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Summary

In this conversation, Amy Martin Quinn shares her experiences as a communications executive turned patient advocate, navigating the complexities of the sandwich generation. She discusses her personal health challenges, the impact of caregiving for her parents while raising her daughters, and the importance of community support. Amy emphasizes the concept of radical acceptance, the necessity of setting boundaries, and the cultural dynamics that influence caregiving roles. Through her journey, she highlights the significance of allowing others to help and the emotional toll of caregiving, especially during times of grief.

Takeaways

• Amy's journey into patient advocacy was inspired by personal experiences with family health issues.
• The sandwich generation faces unique challenges, balancing care for aging parents and children.
• Radical acceptance has been a crucial skill for navigating life's challenges.
• Community support plays a vital role in caregiving and emotional well-being.
• Grief can complicate the caregiving experience, making it essential to process emotions.
• Setting boundaries is necessary to prevent burnout in caregiving roles.
• Cultural dynamics influence how siblings participate in caregiving.
• Becoming a patient advocate was a natural progression for Amy after her experiences.
• The smallest gestures of support can significantly impact caregivers.
• It's important to acknowledge the difficulties of caregiving without feeling guilty.

About the Guest

Amy Martin Quinn is a seasoned communications executive and Board Certified Patient Advocate who brings empathy, strategy, and clarity to both corporate and healthcare environments. With more than 25 years of experience in communications, Amy has built a career around helping people understand complex systems and make informed decisions.

Her pivot into patient advocacy was inspired by personal experience: navigating breast cancer, supporting her daughter’s mental health journey, guiding her father through Parkinson’s disease, and helping her mother manage heart disease. These experiences deepened her passion for helping others through the emotional and logistical challenges of the healthcare system.

Amy now uses her communication expertise to empower patients and families—translating medical jargon, streamlining insurance and billing issues, and ensuring people feel confident and heard in their healthcare decisions. Her work centers on making care more accessible, less overwhelming, and deeply human.

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The Aging Together Caregiver Hub is a FREE community for family caregivers of older adults. Join us today to find a peer network and access our learning studio with simple, bite-sized content, resources, and a support group.

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Summary

In this episode of the Aging Together podcast, Dr. Pooja A. Patel speaks with Reverend Lorna J. Hines, a licensed clinical social worker and caregiver, about her extensive experience in caregiving and the emotional toll it takes. They discuss the systemic barriers caregivers face, the importance of seeking help, and the impact of trauma on both caregivers and their loved ones. Reverend Hines shares her personal journey, including the challenges of caring for her parents and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation emphasizes the need for proactive health management and planning for caregiving needs.

Takeaways

• Caregiving can lead to feelings of isolation and powerlessness.
• The emotional toll of caregiving is profound.
• Systemic barriers hinder caregivers' ability to seek help.
• Compartmentalization is a common coping mechanism for caregivers.
• Intersectionality plays a role in the caregiving experience.
• Writing can be a therapeutic outlet for caregivers.
• Planning for caregiving needs is essential.
• Caregivers should take ownership of their health.
• Don't suffer in silence; seek out resources and support.

About the Guest

Lorna J Hines is a renowned Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Medium, Intuitive Counselor, and Behavioral Health Expert. She is also an ordained Minister and Author of Straight Talk From A Wise Woman: Tears, Trauma, and A Healing Path. She was the caregiver for her parents and in-laws.

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The Aging Together Caregiver Hub is a FREE community for family caregivers of older adults. Join us today to find a peer network and access our learning studio with simple, bite-sized content, resources, and a support group.

S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility
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Summary

Deborah Pocalas shares her harrowing experience of elder exploitation involving her father, revealing the complexities of family dynamics, betrayal, and the emotional toll of caregiving. She discusses the discovery of theft by a sibling, the impact of medical misdiagnosis, and the challenges of navigating guardianship. Throughout the conversation, Deborah emphasizes the importance of documentation, recognizing red flags, and finding support during difficult times. Her story serves as a cautionary tale for caregivers and families dealing with similar situations.
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Takeaways

• Elder exploitation can occur within families, often unnoticed.
• Documentation is crucial in cases of elder abuse.
• Isolation tactics can be used to control elderly individuals.
• Medical misdiagnosis can severely impact care options.
• Guardianship processes can be negotiated for better outcomes.
• Recognizing red flags early can help prevent exploitation.
• Emotional support systems are vital for caregivers.
• Family dynamics can complicate caregiving situations.
• Spending quality time with loved ones is invaluable.
• Resentment can hinder personal healing and growth.

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About the Guest

Debora Pokallus is a loving daughter with no medical background who was thrust into an unimaginable situation and tried her best to help her father survive and thrive. She is on a mission to share her story of elder exploitation to help other families navigate various dynamics.

S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility
Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs.

The Aging Together Caregiver Hub is a FREE community for family caregivers of older adults. Join us today to find a peer network and access our learning studio with simple, bite-sized content, resources, and a support group.

S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility
Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs.

Support the show