Caregiver SOS

Caregiver SOS
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Biweekly

Hear Caregiver SOS every Sunday at 6pm on News Ta…

  1. 4d ago

    When Mental Illness Hits Home: A Caregiver’s Guide to Support, Self-Care, & NAMI Resources | Olga Rodriguez & Maria Hoenigman

    What do you do when a loved one begins showing signs of mental illness? For many families, identifying the warning signs, finding accessible care, and overcoming deep-rooted cultural stigmas can feel like an overwhelming, uphill battle. In this episode of Caregiver SOS On Air, hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial sit down with Maria Honigman (Director of Programs) and Olga Rodriguez (Director of Education) from NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Greater San Antonio to discuss how families can navigate these complex emotional and practical challenges. Drawing from professional expertise and deeply personal "lived experiences," Maria and Olga break down the subtle behavioral shifts caregivers should look out for, the unique stresses of the "sandwich generation," and the vital importance of prioritizing your own mental well-being while supporting someone else. They also highlight NAMI's extensive, completely free educational programs and support groups designed to ensure no caregiver ever has to walk this journey alone. Key Takeaways & Main Topics Recognizing the Warning Signs: Learn how to identify early indicators of mental health struggles, including sudden mood changes, social withdrawal, increased anxiety or sadness, changes in sleep and appetite, and feelings of hopelessness. The "Oxygen Mask" Rule of Self-Care: Why taking care of your own mental and physical health isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. The guests share actionable advice on establishing healthy boundaries, managing caregiver guilt, and using simple grounding techniques to recharge. The Sandwich Generation Dynamics: An exploration of the unique communication challenges that arise whether you are an adult parent advocating for a child, or an adult child navigating the resistance of a parent experiencing mental health issues. Breaking the Stigma in Faith and Culture: A candid conversation on overcoming cultural barriers—such as the Hispanic proverb "la ropa sucia se lava en casa" (don't air dirty laundry)—and how faith communities can safely bridge religious beliefs with professional mental health advocacy. Free NAMI Resources Explained: Discover NAMI’s tailored, cost-free educational classes, including Family-to-Family (for relatives of adults), NAMI Basics (for parents of children under 17), and Home Front (for military and veteran families). Featured Guests Maria Honigman – Director of Programs, NAMI Greater San Antonio Olga Rodriguez – Director of Education, NAMI Greater San Antonio To find a free NAMI support group or educational program near you, search for your local NAMI chapter online or visit caregiversos.org. Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs. Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    26 min

  2. Jun 20

    How to Help an Isolated Loved One Who Is Resistant to Medical Care | Nancy Meserve

    When a family member chooses to live an isolated life, it can be incredibly difficult to know when—and how—to step in. It becomes even more challenging when that loved one flatly refuses medical help, hides their symptoms, or is dealing with cognitive decline. In this episode of Caregiver SOS On Air, hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial sit down with Alzheimer’s advocate, researcher, and clinical trial participant Nancy Meserve. Nancy shares a deeply personal and eye-opening account of intervening in the life of her 77-year-old sister, Marie, who had spent years living isolated as a functional hoarder and avoiding medical professionals since 2018. Through Nancy’s journey—navigating a surprise heart failure diagnosis, massive caffeine misuse, and early-stage dementia—listeners will learn actionable strategies for breaking through a loved one's denial, handling long specialist wait times, and managing the emotional toll of caregiving. About Nancy Nancy Meserve is an Alzheimer's disease advocate, researcher, clinical trial participant, and author of The Lived Experience of Participants in Preclinical Alzheimer's Intervention Research, published in the Alzheimer's Association journal, Alzheimer's & Dementia. She is widely recognized for her dedicated focus on documenting and improving the day-to-day lived experiences of those participating in early Alzheimer's research. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: Trusting Your Instincts: Why noticing that "something is off" is your most powerful tool, even when experts or the individual tell you otherwise. The Stealth of Isolation: How older adults living alone successfully mask severe physical and cognitive changes, from shuffling gaits to extreme word-finding difficulties. Using Urgent Care as a Gateway: How a single trip to an urgent care clinic can bypass years of medical avoidance and unlock critical hospital and specialist referrals. Navigating the Neurology Bottleneck: Reality-tested advice on managing long wait times for cognitive care (including 9-month or year-long delays for neurologist appointments). Creative Memory Scaffolding: Nancy's brilliant "Staples folder" method using provider photos and bios to build trust and comfort for a loved one who resists strangers or forgets appointments. Key Caregiver Takeaways: 📌 Scale Back What's "Ideal" — Don't force a radical lifestyle change. Instead, figure out what a healthy, safe "new normal" looks like while still respecting their chosen way of life. 📌 Meet Them Where They Are — Build rapport through things that bring them joy first. Taking a moment to visit a favorite building or park can completely shift a resistant loved one into an agreeable mood for a doctor's visit. 📌 Investigate the Basket & Routine — Take your loved one to the grocery or supplement store. Watching what they buy can reveal hidden issues, such as dangerous amounts of hidden caffeine or unmanaged physical fatigue. 📌 Give Yourself Grace — Intervening with a resistant family member is emotionally exhausting. It is okay to step away, cry, and practice self-care. Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs. Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    26 min

  3. Jun 13

    Boundaries in Caregiving | Amy Fuchs

    Amy Fuchs joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernial to talk about boundaries in caregiving on this edition of Caregiver SOS. About Amy Amy Fuchs, is a licensed clinical social worker and certified aging life care manager. She has decades of clinical experience helping older adults and their families navigate the highs and lows of the aging process. In 2008 she created The Elder Expert, a consulting firm which provides education, care management and coaching services. Amy is an alumni of the University of Michigan, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and then went on to obtain her Master of Social Work from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work in New York City. Amy is an active member of the National Association of Social Workers as well as the Aging Life Care Association.  Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    26 min

  4. Jun 6

    Grandfamilies & Kinship Caregivers | Donna Butts

    Donna Butts joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernial to talk about grandfamilies and kinship caregivers on this edition of Caregiver SOS. About Donna  Donna Butts is an award-winning nonprofit executive, author, and trusted voice frequently quoted in the national media. As executive director of Generations United, a role she served in for more than twenty-seven years, she was invited to testify before Congress, address the United Nations, speak before the Federal Reserve Board, and present in more than a dozen countries, including at the World Human Rights Cities Forum in South Korea. She blogged for the Huffington Post for four years, covering intergenerational relations, grandfamilies, and health. Her writing also has appeared in several books and more than a dozen publications. Appointed in 1998 to the first Kinship Care Advisory Panel by then–Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala, Donna has helped pave the way for crucial legislation and support for grandfamilies. She has been a part of eight United Nations expert group meetings on intergenerational solidarity and dialogue, focusing on the changing demographics and the value of older adults. For more information about Donna and Grandfamilies, please visit www.donnambutts.com. Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    26 min

  5. May 30

    Caregiving for the Older Population | Neal Shaw

    Neal Shaw joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernial to talk about the lack of caregiving training caregivers receive and caring for the older population on this edition of Caregiver SOS. About Neal  Neal K. Shah is a healthcare researcher focused on caregiving for the aging population. He is an NIH-funded Principal Investigator on the YayaGuide AI for Caregiver Training project that he started at Johns Hopkins. Neal is also CEO of CareYaya, a social enterprise providing affordable eldercare and bringing thousands of college students into the caregiving workforce. He serves on North Carolina's Steering Committee on Aging. Neal previously managed a $250 million hedge fund in New York City in his mid-30s, when he suddenly became a family caregiver through dementia and cancer, which led him to shift the focus of his career and work to better supporting caregivers. He is active on social media across Instagram and LinkedIn with an audience of over 250,000 caregivers across America. Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    26 min

  6. May 23

    Caregiving Loss | Suzy McNamara

    Suzy McNamara joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernial to talk about caregiving loss on this edition of Caregiver SOS. About Suzy  Suzy McNamara is an author, speaker, and caregiving and grief advocate whose work explores the emotional realities of loving someone through loss. She is the author of The Silkworm, The Magician, and The Sister Tree, a deeply human reflection on caregiving, faith, and enduring connection. In 2024, Suzy lost her husband of 37 years after caring for him at home through early-onset Alzheimer’s, while also grieving the loss of her sister within the same year. These overlapping experiences shape her voice and give her a rare perspective on what it means to lose someone both gradually and all at once. A mother of four, lawyer, and fundraiser, Suzy writes for those carrying the often invisible weight of caregiving and grief. Her work offers language, companionship, and meaning for people navigating life’s most difficult transitions. Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    26 min

  7. May 16

    A Family Caregiving Journey with Karee White

    Karee White joins host Ron Aaron and guest co-host Tina Smith to talk about her caregiving story on this edition of Caregiver SOS. About Karee Karee White is a veteran, military mother, and Elizabeth Dole Foundation Caregiver Fellow based in Apex, North Carolina. She and her husband Jim are both veterans. Seven of their nine children have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces—a legacy of service that stretches back nearly 250 years in their family. Her Story: Karee's daughter Kimmy, an Army paratrooper, suffered a severe traumatic brain injury at 25 years old while forward stationed in Italy following a deployment to Afghanistan. Kimmy was in a coma for a year. When doctors told the family there was nothing more they could do, they brought her home. Fifteen years later, Kimmy is relearning to walk and can speak a few words. Karee has been her primary caregiver throughout. Her Book: Ash Woven is officially released April 23, 2026. Karee's memoir traces her family's journey through generational service, sacrifice, and healing. It explores how strength is not newly found in crisis—it is remembered, drawn from those who came before. A portion of the proceeds supports the I Love Everyone Foundation. Available on Amazon. Her Work with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation: As a Dole Caregiver Fellow with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Karee is part of a national network of military and veteran caregivers who share their stories to drive awareness, policy, and support. There are 14.3 million military and veteran caregivers in the U.S. (2024 RAND report), and millions more—including an estimated 2.3 million children—quietly providing unpaid care in those homes.  Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    26 min

  8. May 9

    Care Using a Simple, Evidence-Based Lifestyle with Dr. Bendheim

    Dr. Paul Bendheim joins host Ron Aaron and guest co-host Tina Smith to talk about providing care using a simple, evidence-based lifestyle on this edition of Caregiver SOS. About Dr. Bendheim Dr. Paul Bendheim is a board-certified neurologist, author, and founder of BrainSavers®, Inc., a company dedicated to helping people reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s dementia by strengthening and enhancing brain function and overall health through evidence-based lifestyle interventions. His work focuses on preventing cognitive decline and promoting brain resilience in aging populations. He serves as a Clinical Professor of Neurology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, where he helps educate the next generation of physicians. A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Dr. Bendheim earned his undergraduate degree cum laude in art history from Pomona College, followed by a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, where he graduated with AOA honors. He completed his neurology residency and a research postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco. Over his distinguished career, Dr. Bendheim has held leadership roles in academic medicine, biotechnology, and clinical research, including serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Mindset Biopharmaceuticals and Medical Director at Teva Pharmaceuticals Copaxone Division. His contributions center on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, recognizing early in his career that lifestyle modification is a powerful, evidence-based tool for prevention. As founder and CEO of BrainSavers®, Dr. Bendheim led the development of the company’s hallmark program, the Brain+Body Total Fitness Program, an evidence-based framework combining mental, physical, nutritional, socialization, sleep hygiene and stress management to foster cognitive vitality and overall health. He is also the author of “The Brain Training Revolution: A Proven Workout for Healthy Brain Aging,” which details practical strategies for maintaining mental sharpness throughout life. Dr. Bendheim lives in Phoenix with his wife, Judith Amiel-Bendheim, a ceramic and jewelry artist. He enjoys gardening, fly fishing, tennis, reading, and art, and takes pride in spending time with his children, Jessica and Daniel, and granddaughters, Audrey and Amelia. Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    26 min
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About

Hear Caregiver SOS every Sunday at 6pm on News Ta…

Information

  • Creator
    Caregiver SOS
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    762
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Caregiver SOS
  • Show Website
    Caregiver SOS

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