Remember back in the day when there used to be a "very special" episode of your favorite show? That's what this is -- a very special episode! Due to bad weather, Gagi and our daughter, Hannah, stayed with us for a time, and we talked them both into sitting down and recording a podcast episode.

In this squirrel-filled CGS, Jennifer and Steve pass along fantastic advice from a veteran home health aide on how you can best help them to ensure your loved one is well cared for. Plus, hear how Gagi and Nana handled the big Verizon outage last week (spoiler: it confused them) AND we have "How's your mom/dad/whatever" updates from listeners!

To contact us: Email: caregivinggenxstyle@gmail.com Voicemail/text: 804-723-1221 Twitter: https://twitter.com/genxcaregiving Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caregivinggenxstyle

Happy New Year! In this episode, Jennifer and Steve run through some suggestions for New Year's resolutions for caregivers.

Intro snippet of "Auld Lang Syne" is by Fresh Nelly, provided by the Free Music Archive.

To contact us: Email: caregivinggenxstyle@gmail.com Voicemail/text: 804-723-1221 Twitter: https://twitter.com/genxcaregiving Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caregivinggenxstyle

Sadness and even depression around the holidays is not uncommon, but it can be a problem faced by caregivers and care recipients in particular. In this episode, Steve and Jennifer talk with therapist Emily West from Self Space in Seattle, Washington about what to do about it.

Links mentioned in this episode: Self Space Seattle

To contact us: Email: caregivinggenxstyle@gmail.com Voicemail/text: 804-723-1221 Twitter: https://twitter.com/genxcaregiving Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caregivinggenxstyle

Taking a tour of a senior living community like assisted living, independent living, memory care, or even a nursing home is one of the more difficult things you can do as a caregiver, because the community only shows you what they think you want to see. In this episode of CGS, Jennifer and Steve talk with a veteran senior living marketing professional. She's the one who actually conducts these tours, and gives us insider tips to see through the smoke and mirrors.

Links mentioned in this episode: Senior Living Made S.I.M.P.L.E.

To contact us: Email: caregivinggenxstyle@gmail.com Voicemail/text: 804-723-1221 Twitter: https://twitter.com/genxcaregiving Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caregivinggenxstyle

In November 2022, a new podcast was born, dedicated to GenXers who find themselves taking care of their elderly parents or other loved ones. In this episode, we celebrate our third birthday. We talk about the past year, look forward to our fourth year, and give everyone (particularly Jennifer) the gift of bloopers and outtakes.

To contact us: Email: caregivinggenxstyle@gmail.com Voicemail/text: 804-723-1221 Twitter: https://twitter.com/genxcaregiving Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caregivinggenxstyle

In this all new CGS, Jennifer and Steve discuss what hospice care is and is NOT. Spoiler alert: It's not just sitting around waiting for your loved one to die. Also, hear from a listener who has tips on how to handle hospice while you're in the middle of it.

Links mentioned in this episode: The Living Phase, a Substack article by Dana Barnes

To contact us: Email: caregivinggenxstyle@gmail.com Voicemail/text: 804-723-1221 Twitter: https://twitter.com/genxcaregiving Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caregivinggenxstyle

Planning is not for everyone, and when you're neck deep in a caregiving emergency it's hard to think about the future. BUT, having a caregiving plan can be invaluable as you move through your journey. In this episode, Steve talks Richard Wexler from APlan2Age, a new non-profit that provides templates and tips on how to get that plan started. Also, learn about Gagi's recent hospitalization, which was immediately after the most wonderful 30th anniversary trip ever.

Links mentioned in this episode: APlan2Age National Conversation on Aging and Care

To contact us: Email: caregivinggenxstyle@gmail.com Voicemail/text: 804-723-1221 Twitter: https://twitter.com/genxcaregiving Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caregivinggenxstyle