Caregiver Crossing

What happens when the person who supports families through dementia has lived that journey herself? Precious, Memory Care Support Specialist with American Senior Communities, joins Caregiver Crossing to talk about what families may notice during the holidays and how to make gatherings feel good for everyone. She shares real moments from her own experience, tips for keeping loved ones comfortable, and why respite care can be one of ...

A familiar song can bring back memories, lift spirits, and create moments of connection when words are hard to find. In this episode of Caregiver Crossing, we welcome Andy Tubman, Co-Founder and Chief of Therapeutics at SingFit, to explore how singing can support people living with dementia and their caregivers. Andy shares his experiences as a music therapist, along with simple ways to bring the joy of music into everyday life.

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Going back to school can feel complicated when work, caregiving, finances, and family responsibilities are already competing for your time. In this episode of Caregiver Crossing, we sit down with Alison Bell, Regional Vice President and Chancellor of WGU Indiana, to talk about how flexible education can fit into the lives of busy adults. Alison shares what makes WGU’s approach different, the support available for students' ba...

Caregivers are often juggling work, healthcare, finances, family responsibilities, and countless decisions, all while trying to figure out where to turn for help. In this episode of Caregiver Crossing, we sit down with Laura Johnson of Joy’s House to talk about the pressures caregivers are facing today and the gaps that can make finding support feel harder than it should. Laura shares how years of working alongside families h...

Companion Care can mean everything from a ride to the grocery store to help with bathing, meal prep, or simply sharing conversation over coffee. In this episode of Caregiver Crossing, we sit down with Kim Moore, Companion Care Administrator at CarDon, to explore how these services meet both the practical and emotional needs of seniors and their families. Kim walks us through the first steps families can take, the signs it might be ...

When a loved one gives the gift of life, the journey for their family is only beginning. Courtney Tillotta, Aftercare Support Manager at Indiana Donor Network, joins Tina McIntosh to explain what Aftercare Services look like in practice. She shares how families are paired with a coordinator, the kinds of grief resources and personal check-ins that are offered, and why traditions like quilts and remembrance ceremonies matter. 

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Jena Mattix, Branch Manager at the Glendale Branch of The Indianapolis Public Library, joins us to talk about how libraries can support adults, older adults, and caregivers in ways that go far beyond books. We look at adult programming, options that help people keep reading when access becomes more difficult, and the role libraries can play in helping people stay connected to their interests and community. Jena also shares how the ...

NCAA President and former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker joins us to talk about why caregiving deserves more attention from employers and business leaders. We look at the impact caregiving can have on the workforce, what came out of a recent caregiver roundtable, and the work moving forward with ARCHANGELS. Charlie also shares what companies can do to better support employees who are balancing work with caring for someone the...

Richard Brendan joins us to talk about a part of caregiving that does not get nearly enough attention: what happens when caregiving ends. Then, we turn the tables on Richard with a few questions from The Death Deck, including who he would invite to one last meal, what song he would want played at his celebration of life, and whether he would want to know the exact day he is going to die. We also look ahead to the upcoming Death Caf...

Leo Rafail from the ACAP Indy Metro North leadership team joins us to talk about the questions families face as loved ones age, the conversations that can help them feel more prepared, and how ACAP brings caregivers together to learn from local experts. Then, longtime Indianapolis musician Mark Moran shares his experience living with kidney disease, continuing to teach and perform while on dialysis, and what receiving a kidney tran...

Bill Trussell and Dan McKenzie, Co-Founders of Restore Rehab, join us for a conversation about helping older adults stay strong, independent, and confident through proactive rehabilitation. We talk about why therapy should begin before a crisis, how regular screenings can catch subtle changes early, and what this new partnership with Joy's House means for Guests and their families. Plus, our co-hosts explore the surprising history ...

Dom Kelly, Co-Founder, President, and CEO of New Disabled South, joins us for a conversation about disability justice and building systems that truly support disabled people and their families. We talk about the connection between art and activism, why awareness alone is not enough, and how community care can keep one person from carrying everything alone. Plus, our co-hosts discuss caring for senior animals and a new report showin...

DeAndre Safer and Jevon Hill from Helping Hands Home Management join us for a conversation about recognizing when a family needs more support and knowing where to begin. We talk about home care, Medicaid waivers, caregiving, and why finding the right resources can feel so overwhelming. They also share details about the upcoming Senior Summer Festival. Plus, our co hosts discuss Danny Glover’s recent diagnosis.

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Lisa Reed and Kelli Tungate from Careforth join us for a conversation about home and community-based services in Indiana and what families need to know when they are trying to find support. We talk about Area Agencies on Aging, No Wrong Door, managed care, waiting lists, and why system changes can feel so confusing for caregivers. They also share why families should document everything, including every interaction with providers, c...

Emily McAndrews from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield joins us for a conversation about home and vehicle modifications and how thoughtful changes can help older adults stay safer, more independent, and more comfortable. We talk about the parts of daily life that can become harder over time, from moving through the house to getting in and out of the car, and why planning ahead can bring relief before a crisis happens. We also refle...

Christy Johnson from CarDon & Associates joins us for a conversation about the SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program and how it helps people with Parkinson’s and related disorders strengthen their speech and swallowing. We talk about why communication changes can be easy to miss, what it means to speak with intent, and how families can support daily practice without making their loved one feel corrected. We also recognize Men’...

Dr. Kent Berry from Ascension St. Vincent Center for Healthy Aging joins us for a conversation about brain health, cognitive screening, and when families should bring memory concerns to a doctor. We talk about neuropsychological evaluations, mild cognitive impairment, dementia risk reduction, and why early answers can help families plan with more clarity and less fear. We also share details about the Joy’s House Open House an...

Holly Hess from CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions joins us for a helpful conversation about dementia support, Memory Cafés, Dementia Friends Indiana, and how families can take the first step when they are not sure where to turn. We talk about what a dementia friendly community looks like in everyday life and how CICOA helps older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers find resources that fit their needs. We also look at...

Lana Wilhelm joins us for a personal conversation about caring for her husband, Rick, after his stroke and how that experience changed the way she understood caregiving, even after more than 40 years as a registered nurse. We talk about marriage after stroke, what spouse caregivers often face behind the scenes, and how her books helped lead to CarePower Connect, formerly Stroke Caregiver Connection. We also recognize Aphasia Awaren...