Dr. Lakelyn sits down with fellow gerontologist, licensed clinical social worker, and dementia educator Ashley Stevens for an honest conversation about what caregivers truly need beyond traditional self-care advice. With 16 years of professional experience and a personal connection to Alzheimer’s disease, Ashley brings both expertise and lived insight to the discussion. Together, they unpack the emotional weight of being the sibling who stepped up, the importance of setting healthy boundaries, and the complex dynamics that often surface within families. Ashley also shares tangible, real-world resources, including national and local support programs, and reflects on the meaningful dialogue she is fostering through her Dementia Guru Instagram community.

Episode highlights include:

-Why self-care without structural support is not sustainable

-How boundaries protect both the caregiver and the relationship

-The emotional complexity of sibling dynamics

-When you are the only one who stepped up and how to come to terms with it

-Federal and local caregiver supports and resources

Helpful links from the episode:

- Learn more about in-home care: HomeInstead.com

-Ashley Stevens on Instagram @thedementiaguru

-Ashley Stevens’ website: thedementiaguru.com

-Medicare GUIDE Model for dementia care

-Your local Area Agency on Aging

-National Family Caregiver Support Program

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.

Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

Instagram: @homeinsteadinc

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Dr. Lakelyn is joined by retired nurse and stroke caregiver Lana Wilhelm for a deeply personal and practical conversation about what happens after a stroke. In 2021, Lana’s husband Rick suffered a severe stroke, and overnight she transitioned from bedside nurse to full-time caregiver.

Drawing from both her professional background and lived experience, Lana shares the emotional realities of stroke caregiving, including navigating uncertainty, managing behavioral changes, coping with guilt, and finding support when the initial wave of help fades. She also discusses the unique aspects of stroke recovery, why caregiver support directly impacts patient outcomes, and how she is working to build community through Stroke Caregiver Connection and her two books.

Episode highlights include:

-From nurse to caregiver, one family’s overnight transition

-Finding steadiness in the “wait and see” journey of stroke recovery

-Feeling grateful and overwhelmed at the same time

-Why supporting caregivers is essential, not optional

-Creating community so no stroke caregiver feels alone

Helpful links from the episode:

-Stroke Caregiver Connection: www.strokecaregiverconnection.com

-Book: Stroke and the Spouse: A Guide for the Survivor's Care Partner by Lana Wilhelm

-Book: Stroke and the Caregiver: The Definitive Caregiver Guide by Lana Wilhelm

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.

Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

Instagram: @homeinsteadinc

YouTube: @homeinsteadinc

TikTok: @homeinstead.inc

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by occupational therapist Lindsay DeLong, founder of EquipMeOT, for a conversation about supporting personal care routines as we age. Together they discuss how everyday activities like grooming, bathing, and getting ready for the day are closely tied to dignity, identity, and emotional well being.

Lindsay shares how common physical changes can make these routines more challenging and offers practical strategies for caregivers to support loved ones while still encouraging independence. She also highlights adaptive tools that can make personal care tasks easier and explains how small modifications can help older adults continue the routines that help them feel like themselves.

Episode highlights include:

-Why personal care routines matter for dignity and identity

-Common challenges older adults face with grooming and hygiene

-How caregivers can support independence safely

-Adaptive equipment for grooming, bathing, oral care, and beauty routines

-What to know before purchasing medical or adaptive equipment online

Helpful links from the episode:

-EquipMeOT website: equipmeot.com

-EquipMeOT YouTube channel: @EquipMeOT

-Instagram: @EquipMeOT

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.

Like, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

Instagram: @homeinsteadinc

YouTube: @homeinsteadinc

TikTok: @homeinstead.inc