Care Giver Life with Dignity Podcast

Care Giver Life with Dignity Podcast

Sue Salach-Cutler and Fran Piekarski co-host this podcast on the challenges caregivers face when helping their loved ones. Each episode is committed in ensuring that our listeners, and those they care for, live a life with dignity, no matter their mental or physical state. We advocate for our listeners in a system that grows more complicated each year. https://habaneromedia.net/

Episodes

November 11, 2025 19 mins

Just Don't Pay It - What to do with Medical Bills

Medical bills can often arrive unexpectedly. What is this for? Why is it so much? How am I going to afford this? These are the questions that arise from a surprise bill. In this episode Fran and Sue urge you to pause before paying the bill and provide advice on how to lower or maybe even eliminate the bill. 

This is a production of Habanero Media.

 

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The Role of Hospitalists for Care Giving #56

Many people have a primary care physician that they see on a regular basis. But hospitalized patients see another type of primary care physician – a hospitalist. In this episode, Fran and Sue discuss the role of a Hospitalist and the services they provide to aid caregivers. 

 

This is a production of Habanero Media.

 

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September 9, 2025 23 mins

Planning for Adult Disabled Children

Parents of adult disabled children are faced with a daunting responsibility. In this episode, Fran and Sue reveal the challenges parents face and provide solutions that will give their children the highest quality of life. 

This is a production of Habanero Media.

 

 

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August 13, 2025 27 mins

Beware of Elder Scams

In this episode Pat sits in for Fran and asks Sue all about elder scams, scams that target older adults with the intent to steal their money. This includes phone scams, online scams, dating scams, and strangers at the door. But not only strangers, the elderly need to be skeptical of family and friends, too. All of this we cover. Give it a listen. 

This is a production of Habanero Media.

 

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June 17, 2025 30 mins

Elderspeak is way of talking to older adults that sounds like baby talk. Examples include using terms like Honey, Sweetie, and Dearie. Fran and Sue share stories, examples and the harm done by elderspeak.

This is a production of Habanero Media.

 

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May 30, 2025 31 mins

What to Expect When Moving Into Assisted Living #52

Moving to an assisted living facility can be a big transition. In this episode Fran and Sue share advice on how to ensure a smooth and comfortable move. First it's essential caregivers pack wisely and bring along essential items that will help the new resident easily settle into their new home. From personal belongings to practical necessities, this episode covers all bases when m...

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How to Advocate Health Care For Loved Ones #51

Get up, stand up, stand up for your loved one's health rights. In this episode Fran and Sue share advice on how to move beuracracies and persuade fearful staff to provide the best healthcare for your loved ones. 

This is a production of Habanero Media.

 

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April 1, 2025 36 mins

Senior Living Options #50

In this episode Fran and Sue answer questions from their podcast producer Pat Helmers regarding the various options available for Senior Living. 

This is a production of Habanero Media.

 

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October 7, 2024 26 mins

In this episode Fran and Sue discuss a touchy topic  for the elderly; blended marriages. When a new spouse is significantly older, it raises the chances of them getting ill or passing before the other, and conflict with the spouse's children. These kinds of hazards need to be considered. Give it a listen.

This is a production of Habanero Media.

 

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September 16, 2024 23 mins

Care Plans: What When and Where #48

In this episode Sue and Fran discuss the need to have a plan of care for family members. Care Plans contain objective goals, strategies, and outcomes commonly reviewed quarterly for skilled care nursing homes or yearly for assisted living homes. Care Plans ensure accountability and should be considered a must. Listen here to learn more.

 

This is a production of Habanero Media.

 

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August 14, 2024 22 mins

Pets and Older Adults #47

Pets are great. But do they make sense for order adults who struggle to take care of themselves? Fran and Sue discuss the challenges and rewards.

Caregiver Life with Dignity Podcast

Sue Salach-Cutler and Fran Piekarski co-host on the challenges caregivers face when helping their loved ones. Each episode is committed to ensuring caregivers, and those they care for, live a life with dignity, no matter their ...

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Transitioning Into Assisted Living with Anne Marie Davidson #46

In this episode, Anne Marie Davidson visits Sue and Fran for a discussion on the challenge aging adults face regarding their needs and preferences for retirement living. There are many housing options from which to choose. In this conversation, Anne Marie considers care options, lifestyle choices, financial, and geographic considerations.

This is a production of Habane...

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Why Caregivers Must Advocate For Themselves #45

In this episode, Fran and Sue talk about why it's crucial to stand up for yourself, especially for caregivers who face a lot of responsibility. Caregivers often overlook their own needs, whether it's about time, energy, or medical expenses. Sue shares a dramatic story about an accident involving her and her husband, and how they advocated for themselves in terms of care and expenses. ...

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Why Setting Boundaries Is Essential to Care Giving

In this conversation, Fran and Sue highlight how important it is for caregivers to set boundaries. Caregivers have many responsibilities, which can take up a lot of their time, money, and emotional energy. To stay strong and healthy, it's crucial for caregivers to establish clear limits. They'll discuss how caregivers can do this in today's episode.

This is a production of Habanero...

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How To Know if Your Lifestyle is a Fit for the Future

In this episode Sue and Fran challenge the listeners to reflect on their current lifestyle and assess if it's still a good fit for the future. Does your home ownership and current social circles still make sense? That's the topic for today. 

Caregiver Life with Dignity Podcast

Sue Salach-Cutler and Fran Piekarski co-host on the challenges caregivers face when helping their loved...

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Celebrating the Holidays While Caregiving

With the holidays upon us, it's a moment for caregivers to pause, reflect,t and take advantage of the opportunity to spend quality time with family, and friends while making special the time spent with those we care for. Fran and Sue share advice that any caregiver will find value during the holiday bustle. 

This is a production of Habanero Media 

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October 13, 2023 25 mins

Family Dynamics - How to Avoid Drama

 

Drama is often hard to avoid when a family is stressed with sickness and disease. Fran and Sue delve into this challenge with advice, rules, and stories of how to best deal with and avoid families hurting the ones they love most. 

 

This is a production of Habanero Media 

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September 19, 2023 20 mins

How To Recognize the Right Level of Care

Have you ever wondered how to determine the level of care that your family member needs; where they should be cared for and how long? That's the topic Fran and Sue discuss in this episode.  

 

This is a production of Habanero Media. 

 

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August 2, 2023 37 mins

Adult Services with Margo Vesely

In this episode, Fran and Sue interview Margo Vesely who shares her life journey into adult services, and then they discuss various caregiving opportunities available for the community. 

This is a production of Habanero Media.

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Strategies for Moving Your Loved Ones #38

Caring for an elderly loved one and moving them to a new home can be a challenging task.

  1. Start with a plan: Develop a detailed plan for the move, including a timeline, budget, and a list of tasks that need to be accomplished. Identify any specific needs or preferences your elderly loved one may have regarding their new home.

  2. Communicate: Keep open lines of communication with your el...

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