Shows
Caring Caregiver ShowRevisited: Explore Your Living Benefits with Wendi VasconcellosWe are off for the month of May but are publishing re-runs of various episodes from Season 4. We will be back with Season 5 in June!---In this episode: Wendy Vasconcellos of Living Benefits Hawaii (in partnership with National Life Group) shared that even caregivers can take advantage of flexible living benefits in relation to terminal illness, chronic illness, and injury.Evan’s news segment touched upon ‘seniors helping seniors’ where Florida retirees are stepping in during the caregiver shortage across the state.Savy reminded our community that Gimme a Brea...
2022-05-3035 minCaring Caregiver ShowRevisited: How Caregiver Meriam Went From Burnout to PowerhouseWe are off for the month of May but are publishing re-runs of various episodes from Season 4. We will be back with Season 5 in June!---In this episode: Meriam Boldewijn, author of Caregiver 2.0: From Burnout to Powerhouse shared that in the middle of her caregiving journey, she found herself in burnout. Meriam was searching for a practical and simple system that she could implement in her daily life to revitalize her own energy, be able to breathe, and stop feeling guilty when practicing self-care.Evan’s news segment sheds light on...
2022-05-2339 minCaring Caregiver ShowRevisited: Meet Gary the Founder of The Caregiver FoundationWe are off for the month of May but are publishing re-runs of various episodes from Season 4. We will be back with Season 5 in June!---In this episode: Gary Powell, executive director of The Caregiver Foundation, shared about his beginning years as a caregiver for his grandfather, as well as his mission to support caregivers and individuals needing care through a variety of services.Evan’s latest news segment covered that Veterans Affairs announced that all expulsions from the department’s caregiver support program will be halted while officials re-evaluate new...
2022-05-1637 minCaring Caregiver ShowRevisited: Discover Your Medicare Options with Kamaka JingaoWe are off for the month of May but are publishing re-runs of various episodes from Season 4. We will be back with Season 5 in June!---In this episode: Kamaka Jingao, from Financial Benefits Insurance, shared how he can help you find the right plan and coverage that fits your needs. Tune in to hear the difference between Medicare and Medicaid, when are the enrollment periods, and more!In honor of Women’s History Month, Evan’s news segment touched upon Lynnete - a caregiver from Manatee County featured as the Ever...
2022-05-0937 minCaring Caregiver ShowRevisited: Meet David the Founder of Age Friendly Senior CareWe are off for the month of May but are publishing re-runs of various episodes from Season 4. We will be back with Season 5 in June!---In this episode: David Fresquez, founder of Age Friendly Senior Care, shared his caregiving journey and passion for in-home care.Evan’s news segment paid tribute to all the families that have been torn apart in Ukraine.Savy shared that Gimme a Break is hosting the first annual Caregiver Expo right here on Oahu!Recommended Resources:Age Fr...
2022-05-0233 minCaring Caregiver ShowS4 E8 - Lose Weight, Prevent Diabetes with the Prediabetes Health ClubIn this episode: Co-host, Evan Kharrazi, announced his departure from the show to focus on his new initiative: The Prediabetes Health Club. Ever since his kidney stone surgery in 2021, he felt called to join the national effort to prevent diabetes. Savy and Evan recapped the 4th season, providing a summary from each episode with our wonderful guests!Special Offer:Prediabetes Health Club - FREE 7-day simple, delicious blood sugar balancing meal plan. Included are three meals and two snacks daily, plus a shopping list and prep guide.
2022-04-2533 minCaring Caregiver ShowS4 E7 - Explore Your Living Benefits with Wendi VasconcellosIn this episode: Wendy Vasconcellos of Living Benefits Hawaii (in partnership with National Life Group) shared that even caregivers can take advantage of flexible living benefits in relation to terminal illness, chronic illness, and injury.Evan’s news segment touched upon ‘seniors helping seniors’ where Florida retirees are stepping in during the caregiver shortage across the state.Savy reminded our community that Gimme a Break is offering a free seminar on May 11th focusing on dementia from a caregivers point of view.Recommended Resources:Wendy Vasconcellos - Living...
2022-04-1835 minCaring Caregiver ShowS4 E6 - Kumu Kahua Theatre Presents "Who You Again?" A Dementia PlayIn this episode: Donna Blanchard, the Managing Director of Kumu Kahua Theatre, offered us an inside look into the new dementia play at Kumu Kahua Theatre. Plotline: A family struggles to care for their matriarch as dementia slowly steals her memories away. Her grandson's method of existing within -- and adding to -- the imaginative world she inhabits creates a special bond. He helps her cope with changing realities, and she gives him the gift of self-acceptance.Evan’s news segment touched upon the return of in-person caregiver support sessions!Savy shared that Gi...
2022-04-1131 minCaring Caregiver ShowS4 E5 - How Caregiver Meriam Went From Burnout to PowerhouseIn this episode: Meriam Boldewijn, author of Caregiver 2.0: From Burnout to Powerhouse shared that in the middle of her caregiving journey, she found herself in burnout. Meriam was searching for a practical and simple system that she could implement in her daily life to revitalize her own energy, be able to breathe, and stop feeling guilty when practicing self-care.Evan’s news segment sheds light on the U.S. military veterans who are rescuing Ukraine's orphans.Savy celebrated the success of Gimme A Break’s first annual Caregiver Expo!Spec...
2022-04-0539 minCaring Caregiver ShowS4 E4 - Meet Gary the Founder of The Caregiver FoundationIn this episode: Gary Powell, executive director of The Caregiver Foundation, shared about his beginning years as a caregiver for his grandfather, as well as his mission to support caregivers and individuals needing care through a variety of services.Evan’s latest news segment covered that Veterans Affairs announced that all expulsions from the department’s caregiver support program will be halted while officials re-evaluate new eligibility criteria. This threatens monthly support stipends for thousands of families.Savy shared that Gimme a Break is hosting the first annual Caregiver Expo right here on Oahu...
2022-03-2837 minCaring Caregiver ShowS4 E3 - Discover Your Medicare Options with Kamaka JingaoIn this episode: Kamaka Jingao, from Financial Benefits Insurance, shared how he can help you find the right plan and coverage that fits your needs. Tune in to hear the difference between Medicare and Medicaid, when are the enrollment periods, and more!In honor of Women’s History Month, Evan’s news segment touched upon Lynnete - a caregiver from Manatee County featured as the EveryDay Hero. And guess what her nickname is!? The “singing aide.” She sings in her church choir, and has been singing to her clients for years.Savy shared that Gim...
2022-03-2137 minCaring Caregiver ShowS4 E2 - Meet David the Founder of Age Friendly Senior CareIn this episode: David Fresquez, founder of Age Friendly Senior Care, shared his caregiving journey and passion for in-home care.Evan’s news segment paid tribute to all the families that have been torn apart in Ukraine.Savy shared that Gimme a Break is hosting the first annual Caregiver Expo right here on Oahu!Recommended Resources:Age Friendly Senior Care - We provide home care services for you and your loved ones. The expertise of our care providers makes it possible for us to provide a wide ra...
2022-03-1433 minCaring Caregiver ShowS4 E1 - 30-Day Caregiver Weight Loss Challenge is Here!In this episode: Co-hosts Evan and Savy kicked off the fourth season. Tune in to hear the line-up of all our special guests coming up.Evan’s news segment touched upon Queen Latifah’s candid experience caring for her late mother after she was diagnosed with Scleroderma and Interstitial Lung Disease.Savy shared that Gimme a Break started a 10 part series in their weekly support sessions around the theme of WELLNESS.Special Offer:Caregiver Health Club - 30-day free weight loss challenge for caregivers. Improve your relationship with food, stay...
2022-03-0730 minCaring Caregiver ShowS3 E8 - Caregiver Health Club Joins National Effort to Reverse Pre-DiabetesIn this episode: Co-hosts Evan and Savy recapped the third season. Tune in to hear a snippet from all of our special guests that joined us in the last six episodes.Evan shared that the Caregiver Health Club relaunched as the virtual health club for caregivers with pre-diabetes and walks through the pillars of the Reverse Pre-Diabetes Lifestyle Program.Savy shared that Gimme a Break is continuing a 10 part series in their support sessions around the theme of PAUSE and welcomes all caregivers to these free, life-changing support sessions....
2022-01-2441 minCaring Caregiver ShowS3 E7 - Build Your Trusted Circle with this Free Caregiver AppIn this episode: Amy Chidester, Director of Strategic Aging Initiatives at WayWiser, shared about the premier caregiver app that allows you to create a private space to connect with your family, paid caregivers, or close friends within a Trusted Circle so you can more easily manage care for a loved one. Tune in to hear about WayWiser’s plans to offer an all inclusive financial security platform for caregivers.Evan’s news segment comes from an online discussion hosted by the Washington Post, titled: “Carolyn Hax: Overworked, burnt-out caregiver looks for ways to be kind again...
2022-01-1739 minCaring Caregiver ShowS3 E6 - The Best Newborn Gift: A Personalized Medical Binder for ChildrenIn this episode: Christy Pickrell, founder and president of Our Little Peace of Mind, returned to our show to talk about their line of medical binders made specially for children. Features include: growth charts, vaccine logs, CDC recommended information on vaccines, and more; with plans to move to an online platform/app for added convenience. Christy was also recently published in the Autism Parenting Support magazine, sharing her story about her son.Evan’s news segment touched upon new changes and updates about Medicare insurance. While Medicare Part A is provided for those who have wo...
2022-01-1038 minCaring Caregiver ShowS3 E5 - Always Best Care Provides Families with Non-Medical In-Home Care on OahuIn this episode: Tyler Kimura and Marcus Inamine, founders of Always Best Care Oahu, shared that they are hiring caregivers with the aloha spirit to assist seniors in the north shores and all areas on Oahu. They are looking for reliable, compassionate and caring professionals. Offering caregiver referral fees and bonuses for new clients. On-call, part-time and full-time employee positions available.Evan’s news segment touched upon Senator Klobuchar’s latest virtual roundtable with northwest Minnesota caregivers who assist those living with Alzheimer's disease. Senator Klobuchar and Senator Collins have been integral in bringing forward the...
2022-01-0337 minCaring Caregiver ShowS3 E4 - Caregiver Relaxation Strategy, Deep Breathing with Zone TechniqueIn this episode: Austin Tani, founder of Bringing Balance Back, specializes in helping people balance the mind and body with different techniques, without medication. Austin was a respiratory therapist at Kaiser Moanalua for 10 years helping people breathe. Then after meeting Dr. Peter Goldman and the “Zone Technique”; and Christopher P. Scott with his breathing, emotion, and somatic work, Austin grew towards healing.Evan’s news segment touched upon the fact that more than 167,000 US children have lost a caregiver to COVID-19. The count is four times more than a springtime tally that found nearly 40,000 children had ex...
2021-12-2736 minCaring Caregiver ShowS3 E3 - Care Life Services Incorporates Music Therapy Into Home CareIn this episode: Jonathan Orenberg, founder of Care Life Services, shares his unique approach of integrating music therapy and fitness programs into home care services.In 2019, Jonathan’s 89-year-old Grandmother in Law suffered a life-altering stroke and he found an opportunity to serve. After leaving his career in the financial services industry at the time, he became her full-time caregiver and found his calling. Upon observing the needs and goals of his family client and her peers, Jonathan decided to apply his performance background and business knowledge into creating a personal care service that gave hi...
2021-12-2044 minCaring Caregiver ShowS3 E2 - The Best Gift for Dementia Patients, A Subscription Box of GamesIn this episode: Marie-Pier Vaudry, founder of Gleam In Your Eye, offers an innovative subscription box of games designed for people with moderate-stage Dementia. Marie faced the all-to-common challenges of finding stimulating activities that adapted to her mom’s changing cognitive abilities.Evan’s news segment touched upon Amazon's recent announcement of the Alexa Together subscription. The service is designed for caregivers and aging loved ones, making use of Echo devices to offer features like fall detection, activity alerts and emergency services. It's an expansion and replacement of Amazon's free Care Hub service.Sp...
2021-12-1320 minCaring Caregiver ShowS3 E1 - Caregiver Health Club App Launches Emotional Eating CourseIn this episode: Evan, founder of the Caregiver Health Club, announced the new Emotional Eating Course made for the family caregiver. The 12-week intuitive eating program allows for you to break free from sugar cravings and feel in control around food again.Savy updated us on all the community outreach Gimme A Break has done during the month of November. From running a Caregiver of the Year contest, hosting a pampering day for 300 care-workers in 6 care homes on the island of Oahu, to even delivering 100 prepared meals during the Thanksgiving holiday.Evan’s ne...
2021-12-0631 minCaring Caregiver ShowS2 E8 - Caregiver Tea Time! The Amazing Benefits of Ground Green TeaIn this episode: Kiyomi, founder and president of SEI MEE TEA®, shared how she helped her husband survive stage III cancer. Kiyomi's mission is to share her discoveries with American folks by offering the purest and simplest form of "Ground Green Tea". When asked "why Green Tea," she answers, "Because Green Tea Powder is the simplest and easiest addition anyone can make to his or her diet in order to improve health."Evan’s news segment touched upon President Biden’s social spending proposal and how tax credits might be the solution for family caregivers. A bil...
2021-10-2546 minCaring Caregiver ShowS2 E7 - This Personalized Medical Binder Brings Caregiver ‘Peace of Mind’In this episode: Christy Pickrell, founder and president of Our Little Peace of Mind, offers customized medical binders designed for organization, ease of use, and tracking for you or your loved one’s health and activities. This can be used as a great communication tool when speaking with a variety of health professionals (such as doctors, teachers, therapists, and caregivers).Evan’s news segment touched upon how Tony Benett, famous jazz singer, has been battling Alzheimers since 2016. Now although his memory loss has become more apparent with Covid, there is always one thing that springs him...
2021-10-1834 minCaring Caregiver ShowS2 E6 - Vegan Cookbook Giveaway & How Plant-Based Eating Can Boost EnergyIn this episode: Lillian, author of Hawai‘i A Vegan Paradise and Tasting Hawaii Vegan Style, shared easy ways to incorporate plant-based eating using the golden 80/20 rule. Lillian is the host of Lillian’s Vegan World with ThinkTech Hawaii promoting the benefits of a vegan lifestyle and plant-based diet.Evan’s news segment touched upon Chicago-based Help at Home’s recently launched HealthyMatch program. It leverages the insights of caregivers to identify a client’s specific needs, whether that is better nutrition, fall prevention or mitigating loneliness.Savy closed by sharing that next month is N...
2021-10-1142 minCaring Caregiver ShowS2 E5 - Caring for a Son with Leukemia, Recipient of Make-A-Wish HawaiiIn this episode: Leticia and John, whose son was diagnosed with leukemia, are the true caregiver warriors today. They gave us an inside look into their incredible caregiving journey, and reminded us that all we need is a little ounce of hope to make it to the next day. Their family has been recipients of Make-A-Wish and the Ronald McDonald House.Evan’s news segment touched upon Gleam In Your Eye, a monthly subscription box of games adapted for moderate-state dementia. Each box includes 5 games that focus on the senses, movement, art, logic and language. Wh...
2021-10-0439 minCaring Caregiver ShowS2 E4 - Rediscovering Your Identity as a CaregiverIn this episode: Donna Thomson, the author of "The Unexpected Journey of Caring: The Transformation from Loved One to Caregiver" discusses how caregivers are reluctant to self-identify when thrust into the role.Evan’s news segment shared about the VA caregiver support program, allowing for veterans to get the care they need away from the medical facility. For more information go to www.caregiver.va.gov or call: 855-260-3274. You will be connected to a caregiver support coordinator and can apply for the “Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregiver.”Our guest, Donna...
2021-09-2743 minCaring Caregiver ShowS2 E3 - Introduction to the Women’s Alzheimer’s MovementIn this episode: Lizz Lewis is an advocate of those impacted by Alzheimer’s and has collaborated with the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement.Evan’s news segment shared about the everyday hero, the caregiver. Featuring an at-home nursing assistant, Leah Smith, who was awarded Regional Southeast Caregiver of the Year and nominated by her client's daughter. Our guest, Lizz Lewis, talked about her “sandwich caregiving” story and how she found connection through social media. She is an advocate for all of those touched by Alzheimer’s disease, and all who care for them. Lizz is a...
2021-09-2047 minCaring Caregiver ShowS2 E2 - Rediscover Your Personal Power with Health CoachingIn this episode: Spark Your Journey founder Kaley Johnson provided an in-depth look into her signature health coaching program for caregivers.Evan shared about Gimme A Break’s feature on KHON Channel 2 News in the special segment: Kupuna Caregiver. Founded in Hawaii by co-host, Savy, as well as Melanie and Lori, the non-profit is on a mission to bring back the joy in caregiving through respite (breaks) and free weekly support sessions.Our guest and caregiver health coach, Kaley Johnson talked about how she helps caregivers overcome burnout, teaching th...
2021-09-1344 minCaring Caregiver ShowS2 E1 - Meditation Overview: 10 Minutes A Day That Can Change Your LifeIn this episode: ChillTime TV’s lead meditation instructor shares the endless benefits of Yoga Nidra (the sweetest part of Yoga) and the ease of incorporating it into your self care routine.We are kicking off the second season by honoring National Alzheimer’s month.Evan shared about CaraKit, a female-owned company led by a cancer survivor and a caregiver. CaraKit crafts gift boxes for women undergoing chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, where all products are recommended by women who have undergone those same treatments. Our guest, Myra Rubinstein (otherwise known as Kesha...
2021-09-0638 minCaring Caregiver ShowS1 E8 - How to Deal with Caregiver Guilt: Series IntroductionIn this episode: Upcoming series on caregiver guilt, a proof caregivers can be championsIn the final show of the podcast’s first season we discussed our upcoming plans and a story of a caregiver who has recently become an Olympic champion. The next season starts 1 September, watch this space!Evan shared an inspiring story of 14 year-old Chinese diver Quan Hongchan who became the second youngest Chinese diver to win such a trophy. It turned out she actually took up the sport to earn money to support her ill mother.
2021-08-1325 minCaring Caregiver ShowS1 E7 - Caregiver Wellness: It’s All About Baby StepsIn this episode: Free course for caregivers of dementia patients, non-narcotic answers to amputees’ health issues, building healthy habits by working with a coachIn this episode we discussed the importance of education for caregivers and how you can make self care more manageable with the help of a coach.First, we mentioned upcoming education opportunities for new caregivers offered by the Northern California and Northern Nevada chapters of the Alzheimer Association. In September and October they are offering free clinical level training courses for caregivers of dementia patients. Their six-week virtual training pr...
2021-08-0539 minCaring Caregiver ShowS1 E6 - It’s Time to Recognize the Real Value of CaregivingIn this episode: Why caregiving is still considered a low status profession, guidance and resources for caregivers in veteran familiesIn this episode we discussed the findings of the report by Global Coalition on Aging and Home Instead about the persistent perception of caregiving, the contributing factors and steps that need to be taken in order to improve the status quo. Our guest Vera Cabais talked about the challenges she experienced as a caregiver of a wartime veteran. Having spent over 27 years researching and navigating the VA process she d...
2021-07-2928 minCaring Caregiver ShowS1 E5 - Why do Caregivers Have a Hard Time Asking for Help?In this episode: Importance of asking for help, key mental shifts to thrive as a caregiverIf you are a caregiver who once thought they could do it all, this episode is for you! On this occasion we discussed why caregivers don’t ask for help and what are the consequences of that attitude. Our guest Suzanne White talks about how trying to do everything perfectly when she became a primary caregiver for her mother turned out to be a perfect recipe for a burnout. She outlined the approach that helped her...
2021-07-2230 minCaring Caregiver ShowS1 E4 - You Can't Pour from an Empty Cup: How to Relieve Chronic Stress from CaregivingIn this episode: Dangers of chronic stress, a generous donation to The Alzheimer's Association, self-care advice and resources for caregivers from Cindy BrockwayIf you feel overwhelmed and suffer from chronic stress that leads you to skip meals, eat more junk food, lose or gain weight it’s time to take action. In this episode we mention specific resources that can help you achieve a positive change through mindful movement and balanced nutrition.Charitable organizations rely on people’s generosity now more than ever. In this episode mention a generous donor who contributed to t...
2021-07-1538 minCaring Caregiver ShowS1 E3 - National Self-Care Month: Honoring Caregivers and First RespondersIn this episode: A tribute to first responders to Florida Condo collapse, National Self-Care Month activities, caregiving advice from Lani Almanza, special offersIn the spirit of the National Self-Care Month we took the opportunity to honor the first responders involved in the rescue operation following the condo collapse in Florida. We welcomed our first guest, Lani Almanza who talked about her inspiring caregiver journey which started with babysitting in her family and neighborhood, continued with her role as a Candy Striper and took a serious turn when her son was involved in a...
2021-07-0827 minCaring Caregiver ShowS1 E2 - We Could All Use a Health Touch: On the Importance of Self-Care for CaregiversIn this episode: Importance of looking after your health as a caregiver, how to deal with shortcomings of our medical system, Caregiver Health Club overviewAs caregivers we have a responsibility to seek wellness for the benefit of us and those we look after. The band aid mentality in our medical system does not emphasize this enough, therefore, taking initiative and investing into your own self-care is essential. This episode sheds light on how caregivers should approach their self-care education. We talk about the benefits of having a nutrition and health coach who c...
2021-07-0829 minCaring Caregiver ShowS1 E1 - Everyone is a Caregiver: Introducing the Caring PodcastIn this episode: Evan and Savy share their stories, why caregivers’ dreams matter, new bill supporting Pennsylvania caregiversIn the first-ever episode of our new podcast for caregivers you can learn about the caregiver journey of your podcast hosts Evan and Savy, including challenges they faced and steps they took to address them. You will also learn about the rationale behind their passion projects. Evan talks about ChilltimeTV, a wellness app for caregivers, whereas Savy gives you an overview of Gimme a Break, a nonprofit providing caregivers with self-care resources and services they nee...
2021-07-0833 min