If you're a working caregiver—or if you support them—you need to hear this one. In this episode, we sit down with elder law experts (and longtime friends of the show) Eric Goldberg and Clelia Pergola from the NJ Elder Law Center. Together, they drop some serious knowledge on navigating Medicaid, protecting assets, and creating real systems of support for families in crisis.

This conversation gets personal, gets practical, and—most importantly—gets to the heart of what caregivers are up against. We dive into everything from care coordination and legal documentation to family dynamics, generational friction, and what employers really should be doing to help. If you’ve ever wondered what makes elder law so crucial—or if you’ve avoided the paperwork altogether—this episode is the nudge you’ve been waiting for.

Episode Highlights:

[2:15] - Meet Clelia and Eric, and hear how their caregiving and legal paths became one.
[7:27] - How personal chaos led to a systemized, compassionate elder law practice.
[8:32] - Eric explains the types of cases they handle and the three phases of long-term care planning.
[12:06] - The must-have legal documents every family should prepare before a crisis.
[13:36] - What Medicaid actually covers, and why it’s often misunderstood.
[16:24] - The real challenge behind Medicaid applications—and why counties can make or break it.
[20:11] - Clelia’s powerful case for why employers should bring elder care resources to work.
[22:19] - How to have “the talk” with your parents—without a total meltdown.
[26:53] - Why geriatric care managers are secret weapons for families navigating uncertainty.
[32:59] - Debunking the myth that elder law is just for the wealthy.
[36:52] - Toughest questions families ask—and the surprising legal consequences of good intentions.
[38:20] - The sibling divide: managing conflict between hands-on caregivers and money managers.
[41:35] - Final takeaways: plan ahead, talk early, and don’t try to DIY elder care in a crisis.

Links & Resources:

• About Eric: https://njelc.com/our-team/eric-goldberg/
• About Clelia: https://njelc.com/our-team/clelia-pergola/
• Goldberg Law Group: https://njelc.com/
• Aging LIfe Care Association (Geriatric Care Managers): https://www.aginglifecare.org/
• Interview with Geriatric Manager/Aging Life Care Professional Elyse Weber-Sacks: https://www.invisibleemployeesbook.com/real-working-caregivers-stories-1-7
• Clelia's books: “The Law Firm Revolution” : https://www.amazon.com/Law-Firm-Revolution-Clelia-Pergola/dp/1543911595 and “Life, Lessons, & Legacy“: https://www.amazon.com/Life-Lessons-Legacy-Grandmother-Changed/dp/1667803662

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

In this heartfelt and deeply insightful episode, we sit down with Bob Mastrogiovanni, a devoted husband, retired IRS professional, and co-president of the Well Spouse Association. Bob opens up about his powerful caregiving journey for his late wife Kathleen, who battled multiple sclerosis for decades. From the moment of diagnosis just two years into their marriage, Bob shares how their love, resilience, and adaptability helped them navigate the emotional and practical challenges of being a caregiving couple.

Together, we unpack the unique experiences of caregiver spouses—those caring for their life partners—and explore how this journey differs from other types of caregiving. Bob also dives into the vital role the Well Spouse Association plays in offering emotional support, community, and resources to those walking this path. If you're a working caregiver, a spouse currently in a caregiving role, or someone who supports them—this episode is for you. Don’t miss Zack’s challenge to organizations to step up and support the Well Spouse mission!

Episode Highlights:

[1:25] – Welcoming listeners and introducing Bob Mastrogiovanni, a retired IRS agent and caregiver spouse.
[4:11] – Bob begins sharing his caregiving journey for his wife Kathleen, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
[6:21] – How Bob and Kathleen made lifestyle choices to maintain a sense of normalcy after diagnosis.
[7:50] – Balancing full-time work and caregiving, and the role of professional home caregivers.
[9:28] – Discovering and joining the Well Spouse Association and eventually becoming co-president.
[11:13] – Why spousal caregiving is different and how Well Spouse provides vital support.
[13:05] – The therapist recommendation that led Bob to Well Spouse.
[16:46] – Employer flexibility: how the IRS helped Bob stay employed while caregiving.
[17:56] – Bob’s advice to employers: educate HR on caregiver challenges.
[19:38] – Why caregivers should communicate openly with employers.
[21:51] – Credit hours, workplace flexibility, and practical tools that helped Bob balance work and caregiving.
[22:52] – The emotional cost of burnout and delayed caregiver identification.
[23:16] – What Bob would tell his younger self about family, caregiving, and preparation.
[24:30] – Overview of Well Spouse programs: Zoom support groups, chat forums, respite weekends, and more.
[27:07] – Zack challenges an organization to be the first to donate and show support for Well Spouse!

Links & Resources:

• Well Spouse Association: https://wellspouse.org/
• Riverwinds Restaurant, shout out to Foti Farmakis: https://theriverwindsrestaurant.com/menus/
• Caregiver Centered Care, University of Alberta: https://www.caregivercare.ca/
• Former Gov. Marty Schreiber’s Story: https://www.invisibleemployeesbook.com/real-working-caregivers-stories-1-2-1
• My Two Elaines by Marty Schreiber: https://mytwoelaines.com/
• Paul Wynn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulwynn/
• Zack’s challenge to organizations – be the first to support Well Spouse Association: https://wellspouse.org/

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

We’re kicking off our Global Caregiver Advocate Series by heading north to spotlight the amazing work being done in Canada. We sat down with three incredible advocates—Christa Haanstra, Sharon Anderson, and Amy Coupal—who are making waves across the country when it comes to caregiver policy, support, and visibility. Join us as we explore how Canada is leading efforts to recognize caregiving as both a personal journey and a workforce strength.

Episode Highlights:

[2:54] Meet Christa, Sharon & Amy—leaders with personal stories & national impact
[6:46] How National Caregiver Day creates space for awareness and advocacy
[12:06] The National Caregiving Strategy—how it came to be & its goals
[14:32] Paid Family Leave in Canada: progress & gaps
[18:00] Workplace roundtables & the Working Caregiver Project
[27:13] Caregiver education in healthcare: University of Alberta’s model
[32:21] “The Hidden Workforce” report: framing caregiving as economic infrastructure
[40:25] Advanced Caregiving Plans: preparing before crisis
[46:07] Reframing caregiving as a workplace strength
[51:05] Guest “One Wish” for Canadian caregiver policy in the next year

Featured Guests:

👩‍💼 Christa Haanstra, Founder, 4C Strategy
With 25+ years of strategic leadership experience, Christa uses the power of storytelling to advocate for family caregivers. She champions their integration as essential partners in healthcare and policy.
LinkedIn | Podcast Interview

🎓 Dr. Sharon Anderson, University of Alberta
A researcher and educator with a PhD in Family Gerontology, Dr. Anderson co-leads caregiver-centered education and research to better embed caregiver support in healthcare systems.
LinkedIn | Podcast Interview

💡 Amy Coupal, CEO, Ontario Caregiver Organization
A visionary nonprofit leader supporting Ontario’s 4 million caregivers. Amy’s personal caregiving experiences fuel her mission to amplify caregiver voices and improve systemic support.
LinkedIn | Ontario Caregiver Organization

Links & Resources:

📌 Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence (CCCE)
📌 National Caregiver Day – April 1, 2025
📌 Workplace Roundtable Report
📌 University of Alberta – The Hidden Workforce Report
📌 Ontario Caregiver Spotlight Report (2024)
📌 Caregiver-Centered Care Education
📌 Stories from Real Working Caregivers: Katie MacDonald

🎙️ Check out: Episode 013 with Dr. Donna Benton

Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates!