Home Instead

When dementia changes the way someone communicates, it can be easy to wonder what they are able to understand or feel. But moments of connection can still surprise us.

In this powerful story from Caregiver Chats, gerontologist Dr. Julie Masters shares how a simple question brought a meaningful response from a man in the final day of his life.

For anyone loving and caring for someone with memory changes, this is your reminder to keep talking, keep sharing and keep being present. 💚

Listen to the full episode with Dr. Lakelyn wherever you get your podcasts: https://bit.ly/4h6Pwvm

At the end of life, it can feel like there is so much to do, say and get right. 🫂

But sometimes, the most meaningful thing we can offer someone we love is simply our presence.

In this Caregiver Chats conversation, Dr. Lakelyn is joined by gerontologist Dr. Julie Masters to talk about the emotions that can come with end-of-life caregiving, from identity shifts and saying goodbye to finding connection through life review and memory changes.

If you are navigating this season with someone you love, you are not alone. 💚 Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts.

https://bit.ly/4h6Pwvm

How do you feel after spending time with your parents? 🤔

Dr. Lakelyn is joined by licensed mental health counselor Rebecca Johnson for an honest conversation about one of caregiving's most complicated and often unspoken realities, caring for a narcissistic parent.

🎧 Watch the full episode of Caregiver Chats wherever you get your podcasts: https://bit.ly/3V3ebtc

Are we helping, or are we making assumptions based on age? Sometimes the best way to support an older adult is simply to ask what they want and need. By listening first, we can help preserve independence.

What do you think? When does helping cross the line into ageism? 🤔

Narcissistic parents don’t inspire their children to care for them. Sometimes, the well of loving memories and connection has run dry. 💔

In this Caregiver Chats conversation, Dr. Lakelyn and licensed mental health counselor Rebecca Johnson unpack one of caregiving’s most complicated and often unspoken realities: caring for a narcissistic parent.

If this is part of your story, you are not alone. 💚 Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts: https://bit.ly/3V3ebtc

There’s more to the Iowa State Fair than corn dogs and butter sculptures—it is also a place for meaningful conversations. 🎡🌭

Dr. Lakelyn spent the day at the Home Instead booth talking with fairgoers about aging, caregiving and the many ways families can find support.

One conversation that will stay with her was with Marv, who cared for his late wife, Sharon. He shared how meaningful Home Instead’s support was for them—a powerful reminder that care can make a real difference for both the person receiving it and the family member beside them.

She also stopped by the Iowa Department of Transportation booth to talk about one of the harder caregiving conversations: driving. Starting early, leading with empathy and focusing on safety can help make the conversation feel less like taking something away and more like supporting independence.

Grateful for everyone who stopped to share their stories, questions and wisdom. Stay tuned for more from the fair! 💜 Iowa DOT Iowa State Fair

Dementia is about more than memory.

In this video, Dr. Lakelyn explains that changes in judgment, communication, mood, and problem-solving can sometimes appear before noticeable memory loss. Recognizing these early signs can help families start important conversations sooner.

💬 What early sign of dementia do you think more people should know about? Share your thoughts or experience in the comments.

"Can you make something sweet healthier?" 🍓

When a loved one living with dementia craves sweets, the answer isn't always yes or no.

In this clip from Caregiver Chats, Aaron Fish shares the concept of "stealth health" and how caregivers can increase nutrition while still honoring favorite foods and comfort-driven choices.

🎧 Join Dr. Lakelyn, Michelle Magner, Carrie Aalberts (), and Aaron Fish as they discuss practical dementia care strategies that can make daily life easier for families.

💚 Watch the full episode for more tips on nutrition, caregiving, and supporting a loved one living with dementia.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts: https://bit.ly/3SdVzpa

People often want to help, but they don't know how.
If you're the primary caregiver in your family, this advice may change how you ask for support.

In this clip from Caregiver Chats, the panel explains why getting help often starts with identifying exactly what you need and assigning specific tasks.

🎧 Join Dr. Lakelyn, Michelle Magner, Carrie Aalberts, and Aaron Fish as they discuss family caregiving, dementia care, and practical solutions for everyday challenges.

📲 Watch wherever you get your podcasts: https://bit.ly/3SdVzpa

After a dementia diagnosis, it's common for families to pull back from social situations, but isolation can make the journey even harder.

In this video, Dr. Lakelyn shares why simply showing up matters more than saying the "right" thing. Your presence, kindness, and support can make a meaningful difference.

💜 If someone you care about was living with dementia, what would you want friends and family to know? Share your thoughts in the comments.

"Can you make something sweet healthier?" 🤔

Food preferences often change throughout the dementia journey, and sweet cravings are common.

In this clip, Aaron Fish introduces the concept of "stealth health" and shares practical ways caregivers can add nutrition and protein while still providing foods that bring comfort and enjoyment.

Hosted by Dr. Lakelyn, this discussion with Michelle Magner, Carrie Aalberts, and Aaron Fish explores real-world dementia care strategies that caregivers can use immediately.

🎧 Watch the full episode of Caregiver Chats wherever you get your podcasts: https://bit.ly/3SdVzpa

What is trauma? And how does it show up in the older adults we care for?

On the latest episode of the Caregiver Chats Podcast, Dr. Lakelyn sits down with healthcare leader and trauma-informed care advocate Jean Hartnett to discuss how past experiences can shape behaviors, emotional responses, and caregiving interactions later in life.

💬 Do you think understanding someone's life story helps you provide better care? We'd love to hear your thoughts. 👇

🎧 Listen to the full conversation here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/72-the-hidden-impact-of-trauma-in-caregiving/id1684948365?i=1000768008035

✨ New Caregiver Chats Episode: Ashley Stevens, a gerontologist, licensed clinical social worker, and dementia educator, talks about what caregivers really need beyond basic self-care.

🎧 Tune in here: https://bit.ly/49LULxG