In this episode, we sit down with two brilliant researchers from Switzerland to explore a topic that instantly resonated with us—the powerful connection between pet ownership, cognitive aging, and caregiving. What started as a conversation about research quickly turned into a deeper discussion about human connection, quality of life, and how everyday relationships—especially with pets—can shape how we age and how we care.

We dig into what the research actually shows (and what it doesn’t), why dogs and cats seem to stand out, and how pets can play a role not just for older adults, but for caregivers and families as well. This episode will absolutely get you thinking differently about pets—not just as companions, but as part of a broader support system for aging, caregiving, and even end-of-life conversations.

Episode Highlights:

[0:51] – Setting the stage: why working caregivers remain invisible
[1:32] – Selma and Zack welcome listeners and introduce the episode
[2:12] – Meet our guests joining us from Switzerland
[5:09] – A powerful personal caregiving story that shaped a research career
[7:32] – What a longitudinal study is—and why 18 years of data matters
[10:47] – Surprising findings: pet owners didn’t start with better cognition
[11:43] – Why dogs and cats showed stronger cognitive benefits than birds or fish
[14:09] – The potential role of touch, routine, and social engagement
[16:02] – What pet ownership may mean for mild cognitive impairment and dementia
[17:49] – How pets can support family caregivers—and when they add strain
[19:52] – Why this research isn’t a prescription, but a strong signal for support
[21:06] – Pets as emotional bridges before and after loss
[23:17] – What employers and HR leaders can learn from these findings
[24:43] – Big takeaways: pets as part of our social network and quality of life
[27:12] – A candid conversation about end-of-life, grief, and why we avoid the topic
[29:27] – What research is coming next and why it matters

Links & Resources:

· Research study: Longitudinal relationships between pet ownership and cognitive functioning in later adulthood across pet types and individuals' ages: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40447721/

· Dr. Meier's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clementmeier/

· Dr. Rostekova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriana-rostekova-75192a141/

· Interview with a young Caregiver mentioned on the show: https://www.invisibleemployeesbook.com/real-working-caregivers-stories-1-32

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 episode, we sit down with longtime industry expert and caregiver Scott Greenberg for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had about what caregiving really looks like—especially while working. Scott brings decades of experience in home care, but more importantly, he shares what changed when he unexpectedly became a family caregiver himself. This is a grounded, real-world discussion about independence, denial, emotional toll, and the realities families face when care needs show up fast.
We talk openly about affordability, long-distance caregiving, sibling dynamics, and why being proactive—not reactive—can make all the difference. Whether you’re a working caregiver, an employer, or someone who knows this journey is coming, this episode is packed with insight, hard truths, and practical guidance you don’t want to miss.

Scott Greenberg is CEO of ComForcare Senior Services, a private-duty, non-medical home healthcare agency serving Miami through Vero Beach. He is Past President of the Florida State Guardianship Association and former Treasurer of the National Guardianship Association, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Area Agency on Aging. Scott is an award-winning author of Oh My God, I’m Getting Older and So Is My Mom, former host of the 95.9FM True Oldies radio show of the same name, and a nationally certified Alzheimer’s educator since 2014.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] – Why accepting help is not losing independence—but restoring it
[1:15] – Introducing working caregivers as “invisible employees”
[4:30] – Scott shares his personal caregiving journey and unexpected challenges
[6:55] – The emotional toll of caregiving no one prepares you for
[8:00] – Running a business while caregiving: compartmentalizing and perspective
[10:30] – Family dynamics, denial, and hard lessons from past caregiving decisions
[13:50] – How Scott landed in home care—and why the work became personal
[16:00] – Writing a book to help families move from crisis to preparation
[19:30] – Why caregiving youth and childhood trauma deserve more attention
[21:00] – Home care myths, resistance to help, and how attitudes shift over time
[24:15] – The most important questions families should ask home care agencies
[26:45] – Planning ahead: advanced directives, decision-makers, and hard conversations
[31:35] – Long-distance caregiving and why “the village” matters
[34:55] – What employers can do to better support working caregivers
[37:45] – The role (and limits) of AI and technology in caregiving
[40:20] – Affordability, Medicare vs. Medicaid, and planning for long-term care
[44:00] – Final takeaways: proactivity, education, and realistic expectations

Links & Resources:

• Scott runs ComForcare in south florida is an expert in caregiver resources
• Scott has a popular radio show called OMG I'm Getting Older And So Is My Mom! 492 episodes!
• Scott has written a book by the same name. https://www.amazon.com/Oh-God-Getting-Older-Mom/dp/1884886647

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 episode of Working Caregivers: The Invisible Employees, we’re joined by Erika Jacobson, a VA social worker, lifelong caregiver, and member of the sandwich generation, to unpack what caregiving really looks like inside veteran families. Erika blends professional insight with personal experience to help us understand why so many working caregivers feel isolated—and how support systems can make a real difference.

We talk through the VA’s Caregiver Support Programs, benefits many families don’t know exist, and why employers play a critical role in supporting caregivers at work. This episode is packed with practical information, advocacy, and a reminder that caregivers shouldn’t have to do this alone.

Episode Highlights:

[1:39] – Who working caregivers are and why they’re often invisible
[2:23] – Welcoming Erika and a cross-country weather check
[3:09] – South Dakota fun facts: Mount Rushmore and the Corn Palace
[4:51] – Erika’s family caregiving journey begins
[8:27] – How early caregiving shaped her career path
[11:57] – Overview of the VA Caregiver Support Program
[16:00] – Stipends, respite care, and caregiver benefits
[20:36] – National Family Caregivers Month and caregiver isolation
[23:00] – Zack challenges employers to partner with the VA
[29:33] – Aid & Attendance explained
[32:31] – Advice for working caregivers: ask for help

Links & Resources:

Corn Palace (Mitchell, SD)
A uniquely South Dakota landmark made entirely of corn murals—highlighted during our lighter conversation about Erika’s home state.
https://cornpalace.com/

Mount Rushmore National Memorial
One of the most iconic U.S. landmarks, also located in South Dakota and mentioned during our opening conversation.
https://www.nationalparks.org/explore/parks/mount-rushmore-national-memorial

National Family Caregivers Month (November)
A time dedicated to recognizing, supporting, and uplifting family caregivers—an important focus of this episode.

VA Caregiver Support Program
Provides education, resources, respite care, and support for caregivers of eligible veterans.
https://www.caregiver.va.gov

Find Your Local VA Caregiver Support Team
Search tool to connect directly with your local VA Caregiver Support Coordinator.
https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/New_CSC_Page.asp

Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)
A VA program that may offer a stipend, health coverage, and expanded respite care for caregivers of veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities.

Aid & Attendance Benefit
Additional financial assistance tied to the VA pension for veterans or surviving spouses who need help with daily activities.
https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/

VA Wartime Periods (Pension Eligibility)
Defines qualifying service periods for non-service-connected pensions and Aid & Attendance.
https://www.va.gov/pension/eligibility/

Erika Jacobson’s Documentary
A powerful look into Erika’s caregiving journey and lived experience.
https://youtu.be/Tt6Nfsz5vi0

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.co