Dr. Lakelyn is joined by return guest April Ibarra, gerontologist and aging expert, for a thoughtful conversation on a topic that many families don’t know how to approach: what happens when an aging parent or loved one starts dating again.

From companionship and loneliness to online dating safety and changing family dynamics, this episode explores how caregivers and adult children can support their loved one’s emotional well-being while also addressing important concerns. With over 35 years of experience in senior care, April offers practical strategies, compassionate guidance, and empowering insights to help families navigate this delicate, yet joyful stage of life.

Episode highlights include:

- How to talk with aging loved ones about loneliness, companionship, and the desire for connection

- Supporting safe dating, both online and in-person

- Navigating emotions when a parent begins a new relationship

- Balancing respect for independence with family concerns

- Celebrating love, intimacy, and thriving in later life

Helpful links from the episode:

- www.aprilibarra.com

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 Sheri Biller, philanthropist, cancer caregiving advocate, and co-founder of the Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation. Sheri brings both personal experience and professional passion to the conversation as she shares how her foundation is changing the landscape of supportive care for serious illnesses, especially for cancer patients and their caregivers.

The Biller Family Foundation defines supportive cancer care as a whole-person approach that complements medical treatment by addressing the emotional, physical, and practical needs of people with cancer and their caregivers—from diagnosis through survivorship.

Dr. Lakelyn and Sheri will discuss what true supportive care means, the emotional and logistical toll of cancer caregiving, and how caregivers can find the resources and community they desperately need—but often don’t know that it is available or where to turn.

Episode highlights include:

- Sheri Biller’s personal and professional caregiving journey

- What “supportive care” really means in the cancer world

- Addressing the deep emotional isolation many cancer caregivers feel

- Practical ways caregivers can access connection, resources, and relief

- Tips for navigating the intensity of caregiving for loved ones undergoing treatment

Helpful links from the episode:

www.acsresources.org

www.CancerCare.org

www.cancersupportcommunity.org

www.supportivecarecare.org

www.alexslemonade.org

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 Carmen Bowman, consultant, educator, and founder of Edu-Catering, to discuss the Validation Method, a compassionate approach to dementia care. Caregivers often feel stuck when faced with repeated questions like “Where’s my mom?” or behaviors they don’t understand. Instead of arguing, redirecting, or dismissing, Carmen introduces simple yet powerful techniques—like rephrasing, entering into a loved one’s world, and asking “tell me more”—that reduce stress, build trust, and create space for authentic connection. Through real-life examples, Carmen shows how caregivers can shift their approach and bring more empathy and understanding into daily interactions.

Episode highlights include:

-What the Validation Method is and why it matters in dementia care

-Why “arguing” or “redirecting” often increases stress and distrust

-How to rephrase questions with empathy to build trust

-The power of presence, slowing down, and stepping into a loved one’s world

-Simple tools caregivers can use, like “tell me more” and emotion-matching

-Why tears and grief can be healing—not something to avoid

Helpful links from the episode:

- Carmen’s website: edu-catering.com

- Validation Training Institute: vfvalidation.org

- Book: Validation: The Feil Method by Naomi Feil

- Visit www.homeinstead.com/care-resources to explore more caregiving resources

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