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.

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Dr. Lakelyn is joined once again by caregiving expert and author Dr. Aaron Blight, returning to Caregiver Chats after his first appearance in Episode #25, Reflecting on Your Caregiving Mindset. This time, the conversation explores the role of spirituality and faith in caregiving.

Caregiving often places people in some of the hardest moments of life, including times of decline, uncertainty, and end of life. For many, these moments naturally prompt deeper reflection, spirituality, or questions of faith. Together, Dr. Lakelyn and Dr. Blight discuss how spirituality can support caregivers across belief systems and how even small daily practices can help sustain the caregiver’s spirit.

Episode highlights include:

-Understanding why caregiving often awakens spiritual reflection

-Exploring three levels of faith that can support caregivers

-How spirituality shows up during end-of-life caregiving

-Simple daily practices that nourish the spirit

-The role of faith communities in practical and emotional support

Helpful links from the episode:

- caregivingkinetics.com

-Book: When Caregiving Calls: Guidance as You Care for a Parent, Spouse, or Aging Relative by Dr. Aaron Blight

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.

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Facebook: @homeinsteadinc

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Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Nicole Smith—author, advocate, and dementia daughter—for a heartfelt conversation about caring for multiple parents living with dementia across different states during the pandemic. Nicole shares what it was like to navigate healthcare, legal, and financial systems while learning the language of caregiving in real time. Together, they discuss the importance of building a care team, the emotional realities of asking for help, and how Nicole transformed her experience into advocacy through her book Diagnosis Dementia and leading a Daughterhood Circle. This episode offers validation, perspective, and practical guidance for caregivers—especially those caring from a distance.

Episode highlights include:

-Caring for multiple loved ones with dementia across state lines

-Navigating the healthcare, legal, and financial complexities of caregiving

-Why building a care team matters—and why it’s so hard to ask for help

-Turning lived experience into advocacy through Diagnosis Dementia and Daughterhood Circles

-Practical insight and encouragement for long-distance caregivers

Helpful links from the episode:

Nicole’s website: www.njsmithbooks.com

Book: Diagnosis Dementia by Nicole Smith

Daughterhood Circles: daughterhood.org

Area Agencies on Aging: eldercare.acl.gov/home

Find Geriatric Care Managers - Aging Life Care Association (ALCA): aginglifecare.org

Steve Gurney: retirementlivingsourcebook.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