Dementia Empowered: Confident Caregiving with Legal, Financial, and Daily Support

Patrick Cawley
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Does caring for an aging parent with dementia leave you feeling overwhelmed? Managing bills, using a power of attorney, and understanding the health care system is hard enough, but you may also be baffled by your family member's behaviors. Dementia Empowered is a podcast helping family caregivers to navigate dementia care, overcome legal and financial challenges, and confidently support their loved ones. Your host, elder law attorney and dementia care coach Patrick Cawley, has worked with people in your situation for years. After preparing legal documents or making long-term care strategies, Patrick found that dementia caregivers needed much more guidance. He started this show to give clarity on legal tools, financial strategies, and care skills that will reduce stress and enhance quality of life. Tune in twice a week for the complete package of dementia care. You can do this!

  1. 05/31/2025

    #121 | Why Power of Attorney Isn’t Enough for Social Security When Supporting a Loved One With Dementia (POA Series Part 2)

    Are you relying on power of attorney to handle Social Security for a parent with dementia? You might be in for a surprise. When managing the care of a loved one with dementia, having power of attorney feels like it should cover everything. But when it comes to the Social Security Administration, that powerful document doesn’t hold much weight. This episode unpacks what really works—and why federal agencies play by their own rules. Whether you're a daughter supporting your mom or a son trying to protect your dad from financial missteps, this episode gives you the clear path forward. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why the Social Security Administration refuses to accept your power of attorneyThe exact steps to become a Representative Payee—including paperwork, appointments, and documentationHow to manage Social Security income legally and responsibly, from bank accounts to reimbursements and annual reporting Get the clarity you need to truly support your loved one—listen now and take control of the process the right way. To visit Patrick's website: https://keystoneelderlaw.com/

    13 min

  2. 05/15/2025

    #120 | Has a Bank Rejected Your Power of Attorney? (POA Series, Part 1)

    Why is managing your parent’s finances so hard even when you have a valid power of attorney? If you’re a caregiver for a parent with dementia, you may have discovered that a legally valid power of attorney often isn’t enough—especially when dealing with banks, investment firms, and bureaucratic barriers. This episode dives into the emotional and legal frustrations families face when financial institutions refuse to honor the law. You’ll hear a real story of a daughter trying to care for her father, only to be blocked by systems that are supposed to help. And if you're preparing for future care or already navigating it, this episode is a must-listen. What you’ll learn: Why financial institutions routinely ignore valid powers of attorney—and how it impacts dementia caregivers.What legal protections should exist for caregivers and how institutions sidestep them.How to recognize when you're being unlawfully blocked—and what alternative options may be available. Listen now to protect your loved one’s finances and advocate with confidence. For more, visit: keystoneelderlaw.com

    17 min

  3. 04/25/2025

    #119 | Should You Gift From a Parent With Dementia? What the Law Actually Says

    Is it ever okay to make gifts from a parent with dementia? That question isn’t just emotional—it’s legal. And making the wrong decision could land you in court or delay Medicaid coverage for long-term care. As a caregiver, you're likely trying to do the right thing. But what is the right thing when you're managing someone else’s money, memories, and future? This episode walks you through the vital legal and ethical considerations around gifting for a loved one living with dementia. In this episode, you’ll learn: The exact questions to ask before gifting from a parent’s account—including what legal documents you must review.How to avoid violating your fiduciary duty (and why that matters more than good intentions).How gifting can impact Medicaid eligibility—and why the 5-year lookback could come back to haunt your family. 🎙️ If you're caring for a parent with dementia and wondering what’s legally allowed (and ethically sound), this episode gives you the clarity you need to act with confidence. 🌐 Learn more: https://www.keystoneelderlaw.com 📧 Request dementia care coaching: info@keystoneelderlaw.com

    15 min

  4. 04/04/2025

    #118 | Navigating Dementia Care Can Be Tough For Family Caregivers Everyday

    What does self care really look like when you're drowning in dementia caregiving? If you’ve ever been told to “just take care of yourself” while managing your parent’s medical needs, your job, and your kids’ soccer schedule... you’ve probably wondered: How? When? And what does that even mean anymore? In this episode of Dementia Empowered, we’re diving deep into what self-care actually looks like in the messy, chaotic, real-life world of dementia caregiving. You’ll hear from Jenn Gruber, a coach who’s walked this road herself, and who now helps caregivers stop spiraling and start feeling in control—even when life feels anything but. Here’s what you’ll take away from this conversation: 1) A practical framework to understand your emotions, redirect your focus, and make confident choices—without guilt. 2) The #1 mindset shift that makes room for grace, even when you're exhausted, frustrated, or overwhelmed. 3) How to prioritize the relationship with your loved one and protect your other relationships without trying to do everything alone. 🎧 Press play now to learn how to stop beating yourself up and start showing up with more clarity, calm, and connection—even on the hardest days. 🔗 Resources & Links: Need coaching with the emotions and relationships in dementia care? Go to JennGruber.com. 🌐 Learn more: https://www.keystoneelderlaw.com 📧 Request dementia care coaching: info@keystoneelderlaw.com Join our podcast for expert insights on dementia care, offering caregiver support and practical advice on senior care, memory loss, and elder care for aging parents—from Alzheimer’s tips and understanding dementia stages to essential caregiving resources, managing daily routines, and preventing caregiver burnout. Whether you're an overwhelmed caregiver dealing with dementia behaviors, handling aggression, or facing financial stress, Medicare confusion, legal planning, long-term care challenges, or navigating Medicaid, we provide the guidance you need for confident healthcare advocacy.

    30 min

  5. 03/31/2025

    #117 | Paperwork Is Not Enough! A Guide to Medical Decisions in Dementia Care

    Do you have the legal authority to make medical decisions for a loved one with dementia but still feel completely unprepared to use it in a crisis? Having the right paperwork like a healthcare power of attorney or living will is important but it’s not enough. When the ER doctor is asking what to do next, will you know what your loved one would have wanted? In this episode, you'll discover how to go beyond the documents and prepare for the real decisions dementia caregivers face long before the end of life stage. In this episode, you will: 1) Learn how to anticipate the specific medical decisions you’re likely to face as a dementia care giver and how to prepare for them. 2) Discover why your loved one’s paperwork might be legally valid but practically useless in the emergency room and what to do about it. 3) Get clear on how to define and communicate a “goal of care” so doctors truly respect and follow your loved one’s wishes. Press play now to learn how to turn legal documents into real-life decisions you can make with confidence before the next medical crisis hits. 🔗 Resources & Links: Get ready to make medical decisions by going to BLambMD.com 🌐 Learn more: https://www.keystoneelderlaw.com 📧 Request dementia care coaching: info@keystoneelderlaw.com Join our podcast for expert insights on dementia care, offering caregiver support and practical advice on senior care, memory loss, and elder care for aging parents—from Alzheimer’s tips and understanding dementia stages to essential caregiving resources, managing daily routines, and preventing caregiver burnout. Whether you're an overwhelmed caregiver dealing with dementia behaviors, handling aggression, or facing financial stress, Medicare confusion, legal planning, long-term care challenges, or navigating Medicaid, we provide the guidance you need for confident healthcare advocacy.

    24 min

  6. 03/28/2025

    #116 | How One Family’s Lack of Estate Planning Led to a $14,000/Month Crisis!

    What happens when dementia care meets poor planning? Imagine discovering too late that you have no legal authority to protect your loved one’s assets or even make critical healthcare decisions. Without proper estate planning, families can face financial devastation, legal battles, and heart breaking decisions. This episode dives into a real-life case where a lack of planning left a family scrambling to cover $14,000 a month in nursing home costs without any way to access assets or make decisions. In this episode, you will: 1) Discover the essential legal documents that protect your loved one’s care and assets. 2) Learn why it’s never too late to create an estate plan, even after a dementia diagnosis. 3) Understand how Medicaid planning can preserve financial security while ensuring quality care. Don’t wait until it’s too late, press play now and take the first step toward securing your family’s future. 🔗 Resources & Links: 🌐 Learn more: https://www.keystoneelderlaw.com 📧 Request dementia care coaching: info@keystoneelderlaw.com Join our podcast for expert insights on dementia care, offering caregiver support and practical advice on senior care, memory loss, and elder care for aging parents—from Alzheimer’s tips and understanding dementia stages to essential caregiving resources, managing daily routines, and preventing caregiver burnout. Whether you're an overwhelmed caregiver dealing with dementia behaviors, handling aggression, or facing financial stress, Medicare confusion, legal planning, long-term care challenges, or navigating Medicaid, we provide the guidance you need for confident healthcare advocacy.

    11 min

  7. 03/25/2025

    #115 | A Hospice Nurse’s Guide to the Final Stage of Dementia

    Have you ever thought, “I thought I had more time”—only to find yourself overwhelmed as your loved one with dementia nears the end of life? When the end of the dementia journey approaches, emotions run high and communication becomes more difficult—right when clarity, compassion, and confident decision-making are needed most. If you're a caregiver feeling unprepared or unsure about what to expect, this episode will empower you to navigate those critical final stages with dignity and confidence. In this episode, you will: 1) Discover how to recognize silent pain signals in a loved one who can no longer speak for themselves. 2) Learn how to advocate effectively—not just for your loved one’s comfort and dignity, but also for your own emotional well-being. 3) Get practical strategies for managing family dynamics, difficult decisions, and the emotional toll of end-of-life caregiving. Press play now to gain expert end-of-life insight from a seasoned hospice nurse and walk away feeling less alone, more prepared, and deeply empowered in your caregiving role. 🔗 Resources & Links: 🌐 Learn more: https://www.keystoneelderlaw.com 📧 Request coaching or support: info@keystoneelderlaw.com 🎧 Listen to The Heart of Hospice podcast: https://theheartofhospice.com 📞 Book a complimentary 30-minute consult with Helen Bauer Join our podcast for expert insights on dementia care, offering caregiver support and practical advice on senior care, memory loss, and elder care for aging parents—from Alzheimer’s tips and understanding dementia stages to essential caregiving resources, managing daily routines, and preventing caregiver burnout. Whether you're an overwhelmed caregiver dealing with dementia behaviors, handling aggression, or facing financial stress, Medicare confusion, legal planning, long-term care challenges, or navigating Medicaid, we provide the guidance you need for confident healthcare advocacy.

    30 min

  8. 03/20/2025

    #114 | Why Long-Distance Dementia Caregiving Can Be Overwhelming—And How to Manage It

    How do you provide care for a loved one with dementia when you're hundreds or even thousands of miles away? What if you had to manage their finances, medical appointments, and emotional well-being—all from a distance? Long-distance caregiving presents unique challenges, from coordinating medical care and handling legal documents to managing financial burdens and maintaining family communication. Many caregivers struggle with feelings of helplessness, uncertainty, and burnout. If you're navigating this journey, you’re not alone—and there are ways to make it work. In this episode, you will: 1) Discover practical strategies for managing the logistical and financial challenges of long-distance caregiving. 2) Learn how to build a strong care team, including local support, healthcare providers, and legal resources. 3) Gain insights from someone who has successfully cared for loved ones from afar while balancing work and family responsibilities. Tune in now to hear first hand how our guest, a financial expert and former long-distance dementia caregiver, overcame these obstacles and found a way to provide meaningful care—no matter the distance. If you can’t imagine the financial mess that would happen if you needed long-term care, contact Frank and start planning: Frank@PalmWealthPartners.com Join our podcast for expert insights on dementia care, offering caregiver support and practical advice on senior care, memory loss, and elder care for aging parents—from Alzheimer’s tips and understanding dementia stages to essential caregiving resources, managing daily routines, and preventing caregiver burnout. Whether you're an overwhelmed caregiver dealing with dementia behaviors, handling aggression, or facing financial stress, Medicare confusion, legal planning, long-term care challenges, or navigating Medicaid, we provide the guidance you need for confident healthcare advocacy.

    23 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Does caring for an aging parent with dementia leave you feeling overwhelmed? Managing bills, using a power of attorney, and understanding the health care system is hard enough, but you may also be baffled by your family member's behaviors. Dementia Empowered is a podcast helping family caregivers to navigate dementia care, overcome legal and financial challenges, and confidently support their loved ones. Your host, elder law attorney and dementia care coach Patrick Cawley, has worked with people in your situation for years. After preparing legal documents or making long-term care strategies, Patrick found that dementia caregivers needed much more guidance. He started this show to give clarity on legal tools, financial strategies, and care skills that will reduce stress and enhance quality of life. Tune in twice a week for the complete package of dementia care. You can do this!

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