Getting a diagnosis can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re not sure where to start or what’s “normal” vs. “not normal.” In this episode, Laura walks you through the signs to watch for, how to know when it’s time to seek answers, and why getting a diagnosis can actually bring relief and clarity. You’ll also learn about common treatable conditions that can mimic dementia symptoms, and how to prepare for a doctor’s appointment so you feel supported and informed.

👤 Meet Laura Vaillancourt:

Laura is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Geriatric Mental Health Specialist, and the host of the Life on Repeat Podcast. With over 20 years of experience working with individuals and families navigating dementia, Laura’s mission is to provide caregivers with education, encouragement, and resources so they never feel alone on the journey.

📌 Topics Discussed:

- What’s “normal” forgetfulness vs. concerning memory changes

- Red flags that signal it may be time to seek medical evaluation

- Treatable conditions that can look like dementia (depression, delirium, vitamin deficiencies, infections, and more)

- Who can provide a diagnosis — from primary care to specialists

- How to prepare for a medical appointment (questions to ask, what to bring, and how to track concerns)

- What to expect after receiving a diagnosis and how to begin building your care team

⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):

00:00 – Why people wait to seek a diagnosis

04:30 – What’s normal aging vs. not normal memory loss

08:10 – Treatable conditions that mimic dementia symptoms

13:25 – Who can provide a diagnosis and what to expect

19:40 – How to prepare for an appointment

27:15 – What happens after diagnosis and building your care team

34:45 – Resources, planning, and next steps

💡 Key Takeaways:

- Memory impairment is not a normal part of aging.

- Many treatable conditions can cause memory changes, so don’t assume dementia.

- Early evaluation helps rule out reversible causes and provides peace of mind.

- Preparation is key — bring detailed examples, a list of medications, and questions to appointments.

- Getting a diagnosis is not the end; it’s the beginning of support, planning, and resources.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

Annual wellness exam (Medicare-covered screening)

Cognitive assessments (MoCA, MMSE, SLUMS)

Local Area Agencies on Aging

Alzheimer’s Association resources

Geriatric care managers and elder law attorneys

🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast:

Instagram: @lifeonrepeat.podcast

Facebook: Life on Repeat Podcast

Website: lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

Email: hello@lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

If you’ve been feeling unsure about your loved one’s memory changes, this episode is for you. Take a deep breath — you don’t have to walk this path alone.

In this heartfelt episode, Laura Vaillancourt offers five powerful, research-backed self-care practices for dementia caregivers who are feeling stretched thin. These small, meaningful shifts are designed to help you nurture your mind, body, and spirit — without adding more to your already full plate.

If you’ve ever wondered, “But what does self-care actually look like when I’m caring for someone 24/7?” — this episode is for you.

📌 Topics Discussed:

• Why “take care of yourself” can feel impossible for caregivers
• The difference between busy and truly connected
• How embracing uncertainty can reduce stress and open possibilities
• The surprising link between curiosity and lowering stress
• How to experience authentic gratitude (not forced positivity)
• Why movement — not “exercise” — boosts energy and resilience
• Simple ways to integrate self-care without adding overwhelm

⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):

00:00 — Introduction: Why self-care feels impossible in caregiving

04:10 — Practice #1: Connection

10:15 — Practice #2: Embrace the unknown

17:30 — Practice #3: Invite curiosity

23:20 — Practice #4: Gratitude

32:00 — Practice #5: Movement

39:45 — How to access Laura’s free 10-step self-care journal

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Self-care isn’t about adding more tasks — it’s about noticing what truly nourishes you.
• Quality of connection matters more than quantity.
• Curiosity and stress can’t coexist — curiosity helps unlock creativity and calm.
• Gratitude works when you feel it, not just when you list it.
• Movement moves energy, restores vitality, and doesn’t have to be complicated.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

Free 10-Step Self-Care Journal: Email hello@lifeonrepeatpodcast.com to get your download sent right to you!

🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast:

Instagram: @lifeonrepeat.podcast

Facebook: Life on Repeat Podcast

Website: lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

Email: hello@lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

Caring for yourself is one of the most loving things you can do — for you and for the person you care for. 💙

If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another caregiver who could use a little extra support today.

What does it mean to be a highly sensitive person (HSP) — and how does that intersect with the caregiving journey? In this powerful conversation, Laura sits down with Todd Smith, creator of the Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People podcast, to explore the gifts and challenges of being highly sensitive while caring for a loved one. Todd shares his personal caregiving experiences, insights on inner and outer work, and practical strategies for reducing stress and embracing reframing as a tool for resilience.

👤 Meet Todd Smith:

Todd Smith is the host of the Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People podcast and founder of True Inner Freedom. For over 18 years, Todd has guided highly sensitive people in breaking free from stress and emotional overload through inquiry-based processes, including The Work of Byron Katie. A highly sensitive person himself, Todd draws on his caregiving journey and personal practice to help others find peace without needing the world to change.

📌 Topics Discussed:

- What it means to be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)

- Todd’s personal caregiving experiences with his grandmother, father-in-law, and mother-in-law

- Understanding the DOES framework for HSP traits (Depth, Overwhelm, Empathy/Emotion, Sensitivity)

- The overlap between high sensitivity and caregiving strengths

- How HSP gifts can also become challenges without boundaries

- Why inner work matters for caregivers (and how to begin)

- Reframing caregiving experiences as gifts rather than burdens

- Using inquiry to manage stress, guilt, and overwhelm

⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):

00:02 – Welcome and introduction to Todd Smith

04:00 – Todd’s caregiving journey and family experiences

10:00 – What it means to be an HSP (Highly Sensitive Person)

15:00 – Exploring the DOES framework of HSP traits

22:00 – Caregiving strengths and challenges for HSPs

30:00 – Guilt, overwhelm, and the importance of inner work

40:00 – Reframing caregiving as a gift, not a burden

55:00 – Todd’s tools for stress management and daily practices

01:00:00 – Closing reflections and how to connect with Todd

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Around 15–20% of people are Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs), and this trait can be both a gift and a challenge in caregiving.
• HSPs often excel at noticing subtle needs and offering deep empathy — essential caregiving strengths.
• Without balance, sensitivity can lead to overwhelm, guilt, or burnout.
• Inner work, like inquiry practices, helps caregivers process emotions and prevent stress from building up.
• Reframing difficult caregiving moments can shift perspective and bring a sense of peace.
• Caregivers need to care for themselves as much as they care for others.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

True Inner Freedom – Todd Smith’s Website

Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People Podcast

Research on Highly Sensitive People by Dr. Elaine Aron

The Work of Byron Katie (thework.com)

🤝 Connect with Todd Smith:

Website: trueinnerfreedom.com

Podcast: Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People

YouTube: @theworkasmeditation

🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast

Website: lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

YouTube: @LifeonRepeatPodcast

Instagram: @lifeonrepeat.podcast

Facebook: Life on Repeat Podcast

If you found this conversation helpful, please like, subscribe, and share this episode with others who may need encouragement on their caregiving journey. Together, we can make caregiving feel less isolating and more supported. 💜

Caregivers often wish they had “another set of hands” to help manage endless tasks, appointments, and responsibilities. In this episode of the Life on Repeat Podcast, Laura explores how technology—when used intentionally—can save time, reduce stress, and bring more breathing room into the caregiving journey.

From shared calendars and safety monitors to medication reminders and even AI, Laura shares practical tech tools designed to support caregivers without ever replacing the heart of caregiving. This conversation highlights how technology can be a helper, not a substitute—freeing you up to stay connected, present, and human.

Laura Vaillancourt is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Geriatric Mental Health Specialist, and founder of Eldercare Counseling & Guidance Services. Through the Life on Repeat Podcast, she helps caregivers feel less overwhelmed and more supported by providing education, resources, and encouragement rooted in compassion and expertise.

• The heaviest pain points in caregiving (appointments, communication, safety, isolation)
• 5 tech categories that can support caregivers:

1. Daily organization & reminders
2. Safety & monitoring tools
3. Medical support
4. Emotional & social connection
5. Respite & outsourcing

• Real-life caregiver stories where tech made life easier
• Practical ways caregivers can experiment with AI (emails, activities, translations, and more)
• Keeping the “heart in tech”—why connection always comes first

00:00 – Why technology can be a caregiver’s ally

06:15 – Caregiving pain points that feel the heaviest

12:40 – Organization & reminders: calendars, task lists, voice assistants

20:50 – Safety & monitoring: GPS trackers, sensors, stove shutoff devices

29:35 – Medical support: smart pill dispensers & symptom trackers

36:40 – Emotional & social connection: Memoryboard (*Correction: GrandPad mentioned in episode was meant to be Memoryboard), Echo Show, family engagement

45:15 – Outsourcing & respite apps (TaskRabbit, Papa, Care.com)

51:20 – AI for caregivers: real-world examples and creative uses

01:02:00 – Keeping the heart in tech: connection over replacement

• Tech should lighten your load, not replace your role as a caregiver.
• Shared calendars and digital task lists reduce overwhelm and ease coordination.
• Safety devices (GPS, fall detectors, stove shutoffs) bring peace of mind.
• Smart pill dispensers and trackers support independence and medical accuracy.
• Connection tools like Memoryboard and Echo Show help families stay close from afar.
• Outsourcing platforms can provide small but meaningful breaks for caregivers.
• AI can be a practical assistant for emails, activity planning, translation, and more.
• Start small: one tool at a time to see what truly helps without adding stress.

• Carely (caregiving app)
• Google Calendar (shared scheduling)
• Alexa & Google Home (voice assistants)
• GPS trackers & smart home sensors
• MedMinder & Hero (smart pill dispensers)
• Symptom tracking apps
• Memoryboard (tablet for seniors)
• Amazon Echo Show
• TaskRabbit, Papa, Care.com
• AI tools: ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Claude

• 🌐 Website:...

Mindfulness is more than meditation — it’s a way of connecting with the present moment, finding calm in chaos, and reclaiming your power even in stressful caregiving seasons.

In this episode, Laura Vaillancourt sits down with Laura Alessio, a registered nurse and health and wellness coach, to explore how mindfulness can improve our lives and relationships, help us slow down, and even rewire the way we handle stress.

Whether you’re a caregiver feeling overwhelmed or simply looking for practical ways to bring more calm into your day, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped to start small but powerful mindfulness practices.

Laura Alessio, RN, is a health and wellness coach passionate about helping people integrate mindfulness and self-care into their everyday lives. She founded the free Facebook group Stress Less with Mindfulness, where people can find a safe, supportive community for learning and practicing mindfulness.

• How Laura discovered mindfulness and integrated it into her nursing career
• The link between mindfulness and stress reduction for caregivers
• What mindfulness actually looks like (beyond meditation)
• How multitasking rewires the brain — and why “monotasking” matters
• The power of mindful breathing and micro-practices throughout the day
• Using mindfulness to handle high-stress caregiving moments with grace
• Reframing negative self-talk and shifting mental patterns
• Practical tips for incorporating mindfulness into everyday tasks (even laundry!)

00:00 – Welcome & how Laura and Laura met at a healthcare event

03:00 – What drew Laura Alessio to mindfulness and nurse coaching

08:00 – What mindfulness really is (and isn’t)

13:00 – Caregivers, multitasking, and how to rewire the stressed brain

18:00 – Micro-practices: one deep breath can shift everything

22:00 – Using mindfulness in challenging caregiving moments

27:00 – Reprogramming negative thoughts & self-talk

33:00 – How mindfulness impacts physical and emotional health

38:00 – Practical steps to integrate mindfulness into daily life

44:00 – Guided breathing exercise

• Mindfulness is not about perfection or long sessions — it’s about awareness in the moment.
• Small actions (like a single deep breath) can calm the nervous system and shift your energy.
• Multitasking is a learned state, but mindfulness can help rewire the brain toward focus and calm.
• Mindfulness improves caregiving experiences by helping regulate your own energy and responses.
• You don’t need extra time to practice mindfulness — you can integrate it into everyday tasks.

• Free Facebook Group: Stress Less with Mindfulness
• nursecoachalessio.com
• Dr. Joe Dispenza’s work on brain rewiring and meditation

• Website: nursecoachalessio.com
• Facebook Group: Stress Less with Mindfulness
• Instagram & LinkedIn: @nursecoachalessio

• Instagram: @lifeonrepeat.podcast
• Facebook: facebook.com/Lifeonrepeatpodcast
• Website:

In this heartfelt episode, Laura speaks with Rick Henkin, a spouse-turned-caregiver whose wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at age 65. Rick shares his powerful story of navigating the emotional toll of caregiving, learning acceptance, and discovering how to care for himself so he could better care for his wife. From humor and heartbreak to practical wisdom, Rick offers a moving look at what it truly means to show up with love, even in the face of dementia.

Rick Henkin is a family caregiver and advocate who began his caregiving journey when his wife, Sonya, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2020. In response to the emotional challenges of caregiving, he launched the Facebook group For Family Caregivers: Eliminate Stress, Anger, and Guilt and developed the Caregiver Mastery course to help others find peace, presence, and emotional resilience. Rick brings humor, insight, and hope to a journey many walk alone.

• Recognizing the early signs of dementia and navigating diagnosis
• The emotional impact of Capgras Syndrome and memory care transitions
• How Rick reframed caregiving through mindset and self-care
• The importance of acceptance, humor, and being present
• Male caregivers and the unique challenges they face
• How Rick supports other caregivers through community and education

00:00 – Introduction and Rick’s story

05:40 – Receiving the Alzheimer’s diagnosis

11:15 – Capgras Syndrome and emotional toll

17:00 – Realizations about the burden of caregiving

22:30 – Launching his Facebook group and course

29:45 – Choosing memory care and building relationships with staff

40:00 – What it’s like now having Sonya back at home

49:20 – Humor as a survival tool

56:00 – Male caregivers, mindset, and emotional regulation

1:04:30 – Rick’s advice for caregivers and the importance of community

• Caregiver stress is often more about your reaction than your loved one’s behavior
• Acceptance of the disease is key to finding peace
• Humor can be a powerful tool in difficult moments
• Taking care of yourself is essential to being a good caregiver
• Male caregivers need community and emotional support too
• You don’t have to believe every thought—mindset can be changed

• Rick’s Facebook group: For Family Caregivers: Eliminate Stress, Anger, and Guilt
• Rick’s course: caregivermasterycourse.com
• Journal of the American Medical Association caregiver risk study
• Quote by Maya Angelou: “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
• Quote by Wayne Dyer: “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”

• 🌐 Website: caregivermasterycourse.com
• 📧 Email: rick@forfamilycaregivers.com
• 💬 Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/forfamilycaregivers

• 🎙 Website: lifeonrepeatpodcast.com
• 📸 Instagram: @lifeonrepeatpodcast
• 📘 Facebook: Life on Repeat...

In this powerful new episode, Laura speaks with Dr. Lama Sibai and Alice Allen-Redfern, co-founders of Magnolia, about the GUIDE Program — a revolutionary new Medicare pilot project that provides comprehensive, wraparound support to people living with dementia and their caregivers.

Dr. Sibai and Alice break down how the program works, who qualifies, and why this signals a major shift in how our healthcare system acknowledges and supports caregivers. Whether you're a family caregiver, healthcare professional, or someone navigating a new dementia diagnosis, this episode is full of crucial information and real hope.

Dr. Lama Sibai is a clinical neuropsychologist based in Seattle, WA. She specializes in the diagnosis and care of individuals with dementia and movement disorders. Dr. Sibai is a co-founder of Magnolia and a fierce advocate for caregiver education, equity in dementia care, and systems-level change.

Alice Allen-Redfern is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in older adults, caregiving, and palliative care. She co-founded Magnolia to address the urgent need for better caregiver support. Alice is a national expert on the new GUIDE Program and is helping families across Washington access these life-changing services.

• What the GUIDE Program is and why it's a game-changer
• Why caregiver support is essential and often overlooked
• Who qualifies for the program and how to apply
• The 9 pillars of the GUIDE Program and what families receive
• How Magnolia is building bridges between healthcare and community support
• Why dementia care must include emotional, logistical, and medical support
• The ripple effects of a dementia diagnosis on families
• The importance of flexibility, education, and advocacy in care planning
• How the GUIDE Program empowers families to remain at home longer
• The emotional toll of caregiving and the urgent need for burnout prevention

00:00 – Introduction to the episode

01:10 – Meet Dr. Lama Sibai and Alice Allen-Redfern

03:15 – The mission behind Magnolia

06:20 – What is the GUIDE Program?

12:55 – Who qualifies and how the program works

19:40 – Breaking down the 9 pillars of GUIDE

27:18 – Why caregiver support is essential

32:10 – How families can find participating GUIDE providers

37:22 – Emotional support, planning, and caregiver identity

45:50 – What makes Magnolia’s team unique

49:30 – The importance of a collaborative, flexible care model

55:45 – How GUIDE supports in-home and long-term care transitions

1:02:00 – Respite benefits and emotional care

1:07:10 – Final thoughts and gratitude

• GUIDE is an 8-year Medicare pilot program offering wraparound care for people living with dementia and their caregivers.
• The program includes monthly check-ins, care planning, respite benefits, and emotional and medical support — all covered by Medicare.
• Magnolia's care model bridges the gap between clinical care and real-life support, prioritizing the whole family’s wellbeing.
• Caregivers are viewed as experts and essential partners in the care team.
• The GUIDE Program recognizes that aging and dementia care require a coordinated, compassionate approach.
• Even those in assisted living or adult family homes can qualify — this program is designed to meet people where they are.

• Magnolia:

In this inspiring episode, Laura sits down with Marisa Payne, certified brain and cognitive health coach and dementia care consultant, to dive into the powerful Dementia Connection Model. Together, they explore how sensory-based strategies, cognitive behavioral theory, and structured daily engagement can transform life for both caregivers and individuals living with dementia.

Whether you're a family caregiver, a healthcare professional, or simply someone looking to better understand dementia care, this episode is filled with practical tools and hope for deeper connection and better quality of life.

👤 Meet Marisa Payne:

Marisa Payne is a credentialed brain and cognitive health coach, Dementia Connection Specialist Certified Trainer, and dementia care consultant. With over a decade of experience — and a lifetime of personal connection to elder care — she’s passionate about empowering caregivers with evidence-based, compassionate tools that prioritize both caregiver well-being and dignity for those living with dementia.

📌 Topics Discussed:

- Marissa’s journey growing up alongside elders and how it shaped her passion for dementia care

- What the Dementia Connection Model is and how it works

- How cognitive behavioral theory can be applied in dementia caregiving

- The power of sensory-based engagement (sound, scent, touch) to create connection and calm

- Practical examples from the “Perfect Day” framework caregivers can use daily

- Why preserving the dignity, autonomy, and emotional safety of people with dementia matters

- How caregivers can feel less isolated and more empowered

- How evidence-based training supports both family caregivers and professionals

⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):

00:00 – Welcome and meeting Marisa Payne

02:00 – Marisa’s story: Growing up in a home with elders

07:00 – The link between childhood experiences and dementia care passion

10:00 – Introduction to the Dementia Connection Model

14:30 – How cognitive behavioral theory applies to dementia

19:00 – The role of sensory engagement (music, scent, touch)

25:00 – Examples of building a “Perfect Day” for someone with dementia

30:30 – How this model works in home care vs. facility care

35:00 – How caregivers can lower their own stress with structure

39:00 – Breaking the myth: People living with dementia can still learn

43:30 – How evidence-based tools build real hope for caregivers

50:00 – Resources for getting trained or learning more

💡 Key Takeaways:

- Caregivers can lower stress and improve quality of life using sensory-based routines

- Even with dementia, individuals can still learn — just differently

- Evidence-based tools like the Dementia Connection Model offer hope, not just help

- Small daily changes (like music and scent) can create powerful emotional shifts

- Supporting caregivers' well-being is essential to better dementia care

📚 Resources Mentioned:

The Dementia Connection Institute – Explore training options and resources

The Busy Caregiver’s Guide to Advanced Alzheimer’s Disease by Dr. Jennifer Stelter

In Pursuit of Wellness – Marissa Payne’s consulting and support services

🤝 Connect with Marisa Payne:

Website: InPursuitofWellness.com

🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast:

Website: https://lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

Instagram: @lifeonrepeatpodcast

Facebook: Life on Repeat Podcast

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeonRepeatPodcast

✨ Like this episode? Please like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs it. You’re not alone. 💛