- 15
- Episodes
- 2024
- First episode
About Straight Talk for Giving-Care
Welcome to my podcast, Straight Talk for Giving-Care. My podcast is for family caregivers created by a family caregiver. I’ve been on a care journey through dementia with my mother for more than 12 years. On our journey I’ve learned that the most difficult part of caring for a loved one isn’t taking on additional responsibilities and performing additional tasks. It’s doing that while feeling what you’re feeling. In these podcasts, I share stories and the life lessons I’ve learned to help family caregivers create a journey that is satisfying for both people.
- Publisher
- Sheri Yarbrough
- Category
- education
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 20 Jul 2024
- Latest episode
- 3 Sept 2025
Latest episodes
15 episodes in the feed.
3 Sept 2025
Why Every Caregiver Needs an Elder Care Lawyer
In this month’s episode, I’m sharing why an elder care lawyer is an essential member of your caregiver team—and how working with one helped me and my mom through one of our toughest moments. As caregivers, we often take on the responsibility of making life-changing decisions. But without the legal authority to act on behalf of a loved one, even the most basic care steps can turn into overwhelming obstacles. That’s why I’m talking about the durable power of attorney, Medicaid planning, and how early conversations with an elder care lawyer can empower you to care with clarity and confidence. I also open up about my own experience navigating a detour through breast cancer while already on an Alzheimer’s journey with my mom—and how being legally prepared helped me focus on getting her healthy instead of being stuck in red tape. In this episode, I cover: Why legal authority matters more than you think How a durable power of attorney helped me advocate for my mom When to bring an elder care lawyer onto your team What you can do now to plan for future care needs Where to find trusted legal resources Episode Links: https://www.peckritchey.com/community/healthcare-power-of-attorney-for-seniors-what-you-should-know/ https://www.peckritchey.com/community/understanding-guardianship-and-power-of-attorney-which-one-do-you-need/ https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/caringforyourparents/handbook/finances/startplanning.html https://naela.org/Web/Web/Who-We-Are-Template.aspx?hkey=feb0efd3-bd62-4508-9ca4-20de373d4784 For guesting opportunities, send me a message at slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit praxisforcare.com Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/praxisforcare Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com
10 Jul 2025
Fall Prevention, Bone Health, and the Role of the OT in Family Caregiving
When we think of a family caregiver’s support system, we often focus on doctors and nurses. But there are other professionals who play a critical role in keeping both the caregiver and the care recipient safe, healthy, and supported. In this episode, I’m joined by Emilia Bourland, OTR, ECHM, CFPS, an occupational therapist and entrepreneur dedicated to helping older adults and caregivers access the information, services, and resources they need to live their best lives. We talk about: The true scope of occupational therapy and when to call in a professional How OTs support both fall prevention and bone health The connection between a caregiver’s health and their ability to keep caring Small, practical changes that make a big difference in home safety This episode is part of an ongoing series showcasing the often-overlooked experts who can—and should—be integrated into your care team. Guest: Emilia Bourland, OTR, ECHM, CFPSOccupational Therapist | Entrepreneur | Aging Advocate 🔗 Learn more about Emilia’s work: https://meetluma.us/ 🔗 Connect with Emilia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilia-bourland/ 🎧 Listen and follow Straight Talk for Giving-Care for more expert insights that help you navigate your care journey with confidence. For guesting opportunities, send me a message at slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit praxisforcare.com Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/praxisforcare Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com
27 May 2025
Finding Joy Amid Caregiver Stress with the AIM Framework
Caregiving is a deeply emotional journey—full of love, frustration, joy, and exhaustion, sometimes all at once. In this episode, we revisit the AIM Framework—a tool designed to help family caregivers manage stress by tuning into the full spectrum of what we feel. You’ll hear: Why it’s just as important to acknowledge joy as it is to acknowledge stress How laughter and lightness can serve as tools for emotional resilience Practical ways to identify what makes you feel okay—and how to commit to more of it AIM stands for: A – Acknowledge how you're feeling I – Identify what you need in order to continue caring M – Make a commitment to yourself This episode is a reminder that it's not selfish to care for yourself—it’s essential. Tune in and take aim at both the heavy and light moments of caregiving. Helpful Links: https://caregiver.com/articles/laughter-medicine/ https://familycaregiversonline.net/keeping-your-sense-of-humor-as-a-family-caregiver/ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/its-ok-to-laugh-right-now https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456 https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/play-your-way-sane/202010/how-use-humor-manage-stress For guesting opportunities, send me a message at slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit praxisforcare.com Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/praxisforcare Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com
25 Apr 2025
Bone Health for Fall Prevention
When it comes to fall prevention, we often focus on external fixes—like clearing walkways and installing handrails. But there's an internal factor that's just as important: bone health. In this episode, I dive into how osteoporosis, often called a “silent threat,” impacts fall risks. We cover: The connection between osteoporosis and fall-related injuries The difference between osteoporosis and osteopenia Different ways to prevent bone loss—and how to fit prevention into your lifestyle as a busy family caregiver Taking care of your bones is another way of taking care of the people you love. Tune in to learn practical ways to strengthen bone health and reduce fall risks. Links & Resources for today’s episode: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21855-osteopenia https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4443-osteoporosis https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db405.htm https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/ Conditions that affect your bones https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/ss/slideshow-bone-conditions https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/ss/slideshow-boost-bone-health Simple Steps to Strengthen Your bones 8 Weight Bering exercises for Stronger Bones https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/features/exercise-weight-bearing Do Medications Affect Your bones https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/features/medication-affect-bones 10 Medications that May Increase Your Risk of Osteoporosis https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/osteoporosis/medications-that-may-increase-risk-for-fractures For guesting opportunities, send me a message at slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit praxisforcare.com Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/praxisforcare Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com
27 Mar 2025
What Would You Want?
When a loved one faces illness or injury, caregiving becomes a shared journey—not just their experience, but ours too. In this episode, we explore how reflecting on what we would want in a time of need can shape how we care for others. We discuss: The importance of including your own experience in caregiving decisions How recognizing the relationship as a two-way journey reduces stress Why clear thinking and low stress are key to finding the right support By honoring both perspectives, caregiving becomes more sustainable, compassionate, and satisfying for everyone involved. Tune in to learn how. For guesting opportunities, send me a message at slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit praxisforcare.com Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/praxisforcare Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com
27 Feb 2025
Revisiting Taking AIM at Caregiver Stress
Caregiving is already challenging, but when outside forces—like political decisions—affect those we care for, stress levels can rise even higher. This episode isn’t about politics, but about how caregivers can manage stress in uncertain times. We revisit the AIM framework with a fresh perspective: A – Acknowledging your feelings and the impact of external factors I – Identifying the outlets you need to process and cope M – Making a commitment to engage in the strategies that support you By recognizing how we feel and actively working toward solutions, we can stay strong for ourselves and those we care for. Tune in to learn how to navigate stress and uncertainty while maintaining balance in your caregiving journey. For guesting opportunities, send me a message at slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit praxisforcare.com Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/praxisforcare Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com
13 Dec 2024
Team Building for Care-giver Stress Reduction
As family caregivers, it's easy to feel like you have to do it all. The pressure to manage every task, every responsibility, and every emotion can be overwhelming. But the truth is, we can only do so much as one person. In this episode, I explore the power of creating a care team to break the cycle of doing it all alone. We talk about: Why caregivers often push aside their own needs to prioritize their loved ones How a care team can reduce stress and prevent burnout Practical steps to build a support network that lightens your load Remember, caregiving isn’t just about your loved one—it’s about ensuring you have the support to show up fully. You don’t have to do it all alone. Tune in to learn how you can take care of yourself while continuing to care for others. For guesting opportunities, send me a message at slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit praxisforcare.com Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/praxisforcare Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com
12 Dec 2024
Welcome to Straight Talk for Giving-Care
Welcome to my podcast, Straight Talk for Giving-Care. My podcast is for family caregivers created by a family caregiver. I’ve been on a care journey through dementia with my mother for more than 12 years. On our journey I’ve learned that the most difficult part of caring for a loved one isn’t taking on additional responsibilities and performing additional tasks. It’s doing that while feeling what you’re feeling. In these podcasts, I share stories and the life lessons I’ve learned to help family caregivers create a journey that is satisfying for both people.
21 Sept 2024
Wellness for 2
As family caregivers, we've all heard the advice to "go with the flow." But let's be real—going with the flow can sometimes feel like you're completely out of control. Caregiving is full of unpredictable changes, and when you're trying to keep up with those while managing your own emotions, it can take a serious toll on your health. In this episode, I dive deep into what wellness truly means for caregivers—how to keep your loved one safe while making decisions that prioritize both of you. ___________________________________ For guesting opportunities, send me a message at slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit praxisforcare.com Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/praxisforcare Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com
20 Jul 2024
Taking AIM at Family Caregiver Stress: A Game-Changing Strategy for Your Care Journey
I had no idea that SO MANY EMOTIONS would come with the unexpected change to the relationship with my mother. In this episode, I share my journey with "AIM" – a strategy that has profoundly shaped my caregiving experience. AIM stands for: Acknowledging Your Feelings Identifying What You Need to Continue Caring, and Making a Commitment to Yourself to Get the Support You Need. I discuss the importance of recognizing your emotional states as a caregiver and how this awareness can sustain you in the long term. I also provide insights on how to identify your needs and the steps necessary to ensure you receive the support you deserve. ___________________________________ For guesting opportunities, send me a message at slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit praxisforcare.com Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/praxisforcareIntro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com
20 Jul 2024
Giving-care and Self-care: The Importance of Including Oneself on the Care Journey
If I had a nickel for every time I’ve been told I have to take care of myself, I’d never have to work again. There is good intent behind those words, but they never come with a guide on how to act on them. Self-care has to be done consistently to prevent caregivers from burning out while fulfilling their life role. Giving-care is extending the same kind of care to yourself that you extend to your loved one. ___________________________________ For guesting opportunities, send me a message at slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit praxisforcare.com Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/praxisforcare Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com
20 Jul 2024
Journeying Through Giving-Care: The Hardest Part
Dementia had eroded my mom’s judgment, leading to choices that caused frustration and more work for me. But one unfortunate day, I learned that her decline had also greatly impacted her safety. One moment of distraction on my part led to a broken hip and the possibility of Mom being bed-bound for the rest of her life. I felt like I had failed in my commitment to keeping her safe. It was then that I was confronted with how I truly felt about Alzheimer’s dementia. Through this experience, I learned my first care-giver life lesson: the hardest part of being a family care-giver is doing everything you have to do while you’re feeling what you’re feeling. ___________________________________ For guesting opportunities, send me a message at slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit praxisforcare.com Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/praxisforcare Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com
20 Jul 2024
Leaving the Past Behind to Heal and Move Forward: Introducing the Praxis for Care
How do you heal a broken relationship with someone who no longer has the capacity to process complex emotions? My mother and I have always had a rocky relationship marked by cycles of anger and unfulfilled expectations. After becoming her caregiver, I realized the need to confront our past and find a new way forward. In this episode, we’ll discuss: 📌"The Praxis for Care" and its role in reshaping the relationship with my mother 📌Practicing forgiveness to release the weight of past resentment 📌The importance of patience in coping with the uncertainties of caring for a loved one 📌How patience and acceptance became guiding principles for navigating the complexities of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's Dementia ___________________________________ For guesting opportunities, send me a message at slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit praxisforcare.com Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/praxisforcare
20 Jul 2024
The Journey Toward Giving-Care: How a Cancer Diagnosis Shifted My Perspective on Family Caregiving
Have you ever faced a moment that completely changed the way you approach life? In this episode, I share the story on how mom’s breast cancer diagnosis reshaped my perspective on caregiving and my role in the care relationship. Today I’ll discuss: The unexpected impact of a cancer diagnosis on my caregiving role The struggle of making critical decisions about treatment without comprimising mom’s wishes How this experience led me to integrating my needs into the caregiving relationship The difference between “care-giving” and “giving-care” ___________________________________ For guesting opportunities, send me a message at slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com. For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit praxisforcare.com Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/praxisforcare Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com
20 Jul 2024
...And So it Began: Diagnosis and the Aftermath
This is a story about generational trauma and coming to terms with a life-changing diagnosis. It was supposed to be a routine doctor's appointment until it wasn't. My mom's Alzheimer's dementia diagnosis turned my world upside down, literally. It forced me to move back into my childhood home to take on my new role: family caregiver. This is how it all began. ___________________________________ This is what I do: praxisforcare.com Read my book: OMG! I'm the Grown-up! A Conversation on Giving-Care to a Loved One... And Yourself: https://www.amazon.com/Grown-Up-Conversation-Giving-Care-Loved-Yourself/dp/198225047X Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/praxisforcare/
Podcast Authority Score: 21 / 100
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