…
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Why Do Persons With Dementia Struggle With Little Things?
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Persons with dementia lose the ability to complete simple everyday activities. Caregiving expert, Pamela D Wilson shares why learning about dementia behaviors and personality changes is important to help caregivers understand the struggles of loved ones with memory loss.By Pamela D Wilson
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How Can Caregivers Hold Onto The Good Things In Life?
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The act of caregiving for loved ones can seem like a never-ending job. Caregiving expert Pamela D Wilson discusses how family caregivers can hold onto the good things in life while creating even more things to be happy about.By Pamela D Wilson
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Caregiving Two Years Later; a Revisit with Lisa Up de Graff
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Virginia and Steve are joined once again by Lisa Up de Graff, one of their first guests, who gives an update on her mother’s Alzheimer's disease journey. Lisa describes new challenges she has faced as the disease has progressed and recounts how she has dealt with transitioning her mother into hospice care.…
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How does caregiving affect family relationships? Becoming a caregiver can upend life. Caregiving expert Pamela D Wilson shares why expectation setting and planning your life is essential so that caregiving doesn't ruin your relationships.By Pamela D Wilson
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Barely Getting By? Tips for Caregiver Survival
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What can caregivers do when they're barely getting by caring for aging loved ones or spouses? Learn tips from caregiving expert Pamela D Wilson to keep going when you can't see how to get from here to where you want to be.By Pamela D Wilson
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Long distance caregiving with Irene Olson
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Virginia is joined by Irene Olson, author of the book, “Requiem for the Status Quo'' and a state long-term care Ombudsman. Irene shares tips and challenges she faced with being a long distance caregiver for her father. She emphasizes the importance of building a strong relationship with the staff at the care facility, which in her case, allowed her…
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If you are a caregiver, creating the life you want can mean building inner strength. Caregiving expert, Pamela D Wilson, helps you become clear about what you want in life to disentangle yourself from energy-draining situations and expectations that others place on caregivers.By Pamela D Wilson
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