A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast

Isabel Melgarejo on The Whole Care Network
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I’m Isabel Melgarejo, and I was raised never to talk about the uncomfortable things in life and to put myself after everyone else’s needs (just like any other woman I know). In college, after Dad’s passing, I had to change all my beliefs. I had to talk about death, about my mom’s future, and I had to ask for a LOT of favors. ​After connecting with many caregivers when I moved to Texas and remembering one of the toughest seasons in my life, I created a program to help caregivers navigate these very uncomfortable conversations and help them through their particular journeys with their loved ones. In this podcast, I want to share advice on how to prioritize your mental health, how to have those difficult conversations, and how to talk you out of feeling guilty and overwhelmed.

  1. 2d ago

    The surprising reason a caregiver app gets over 100% response rates | Featuring Chad Hensle

    Most families are one missed call away from falling out of sync. Chad Hensle built an AI-powered check-in service that sends three warm texts a day to aging parents, then turns their replies into a simple daily recap for the family - no app required. Isabel Melgarejo talks with Chad about the real caregiving problem that sparked Juta: a family trying to stay connected while an aunt’s dementia, a busy uncle, and a tangled relay of updates made even basic communication harder than it should be. What started as a solution for his own family quickly became a practical tool for anyone caring for a loved one who needs a little extra support. You’ll discover: Why Juta uses text messages instead of a new appHow the system gently prompts loved ones without feeling intrusiveWhat the caregiver dashboard tracks, including response rates and mood scoringWhy the service is designed to be a prompt, not a replacement, for human connectionHow the product is expanding beyond elder care into recovery, assisted living, and other support situations Chad also shares the human side of building for caregivers - the emotional weight they carry, the small signs that tell families, “they’re okay,” and why the best solutions often start with a problem you can’t ignore. He opens up about the early build, the “vibe coded” MVP, and the surprising response from loved ones who actually enjoy the back-and-forth. If you’ve ever tried to keep family members informed without becoming the group chat, this episode will hit home. It’s especially relevant for caregivers, adult children, and anyone looking for a simpler way to stay present without adding more friction to already stressful days. Perfect for anyone navigating caregiving, family communication, or AI tools that make real life easier instead of more complicated. Chad Hensle is the founder of Juta, an AI-powered daily check-in service for aging parents and other loved ones. He created the product from a deeply personal family need and is now focused on building a tool that supports both caregivers and the people they care for. Contact information: https://www.facebook.com/chensle https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-hensle/

  2. Aug 28

    What Every Family Caregiver Should Know Before a Hospital Stay with Dr. Monique Nugent

    Hospital stays can feel overwhelming, but preparation can make all the difference. In this episode, Isabel speaks with Dr. Monique Nugent about how caregivers can confidently navigate the hospital experience, communicate effectively with healthcare teams, prepare for discharge, and build realistic care plans that support both the patient and themselves. A practical and compassionate conversation for anyone caring for an aging parent, spouse, or loved one with complex medical needs.

  3. Aug 14

    Why Medicare Isn't the Whole Picture | Natalie Contorno on Planning for the Future

    When families begin planning for the future, they often receive information one piece at a time. Medicare from one source. Social Security from another. Financial planning somewhere else. In this episode, Isabel Melgarejo talks with Natalie Contorno about bringing those pieces together to help families see the bigger picture. Together they explore what Medicare covers, why long-term care planning is essential, how Social Security fits into the conversation, and why building relationships with trusted professionals can bring clarity and peace of mind. If you're preparing for retirement, supporting aging parents, or simply want to make thoughtful decisions before a crisis happens, this episode will help you take the next step with greater confidence.

  4. Jul 31

    Finding Hope Through Life's Hardest Seasons | Rebecca (Becky) Galli on Resilience & Caregiving

    What if the hardest moments of your life could become the very experiences that help you care for others with greater compassion? In this episode, Isabel Melgarejo sits down with author Rebecca (Becky) Galli to discuss caregiving, grief, resilience, journaling, and the daily practices that help us keep moving forward—even when life doesn't go as planned. Together they share practical tools for processing emotions, finding peace during uncertainty, building a healthy support system, and discovering hope one day at a time. Whether you're caring for an aging parent, a spouse, a child with special needs, or simply navigating life's unexpected challenges, this conversation will remind you that every experience can become part of your healing journey.

  5. Jul 17

    Your Body Is Speaking—Are You Listening? | Finding Healing Beyond the Symptoms with Gail Blair

    What if your symptoms are trying to tell you something? In this episode, Isabel Melgarejo talks with Gail Blair about the powerful connection between mind, body, and spirit. Gail shares how learning to listen to your body's signals, caring for yourself as a caregiver, and embracing purpose, movement, and community can lead to greater health, healing, and hope.

  6. Jul 3

    The One Tool Every Family Caregiver Should Try: Personalized Music with Dan Cohen

    Can music reconnect someone with memories that seem lost? In this episode, Isabel Melgarejo talks with Dan Cohen, founder of the Music & Memory movement, about how personalized music can reduce anxiety, spark meaningful memories, ease caregiving challenges, and bring moments of joy to people living with dementia. Discover simple, practical ways to use music as a powerful tool for connection, comfort, and hope—for both caregivers and their loved ones.

  7. Jun 19

    When Is It Time to Stop Driving? Walking Through One of Caregiving’s Hardest Decisions with Judy M. Romano

    When is it time to stop driving? For many older adults, driving symbolizes independence and freedom. For caregivers, concerns about driving safety can bring uncertainty, worry, and difficult conversations. In this episode, occupational therapist and driver evaluation specialist Judy Romano shares practical guidance for recognizing warning signs, approaching conversations with compassion, and helping loved ones maintain dignity and quality of life while prioritizing safety. A thoughtful and encouraging resource for anyone caring for aging parents or supporting a loved one through changing abilities.

  8. Jun 5

    Autism, Family Support & Sustainable Care with Teresa Lyons

    Autism caregiving can place deep emotional and practical demands on families. In this gentle conversation, Teresa Lyons, PhD and Isabel Melgarejo explore family dynamics, caregiver burnout, multigenerational support, and the importance of sharing care with steadiness and compassion.

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About

I’m Isabel Melgarejo, and I was raised never to talk about the uncomfortable things in life and to put myself after everyone else’s needs (just like any other woman I know). In college, after Dad’s passing, I had to change all my beliefs. I had to talk about death, about my mom’s future, and I had to ask for a LOT of favors. ​After connecting with many caregivers when I moved to Texas and remembering one of the toughest seasons in my life, I created a program to help caregivers navigate these very uncomfortable conversations and help them through their particular journeys with their loved ones. In this podcast, I want to share advice on how to prioritize your mental health, how to have those difficult conversations, and how to talk you out of feeling guilty and overwhelmed.

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