CareTalker – Dan Koffman

When we race around during our busy days . . . we miss so much. But, when we slow down and take a breath and address the moment with a caring heart . . . that moment “shines”! It is my hope that listeners may hear themselves reflected in my personal story and find comfort, good suggestions and solid tips … Read more about this episode...

Exactly “how we are” after our Caregiving Experience has ended is a function of how and what we may have learned while “under fire” . . . Caregiving can destroy us or loft us like a Phoenix rising from the ashes . . . in the end . . . it is a choice . . . What will you … Read more about this episode...

Think about the people who you care the very most about. Think about how you are feeling when you are thinking about them and how it makes you feel inside . . . Warm, happy and loved? I’ll bet that’s what you’re feeling. So . . . question . . . how would you like to amp up those good … Read more about this episode...

Are you doing all you can do to be the best possible Home Caregiver for your loved one? If you find that you are frustrated, short tempered or angry you need to take a step back and consider that you may well have to make some personal adjustments to do whatever it’s going to take to make the necessary changes.… Read more about this episode...

When it comes to the care we deliver to our loved one, there can be no compromise! Anything less that giving our all diminishes our effectiveness which means we have to plan in advance. Not easy . . . but necessary! It is my hope that listeners may hear themselves reflected in my personal story and find comfort, good suggestions … Read more about this episode...

We can make our Caregiving better . . . perhaps even save a life . . . when we use our “superpower of RxRay Vision” to look closely at our loved ones pharmaceuticals and learn about possible side effects that can occur. If we then employ our unwavering willingness to question the doctor or pharmacist until we are satisfied with … Read more about this episode...

So many small moments occur, while Caregiving, that are worthy of acknowledgement and celebration that we let just go by. If we allow ourselves just a few seconds to focus on these “small miracles” we can amplify a wellspring of good feelings that can change the very nature of the day . . . creating positive shifts that really matter.… Read more about this episode...

Most Caregivers are just plain folks . . . like me . . . a layperson with no degrees or alphabet soup after my name . . . but that sure doesn’t mean that I’m unaware or unable to make intelligent decisions. As it relates to pharmaceuticals, it requires of us, the willingness to keep an open mind and to … Read more about this episode...

Caregiving can swallow you if you don’t keep moving toward “higher ground” . . . planning, learning, organizing and talking with your family about your loved one’s issues are what will help you to avoid tripping yourself up. Our very best focus is called for now . . . as are “right actions”! It is my hope that listeners may … Read more about this episode...

When we Caregiver’s suffer an injury, it’s very easy to see how quickly things can change. Now I’m walking with a cane and it has been a great reality check for me as a Caregiver. It is my hope that listeners may hear themselves reflected in my personal story and find comfort, good suggestions and solid tips that they may … Read more about this episode...

When illness occurs and Caregiving begins, that which we call “normal” starts to shift. Making the effort to recreate moments of “normalcy” can be extremely rewarding for you and your loved one . . . even if it’s not exactly “the way it was” . . . it is your love in action! It is my hope that listeners may … Read more about this episode...

Home Caregiving for a dear family member has a powerful effect on us . . . it changes us in many ways. These can be positive changes if we are making smart choices, staying focused and listening thoughtfully. It is my hope that listeners may hear themselves reflected in my personal story and find comfort, good suggestions and solid tips … Read more about this episode...

To have a “stout heart” is to be brave and courageous in the face of difficulties . . . Caregiving often takes us down paths that twist wildly . . . all the more reason to “keep our head” each day so that we can deliver our best to our loved ones! It is my hope that listeners may hear … Read more about this episode...

Nobody ever said that Caregiving is pretty . . . or easy! But, as Caregiver’s the last thing we want to do is make things even more difficult. Today’s show offers some straight forward suggestions to keep us on an even keel! It is my hope that listeners may hear themselves reflected in my personal story and find comfort, good … Read more about this episode...

Caregiving over time is the sub-total of a long list of little things . . . small loving actions that when carried out with focus and intention create that your loved one (and you) have had a “good day”! It is my hope that listeners may hear themselves reflected in my personal story and find comfort, good suggestions and solid … Read more about this episode...

Having a knowledgeable person to talk to about your Home Caregiving circumstance makes all the difference in the world. Today’s show offers suggestions as to how to find the “rightest” person who may well be able to help you take your Caregiving to the next level It is my hope that listeners may hear themselves reflected in my personal story … Read more about this episode...

Caregiving is stressful . . . Illness is stressful . . . Life is stressful. Undiffused stress in a Caregiver can easily explode making an already difficult circumstance nearly impossible. Today’s focus is on ways to reduce or disappear stress so as to stop potentially negative things before they happen. It is my hope that listeners may hear themselves reflected … Read more about this episode...

Home Caregiving is like life. Sometimes we get it right . . . other times, not so much. But, if we are really tuned in, we know at the end of the day what could have been handled in a better way for a better outcome. That’s when “tomorrow” comes in handy . . . time to be better. It … Read more about this episode...

We never know what exactly we will be called upon to do on a day to day basis as a Caregiver . . . Yes, there are the basic daily responsibilities . . . that is, until things shift and change . . . and change, they will do! And like MacGyver . . . we better be ready for … Read more about this episode...

We Home Caregiver’s can be hard on ourselves . . . perhaps, sometimes, way too hard! Today’s show explores how we can guide our inner voice towards kinder and gentler “internal conversations” . . . after all, we deserve our own compassion! It is my hope that listeners may hear themselves reflected in my personal story and find comfort, good … Read more about this episode...

Of course, we would love to see our loved one cured of all illness. That could happen . . . or not! Miracles are often of a smaller nature . . . small victories . . . small positive changes. But in order for us to be able to see and acknowledge these miracles we must be paying close, loving … Read more about this episode...

Home Caregiving may come on slowly over a long period of time . . . or arrive in a frantic, tragic instant. How we respond . . . our actions and our attitude will dictate how successful our Caregiving will be. It is my hope that listeners may hear themselves reflected in my personal story and find comfort, good suggestions … Read more about this episode...

“Old School Caregiving” can sap the life right out of you . . . It’s time to pull out all the stops and make our Caregiving just a little bit easier! This is possible when we surround ourselves with simple and powerful reminders to stay in right action with a smile! It is my hope that listeners may hear themselves … Read more about this episode...

Sometimes Caregiving can be like captaining a ship at sea during an unrelenting storm. When issues are coming fast and furious for our loved one, it is all the more necessary for us to stay centered, tuned-in and ready to do whatever is necessary. The true measure of our abiliity to “sail on” can only be had seas are at … Read more about this episode...

The Caregiving journey is profoundly effected by the Caregiver’s attitude. And an attitude that provides perspective lofts the entire Caregiving process to new heights. Today’s show focuses on some simple and powerful actions “designed with altitude” in mind!. It is my hope that listeners may hear themselves reflected in my personal story and find comfort, good suggestions and solid tips … Read more about this episode...

CareGiving is all about getting into action . . . Right Action! The quality of our CareGiving Journey depends on our attitude. If we are fighting or arguing with family, our CareGiving can easily be compromised. Today’s show focuses on some profoundly simple and powerful actions. It is my hope that listeners may hear themselves reflected in my personal story … Read more about this episode...

Yes, CareGiving is a serious . . . but without a smile, it becomes difficult and stressful. The CareGiver who can find a smile from time to time and keep their own life in some kind of balance is the is the CareGiver we all aspire to be. When we realize that there is a choice (and choices to be … Read more about this episode...

SHOW TITLE: “RETROFIT FOR CAREGIVING” To retrofit or not . . . that is the question! Making your home easier for your loved one to get around is very important . . . with safety being the key issue. A key retrofit element can be a Safe Step Tub . . . you’ve seen ‘em advertised and we’ll talk about … Read more about this episode...

Chances are, as our Home CareGiving role continues, we will revisit “places and circumstances” we have previously experienced. The longer we serve, the more often these moments may occur. We have, in these and in all moments, the power to set a positive tone and have a profound effect on our loved ones for whom we are caring. It is … Read more about this episode...

You and I, as Home CareGivers have the power to set the tone in our homes for our loved ones. Each day offers the opportunity for happiness and satisfaction . . . especially if we have done our best to plan ahead for the needs of our loved one as well as ourselves. It is my hope that listeners may … Read more about this episode...

Imagine your loved one suddenly smiling a little bit . . . eating well and drinking plenty of fluids . . . all of a sudden, you are listening with new ears and you are feeling even more connected to your loved one. . . what has happened? Today we’ll explore this real possibility. It is my hope that listeners … Read more about this episode...

Home Caregiving has so many layers . . . like a great lasagna! From moment-to-moment, we often are forced to change “layer” focus to best benefit our loved one for whom we are caring. Knowing (in advance) the ever-changingness of Home Caregiving can help us respond better and with a far better attitude . . . and makes for a … Read more about this episode...

Choices . . . every step of the way, we CareGivers are making choices. These can be spontaneous or well thought out and we can choose to be closed or open minded. But no matter our choices, we have it in our power to make a huge difference in our loved one’s life. It is my hope that listeners may … Read more about this episode...

When friends or family call, are their questions and comments often awkward? As a Home CareGiver, I have found myself sometimes a little angry at these folks. But, that is not really fair. After all, I never really knew what to say to folks about their loved ones before I was a CareGiver myself . . . so, time to … Read more about this episode...

I wish I could have cured her cancer. Of course, I could not . . . but I could be her loving CareGiver. Today I reflect on her beauty, kindness, love and courage in the face of all the odds. She taught me so much and I am eternally grateful. It is my hope that listeners may hear themselves reflected … Read more about this episode...

CareGiving in the Stone Age must have been insanely difficult . . . how do you treat a sabertooth tiger bite anyway? Fast forward to our role today as Home CareGivers . . . things have changed for the better . . . but Home CareGiving still requires our focus and keeping family in the loop. It is my hope … Read more about this episode...

There does come a time when, for obvious reasons, our role as CareGiver comes to an end. What happens when, after all the intense and serious focus of advocating for a loved one is over? Perhaps you’ll find, as I have, that life will never be the same as it was . . . new choices . . . new … Read more about this episode...

Whether it starts out slow, over a period of years, or comes about in a flash, most CareGiving stories have “common chapters” . . . Today’s show identifies some of these commonalities and raises questions that we caregivers can contemplate. It is my hope that listeners may hear themselves reflected in my personal story and find comfort, good suggestions and … Read more about this episode...

How are you? Seems like a simple question . . . but for the CareGiver it can be complicated if we are tired and overwhelmed. Taking (even a little) time to rediscover who we are is extremely critical to our role as CareGiver. It is my hope that listeners may hear themselves reflected in my personal story and find comfort, … Read more about this episode...

Time for new Family Traditions? As the Primary CareGiver, you know better than anyone how your loved one has changed and has been affected by their illness. Consider that some favorite Family Traditions may need to be updated (perhaps adjusted or even cancelled) to best accommodate these changing realities. It is my hope that listeners may hear themselves reflected in … Read more about this episode...

Thinking about “what’s next” as a CareGiver really helps. Better yet, a little study about that “coming issue” will empower you in many ways. If you ask questions and get a real grasp on things, you will be far less likely to be blind-sided . . . today we focus on staying a step ahead. It is my hope that … Read more about this episode...

CareGiving . . . so many hats . . . so many important roles. Today’s show takes a look at the breathe of responsibilities faced daily by all CareGivers. Often circumstances may dictate that we wear several hats at the same time. It is my hope that listeners may hear themselves reflected in my personal story and find comfort, good … Read more about this episode...

Getting “agreement” from your family about CareGiving issues is a real challenge . . . any level of agreement makes the CareGiving job easier . . . today we explore the “Family Meeting” and how it paves the way for everyone to have a better understanding of the CareGiving issues being faced. It is my hope that listeners may hear … Read more about this episode...

Care giving on a daily basis is a moving target. Things change. No illness stays the same, symptoms change. The Caregiver who is flexible . . . who stays in the moment . . . can achieve great things on behalf of their loved one. It is my hope that listeners may hear themselves reflected in my personal story and … Read more about this episode...