Caregiver Crossing

What happens when a caregiver decides she’s done facing it all alone? Ellen Gullett took her experience caring for her mom and turned it into something powerful: a support group that now brings comfort, laughter, and honesty to caregivers at Second Presbyterian Church. In this episode, she shares how the group began, the surprising things she’s learned, and the stories that stay with her. You’ll also hear the kind of suppo...

This week, we’re joined by Wendy Rovet from Dillman and Owens and Holly Helm from CenterWell Senior Primary Care, each bringing insight for caregivers who are tired of doing it all alone. Wendy walks us through Life Care Planning and how it helps families prepare before a crisis, make smart decisions under pressure, and stay on the same page. Holly shares how CenterWell builds real relationships with older adults through l...

If you’re looking for proof that everything at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a part of its history, well stop right here. This episode of Behind the Bricks highlights a fire hydrant that has been around since 1912 – almost the entirety of the Indianapolis 500, and the efforts IMS went through to preserve and replace the fire hydrant.

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Falls are the leading cause of injury for older adults, but the Stepping On program is helping change that. This evidence-based program, now launched as a pilot through a partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, supports older adults and caregivers in building strength, confidence, and independence. Emily Tisdale, Executive Director of the Center for Aging & Community at the University of Indianapolis, joins...

Tina and Terri open the episode with laugh-out-loud stories and sweet reflections about their grandparents before diving into what caregiving really looks like in Indiana. From daily challenges to growing needs, they talk honestly about how families are navigating it all. You'll also hear how Joy’s House is celebrating 25 years and why your support matters right now.

Show notes:

www.Joyshouse.org

https://visitcaregiverway.com...

What if the most meaningful moments didn’t come from grand plans, but from something as simple as a shared laugh or a quiet activity done with care? This week on Caregiver Crossing, Beth Timko from CarDon & Associates joins us to explore how play, purpose, and connection show up in everyday life for older adults. We talk about what it really means to be engaged, how activities can meet people where they are, and why ca...

What makes a city feel like home as we age? In this conversation with Indianapolis City-County Councilor Nick Roberts, we explore how public spaces, transportation, and even neighborhood design can impact daily life for older adults. As one of the youngest council members in the country, Nick shares what he's learning from older residents who show up, speak up, and care deeply about the communities they call home. We talk ...

Grief can be confusing at any age, especially for children. In this episode, we talk with Hilary Bercovitz and Danielle Behnke from Brooke’s Place about how kids experience and express grief, what it can look like when they don’t have the words for their feelings, and how caregivers can support them through it. We also explore how grief may show up differently in neurodivergent children, including those on the autism spect...

What if the right kind of care could help your loved one stay out of the hospital and help you feel a little more human? Dr. Greg Sachs joins us to talk about the IN-PEACE Study, a new model of dementia care that gave families the kind of support they’ve been asking for. From check-ins with nurses to coaching through hard moments, this approach made a real difference. Dr. Sachs also shares what palliative care really is, a...

This week, we’re stepping outside and slowing down. Learn how forest bathing (yes, it’s a thing) can lower stress and boost your mood. Then hear about Tina’s new homesteading adventures and why digging in the dirt might be just what your soul needs. We’re also sharing a beautiful story from our Caregiver Way community about what happens after caregiving. Spoiler alert: you still matter.

Show notes:

www.Joyshouse.org

https://v...

Becky Barton, a former occupational therapy professor, shares her journey of adapting to life with dementia and the small adjustments that help her continue enjoying her passions, from singing and reading to cooking and spending time with her grandchildren. Through her story, Becky reminds us that while dementia brings challenges, it also opens opportunities to find new meaning and purpose in each day.

Show notes:

www.Joysho...

We’re joined by Tim Harms from the American Heart Association and Michael Hicks, a Belonging Fellow and graduate student at UIndy. Tim shares why heart disease remains the leading cause of death and how caregivers can take action through screenings and early awareness. Michael challenges us to rethink how we view disability, pushing beyond surface-level inclusion to create true belonging. Together, their voices offer power...

This week on Caregiver Crossing, we’re joined by Jalysa King. She’s an author, educator, and social work practicum student at Joy’s House. Jalysa shares what she’s learned from our Guests and caregivers, how trauma-informed care can support families through emotional moments, and why setting boundaries is one of the most important skills a caregiver can build. She also reminds us that even in the thick of caregiving, it’s ...

Caregiving comes with love and responsibility, but it also brings challenges that can feel impossible to manage alone. In this episode of Caregiver Crossing, we sit down with Jeni Agramonte, who balances her career at Shepherd Community Center with caring for her mother, a Guest at Joy’s House. Jeni shares how she stepped into caregiving, the emotions that came with trusting someone else in her mother’s care, and the relie...

Hospice is often misunderstood. It’s not about giving up, it’s about providing comfort, dignity, and support when it matters most. This week on Caregiver Crossing, Megan Frank and Robin Lightfoot from Enlight Hospice join us to discuss how hospice care supports both patients and caregivers, helping families navigate this stage with compassion and clarity. Enlight Hospice works alongside Cardon & Associates to ensure no...

How can talking about death bring more meaning to life? Richard Brendan, a speaker, mentor, and advocate for authentic living, joins Caregiver Crossing to share how open conversations about mortality can shift our perspective, deepen connections, and inspire a more intentional way of living. Richard played a key role in helping Joy’s House host our first Death Café, creating space for Guests and caregivers to reflect on wh...

Grief is a universal experience, yet it can feel deeply isolating. On this episode of Caregiver Crossing, we are honored to welcome Dr. William Hoy, a leading expert on grief and bereavement, to explore the role of social support in healing. With four decades of experience, Dr. Hoy shares insights into navigating loss, common misconceptions about grief, and how caregivers can balance their own emotional needs while support...

Making a home safe and accessible doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive! This week on Caregiver Crossing, we chat with Carly Weiner from Rosarium Health, an organization dedicated to helping families find trusted professionals for life-changing home modifications. From small, budget-friendly tweaks to major accessibility upgrades, Carly shares insider tips that make a big impact—helping caregivers and their loved on...

Community isn’t just a word at Cardon, it’s the heart of everything they do. In this episode, Kendra Edwards shares how Cardon personalizes care in meaningful ways and fosters connection for aging Americans. From building relationships to involving the broader community, we dive into how they’re setting a standard for truly compassionate care.

How can you be part of creating a stronger, more connected community?

Show notes:

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