Southern Caregiver Resource Center

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Kelly Peters, Vice President of Community Impact at Rancho Coastal Humane Society. Listen to their discussion about the powerful connection between caregiving and pet companionship, highlighting programs that keep seniors and their beloved pets together. From pet-assisted therapy to senior adoption programs, learn how Rancho Coastal is supporting caregivers and spreading joy through furry friends.Keywords: caregiving, pet-assisted therapy, seniors, companionship, rancho coastal humane society

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Giselle, a bilingual lead clinician and Associate Director at the Cohen Clinic at Veteran Village of San Diego. Listen to their discussion about supporting military families, breaking mental health stigma, and the vital role of caregivers. Together, they explore how accessible, culturally sensitive, and collaborative care can empower hidden heroes across generations.Keywords: military caregivers, mental health support, PTSD, veteran families, telehealth services, caregiver resources

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Victor, a Heath Promotion Specialist and Partner Relay program liaison for the County of San Diego Office of Border Health. Victor assists with providing emergency preparation information for multi-lingual and vulnerable communities by coordinating a network of trusted government and non-profit organizations in San Diego County. Listen to their conversation about the importance of emergency preparedness and resources available to caregivers in the community.Keywords: emergency preparation, community emergency preparation, disaster response, earthquake preparedness, flood preparedness

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Dr. Zvinka Zlatar, a principal researcher for UC San Diego's Wise Lab, a wellness initiative focused on seniors. Dr. Zlatar discusses the impact of lifestyle interventions such as diet and exercise on our overall brain health, including blood flow, brain structure, and memory. Keywords: brain health, brain aging, senior wellness, cognition, memory

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Deborah Ferrell, Director of Care Services for the San Diego chapter of the ALS Association. Listen to their discussion about understanding the nature and course of ALS, and the challenges and rewards of caring for someone with the disease. ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that impacts the cells of the brain and spinal cord. Keywords: caregiving, ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease, ALS caregiving, case management, neurodegenerative disease,

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Uriko, a full-time family caregiver for both parents, ages 89 and 91.  Listen to their discussion about how Uriko became her parents' full-time caregiver and the changes she noticed in both of them that required full-time care. Keywords: family caregiver, COPD, end-stage COPD, dementia, family caregiving, 

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha reflect on SCRC's services in 2024. There are over 490,000 unpaid family caregivers in San Diego, and SCRC plays an important role in connecting family caregivers with support and additional resources. Keywords: family caregiver, unpaid family caregiver, caregiver resources, support, San Diego caregivers

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Dr. Paula Desplats, an associate professor at UCSD who is currently researching the role of circadian alterations that trigger neuronal death in Alzheimer's disease. Paula discusses the cutting-edge research happening in San Diego and ways for caregivers and their loved ones to get involved in research. Keywords: alzheimer's disease research, brain research, Parkinson's research, treatment, cure

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Susan, advisory board member and volunteer for End of Life Choices CA, a non-profit that assists individuals and families with end of life planning and education. Susan helps de-stigmatize conversations around end of life planning and death and dying. Keywords: end of life planning, advance care directive, palliative care, medical assistance in dying, hospice

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Frank, a CFO for Coast Care, Cal Aim Department. Listen to their discussion about the benefits of respite services for caregivers. Although rewarding, caregiving comes with its own set of demands. Very often, family caregivers can find themselves managing their loved one's complex medical and cognitive issues over the course of months or years. Frank shares how he and his wife provided 30 years of around the clock care for his mother in law after a stroke left her fully disabled.Listen to Frank's personal narrative as he candidly discusses the physical and emotional impacts of caregiving, and the need for caregivers to seek out respite care from time to time. Keywords: respite care, family caregiver, stroke, disability, elder care

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Jennie, a yoga instructor who teaches gentle and chair yoga and movement to seniors. She also works one-on-one with individuals teaching caregivers how to engage with their loved ones through yoga, breathing techniques and short guided meditations.Listen to their discussion about how to use gentle movement in caregiving, how these practices may fit into a self-care routine, and the benefits of practical, easy movements. Keywords: vision, visual impairment, baby boomers, family caregiver

In this month's episode, Roberto chats with Carrie, a Blind and Low Vision Social Worker from the Braille Institute. In her role, Carrie assists family caregivers who are visually impaired.Listen to their discussion about support services available to the visually impaired community, tips and life skills for caregiving with a visual impairment and vision changes as we age. Keywords: vision, visual impairment, baby boomers, family caregiver

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Melissa, a death doula and advocate for the most loving end of life experience possible for the dying and their loved ones. She recognizes the importance of communicating end of life wishes to caregivers. Listen to their discussion about how to talk about death and dying with your loved ones, sharing your personal wishes, and navigating the emotions of end of life. Keywords: end of life, death, wishes

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Irene, who has been a family caregiver for many years, currently providing care to her husband who has Parkinson's and previously cared for her mother.Listen to their discussion about caring for someone with Parkinson's disease, the experience of long-term caregiving, and the importance of finding support.Keywords: Parkinson's Disease, Support Groups, North County

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Larry Griner, a family caregiver who provided care for his mother for 6 years.Listen to their discussion about the power of music in caregiving, and his personal experience as a family caregiver. He shared his caregiving journey on social media including their use of music to connect and enjoy their time together. Keywords: music, family caregiver, Alzheimer's Disease

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Dr. Kathryn Winters, a Palliative Care Physician and Assistant Professor at UCSD Health.Listen to their discussion about the navigating end-of-life care decisions, the value and benefits of palliative care, and personal experiences as family caregivers. Keywords: palliative care, hospice care, family caregivers

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Russell Zygmunt, LCSW who is the Director of Clinical Services for Southern Caregiver Resource Center.Listen to their discussion about the challenges and concerns men have as a family caregiver and ways in which they may need support. They also discuss various resources and personal stories of caregivers.Keywords: men caregiving, male caregiver

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Kimberley McGhee who is a Managing Attorney at the Law Firm of Black & McGhee as well as a board member of SCRC.Listen to their discussion about noticing changes in your loved ones and how to address them, including how to start the conversations and how do you become eligible for benefits.Keywords: senior care, medi-cal, medicare, medical care, insurance

This month, we are revisiting a conversation about Long Distance Caregiving. Caring for someone who lives in another city, state, or even country can be challenging - and during the holiday season, it may be particularly difficult. Whether you are traveling to spend the holidays with the person you care for, or find yourself apart this holiday season, we hope you find moments of joy, reflection, and peace.In this episode, hear personal stories from caregivers, tips for caring for someone who lives far away, and resources available to all family caregivers. 

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Jeff Settineri who is the Owner & Operator, HarborView Senior Assisted Living in San Diego. Listen to their discussion about their personal experiences with caregiving, navigating care for older adults, and housing options that may be a fit as the person you are caring for needs additional support. Keywords: senior care, assisted living, housing

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Paige Colburn-Hargis, Trauma Injury Prevention Coordinator at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla.Listen to their discussion about how to prevent falls among older adults, tips for modifying your home to increase safety, and ways to see the situation from your loved ones perspective. Keywords: fall prevention, injury prevention, safety in the home

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha discuss continuous education for caregivers, many of whom are navigating a new role in their life. The need for information - disease related, behavior management, self-care tools - is never-ending.Listen to their discussion about how to access resources, education, and trainings for family caregivers through various outlets, including California Department of Aging's CalGrows program. CalGrows helps you develop your skills and provide quality care.Keywords: CalGrows, free training, caregiver education

In this month's episode, Martha chats with Supervisor Joel Anderson, San Diego County Supervisor. Supervisor Anderson represents District 2 and helps his community navigate the warm weather in summer.Listen to their discussion about tips for staying cool for family caregivers, older adults, and their families. They discuss ways to find cool zones and affordable ways to beat the heat.Keywords: summer heat, cool zones, family caregiver

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Carline Cadet Francois, CEO of Carline Cadet Fracnois, LLC. Carline owns and operates assisted living facilities and advise others how to do the same with professionalism, empathy and a focus on caregiving.Listen to their discussion about when to consider placement and how to make the decision to place your loved one in an assisted living community.Keywords: assisted living, placement, nursing home, caregiving

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with John Tastad, Program Coordinator for Advanced Care Planning at Sharp Healthcare. He also teaches bioethics and helps families make very difficult medical decisions. He is also a Chaplin and oversees the spiritual care and hospice at Sharp. Listen to their discussion about end of life planning, specifically for individual's with Alzheimer's or other types of dementia.Keywords: end of life, advanced care, decision making, medical ethics

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Kerry Rogers, one of Southern Caregiver Resource Center's Clinical Supervisors. Hear about a new class available to caregivers - Caregiver TLC - which focuses on the emotional and mental well-being of the caregiver, ensuring they are taking care of their own needs.Keywords: emotional well-being, mental well-being, self-care, services

Did you know that April is Stress Awareness Month? As caregivers, stress can be something we experience regularly - and may need tools to help navigate. So for this month's podcast, we're revisiting an important conversation about stress and mental health. We know how challenging caregiving can be - but we want to remind you that we are here to help. Connect with us at scrc.care or calling 858.268.4432. to get important resources and support. 

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Elizabeth Saunders, a senior actor & performer who was also a long distance caregiver, traveling from San Diego to New York to provide care for her mother. Hear about her experience managing end of life care from a distance. Keywords: long distance caregiving, end of life, family caregiver

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Catalina Maynard, an actress, artist, educator and former family caregiver. Catalina is one of 6 cast members in Cygnet Theatre's "El Huracán" - a play centered around family, memories, crisis, caregiving and dementia. Keywords: play, family, generations, caregiving, dementia, national caregiver day

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha reflect on the past 35 years of serving the community of family caregivers in San Diego and Imperial Counties. Hear about the growth the agency has experienced since 1987 and the ways SCRC has been able to support families. Keywords: Caregiving, anniversary, 35 years 

This month, we're revisiting an important conversation about navigating the holiday season with one of our family caregivers, Antonea. She specifically shares her experience of the first holiday season after her caregiving role ended. We know this time of year can be particularly challenging - but we want to remind you that we are here to help. Keywords: holidays, role after caregiving

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Susan DeMarois, Director of California Department of Aging. As we celebrate National Family Caregiver Month in November, hear from Susan about the Master Plan for Aging, important legislation in California, and resources for family caregivers. Keywords: CDA, Department of Aging, Master Plan, legislation, laws, resources 

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Pilialoha Estall, founder of City in Design, a PR agency and think tank which focuses on public and mental health and youth development. She is also a family caregiver for her mom.Listen to their discussion about the experience of being a sandwich generation caregiving, caring for a child and a parent.Keywords: sandwich generation caregiver, family caregiver, caregiving with kids, children

Throughout California, and especially in San Diego, we are experiencing unprecedented heat waves. This can be particularly challenging for family caregivers in the region. For this month's podcast, we're revisiting our conversation with Supervisor Joel Anderson, discussing ideas on how to stay cool and resources available in our County. We hope this helps you to navigate this heat wave and those in the future.Keywords: heatwave, staying cool, cool zones, hydration

This month, as we celebrate our 35th anniversary, we're revisiting our very first episode of the podcast. Roberto Velasquez, Martha Ranon and special guest Tariel Goldstein share their insights and personal stories into the life of being a caregiver.Keywords: Family caregiver, stories, hardships, resources, insights, personal

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Brittany Herrate, a professional and family caregiver.Listen to their discussion about the dynamics of being both a professional caregivers, who provides support to other families, and being a family caregiver, providing care to your own loved ones.Keywords: professional caregiver, paid caregiving, formal caregiver

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Reverend Noella Buchanan. Reverend Buchanan is a retired pastor of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She also has her Masters of Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary. Listen to their discussion about caregiving in the African American community, her experience in outreach, education, and advocacy as well as her time as a family caregiver for her sister-in-law and husband.  Keywords: African American, AME, gerontology, family caregiver, in-law

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Dr. Nadine Hayworth, Clinical Trials Operations Manager at the Shiley-Marcos Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC) at UCSD, and Adrienne Grossman, a family caregiver to her husband, who is participating in a trial at ADRC.Listen to their discussion about the importance of clinical trials, how to get involved, and hear the perspective of the family caregiver.KEYWORDS: clinical trials, alzheimer's disease, treatment options, research

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Leah Taylor, a Master Gardener from San Diego County. Leah is the Program Coordinator for the UC Master Gardener Program and is also a researcher of Wellness Gardening. Leah shares ideas for gardening with your loved one experiencing Alzheimer's or other types of dementia. Since 1987, SCRC has been serving families with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. We hope this episode inspires you to get outside and garden!Keywords: gardening, outdoor activities, master gardener, alzheimer's, dementia

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Jami Shapiro, Founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Jami specializes in senior moves, downsizing, moves due to divorce, and home organization. She also has experience as a family caregiver. Learn tips about downsizing and decluttering - whether it's in your home as you prepare to have a loved one move in with you, or in a loved one's home for safety or downsizing reasons.Keywords: downsizing, home organization, moving, family caregiver

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Rachel Barnes. Rachel is CFO and accountant at Southern Caregiver Resource Center and has the longest tenure at the organization, spanning over 27 years. She has also been a caregiver to her elderly parents. Learn more about her experience caregiving over time, and her experience with the resources during her caregiving journey.Keywords: caring for parent, family caregiver, long-term caregiving, caregiving over time

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Dolores Gallagher Thompson, PhD, ABPP. Dr. Gallagher Thompson is Board Certified in Geropsychology, American Board of Professional Psychology and a Professor of Research (Emerita, Active), Dept. of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at the Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Gallagher Thompson is also a caregiver for her husband. Learn more about her experience caring for her spouse, and resources available to family caregivers. Keywords: caring for spouse, family caregiver, resources for spouses

In this month's episode, Martha chats with Carol Rosenstein, Founder & Executive Director of Music Mends Minds. Carol's non-profit creates music for groups of patients with Alzheimer's, dementia, Parkinson's, traumatic brain injury, stroke and PTSD. Hear examples of how music can be a powerful therapeutic for both caregivers and their care recipient. Keywords: music, dance, play, family caregiver, resources

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha discuss services available to family caregivers throughout San Diego County with special guest Kim Gallo. Kim is the Director Aging and Adult Services at theCounty of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency. November, which is National Family Caregiver Month, is a great time to review the resources that family caregivers can access, and how important it is that they reach out for support.Keywords: support, family caregiver, resources, County of San Diego

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha discuss the importance of self-care with special guest Kerry Rogers, LCSW. Kerry is a Family Care Manager and works directly with family caregivers at SCRC. Being a caregiver is overwhelming and exhausting - especially during the COVID pandemic. Learn more about self-care practices and how to incorporate them into your caregiving routine.   Keywords: self-care, family caregiver, burnout

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha discuss the myths about the COVID-19 vaccines with special guests Alina Shaw and Victor Ruiz. Alina is the Director of the COVID-19 Response Team for Global Communities and Victor is the Program Coordinator and Outreach Specialist for the COVID-19 Response Program. Caregiving during the pandemic is especially challenging for both you and your loved one. Learn more about how to stay safe, how to access the vaccine, and how to get the support you need.Keywords: COVID-19, vaccine, family caregiver, pandemic response

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha discuss how to stay cool during summer months with special guest Supervisor Joel Anderson. Caregiving during this time of year can be challenging for both you and your loved one. Hear ideas on how to stay cool and resources available in our County.Keywords: summer, staying cool, family caregiver, caregiving during summer

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha discuss caregiving from the male caregiver's perspective with special guest Gabriel Castro. Caregiving is famously known as a primarily a women's issue and that is because the majority of family caregivers are female. However, we know that men are also caregivers. Hear more about the experiences and challenges of male caregivers.Keywords: male caregiver, family caregiver, 

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha discuss caregiving from the LGBTQ+ perspective with special guest Dr. Daniel Sewell. Hear more about the challenges of family caregiving related to LGBTQ+ community, historical experiences of discrimination in medical care, and what can be done in the future to create more equitable access to care.Keyword: LGBTQ community, gay and lesbian caregiver, dementia, chosen family

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha discuss Family Caregiving from the Asian Pacific Islander Perspective with special guests Pauline Le, a Family Consultant at Caregiver Resource Center OC, and Marianne Delatorre, a Family Consultant at Southern Caregiver Resource Center. Hear more about the challenges of family caregiving related to culture, linguistic barriers, family expectations, community resources and lack of resources.Keyword: culture, language, family caregiver, challenges

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha discuss "Nutrition and Successful Meal Time" with special guest Mindy Baker, Director of Education at George G. Glenner Alzheimer's Family Centers, Inc. Hear tips on how to mitigate the frustrations of meal time and help your loved one maintain healthy nutrition.Keyword: nutrition, meal time, eating, dementia, family caregiver, challenges