Shows
CareLabHospice vs. Palliative Care Explained: When & Why It Matters for CaregiversIn this episode of CareLab, hosts Brandy Archie and Emilia Bourland welcome Helen Bauer, a seasoned hospice nurse, to discuss the critical differences between palliative care and hospice, the importance of early intervention, and how to navigate the complexities of end-of-life care. They explore common misconceptions, explain who qualifies for these services, and why education and advocacy are essential for caregivers. Helen also shares practical insights and resources to help families approach this stage of care with clarity and compassion.Resources: Learn more from Helen: https://theheartofhospice.com Find care equipment and adaptive solutions: https://www.asksamie.com Discover...2025-07-1134 minCareLabLeading Through Love: A Business Exec’s Caregiving JourneyIn this episode of CareLab, hosts Brandy Archie and Emilia Bourland welcome Harry S. Campbell, a seasoned business executive who shares his powerful and emotional story of becoming a caregiver for his wife after her diagnosis with a malignant brain tumor. He opens up about the shift from leading major corporations to leading with empathy and resilience at home, the lessons caregiving has taught him, and how he’s used his speaking career to raise nearly $700,000 for brain cancer research. This is a story of leadership, love, patience, and purpose.Resources:Learn mo...2025-06-2834 minCareLabRegaining Independence with Low VisionIn this episode of CareLab, Brandy Archie and Emilia Bourland welcome occupational therapist Noelle Guidry to explore how people with low vision can regain function and confidence. They unpack the causes of low vision, practical tools that make everyday tasks possible again, and the unique role of occupational therapy in tailoring solutions for individuals. From meal prep and reading to technology tips and home modifications, this episode is packed with actionable ways to improve quality of life for those facing vision loss.Resources:Find more from Noelle: https://insightotjax.comFind care e...2025-06-0635 minCareLabAvoiding the ER! Real Talk About Home Health, CHF & Early InterventionIn this episode of CareLab, Brandy Archie and Emilia Bourland dig into the overlooked realities of home health care. They share personal stories and expert advice about how early action, daily monitoring, and understanding your body’s signals can help you avoid emergency room visits. From managing congestive heart failure to recognizing red flags like swelling, shortness of breath, and high blood pressure, this episode is packed with practical insights every caregiver and aging adult should hear.Resources:Care equipment solutions https://www.asksamie.comFuture of care navigation: https://seniorai.app2025-05-3029 minCareLabDesign Your Bathroom Before It’s Too LateWill you wait for a fall to make your bathroom safe — or take control now?In this bold episode of Care Lab, Emilia Bourland and Brandy Archie reunite with Maria Lindbergh to rip the cover off what most people don't want to think about: how your home can quietly become dangerous without you even realizing it.They dive deep into the emotional weight of bathroom safety — why grab bars aren’t just for “old people,” and how smart design protects your pride, your dignity, and your independence before a crisis steals it.From confrontin...2025-05-1641 min
CareLabThe Hidden Crisis in Rehab: Why Insurance Fails PatientsIn this inspiring episode of CareLab, hosts Brandy Archie, OTD, OTR/L, and Emilia Bourland sit down with Sam Porritt, founder of the Falling Forward Foundation, to discuss the life-altering moment that changed his path forever—a catastrophic spinal cord injury sustained during a vacation in Italy.Sam shares his personal journey of overcoming paralysis, the critical role rehabilitation played in his recovery, and how his experience exposed the devastating gaps in insurance coverage for rehab patients. He dives into how Falling Forward Foundation is bridging the gap, helping individuals regain independence when insurance runs out.Hear powerful recovery st...2025-03-1453 min
CareLabOTs in Business: How to Succeed as an EntrepreneurOccupational therapists are natural problem solvers—but did you know they can also be great business owners? In this BONUS episode of CareLab, Brandy Archie, Justin Oakley, and Emilia Bourland explore why OTs are uniquely positioned for entrepreneurship and how they can successfully transition from clinical practice to business ownership.This episode dives into why OTs have a unique advantage in the business world and how they can identify market gaps to create solutions that people need. The discussion also covers the challenges of finding customers, building trust, and establishing a strong foundation for a thriving business. The guests sh...2025-03-0352 min
The Whole Care NetworkThe true Value of Home Accessibility with Justin Oakley🚨Home Safety Matters!🚨 In this powerful conversation about access and advocacy, Brandy Archie and Emilia Bourland sit down with Justin Oakley, founder of Oakley Home Access, to explore the intersection of occupational therapy and home modifications. 🏡✨
Justin shares his journey from therapist to entrepreneur, building a business that not only improves home accessibility but also shifts the way we think about assistive devices. 💡
#HomeSafety #AccessibilityMatters #FallPrevention #OccupationalTherapy #AgingInPlace #HomeModifications #HealthcareInnovation🔔
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more empowering discussions on caregiving and support systems. 📌
Resources & Links: Get more from Justin at http...2025-02-2153 min
The Whole Care NetworkCompletion, Closure and Families at the Center of Care with Helen BauerIn this episode of Care Lab, hosts Emilia Bourland and Brandy Archie welcome back hospice expert Helen Bauer to discuss the importance of rituals in grief, cultural perspectives on funerals, and how to find the right hospice care that aligns with personal values. They explore the emotional aspects of loss, the significance of shared experiences, and the need for compassionate care at the end of life. Helen also introduces her new Hospice Navigation Services, aimed at providing unbiased guidance to families navigating hospice options.
Learn more about Helen Bauer’s Hospice Navigation Services: https://www.theheartofhospice.com/...2025-02-2136 min
The Whole Care NetworkKeeping it together, mentally and digitally with Mim SenftIn this episode of CareLab, hosts Brandy Archie and Emilia Bourland welcome Mim Senft, co-founder and CEO of Motivity Care, to discuss the complexities of caregiving and the importance of self-care strategies for caregivers. The conversation explores various techniques for managing stress, the impact of caregiving on women's financial stability, and the significance of human connection in caregiving roles. Mim shares her personal experiences and insights into the challenges faced by caregivers, emphasizing the need for support and understanding in both personal and professional contexts.
Learn more about Mim Senft and Motivity Care: www.motivitycare.com
2025-02-2136 min
CareLabThe Hidden Challenges of Caregiving and How to Manage ThemCaring for a loved one comes with emotional, financial, and logistical challenges, often leaving caregivers feeling overwhelmed. In this episode of CareLab, hosts Brandy Archie and Emilia Bourland sit down with Mim Senft, co-founder and CEO of Motivity Care, to discuss how caregivers can better manage stress, streamline caregiving responsibilities, and prioritize self-care.Mim shares her personal journey and professional insights, offering practical strategies for caregivers to navigate daily challenges, improve documentation and accessibility during crises, and build a stronger caregiving network. The conversation also highlights the financial toll of caregiving, particularly on women, and how proactive planning can...2025-02-0736 min
The Whole Care NetworkThe Situation Room: FallsFalls aren’t just a possibility—often, they’re an inevitability. In this episode of CareLab, hosts Emilia Bourland and Dr. Brandy Archie dive deep into practical prevention strategies, from addressing falls the moment they happen to involving occupational therapists and family caregivers. They also explore the role of assistive devices, the importance of strong communication, and advocating for safer healthcare environments. Tune in to learn how to stay proactive and keep loved ones safe!
Find Care Equipment solutions at https://www.asksamie.com/
Find Caregiver Training at https://www.higherstandardscaregivertraining.com/
@carelabpodcast @Ask-SA...2025-02-0130 min
CareLabNavigating End-of-Life Care: Finding Closure and SupportIn this episode of CareLab, hosts Emilia Bourland and Brandy Archie welcome hospice expert Helen Bauer for an insightful discussion on end-of-life care, the importance of rituals in grief, and how to choose the right hospice provider. Helen shares her expertise on navigating the emotional and logistical challenges of hospice care, the role of cultural traditions in the grieving process, and the launch of her Hospice Navigation Services, which provide unbiased support for families making critical decisions.This conversation explores the power of personal rituals, how to advocate for quality hospice care, and ways families can ensure a compassionate...2025-01-3136 min
CareLabThe Situation Room: Preventing Falls Before They HappenFalls aren’t just a possibility—often, they’re an inevitability. In this episode of CareLab, hosts Emilia Bourland and Brandy Archie discuss practical strategies for preventing falls, from addressing them the moment they happen to involving occupational therapists and family caregivers in proactive safety planning.They explore the role of assistive devices, when and how to introduce them, and how to encourage strong communication with loved ones. They also discuss how to advocate for safer healthcare environments, whether at home, in hospitals, or in other care settings.Resources and Links:Find Care Equipment Solutions: https://www.asksamie.com/Get Ca...2025-01-2430 min
The Whole Care NetworkThe (Death) Deck with Transition Doula Carole SilvoyIn this episode of CareLab, hosts Dr. Brandy Archie and Emilia Bourland welcome Carole Silvoy, an end-of-life doula and former ASL interpreter. The conversation explores the importance of communication in healthcare, the role of doulas in supporting families during transitions, and the need for open discussions about death and dying. Carol shares her journey to becoming a doula, the significance of advanced care planning, and the economic impact of caregiving. The episode emphasizes the necessity of self-care for caregivers and the potential for integrating doulas into healthcare systems to improve quality of life and support for families.
...2025-01-2237 min
CareLabBreaking the Silence: Honest Conversations About Death and DyingDeath is an inevitable part of life, yet so many of us struggle to talk about it. In this episode of CareLab, hosts Emilia Bourland and Brandy Archie sit down with end-of-life doula and Holding Space Consultant, Carole Silvoy, to explore why these conversations matter and how to approach them with curiosity and openness.They discuss the Death Deck, a thought-provoking game designed to spark discussions about death and dying, as well as the importance of planning ahead for end-of-life care. Carole shares her journey from being an ASL interpreter to becoming a transition doula, and how she helps...2025-01-1737 min
The Whole Care NetworkDementia Mama Drama w/ Vincent Zappacosta & Douglass ChristensenIn this inspiring episode of CareLab, hosts Emilia Bourland and Dr. Brandy Archie sit down with caregivers Vincent Zappacosta and Douglas Christensen to explore the heartfelt journey of dementia caregiving.2025-01-1246 min
CareLabInside Dementia Care: Music, Advocacy, and StorytellingDementia caregiving is a journey filled with challenges, love, and creativity. In this episode of CareLab, hosts Emilia Bourland and Brandy Archie sit down with caregivers to explore how music, advocacy, and storytelling can transform the caregiving experience.They discuss the role of music in memory recall, the importance of building relationships with care staff, and how personal storytelling led to the creation of a book and a play. Through humor and resilience, our guests share valuable insights on communication, routine, and emotional well-being while caring for a loved one with dementia.If you’re looking for inspiration and pr...2025-01-1046 min
CareLabThe Hidden Link Between Oral Health and Overall Well-BeingDid you know that poor oral health can lead to chronic disease, systemic inflammation, and even impact brain function? In this episode of CareLab, hosts Emilia Bourland and Brandy Archie sit down with Dr. Joy Poskozim, DDS FSCD CDP, to uncover the critical yet often overlooked connection between dental health and overall well-being.Dr. Joy explains how inflammation in the gums can contribute to conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and even dementia. She also discusses why dental care remains separate from traditional medical care, the barriers to accessing oral health services for older adults, and why proper oral hygiene...2025-01-0346 min
CareLabWhat Exactly Do You Do?What exactly do CareLab co-hosts Emilia Bourland and Brandy Archie do—and how does it help YOU?In this episode, you'll meet the founders of AskSAMIE and Higher Standards Caregiver Training—two occupational therapists who stepped outside the clinic to create tools that support caregivers and patients beyond the hospital walls.They share their entrepreneurial journeys, the problems they're solving in home care, and how they're making essential caregiver resources more accessible for everyone.Whether you're a caregiver, clinician, or just navigating care for a loved one, this episode breaks down what real support can look like.Resources & Links: Care...2024-11-0142 min
The Whole Care NetworkOccupational Therapists are an Important Part of Hospice CareWelcome to Season 9 of The Heart of Hospice Podcast! Occupational Therapists Emilia Bourland and Dr. Brandy Archie are sharing how OTs can improve the quality of life for patients and caregivers on hospice care. OTs are underutilized in end-of-life care, but they’re an essential part of the hospice interdisciplinary team.
There’s a lot of support OTs can offer to make caregiving tasks easier, practical solutions to everyday issues for activities of daily living. Occupational Therapy interventions can include managing equipment, setting up meals, and transfer techniques. It’s about problem-solving to make caregiving tasks easier and pr...2024-08-0252 min
The Heart of Hospice PodcastOccupational Therapists are an Important Part of Hospice CareWelcome to Season 9 of The Heart of Hospice Podcast! Occupational Therapists Emilia Bourland and Dr. Brandy Archie are sharing how OTs can improve the quality of life for patients and caregivers on hospice care. OTs are underutilized in end-of-life care, but they’re an essential part of the hospice interdisciplinary team.
There’s a lot of support OTs can offer to make caregiving tasks easier, practical solutions to everyday issues for activities of daily living. Occupational Therapy interventions can include managing equipment, setting up meals, and transfer techniques. It’s about problem-solving to make caregiving tasks easier and promot...2024-08-0252 min