Home Instead

When dementia changes the way someone communicates, it can be easy to wonder what they are able to understand or feel. But moments of connection can still surprise us.

In this powerful story from Caregiver Chats, gerontologist Dr. Julie Masters shares how a simple question brought a meaningful response from a man in the final day of his life.

For anyone loving and caring for someone with memory changes, this is your reminder to keep talking, keep sharing and keep being present. 💚

Listen to the full episode with Dr. Lakelyn wherever you get your podcasts: https://bit.ly/4h6Pwvm

At the end of life, it can feel like there is so much to do, say and get right. 🫂

But sometimes, the most meaningful thing we can offer someone we love is simply our presence.

In this Caregiver Chats conversation, Dr. Lakelyn is joined by gerontologist Dr. Julie Masters to talk about the emotions that can come with end-of-life caregiving, from identity shifts and saying goodbye to finding connection through life review and memory changes.

If you are navigating this season with someone you love, you are not alone. 💚 Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts.

https://bit.ly/4h6Pwvm

How do you feel after spending time with your parents? 🤔

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by licensed mental health counselor Rebecca Johnson for an honest conversation about one of caregiving's most complicated and often unspoken realities, caring for a narcissistic parent.

🎧 Watch the full episode of Caregiver Chats wherever you get your podcasts: https://bit.ly/3V3ebtc

Are we helping, or are we making assumptions based on age? Sometimes the best way to support an older adult is simply to ask what they want and need. By listening first, we can help preserve independence.

What do you think? When does helping cross the line into ageism? 🤔

Narcissistic parents don’t inspire their children to care for them. Sometimes, the well of loving memories and connection has run dry. 💔

In this Caregiver Chats conversation, Dr. Lakelyn and licensed mental health counselor Rebecca Johnson unpack one of caregiving’s most complicated and often unspoken realities: caring for a narcissistic parent.

If this is part of your story, you are not alone. 💚 Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts: https://bit.ly/3V3ebtc

Caring for a parent can bring up a lot of complicated emotions, especially when the relationship has been difficult.

In this Caregiver Chats conversation, Dr. Lakelyn and licensed mental health counselor Rebecca Johnson explore the often unspoken experience of caring for a narcissistic parent, with compassion for the boundaries, grief, and mixed feelings that can come with it.

If this is part of your story, you are not alone. 💚 Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts: https://bit.ly/3V3ebtc

There’s more to the Iowa State Fair than corn dogs and butter sculptures—it is also a place for meaningful conversations. 🎡🌭

Dr. Lakelyn spent the day at the Home Instead booth talking with fairgoers about aging, caregiving and the many ways families can find support.

One conversation that will stay with her was with Marv, who cared for his late wife, Sharon. He shared how meaningful Home Instead’s support was for them—a powerful reminder that care can make a real difference for both the person receiving it and the family member beside them.

She also stopped by the Iowa Department of Transportation booth to talk about one of the harder caregiving conversations: driving. Starting early, leading with empathy and focusing on safety can help make the conversation feel less like taking something away and more like supporting independence.

Grateful for everyone who stopped to share their stories, questions and wisdom. Stay tuned for more from the fair! 💜 Iowa DOT Iowa State Fair

Dr. Lakelyn welcomes audiologist Dr. Debbie Abel for an important conversation about hearing loss and why recognizing it early can make a tremendous difference in health, relationships, and quality of life.

Listen to the full episode here: https://bit.ly/4xoaUml

Yvette Nicole Brown recounts her father's Alzheimer's journey and shares an important lesson: Hiding from a diagnosis only prolongs discomfort. Once her family knew what they were up against, her father could get the care he needed, and she could begin the process of acceptance. 🫂

🎧 Watch the full conversation on Caregiver Chats podcast: https://bit.ly/4xKM4NF

Struggling to hear may be the cause of chronic fatigue in older adults. Listen to the latest episode of Caregiver Chats to learn more: https://bit.ly/4xoaUml

Do you have a loved one who is withdrawing due to hearing loss? Try these tips for better communication. 👂🏼✨

Listen to the full episode of Caregiver Chats with our host Dr. Lakelyn and guest audiologist Dr. Debbie Abel: https://bit.ly/4xoaUml

When someone living with dementia does something unexpected, our first instinct is often to blame the person.

Instead, blame the disease.

In this clip from Caregiver Chats, geriatric social worker Mindy Crouch shares a simple mindset shift that can help families—especially children—respond with empathy instead of confusion or embarrassment.

By separating the person from the disease, we can protect their dignity, reduce fear, and create more compassionate moments together.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of Caregiver Chats:

Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4gJIrlU
Spotify: https://bit.ly/4pt1m6E
YouTube: https://bit.ly/4pu8Bv7