Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Jean Hartnett, a healthcare leader and trauma-informed care advocate, for a powerful conversation about the hidden ways trauma—both past and present—can show up in caregiving.

With more than 30 years of experience in senior care, Jean shares insights shaped by her work across the field and through her organization, Radical Sabbatical, where she helps individuals and communities understand and heal from trauma.

In this episode, Jean explores how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and unresolved trauma can influence caregiving, relationships, and stress responses. She also offers practical strategies to recognize triggers and shift from “What’s wrong?” to “What happened?”

Episode highlights include:

-Why trauma is more common in older adults than many realize

-How trauma can show up in caregiving behaviors and responses

-Shifting from “What’s wrong?” to “What happened?”

-The impact of losing coping mechanisms in aging and care transitions

-How caregiving can trigger emotional responses in the caregiver

-Practical ways to bring a trauma-informed approach into daily care

Helpful links from the episode:

-Radical Sabbatical: www.radicalsabbaticalcare.com

-Workbook: The Road to Resiliency: A Pathway to the Life You Want to Live

Available at: https://www.radicalsabbaticalcare.com/category/all-products

Use code MESEARCH for a free download through June 15, 2026

-LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jean-hartnett

-Instagram: @jeanhartnettspeaks

-To connect directly with Jean and access additional resources, email jean@radicalsabbaticalcare.com to request:

1. Understanding Trauma & Building Resilience – A healing-centered resource guide with tools to begin learning about trauma

2. The Resilient Mind Collective – A year-long book club project featuring curated recommendations on trauma and healing

To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com.

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