Shows
A Season of Caring PodcastCaring with Connection and Compassion: Stories of Hope with Amanda BaileySend us a textIn this heartfelt episode of A Season of Caring Podcast, host Rayna Neises is joined by Amanda Bailey, who bravely shares her journey as a secondary caregiver for her mother with Alzheimer's. This episode delves into the rapid progression of the disease and the challenges Amanda encountered while supporting her father, the primary caregiver. The conversation underscores the critical role of asking for help and the necessity of building robust support systems for caregivers.The discussion also touches on the benefits of reminiscent therapy, offering profound connections and comfort to those...
2024-07-1825 minA Season of Caring PodcastBest of 2023: Delivering Comfort and Purpose: Stories of Hope with Tonja MoonSend us a textJoin Rayna Neises as she learns about the mission of The Grand Baby Project with Tonja Moon, founder. In this touching episode, Tonja unravels her personal narrative of caring for her dementia-stricken grandmother, revealing the unexpected calming power of lifelike baby dolls and they offer joy and a sense of purpose to those battling with memory loss. As we traverse Tonja's journey, we uncover the triumphs, the struggles, and the surprising response of men with dementia to this therapy.But that's not all. As we delve deeper, the conversation sheds light...
2023-12-1424 minA Season of Caring PodcastEncore Episode #1 Advocacy as CaregiversSend us a textEncore Episode #1, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Carlos Olivas III. Carlos was a guest last year on the podcast and immediately comes to mind when thinking about advocacy. In fact, in December of 2022 Carlos was honored as being a Congressional Advocate of the Year in California. Since 2016, he has been the primary caregiver for his father living with Alzheimer’s. During this caregiving season, Carols has been able to connect, encourage, and empathize with caregivers from around the world. The journey has inspired him to advocate for elder health policy and the practic...
2022-12-2922 minA Season of Caring PodcastCaregiver Toolbox: Becoming a ‘Detective’ for Your Loved OneSend us a textRayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on her interview last week with Angie Rischpater (Episode 143). Angie is a physical therapist and she shared how, as a caregiver, you can be an observer or a detective to help your loved one. Instead of swooping in and taking, you can just support. Rayna continues with the topic offering the following suggestions:[1:32] Deal with the problem and not the symptom by digging down and finding the root of the problem.[3:29] Steps to becoming a good observer:[3:45] Understand the difference between observing and looking[4:15] Be mindful of...
2022-11-1714 minA Season of Caring PodcastCaregiver Toolbox: Identity and Self-compassionSend us a textRayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on caregiver identity and self-compassion from her interview last week with Charlotte Bayala (Episode 141). Rayna continues with those topics offering the following information:[1:40] Putting on a caregiver identity can take some time.[3:00] The caregiving season can surprise many people with how it impacts your identity.[4:00] Caregiver is just another hat.[5:00] Extending grace to yourself is something to work on.[6:00] Ways to offer grace:[6:57] Thinking about how you evaluate your mistakes or actions can help you have a picture of how to be a little kinder to yourself.[9:14] Focusin...
2022-11-0316 minA Season of Caring PodcastKnowing When and How to Step InSend us a textRayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on her interview last week with Carolyn Birrell (Episode 139). Carolyn is the author of Walking with Fay: A Mother’s Unchartered Path into Dementia. While describing her caregiving journey, she talked about how difficult it was to navigate knowing when and how to step in to offer support for her mother. Since most everyone will deal with this issue, Rayna continues with the topic offering the following suggestions:[1:10] There are eight areas to consider when determining whether or not parents need more support:[2:00] Family Relationships[4:13] Home Safety[6:03] Medical...
2022-10-2020 minA Season of Caring PodcastLeaning Into Love and Respite for Compassion FatigueSend us a textRayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on her interview last week with Dr. Ed Smink (Episode 137). Dr. Ed shared his personal experience with burnout and how important it is to be aware of compassion fatigue. Rayna continues the conversation with tips on how leaning into love and respite can help overcome this condition for family caregivers:[1:06] Compassion fatigue is described as a condition characterized by emotional and physical exhaustion, leading to a diminished ability to empathize or feel compassion for others.[6:27] What would happen if you wrapped him in a hug and told him...
2022-10-0616 minA Season of Caring PodcastMore Caregiver Tools: Routines and FaithSend us a textRayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on her interview last week with Deb Kelsey-Davis (Episode 125). Deb shared how technology impacted her caregiving season and helped her with self-care. Rayna continues the conversation with tips on how creating routines can be a helpful tool for caregivers. In addition, she explores how faith can impact caregiving: [1:00] The key to self-care is that it is not a one-time event but instead an ongoing routine or habit.[2:25] When we make time for things we love and schedule in fun, we have a happier life overall. [4:13] Think about th...
2022-09-2219 minA Season of Caring PodcastBenefits of Pity Parties and Understanding the Dying ProcessSend us a textRayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on her interview last week with Betsy Wurzel Sloan who was a caregiver for her husband who had Early Onset Alzheimer’s. Betsy shared her experiences with her caregiving journey and explained that she gave herself permission to have Pity Parties. She also talked about the dying process. Rayna shares more on both important subjects: [1:30] Pity Parties are helpful and provide the opportunity to vent your feelings.[2:18] Self-Pity can lead to Self-Compassion.[3:40] There are many euphemisms for death and dying.[6:34] When you hear some of the key phrases...
2022-09-0818 minA Season of Caring PodcastCaregiver Tips: Self-Care is not an Option and ‘Pity Parties’ are Okay!Send us a textThis week, Rayna Neises, your host, speaks with Betsy Wurzel Sloan. Betsy is a retired nurse and teacher’s aide who now has her own talk show. She is the caregiver for her special needs adult son, and she has helped her mother-in-law, father, and husband as they experienced Alzheimer’s. Through the journey with her husband, Betsy feels that she found her gifts, power, and voice. She now works to raise awareness of Early Onset Alzheimer’s with her mission to help no one walk the journey alone during caregiving or after. Betsy p...
2022-09-0127 minA Season of Caring PodcastLearning with the Caregiver WarriorSend us a textThis week, Rayna Neises, your host, speaks with Susanne White. Susanne was able to care for her parents and venture out on a caregiving journey that would change her life. She is now a blogger and author of the book, ‘Self Care for Caregivers’ which will be released in early September. Susanne shares her experience, strength, and hope with others so that they can survive caregiving with grace and empowerment. She provides the following insights: (5:07) When caregiving, if you are trying to control or manipulate, your loved one will know that.(7:11) Being more self-a...
2022-08-1823 minA Season of Caring PodcastAdditional Help with End-of-Life PreparationsSend us a textRayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on her interview from last week with Pastor Rick Craig (Episode 129) and the discussion related to end-of-life preparations. In his book, When It’s Time: End-of-Life Planning at Any Age: Make it Part of Your Legacy. Rayna shares more information on dealing with these tough issues related to end-of-life preparations:[2:09] Know the difference between palliative care vs. hospice and that things have changed over the past 20 years.[3:30] Understanding that palliative care might be an option for your loved one can be helpful. [4:00] Make sure wills are finalized, and that...
2022-08-1116 minA Season of Caring PodcastWhat They Really NeedSend us a textRayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on her interviews from the past few weeks with women who are Cancer Thrivers. Following these conversations, she began to think about and investigate what those in a season of needing care might want caregivers to know. Rayna shares the following ideas of support for those being cared for:[1:14] Educate yourself[4:27] Help preserve dignity and privacy[6:21] Treat them as a valuable person[7:12] Honor their choices[9:31] Offer help in specific ways. Avoid saying, “Let me know if you need anything.”[12:29] Just be with them and spend time with t...
2022-07-2818 minA Season of Caring PodcastCaregiving Tool: GratitudeSend us a textRayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on her interview from last week with Heather Carter (Episode 125). Heather is a cancer survivor and she shared tips from her season of being cared for. She reminded us that our mindset and attitude have a significant impact on those we are caring for. Rayna shares additional information on this aspect of caregiving and how gratitude can help:[6:23] True gratitude is to focus on what you have in the moment.[8:00] Make gratitude a part of your daily or weekly routine.[10:19] Just saying Thank You can be helpful.[10:53...
2022-07-1422 minA Season of Caring PodcastStaying Active and Engaged No Matter Your AgeSend us a textRayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on her conversation from last week with Marie Vaudry (Episode 123). Marie is the founder of Gleam in Your Eye, an activity subscription box created for those with dementia. Rayna shares additional information on ways to stay active and engaged no matter your age:[2:24] Brain games can help your brain stay healthier and younger longer. [4:33] Brain function includes memory, problem-solving, and critical thinking.[5:20] Stimulate your brain in different ways by using your imagination.[6:14] Stimulate different areas of your brain by using your senses or your non-dominant hand.[7:05] Reading is...
2022-06-3016 minA Season of Caring PodcastExperienced Caregiver Tips for Navigating Moods and Behavior ChangesSend us a textRayna Neises, ACC, host, is joined today by co-host, Carlos Olivas III. Carlos is the primary caregiver for his father who is journeying with Alzheimer’s. Together Rayna and Carlos discuss challenges with changes in behavior and mood as the disease progresses. They share additional information to assist caregivers to handle situations: [3:22] It does not matter if your loved one knows your name. They know that you are someone significant in their life. [7:31] Time away helps tremendously to then come back, be present, and have an attitude of compassion.[8:42] We want to do it wi...
2022-06-1629 minA Season of Caring PodcastTips and Techniques for Successful MealsSend us a textRayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on the topic of meals and feeding your aging loved one from last week’s interview (119) with Toni Fisk. Rayna shares some tips and tricks from her caregiving season with her father around mealtime planning and execution: [4:00] A Meal Card System can help you shop for what is needed. It can also include everything for the meal and how to prepare it. (i.e., what condiments to add to the hot dog) [6:00] Please take advantage of the free download available. [7:00] Recording what and how much was eaten allows fo...
2022-06-0217 minA Season of Caring PodcastHelp Shifting Out of Autopilot While CaregivingSend us a textRayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on the topic of being a conscious caregiver from Tears in My Gumbo and last week’s interview (117) with Nadine Roberts Cornish. Rayna explores more with the five steps that can help caregivers to move away from being on autopilot:[0:39] Five Steps to Conscious Caregiving:Step 1: HelplessnessStep 2: RecognitionStep 3: ProcessStep 4: AcceptanceStep 5: Surrender[2:00] When processing through these steps, they can be cyclical.[11:00] Caregiving is a complex process and it is important to find advocates who are working with you on behalf of your loved one.[11:14] Helplessness is typical and wi...
2022-05-1914 minA Season of Caring PodcastCaregiverhood: Things to Think About and CelebrateSend us a textRayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on the topic of celebrating the season of caring for a senior adult from last week’s interview (115) with Jenn Chan. Rayna continues with that theme and looks at how this can help caregivers.[1:47] There is so much involved in making the milestone decision to become a family caregiver.[3:00] Four areas to think about:[3:20] Do this season the way that works best for you and your family . . . Give yourself permission to find what works for you.[5:41] Self-care . . . Be kind to your future self.[7:43] Grief . . . The feeling...
2022-05-0516 minA Season of Caring PodcastReading Can Benefit Your CaregivingSend us a textRayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on the topic of learning from others from last week’s interview (113) with Jean Lee. Jean is an author and co-founder of AlzAuthors.com whose mission is to provide resources to light the way for those on the Alzheimer’s/dementia journey. They spotlight authors who share their personal journeys so that others can benefit. This week, Rayna continues with that theme and looks at reading and how it can help caregivers. [0:43] Books allow those who have been before us to communicate their experiences, and we can glean...
2022-04-2116 minA Season of Caring PodcastThings to Know About Support GroupsSend us a textRayna Neises, ACC, host, discusses support groups, what might be keeping you from being a part, what to expect and various kinds of groups. [1:48] What could be holding you back from joining a support group:[2:10] Feeling that you will be put on the spot and must share your story[3:00] Feeling uncertain regarding what you would share about your loved one and concerned that others will be critical[4:00] Thought that you would feel depressed or sad hearing other’s stories[5:19] Not knowing what to expect[6:00] When choosing a support group, it is important to...
2022-04-0718 minA Season of Caring PodcastCommunication Assistance and Building a Care TeamSend us a textRayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on the topics covered during last week’s interview (109) with Erin Galyean. Rayna shares some additional thoughts based on Erin’s role as the VP of Communications during her caring season with her sister, Megan. In addition, Rayna provides support ideas for communication tools and building a caregiving team. It is important to have someone who can be the communication connection between your loved one and all those who care about them and the family.Resources to help families and care teams with communication and coordinating care:Carel...
2022-03-2416 minA Season of Caring PodcastFamily Caregivers, You are Not Alone!Send us a textRayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on the topics covered during last week’s interview (107) with Nancy Poland. Rayna shares some additional learnings from Nancy’s second book, Remarkable Caregiving, where she interviewed six family caregivers and told their stories. In addition, Rayna provides supporting data that family caregivers are not alone. Caregivers can get their strength from and learn from the person for whom they are caring.When you are only focused on the things to do, you miss the relationship.If you do not have or do not know your “Why”, it is tim...
2022-03-1018 minA Season of Caring PodcastRelationships Require BoundariesSend us a textRayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on the topics shared during last week’s interview with Debra Hallisey. She revisits the concepts around relationships that Debra shared from her book, The Caregiver’s Relationship Contract. In addition, Rayna explores how to set boundaries and navigate renegotiating them. Be sure to download the free resource Rayna provides related to these topics.All relationships require boundaries.Understanding your emotions can help you see if your boundaries are as strong as they should be.Healthy boundaries ask others to respect your uniqueness, your choices, and your auto...
2022-02-2419 minA Season of Caring PodcastAdvocating as Caregivers- with Carlos and RaynaSend us a textThis week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks with Carlos Olivas III. Carlos was a guest last year on the podcast and immediately comes to mind when thinking about advocacy. He is the primary caregiver for his father living with Alzheimer’s since 2016. During this caregiving season, Carols has been able to connect, encourage, and empathize with caregivers from around the world. The journey has inspired him to advocate for elder health policy and the practice of self-care for caregivers. In addition, he is archiving and documenting his father’s progression through art. He is hopeful...
2022-02-1022 minA Season of Caring PodcastAlzheimer's: Just Some of the BasicsSend us a textRayna Neises, ACC, host, expands on the concepts Lauren Dykovitz shared regarding her journey in caring for her mother with Early Onset Alzheimer’s. In addition, Rayna shares information on the basics of Alzheimer’s Disease and things you can do:Alzheimer’s is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and a specific type of dementia.Memory loss may not always be the first symptom.Alzheimer’s affects thinking and problem-solving.Visual perception issues are related to the damage happening within the brain and are a part of Alzheimer...
2022-01-2719 minA Season of Caring PodcastHow to Build Resilience in Your Caring SeasonSend us a textRayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on her conversation from last week with Susan Stern. Susan shared several hands-on tips regarding resilience and its importance during the caregiving journey. Resilience is the capability to recover quickly from difficulties and Rayna provides the following suggestions for building resiliency:Learn what your “WHY” is for your caregiving journey.Be sure not to do things because of guilt.Understand and set your boundaries and be willing to review them and change or offer alternative options.Are you feeling walked on or taken advantage of? Evaluate what is hap...
2022-01-1321 minA Season of Caring PodcastThree Emotions of CaregivingSend us a textThis week, Rayna Neises, your host, talks about a few of the emotions that are a part of this season of life. There are 53 million unpaid family caregivers in the United States it is easy to feel alone and overwhelmed with emotions while you are caring for a loved one and it is totally normal. Rayna explores three emotions and their impact:Worry is a normal reaction to caring for someone else who can’t do it for themselves, but it becomes a problem when it leads to fretting and anxiety.Try for...
2021-11-2517 minA Season of Caring PodcastAdvocating, Honoring, and Respecting During Your Caring SeasonSend us a textRayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on the thoughts shared during last week’s interview with Tracy Crump. She expands on the concepts Tracy shared regarding advocacy and the important role it is for family caregivers. In addition, Rayna shares thoughts on the importance of honor and respect during your caring season.Happy National Family Caregiver Month! Please visit www.aseasonofcaring.com and download your gifts, “Five R’s of Regret-Free Caregiving” and “Things To Do and Not To Do During Thanksgiving.”Advocate for your needs too. Check-in and ask questions.Always speak with respect an...
2021-11-1817 minA Season of Caring PodcastFamily Roles in the Caregiving JourneySend us a textRayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on the thoughts shared during last week’s interview with Leslie McLeod. She expands on the concepts Leslie shared regarding relationships within families and how they affect the caregiving journey. Rayna sites several works to provide perspective on the various roles: If you find yourself as the “hero”, feeling like you are the only one doing anything, let go and invite other family members to be a part of the season. Watch for the “people pleaser” who is always willing to help but may not be taking care of themse...
2021-11-0419 minA Season of Caring PodcastBuilding Your Team in Your Caregiving SeasonSend us a textHappy National Self-Care Awareness Month! Rayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on the thoughts shared during last week’s interview with Jammie Johnson, The Caregivers Friend. This week Rayna expands on the suggestion Jammie provided regarding building your tribe or team:To add to the care team, remember to just ask. Check with:extended familycompanion care companieschurch familypersonal care professionalsvolunteerssenior centersday staysWhat tasks are you not enjoying and how can you get those off your plate?When asking for help, keep in mind the type of caregiver and what their services are. Ask questi...
2021-09-0922 minA Season of Caring PodcastMore Tips for Hospital StaysSend us a textRayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on the thoughts shared during last week’s interview with Beth Suereth regarding caregiving during hospital stays. Although you might not be there right now, the odds are that a hospital stay will be part of your caregiving journey with your loved one. This week Rayna expands on the suggestions Beth provided:Find out what the hospital’s regulations are related to COVID.Know these three terms and be able to communicate with health care professionals the information related to them:Baseline ADL (Activities of Daily Life) HAD (Hos...
2021-08-2618 minA Season of Caring PodcastNormalizing Self-Care: What Brings You Joy?Send us a textRayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on thoughts shared during last week’s interview with Nicole Dauz. Nicole has a great attitude about self-care and a good understanding of the necessity of it. She provided tips on how to normalize self-care and this week Rayna expands on those and adds more ways to embrace and think about self-care.Think about what brings you joy!Self-care is about meeting your own needs, so you must stop and ask daily, “What do I need?” and then find a way to act.Think about who you need on...
2021-08-1219 min