Caregiver's Compass

Welcome back to Caregiver's Compass. We are so excited to be back and this season is sure to be an exceptional one.In this episode, Stephanie talks about what you can expect in Season 3 (we have some surprises up our sleeves this season) and sets the stage for the incredible content to come.About Caregiver's Compass:Caregiver's Compass is an uplifting, inspirational podcast talking about all things caregiving. Therapist and caregiver Stephanie Muskat takes you through real-life caregiving stories from her own therapeutic experience and gives you the raw and personal on her own caregiving experiences as a young caregiver. Plus hear from tons of incredible experts and caregivers who are living through their day-to-day journeys. It's all here at Caregiver's Compass.Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.com Join our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnection For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In this episode Stephanie summarizes the top 5 episodes from season two of Caregiver's Compass. Thank YOU for making season 2 what it was. Such a fantastic season full of incredible topics and guests. See you for season 3 next year!1) Episode 48:  GUILT in Caregiving- how it arises, how to manage it, and the differences between guilt vs. shame (with Wendy Williams) 2)  Episode 54: My Life Completely Changed When my Boyfriend was Assaulted and Suddenly Faced a Traumatic Brain Injury'- caregiving after a very sudden and traumatic life shift, with Katherine Smith 3) Episode 57:From inpatient nurse to caregiving consultant- how losing her job and burning out resulted in finding a daily passion for helping others- With Karen Lake 4) Episode 58:Managing postpartum mental health while caring for 1+ children and/or another family member- with Kelly Polci (MSW,RSW)  5) Episode 47: How Do I Know if I am a Caregiver (Demystifying the Definition of a Caregiver and the Stigma Associated With It/ Identifying as a Caregiver When Society Says You Are Not) Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.com Join our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnection For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In this episode, postpartum coach, Jaquie Dason, discusses losing her mom to cancer at the age of 18 and raising 2 children while feeling significant grief not having her by her side. Jaquie talks about why she created her company which provides postpartum coaching to moms who need that extra support and guidance during the difficult early periods of having a newborn. About Jaquie:Jaquie is a Postpartum Coach, CAPPA Certified New Parent Educator, Certified Infant Sleep Consultant and Mom of 2. Jaquie supports postpartum moms so they feel empowered to take on motherhood with confidence and joy. She helps with everything from postpartum mind and body to baby sleep, feeding, solid food and development. Find JaquieOn her website: http://www.postpartumcoaching.caOn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaquiepostpartumcoach/Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnectionFor more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In episode 65, Francine Waskavitz discusses how she, as a memory coach, helps those struggling with their memory and memory loss. She discusses how she works with clients to optimize memory, including clients with dementia and other neurological concerns. She also talks about dementia prevention and preventing possible memory progression with a dementia diagnosis. About Francine:Francine Waskavitz, owner and lead coach at Longevity Coaching, LLC. is a memory health expert dedicated to helping you get your memory back, strengthen it and keep it healthy for a lifetime.Her mission is to empower you to take early action to support your brain health so you can thrive in the life you've worked so hard to create, without memory loss interrupting your plans.Creator of the Memory Confidence Map™ Francine uncovered how to use the power of mindset and lifestyle to overcome and prevent memory loss. Now in her practice, Francine guides clients from forgetful to focused with a clear and personalized approach to memory health.Francine has her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) from the University of South Florida. She also attended the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) where she became an Integrative Health and Nutrition Coach.Leveraging her expertise in memory from her 10 years as an SLP with her passion for health and wellness, Francine is dismantling the myth that memory loss is inevitable with age. Find Francine:On her website:https://www.francinewaskavitz.com/On instagram: @francinewaskavitzVisit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnectionFor more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In episode 64, Adrienne talks about how she got through university and graduate school as a caregiver herself while at her grandparent's side in the hospital. Stephanie additionally touches on her experience caring for her grandmother at her bedside while in graduate school. She additionally discusses how difficult this time can be and how to get through. About Adrienne:Dr. Adrienne Shnier, M.A., Ph.D., J.D., is a mother and founder of two companies. Adrienne is the Advancement Coach & Strategist and Founder (2015) of Apply Yourself: The Advancement Spot Inc., where she holistically, healthily, and strategically works collaboratively with university students and their families to achieve lives beyond their wildest dreams, often starting with graduate and professional school applications using her personal experience with applications cycles, as well as her extensive experience as a member of academic admissions committees. Adrienne also founded Shnier Law & Policy Consulting, Professional Corporation (2020), serving small businesses, health-related clinics and practices, and regulated and unregulated health professional associations. Adrienne is also a professor of health and pharmaceutical policy, regulation, and law at a Toronto university and Toronto law school. Adrienne has published and lectured on her research internationally and supervises undergraduate and graduate students in their research. When Adrienne takes a break, you can find her kayaking up north or sipping a latte on a nice patio…but she's probably still thinking about what's next!Find Adrienne: On her website: http://www.applyyourselelfglobal.comOn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/applyyourselfglobal/ Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnectionFor more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

You may be thinking to yourself: how could therapy possibly help me as a caregiver? Therapy cannot get rid of the tasks at hand or the responsibilities I have or my loved one's decline- so how could a therapist help me with my overwhelm, stress, sadness and burnout?And in this episode, Stephanie discusses how the deep concerns that caregivers come to her with are often not even about the caregiving at all.In episode 63 Stephanie explores what often arises when caregivers come to her for support and how she helps caregivers through these difficult times.Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnectionFor more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In episode 62, Stephanie speaks to Adria Thompson who, in 2021, grew her passion for helping dementia caregivers and those with dementia as an SLP with Be Light Care Consulting. She talks about how her career as a speech language pathologist led to her overall vision to provide support to caregivers around the world.About Adria:Adria Thompson is a speech language pathologist, a dementia educator, and is the founder of Be Light Care Consulting. She has 8 years experience providing one-on-one speech therapy services with adults and found her passion and purpose in specifically working with people with dementia. She has spent the last 3 years developing dementia programs for therapy companies and training other therapists to increase their effectiveness and confidence. She now provides one-on-one consulting services and creates daily videos of realistic, functional care tips for professional and personal caregivers of individuals with dementia.Find Adria:On Instagram: @belightcare Website: https://www.belightcare.com/Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnectionFor more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In episode 61, Lisa Sonshine from the Juno Award winning duo Sonshine and Broccoli talks to Stephanie about her father's FTD diagnosis, decline and passing- a part of her life she has not shared in great detail in the past. She notes how she has taken her grief from this very difficult time and has poured it into her passion for uplifting others through music and performance.  About Lisa:  Lisa is the co-founder and creator of Sonshine and Broccoli as well as a proud wife, entertainer and mom of 2 boys Zade and Barryn bringing joy, style, positivity and sonshine to all. With her sons Zade and baby Barryn in tow,she is just getting started as a new mom with the drive and passion to support, motivate and entertain other moms going through the stages of motherhood by her side. Find Lisa Instagram: @sonshinelWebsite: https://www.sonshineandbroccoli.com/ Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnectionFor more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In Episode 60, Stephanie discusses a commonly expressed thought that many of her clients express having: I wish this situation would just end. She explores the guilt, shame and embarrassment that can surround this thought and the reasons why a caregiver may have these thoughts.  *Please note: If you ever have the intention or thought of harming yourself or someone else please contact your local emergency department immediately.* Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnectionFor more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In episode 59, Stephanie further talks about her journey after her mom's initial diagnosis of FTD. She touches upon what her life looked like after she moved out of her home, caregiving for her grandmother, how she established boundaries when it came to balancing her own life and her mom's care and how life has been since she had 3 children of her own.Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnectionFor more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In this episode, Stephanie speaks to social worker Kelly Polci who has worked with pregnant and postpartum women and families in high-risk obstetrics and the NICU. They look at the systemic definition of postpartum and what supports are currently available in the postpartum period to women in Ontario. They additionally talk about scenarios in which a mother may have a child requiring NICU care while needing to go to and from the hospital to care for other family members and how one can balance their mental health needs at this time.Kelly Polci, MSW, RSW is a registered social worker and psychotherapist in private practice. She now works at The Hospital for Sick Children. The bulk of her career was in high risk obstetrics and a high-acuity neonatal intensive care unit at another hospital. Her passion and expertise is in women's and more specifically reproductive mental health. Find Kelly:https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/kelly-polci-toronto-on/831972http://www.instagram.com/kellypolcitherapyGroup Therapy Works: https://www.grouptherapyworks.ca/Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnectionFor more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In this episode, Stephanie speaks to nurse and caregiving consultant, Karen Lake, as she discusses how she went from caring for patients as a nurse in an inpatient hospital setting to providing consultations and assisting caregivers with their overall support systems and system navigation. About Karen Lake: Karen proudly works as a professional Caregiving Consultant and Care Navigator; called to offer this service to families after working as a Registered Nurse in Home Health Care for 25 years. She has a special passion for supporting, guiding, and directing family members to be the best they can be in their caregiving role, to help them make informed choices, to be prepared and to confidently navigate the complex issues that come with caring for a loved one. Karen has seen the emotional struggles that family members face as they attempt to balance caregiving with the other demands of life; children, career, retirement and illness. And so, she has made it her mission to serve and support family members of aging loved ones in the Fredericton area, and beyond.Gathering her years of experience and expertise, she has carefully crafted comprehensive programs that are tailored to meet each family's specific needs. When not supporting her clients, she collaborates on other projects, such as the first ever Death Expo in Atlantic Canada, Caregivers Wellness Retreats, Caregiver Wellness Expos and has more recently ventured into the world of research working on several projects that support Family Caregivers.Find Karen:On Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KarenLakeCaresOn her website http://www.karenlake.caVisit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnectionFor more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

This situation is a very common and real occurrence. One day, you do not feel your loved one can be appropriately cared for in their home anymore. In this anonymous and real case scenario, Stephanie talks about a situation in which a patient she was working with was believed to no longer be safe in her home. She discusses the deep struggle her family went through to decide what the best plan would be for the most positive outcome. Stephanie also shares some suggestions that may assist while navigating this very emotional and difficult situation.Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnectionFor more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In episode 55, Stephanie continues to talk about how her mom's FTD diagnosis shaped her life and the relationships between herself and others as she touches upon how she initially reacted to the changes in her mom and the emotions that came along with this. Thoughts of grief, overwhelm, isolation, fear and anxiety are mentioned in this very real and relatable episode. Stephanie also discusses what she feels like 13-14 years later and how the emotions and adjustment to her mom's diagnosis have changed.Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnectionFor more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

 Just before her 26th birthday, Katherine's partner, Ben, was brutally assaulted while on vacation. Ben experienced a severe traumatic brain injury as a result which he has spent the past 3.5 years recovering from. Katherine put her entire life on hold and suddenly became his full-time caregiver, dedicating her daily life to his care and going on an emotional, life-altering journey. Katherine talks all about the past few years in episode 54 , and discusses how she has found light in the darkest of days.Find Katherine on Instagram: @kathhsmithhVisit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnectionFor more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In this episode, guest Marie (name changed for anonymity) discusses her responsibilities as a caregiver for her parents who are emotionally and physically isolated. She touches upon how supporting their social needs and trying to protect her high risk parents from illness has impacted her marriage, caring for her two young children and trying to balance seeing her own friends and prioritizing life events. Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnectionFor more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

The Importance of Sleep on Mental Health and Maintaining Overall Balance, with Sleep Consultant Andria Gordon (Episode 52)We have all heard that sleep deprivation impacts our overall lives. But when it comes to caring for others, waking up in the middle of the night and managing mental health issues, sleep can truly mean the difference between positive or negative daily outcomes. So what happens if you can't sleep or you have known diagnoses that make sleeping difficult? Is there something that can be done to remedy this or help balance the outcomes? In this episode, sleep consultant and mom of 2 kids, Andria Gordon, discusses the importance of sleep. She and Stephanie touch upon what you can do if you cannot sleep, even without external sleep interruptions.Andria Gordon is the Owner & Founder of Have Baby. Must Sleep. She is a mom of two boys (Lenny and Nate), a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant and is a former fellow sleep-deprived, highly caffeinated, desperate parent ready to do just about anything for even an hour of uninterrupted sleep. This is about more than just sleep training, we work with you to come up with the perfect approach and guide you through putting that plan into action. Your child will sleep, you will sleep, and you will gain your evenings, nights, and sanity back. If sleep is what you are after, Andria and her experienced team will get it for you (fast) and have you feeling empowered around all things child sleep in no time. Website: havebabymustsleep.comInstagram: @andriasleepVisit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnectionFor more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

When People Question your Abilities as a Caregiver (episode 51)You are doing your absolute best as a caregiver and you have poured all of you into what you do for your loved one. But yet you continue to receive comments from others about what you are doing, how you are approaching your caregiving and how you are supporting your loved one on a daily basis. This can be SO frustrating- you did not ask for this feedback. Particularly if the commenters are not that involved with your loved one's care.In this episode Stephanie discusses how you can approach this situation and provides examples of what you can say to those who are commenting and criticizing your actions. She also discusses the emotions that can result from others' comments and how to manage the hard feelings.Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnectionFor more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In this episode, Stephanie shares the real and raw experience of her mom's diagnosis and how her father responded to the changes and ultimate FTD diagnosis of her mom. Stephanie discusses what it can be like when a family member is not at a place of acceptance, or is at a different stage of accepting a loved one's diagnosis when it comes to a degenerative disease. Stephanie additionally discusses how her relationship with her father shifted when he had difficulty accepting her mom's diagnosis and what the relationship with her father is like now. (Please note: full consent was provided by all parties to share this story. All additional parties remain anonymous for this episode for confidentiality purposes).Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnectionFor more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In this episode, social worker and hospice executive director, Nadine Persaud discusses,in detail, the differences between palliative care, comfort care and hospice care and the philosophies behind palliative care. The accessibility and barriers to accessing palliative care are additionally explored in this eye-opening episode.About Nadine:Nadine Persaud (MSW, PhD (c)) is currently the Executive Director of the Kensington Hospice and the Senior Director of Client Services at Kensington Health. Nadine has been working in the hospice palliative care field for the past 16 years. She sits on the Accreditation review panel for Hospice Palliative Care Ontario and is on the Board of Directors for the Hazel Burns Hospice. Nadine is a trainer for the Core Concepts Hospice Palliative Training for three of the hospices in Toronto and is a facilitator through Palcare for the hospices in York Region. Nadine was instrumental in redeveloping the Palliative Care Certificate Program through Durham College. This year, Nadine is the co-chair of the provincial conference for Hospice Palliative Care Ontario. Nadine received her Bachelor of Social Work and minor in Psychology at Ryerson University, a Master of Social Work at York University and recently successfully defended her PhD in Palliative Care through Lancaster University in England. Her research interests include the importance of making palliative care equitable and accessible to individuals who are structurally vulnerable, maximizing supports that are available to healthcare providers working in the field, and the supports that are available to adolescents and young adults living with advanced cancer at the end of life.Find Nadine on Instagram: @_nadinepersaud_Find Nadine on Twitter: @NPersaud5Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnectionFor more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

Have you ever felt guilty as a caregiver? You are NOT alone. Guilt in caregiving is so common. In this episode, caregiver (to her husband, son, daughter and mother) Wendy Williams, dives into the guilt she has felt as a caregiver and how this has impacted her and how she has managed these feelings over time. About Wendy:Wendy is a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend and caregiver. In 2010 she founded Crazy Whisperer, a supportive community that focuses on effective management of mental health issues.She has a bipolar husband, an autistic daughter, a disabled son with a rare genetic defect, and an ageing mother with complex medical needs. She is a caregiver to all four and resides in Houston, Texas. Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnectionFor more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

Am I a caregiver? People tell me I am a caregiver but I don't think I am one. Society tells me I'm not a caregiver but I feel like one.Have you ever had any of these thoughts? What does being a ‘caregiver' even mean? In this episode Stephanie talks about the perceptions of what the definition of ‘caregiver' is and whether or not you have to be called a caregiver in your situation. Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnectionFor more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In this episode Stephanie talks about the (several year long) process and journey to her mom's diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia. Stephanie speaks in detail about the clinicians she saw, the barriers and obstacles she faced on the way, complications she faced along the way given her mom's behavioural expression and how she finally felt once a neurologist provided a diagnosis. Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnectionFor more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

Have you ever wondered what to look for or even where to start when searching for a therapist? Have you felt confused and lost when it came to locating allied health supports including art therapists for your loved one? In this episode, Stephanie and therapist Erica Curcio discuss the education and regulation requirements in the United States and Canada to help you on your search to locating a knowledgeable and licenced clinician.  Erica Curcio is the owner of Art Therapists at Home, a Boston-based art therapy practice for people living with dementia and their families. She is a Registered Art Therapist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor that has spent the past decade focusing on improving the therapeutic services available to people living with a dementia-related diagnosis. Erica travels to client's homes and uses art therapy techniques to bring out feelings of joy in the person living with dementia and their families. Her Art Therapy sessions aim to create new connections and reconnect people living with dementia to themselves and the world around them.  To learn more about Erica and her practice, visit:  www.arttherapistsathome.com Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnection For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In this episode, Learning Specialist and Behaviour Consultant Cori Stern discusses the difficulties many parents in the sandwich generation face when balancing their children and their parents. Some topics discussed include: navigating one's own emotions and anxiety when uncertain how to expose their children to a declining family member or a family member who has changed from the person they once knew; managing a child's emotions when visiting a behavioural (physically or verbally) family member; how to speak to a child about sudden changes in a family member and the potential decline of a family member.Cori is a Learning Specialist and Behaviour Consultant. She's also a Mother of an 8 & 6 year old. After completing her Masters in Child Study & Education she merged her backgrounds in Positive Parenting, Education, Child Development, and Behavioural Sciences to deliver a very unique perspective on child growth & development. She has over 15 years of clinical experience working with families who have children on the Autism Spectrum. Her current work focuses on coaching parents through the different ages and stages of development so they can parent with less of the day to day stress and overwhelm! Consider her your Chief Executive Problem Solver-  from the toddler years straight through the school age years.Find Cori:www.coristern.comOn Instagram: @cori_sternOn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1132027413565558/Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnection For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

Caregiving in the sandwich generation is becoming more and more common. Individuals are living longer and requiring support as they age while parents are having children at later stages in life than in previous decades. The demands and stress involved as a caregiver in the sandwich generation are extreme- it can feel as though you are being pulled on both sides with no reprieve. Stephanie normalizes this experience in this episode and details some coping techniques that can help during this overwhelming time.  Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnection For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

Stephanie details how difficult it can be to care for a parent that was abusive and/or who was the instigator of traumatic experiences with the caregiver. She also provides her top techniques to managing this specific situation.Please note: when it comes to trauma it is extremely important to speak to a licensed mental health professional as all situations are unique and may require specific processing and management. Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnection For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In this episode Stephanie discusses the concerning changes she started to see in her mom that eventually led to her seeking out a neurological diagnosis. Stephanie details physical and verbal changes in addition to problem solving, ‘logic and reasoning' shifts she saw her mom experiencing. Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnection For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In this episode Stephanie summarizes the top 5 episodes from season one of Caregiver's Compass- trust us, you don't want to miss these. 1) Episode 14: My 27 Year Caregiving Journey'- balancing care for a bipolar husband, two special needs children and a mother with complex medical needs 2)  Episode 4: The INTENSIVE Caregiver: Caring for a Spouse, Working as a Professor and Parenting a Young Child - With Brian Smith 3) Episode 5:Role Shifts in the Family System: Chaos and upheaval in the family and navigating breaks in family dynamics as a result of a loved one's diagnosis4) Episode 13:I Am Grieving But My Loved One Is Still Alive- The Ongoing Cycles of Grief During Caregiving5) Episode 6: Is it Normal to Feel THIS Overwhelmed as a Caregiver? Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnection For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In this episode Stephanie discusses her recent major life changes (she had a baby!) and upcoming changes coming to Caregiver's Compass. Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnection For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In this episode, Anna Cantor discusses finding out about her mom's cognitive decline from across the world and moving home to provide care for her at the age of 26. She identifies the gaps that she found while caregiving and what inspired her to become a certified life coach and dementia care consultant. Anna Cantor is a Certified Life Coach and Dementia Care consultant. After her mother was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimers in 2010, Anna became her full time caregiver at only 26 years old. For over a decade Anna has managed her care & sought out how to help others deal with grief and loss and get the right support they need. Anna found that she lacked community and 1:1 help that was specific to her needs, alongside the needs of her mother. She believes firmly that you cannot care for others unless you care for yourself first. She became a certified life coach to mentor caregivers dealing with the daily challenges that come with a loved ones diagnosis with dementia. She helps people find value and meaning in their lives, and teaches them healthy perspectives through mindset shifts, emotional processing tools and communication strategies. Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnection For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In this episode, Natacha and Stephanie discuss how one can go about accessing mental health supports as a caregiver, particularly if their culture/community of origin stigmatizes mental health treatment. They also discuss how to communicate with family/ friends if struggling as a caregiver when caregiving is viewed as a cultural norm or expectation. About Natacha:Natacha Pennycooke is an award winningpsychotherapist, international speaker, clinicalconsultant, and director of NatachaPennycooke Psychotherapy a group privatepractice. In her over 11 years of practice, Natacha's work is guided from an anti-oppressive, healing focused, trauma informed, anti-Black racism lens and racial justice framework, to unpack and challenge Euro-centric ideologies, systemic oppression and generational traumas that have been detrimental to racialized communities. She has presented at a number of international and national psychological conferences; and, is sought after for her passionate speaking style and expertise on mental health, coping, racialtrauma and healing to speak at various corporate and community events acrossCanada, and beyond. Natacha is a founding member of the Association of Black Psychologists - Toronto Chapter (ABPsi-TO), and is the current recipient of the ByBlacks People's Choice Award for Best Canadian Counsellor of 2020.Find Natacha: On Instagram: @natachapennycooke.therapyhttp://www.natachapennycooke.com

In this episode, Roxanne discusses the impact her grandfather's Alzheimer's diagnosis had on her grandmother who was his primary caregiver. She explores how her grandfather's diagnosis impacted her and the reasons why she decided to found Wilson & Grandpa, a brand dedicated to Alzheimer's awareness. Stephanie and Roxanne also touch upon the differences in cultural views pertaining to cognitive decline in North America vs. South America. About Roxanne: Roxanne Santiago, is the founder of Wilson & Grandpa, a project dedicated to bringing awareness to Alzheimer's Disease. The project was inspired after her Grandpa Esteban passed away from Alzheimer's Disease in October 2020. Through Wilson & Grandpa, Roxanne strives to normalize the conversation of Alzheimer's in a simple, relatable way and help others understand more about the disease and how they can make a difference even if they're not primary caregivers - as everyone plays an important role in the lives of people living with dementia.Find Roxanne:On Instagram: @wilsonandgrandpa http://www.wilsonandgrandpa.comVisit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnection For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In this episode, registered kinesiologist Sarah Pludwinski discusses how a caregiver or a loved one can incorporate exercise and movement into daily life as a way to benefit one's overall body and mind. Sarah uncovers some of the fears surrounding exercise particularly when it comes to exercising with a chronic illness, comorbidities, cognitive decline or aging. About Sarah:Sarah Pludwinski is a Registered Kinesiologist and certified exercise physiologist, with more than 10 years of experience working in both private and public health care settings. Currently she is working at a community health centre in East Toronto, Ontario. Her work primarily focuses on chronic disease prevention and self management. She specializes in behaviour change, providing exercise prescription and support to help individuals achieve their health and wellness goals.Sarah strongly believes in providing services that help break down the barriers people face while engaging in healthy living.Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnection For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In this episode Stephanie discusses how to navigate the guilt, anxiety and overwhelm that caregivers can when traveling. She also discusses practical suggestions to establishing care while away and setting boundaries and communication strategies while traveling.Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnection For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

At the age of 29, Kris McCabe made the decision to care full-time for her 'grams' living with Alzheimer's. 5 years later she has never looked back, enjoying a life full of meaning and fun with her grandmother on a daily basis. In this episode, Kris discusses how she made the decision to care for her grandmother full-time and how she structures her daily life as she provides care as a millenial caregiver. She also touches upon some of the negativity she has received on the internet and how she remains resilient so she can enjoy her life to the fullest. Find Kris (and her grams Mary):IG: @lifewithgramsVisit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnection For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In this episode, Lani Lipson, co-founder of ee-mah very candidly opens up about her experiences caring for both her mother and father simultaneously in her 20s as an only child. She explores the grief she felt after losing both her parents and the decision to then start her own family without her parents by her side, while at the same time seeing so many friends raise families with parental support. About Lani:Lani Lipson is a busy mom of two and co-founder of ee-mah. There are so many things that no one ever tells you about being a new mom which is how ee-mah came about. Lani loves working with her partner Jordana and talking to moms about the ups, the downs, the beauty and the hardships of motherhood. Ee-mah is an anonymous storytelling platform that gives moms an opportunity to share their story to help other mothers feel less alone on their journey. Find Lani:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/shopeemah/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/this.is.eemah/?hl=enWebsite:https://ee-mah.com/Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnection For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In this episode, esteemed professor Lucy Lach discusses her many years of research looking at the outcomes for caregivers of a child with epilepsy, particularly after undergoing surgery. Specific outcomes discussed include community supports, accessing and navigating community supports and caregiver mental health. Stephanie and Lucy also discuss how the global pandemic has impacted caregivers overall and their ability to access community supports and mental health supports. This episode is part 1 of 2. Dr. Lucyna Lach is an associate professor in the School of Social Work and an associate member of the Departments of Pediatrics, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University. Her program of research focusses on the well-being of children with neurodisabilities and their caregivers (i.e. caregiver health, and parenting). Dr. Lach's current projects address social determinants of health of children with neurodisabilties.  Dr. Lach is a peer-reviewer for numerous journals as well as organizations who provide funding in this area of research.Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnection For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

Trauma as a result of caregiving (particularly as a result of caring for a child with a disability) with Donna Thomson (Part 2) (Episode 30)Donna Thomson, a well-known advocate for caregivers, joins Stephanie in this episode to discuss her experiences as a caregiver both to her father and her son with severe cerebral palsy and medical complexity. She also touches upon the trauma that can result from caregiving and her experiences navigating the Ontario healthcare system. Donna Thomson is the co-author with Dr. Zachary White of The Unexpected Journey of Caring and the author of The Four Walls of My Freedom: Lessons I've Learned From a Life of Caregiving. Donna facilitates Caregiving Essentials and instructs the Family Engagement in Research, both at McMaster University. Donna has sat on The Expert Group on Home and Community Care, the advisory committee for the white paper on aging and on the Working Group on Complex Care for Adults with Developmental Disabilities for the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care . She is a lifelong family caregiver and advocate. Find Donna: https://www.donnathomson.com/This episode is part 2 of 2.Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnection For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

Donna Thomson, a well-known advocate for caregivers, joins Stephanie in this episode to discuss her experiences as a caregiver both to her father and her son with severe cerebral palsy and medical complexity. She also touches upon the trauma that can result from caregiving and her experiences navigating the Ontario healthcare system. Donna Thomson is the co-author with Dr. Zachary White of The Unexpected Journey of Caring and the author of The Four Walls of My Freedom: Lessons I've Learned From a Life of Caregiving. Donna facilitates Caregiving Essentials and instructs the Family Engagement in Research, both at McMaster University. Donna has sat on The Expert Group on Home and Community Care, the advisory committee for the white paper on aging and on the Working Group on Complex Care for Adults with Developmental Disabilities for the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care . She is a lifelong family caregiver and advocate. Find Donna: https://www.donnathomson.com/This episode is part 1 of 2. Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnection For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In today's episode Stephanie shares a real case example of a very overwhelmed primary caregiver who had to say 'no' and take a step back while her father was admitted to the hospital.This story emphasizes that it is ok to take a step back when needed and discusses who you can lean on and transfer concerns to when you need to say no.Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnection For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In today's episode Stephanie shares a real case example of a very overwhelmed primary caregiver who had to say 'no' and take a step back while her father was admitted to the hospital.This story emphasizes that it is ok to take a step back when needed and discusses who you can lean on and transfer concerns to when you need to say no.Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnection For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

We all have that person in our lives- they are well-meaning and do not recognize it but will reach out to us ongoing about concerns that are very minimal to us while we are navigating crises and significant stressors. What do we do in these situations? Do we reply to their comments and where do we draw the line?In this episode Stephanie discusses how to approach these situations and what we can do to communicate with those we love who reach out to us in this manner. Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnection For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

We all have that person in our lives- they are well-meaning and do not recognize it but will reach out to us ongoing about concerns that are very minimal to us while we are navigating crises and significant stressors. What do we do in these situations? Do we reply to their comments and where do we draw the line?In this episode Stephanie discusses how to approach these situations and what we can do to communicate with those we love who reach out to us in this manner. Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnection For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In Episode 26 of Caregiver's Compass, Adrienne discusses her experiences since her mom's passing 18 months ago (from Multiple System Atrophy), while entering a new chapter in her caregiving journey. Adrienne touches upon grief, traveling after caregiving and experiencing life without her mom.About Adrienne: Adrienne Glusman is professional speaker, ambassador and advocate on the topic of Millennial Caregiving, sharing her story and journey as an only-child caregiver to her mom, Hetty, who passed away in 2020 after living with Multiple System Atrophy since 2010.  Adrienne's story as Hetty's caregiver was featured in a Wall Street Journal article, 'The Call To Care for Aging Parents Comes Sooner Now'.  Her story has also been featured in Health magazine, Toronto Sun and Vox.com to name a few.  In addition to keynoting national conferences for Leading Age, National Church Residences and the Multiple System Atrophy Coalition, Adrienne has also been involved with various caregiving campaigns including serving as a caregiver ambassador for EMD Serono's Embracing Carers, Leading Age's 'Carry the Convo' and The Scan Foundation's 'Do You Give a Care'.   You can follow her on Instagram and Facebook @younglifeinterrupted, or subscribe to her podcast, Young Life Interrupted, where she is lending a voice to her journey so other young caregivers can feel seen, heard and supported. Find Adrienne: Facebook and Instagram: @younglifeinterrupted Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnection For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

In this week's episode, Laura Smothers-Chu (founder of Befriended Heart, LLC) discusses what it can be like as a long-distance daughter and a long-distance caregiver. She explores some of the myths surrounding distance caregiving and she and Stephanie additionally discuss the emotional aspects associated with distance caregiving. Laura opens up about her fertility journey in this episode and about experiencing loss after caregiving. About Laura:Laura Smothers-Chu is the CEO & Founder of Befriended Heart. Here, she helps long-distance daughters navigate their parents' dementia. Laura is a Certified Senior Advisor and a Certified Dementia Practitioner. With over 10 years of experience in health care, she was also a long-distance daughter of dementia. Laura enjoys guiding daughters in managing stress on the dementia journey. She also hosts a YouTube channel called Joy in Dementia and is quite active on Instagram. She lives in Washington DC with her husband, rescue dog and cat. Laura enjoys living in the moment and discovering joy wherever possible.Find Laura: http://www.joyindementia.comYoutube: https://rebrand.ly/joyindementiaInstagram: @joy.in.dementiaVisit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnection For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

Maria Kent Beers, one of the co-creators of the Remember Me Podcast, talks to Stephanie about how she channeled her grief into helping others and creating meaning from the difficult times in her life. Stephanie and Maria also discuss living with a mom diagnosed with FTD at a very young age while starting a family and a career. Maria Kent Beers is a fierce advocate for Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) and ALS. Her passion for this work was fueled by her mother's diagnosis in late 2016, at the young age of 52. In 2020, Maria channeled her grief and creative talents into creating a FTD-focused podcast, Remember Me, with internet friend and fellow caregiver, Rachael Martinez. Now formally formed as Remember Me, LLC, Maria and Rachael's organization is dedicated to providing a platform for early-onset dementia resources and a loving and engaged community bonded over shared experience.Maria lives in Boston where she is a mother to one spirited boy and wife to her college love. She is a proud graduate of Boston University's College of Communications, where she started her love of radio as a host of "BU in the Morning" Radio Show and summer intern for MTV Radio in NYC.Find Maria on Instagram: @remembermepodcast The Remember Me community and online store: http:///www.remembermeftd.comVisit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnection For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

It is completely normal to compare yourself to other caregivers and other people around you. Why do others have more help when it comes to caring for others? Why did all of this have to happen to you at your age while not to others? Why do others seem so happy and care-free while you are struggling daily? In this episode Stephanie discusses comparing to others in general and during stressful times in our lives. She also suggests specific ideas for how to move past comparing and more towards gratitude for your own life and what you have. Visit us on our website:www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnection For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

The holidays can be a very difficult time as a caregiver- add the stress of being a parent, and negative emotions can go to a whole other level.In this episode, Stephanie discusses some common concerns and stressors that may be faced as a parent in the sandwich generation during the holiday season. She also provides suggestions and tips in regards to navigating this time so you can try and make the holidays as enjoyable as possible for you, your kids and your aging loved one. Visit us on our website:   www.compassionincaregiving.comJoin our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnection For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

Brandon Burke is an inspiring author who has taken the impact of his experience as a young caregiver and turned it into a passion for helping others in similar situations. In this episode Brandon talks about the shock of his dad's diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer's and how caring for his father changed his life's trajectory and overall meaning of life.  About Brandon:As an adolescent, Brandon saw the effects of Alzheimer's disease, specifically the havoc it wreaks on the diagnosed and the interruption of life it causes for caregivers, through the diagnosis of his beloved grandmother; but he never dreamed how that would shape his adult life.In 2015, Brandon was faced with the realities of Alzheimer's disease front and center when his father, Gary, was diagnosed. He immediately understood that this diagnosis would change the trajectory of his life forever.On Nov. 1, 2020, Brandon released his first book, Rediscovering Dad and Discovering Myself: A Journey Through the Impact of Alzheimer's. “I believe that sharing our stories is our superpower. We realize just how connected we all are when we have the courage to open ourselves up to others. You never know how your story can impact the life of someone else until you share. It just might save them,” Brandon relates.A native of Baltimore, Maryland, and a graduate of Hampton University, Brandon currently resides in the Washington, D.C. metro area.Find Brandon:On Instagram: @brandontheauthor  Http://brandontheauthor.comVisit us on our website:   www.compassionincaregiving.com Join our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnection   For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving

Registered Dietitian Molly Robinson discusses some of the common nutrition concerns of care partners and talks about the importance of having an experienced dietician involved in the care team of an individual with dementia. She explains the differences between a dietician and speech language pathologist and how it is very possible to introduce a variety of foods and drink other than the meal supplements that may often be suggested by some members of a care team. Molly Robinson a registered dietitian with more than 18 years of experience and a passion for nutritional care in dementia. She specializes in providing support and solutions for families and care partners to nourish through the nutrition challenges that often come with the dementia journey. Molly believes in a dignified dining experience and promoting independence and quality of life with food throughout the dementia journey.  She coaches caregivers in strategies to relieve stress at mealtime, improve nutritional status and prevent or stop weight loss. Find Molly on Instagram: @dementia.nutritionist  Visit us on our website:   www.compassionincaregiving.com Join our FREE Facebook community! https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassioncaregiverconnection   For more visit our Instagram! @compassionincaregiving