Irreverent Eldercare Insights

Today I am catching up with Grandma for the first time in four months. In good news she is still alive, still Covid free, and appears to be on track to make it to her 88th birthday at the end of July. In bad news, she has lived to see many unthinkable events.

Today I am interviewing a new friend and kindred spirit, Carolyn Zaikowski. While Carolyn makes a living as a writer and writing professor, she also has a take on dying as a trained Death Doula. Our conversation covers everything from WHY to become a Death Doula ... HOW to become Death Doula ... and ways to FIND a Death Doula to assist with the tactical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the end of YOUR life, or a loved one's. She also shares her experience with Death Cafes, and the insightful suggestion that "death can be trusted." Learn more about Carolyn and our conversation topics at the websites below. http://www.carolynzaikowski.com/ (www.carolynzaikowski.com) http://www.pioneervalleywriters.org/ (www.pioneervalleywriters.org) https://radicaldeathstudies.com/ (radicaldeathstudies.com) https://queerdeathstudies.net/ (queerdeathstudies.net) http://deathcafe.com/ (Deathcafe.com)

Today I'm interviewing my dear friend, neighbor, and eldercare consultant, Howard, who will provide hot tips on the Start, Middle, and End of the eldercare adventure. We talk about the creative problem solving of excellent eldercare experts, and how to build the best support system for your needs. And we even offer a bonus holiday podcast as my Season 1 finale!

A bonus holiday podcast with my buddy and expert eldercare consultant, Howard.

My own Doctor of Acupuncture, https://www.mcmanusacupuncture.com/about-claire (Claire McManus), provides eldercare-givers with her expert SELF care tips. She extols the benefits of strategically placed needles, contemplative care retreats, photographing the dead, Death Cafes, meditation apps, therapy dogs, laughter, exercise, and a good night's sleep. She also has advice for anyone who gets sprayed by a Baird's tapir, needs to rehabilitate a sea turtle, or wants to befriend an ornery warthog (AND his wife). Mainly Claire is here to remind us: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.lionsroar.com/the-five-remembrances/?goal%3D0_1988ee44b2-529b83fd4e-26077024%26mc_cid%3D529b83fd4e%26mc_eid%3D251d0c1382&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1638245579551000&usg=AOvVaw2dH6u8GMdfdez9A6iD_Z4Y (we're all gonna die).

Irreverent Rachel, creator of THIS-IS-GETTING-OLD.COM, interviews an End of Sh*t Sister who offers wisdoms from her personal and professional elder care experiences. We talk about state services that can support elders who have adult children at a distance. And my guest puts in a sincere plug for engaging every elder about their own story.

Irreverent Rachel, creator of THIS-IS-GETTING-OLD.COM, interviews a Middle of Sh*t Sister who bravely shares an elder care story that is still being written. And her sweet father grants a first-ever Grandpa Cameo! We talk about traumatic loss and tough decisions, effective therapy and the efficacy of long-term care insurance. And most importantly, the joy of annual family memories created in a sacred place.

Irreverent Rachel, creator of THIS-IS-GETTING-OLD.COM, continues with Part 2 of an interview with a Sh*t S*ster who has been in the Start, Middle, and End of the eldercare trenches, and a cameo with Grandma who (unexpectedly) made it to 87!

Irreverent Rachel, creator of THIS-IS-GETTING-OLD.COM, explains her recent radio-silence and also interviews a Sh*t S*ster who has been in the Start, Middle, and End of the eldercare trenches. The conversation was so jam-packed with gems you'll want to tune in for Part 2 at the end of July!

Irreverent Rachel, creator of THIS-IS-GETTING-OLD.COM, interviews another Sh*t S*ster who teaches us that putting up your antenna and asking questions are easy first steps for learning what's on your eldercare horizon.

Irreverent Rachel, creator of THIS-IS-GETTING-OLD.COM, interviews a Sh*t S*ster at the start of her eldercare journey who teaches us that drinking wine while wondering what to do is not quite as effective as initiating a family conversation.

Irreverent Rachel, creator of THIS-IS-GETTING-OLD.COM, explores why elder caregivers sometimes have to advocate for an END to life in a litigious CYA American medical system that often encourages intervention over intention.

Rachel Lee (aka Irreverent Rachel) introduces her THIS-IS-GETTING-OLD.COM empire, created to support the “undertakings” of fellow Sh*t Sisters and S*blings in the eldercare trenches.