Caregiver Relief Podcast Caregiver Relief

Diane Carbo discusses the health benefits of elderberries in this episode of Caregiver Relief. Elderberries, particularly the Sambucus Nigra variety, are commonly used medicinal plants with a rich folk medicine history. They are often used in supplement form to treat colds and flu, thanks to their high antioxidant properties. Studies show that elderberry extract can inhibit certain viruses, potentially reducing the severity of colds, flu, and respiratory infections. Elderberries are beneficial for heart health, can improve blood sugar levels, and have potential skin and immune-boosting benefits. They also show potential in addressing mild cognitive impairment and acting as a natural pain reliever. However, more research is needed to fully understand their health potential.

Dr. D Dubose, a renowned psychiatrist and certified transcranial magnetic stimulation physician, shares his insights on alternative treatments for mental health, particularly in his work with ketamine and TMS. He specializes in treatment-resistant depression and has seen the devastating impact of depression on individuals and their families. Dr. Dubose believes that the stigma and lack of knowledge about these treatments have been a barrier to people getting the help they need. Ketamine has been used since 1963 as an anesthetic, but it was observed 20 years ago that it had an antidepressant effect, which scientists researched and eventually led to the FDA approval of Esketamine, a nasal spray called Spravato. Ketamine and TMS have shown themselves to be effective modalities for treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and other mental health problems. Dr. Dubose stresses the importance of patients having access to more options to treat difficult mental health problems.

The podcast features Diane Carbo, RN of Caregiver Relief and Care Team Partner, along with Pastor Dave Taylor and his wife Kelly, who are the co-directors of the Faith and Caregiving program at Care Team Partner. Dave is a pastor, nurse, and social worker. He and Kelly come from diverse religious backgrounds and have a passion for helping people through various illnesses, mobility issues, and other chronic diseases. They believe in providing person-centered care and developing resources to help people. Diane shares that many caregivers come to her for help because their churches have let them down. Dave and Kelly want to connect people to Care Team Partner's network of resources to help them get the support they need regardless of their faith or religion. They want to build a community that cares and has a focus on volunteerism to address the national caregiver crisis in the country.

The "Music for Dementia" campaign aims to make music a vital component of dementia care in the UK. As there is no known cure for dementia, the campaign seeks to provide access to music as an affordable and readily available form of therapy to aid in the daily care of those living with dementia.

In this podcast, Betsy Wurzel, a caregiver coach and dementia care specialist, discusses how to prepare for a doctor's appointment with Diane Carbo, a nurse and the founder of Caregiver Relief. The hosts stress the importance of being prepared for a doctor's visit, as doctors often have limited time with each patient. They advise listeners to bring a notepad, write down questions and concerns, and prioritize them in order to make the most of the appointment. They also recommend having someone with you to help you understand and record the doctor's answers, as well as being prepared for telemedicine appointments by having medications on hand and ensuring a good connection. Additionally, the hosts suggest reviewing all medications once a year and updating the doctor on any changes in health or recent visits to specialists or the ER. They note that communication is key and emphasize the importance of asking questions and not being afraid to reach out to the doctor for clarification. Finally, the hosts mention the challenges doctors face due to low reimbursement rates and government requirements, which make it difficult for them to spend adequate time with each patient.

Betsy Wurzel and Diane Carbo discuss how to avoid surprise medical bills. Betsy shares her personal story of how she received a high medical bill due to not checking whether her doctor and facility were in her insurance plan. The hosts emphasize the importance of checking your plan before going to a doctor or facility, especially with Medicare advantage plans which can be limiting. The podcast also highlights that insurance companies don't always continue to have agreements with doctors or hospitals, so it's important to do research before any medical procedure. Finally, they urge people to be detectives and do their research before seeking medical care, particularly if they are on a managed care plan or travel frequently.