The Age of Caregiving: Balancing Work, Life & Care

Anna Thomas, LifeCare LeadHership

Welcome to The Age of Caregiving, where work doesn’t stop, life keeps moving, and caregiving becomes the second job no one trained you for. Hosted by Dr. Anna Thomas—physician, caregiver advocate, and leadership coach—this podcast is your weekly guide to navigating the complex realities of modern caregiving. Whether you’re balancing a career while caring for a parent, partner, or child, or you're a leader trying to support employees who are caregiving, this space is for you. Each episode delivers real talk, practical strategies, and compassionate leadership tools to help you care without losing yourself in the process. It’s time to stop surviving caregiving—and start leading through it. New episodes every week. Subscribe now and join the movement redefining what it means to thrive in the Age of Caregiving

  1. What Paperwork Caregivers Should Have Ready for an Emergency

    5D AGO

    What Paperwork Caregivers Should Have Ready for an Emergency

    When the ambulance arrives or doctors start asking questions, will you be scrambling for health records, insurance cards, or power of attorney forms? Emergencies are not a distant someday issue. They happen without warning, and when they do, having the right paperwork ready can make all the difference. In this Week 13 episode of The Age of Caregiving, Dr. Anna Thomas walks you through the essential documents every caregiver should have prepared for an emergency. You will learn what to gather, how to organize it, where to store it, and how to make sure someone else can find it if you are not able to. Preparation is not about fear. It is about creating calm clarity so you can lead when it matters most. Explore More from The Age of Caregiving 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://lifecareleadhership.com/podcast📺 Watch on YouTube: https://lifecareleadhership.com/youtube📝 Read more on our Blog: https://lifecareleadhership.com/blog LINKSFrom Caregiver to Care Leader: https://lifecareleadhership.com/from-caregiver-to-care-leaderDementia Care Confidence: https://lifecareleadhership.com/dementiacareconfidenceWorkshops & Free Trainings: https://lifecareleadhership.com/free-trainings *Bio: Anna Thomas: Dr. Anna Thomas is a board-certified physician, TEDx speaker, workplace wellbeing strategist, and leadership coach who helps professionals, caregivers, and organizations thrive through the pressures of work, life, and care. As founder of LifeCare LeadHership & Workplaces That Care she brings together medicine, coaching, and workplace wellbeing to teach practical resilience and care-ready leadership. A John Maxwell Certified Speaker and creator of the CARE Framework, she equips leaders and teams to strengthen retention, support wellbeing, and lead with compassion and clarity. The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of Dr. Thomas and do not reflect the views of any past or present employer. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or legal advice.

    7 min
  2. How to Keep Medications Safe and Effective Over Time as a Caregiver

    FEB 2

    How to Keep Medications Safe and Effective Over Time as a Caregiver

    You glance at the pill bottles and feel your heart race. Did I miss a dose? Did the doctor change something? Are side effects creeping in? If managing medications feels like walking a tightrope without a safety net, this episode is for you. In this Week 12 episode of The Age of Caregiving, Dr. Anna Thomas walks you through how to keep long term medication use safe and effective through consistent monitoring, regular review, clear communication, and thoughtful adjustment. You will learn how to build a simple system you can use starting tonight so medication safety becomes proactive, not reactive. You are not just hoping nothing goes wrong. You are leading with intention. Explore More from The Age of Caregiving 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://lifecareleadhership.com/podcast📺 Watch on YouTube: https://lifecareleadhership.com/youtube📝 Read more on our Blog: https://lifecareleadhership.com/blog LINKSFrom Caregiver to Care Leader: https://lifecareleadhership.com/from-caregiver-to-care-leaderDementia Care Confidence: https://lifecareleadhership.com/dementiacareconfidenceWorkshops & Free Trainings: https://lifecareleadhership.com/free-trainings *Bio: Anna Thomas: Dr. Anna Thomas is a board-certified physician, TEDx speaker, workplace wellbeing strategist, and leadership coach who helps professionals, caregivers, and organizations thrive through the pressures of work, life, and care. As founder of LifeCare LeadHership & Workplaces That Care she brings together medicine, coaching, and workplace wellbeing to teach practical resilience and care-ready leadership. A John Maxwell Certified Speaker and creator of the CARE Framework, she equips leaders and teams to strengthen retention, support wellbeing, and lead with compassion and clarity. The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of Dr. Thomas and do not reflect the views of any past or present employer. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or legal advice.

    11 min
  3. How to Explain Caregiving Needs to Family and Friends So They Actually Understand

    JAN 26

    How to Explain Caregiving Needs to Family and Friends So They Actually Understand

    You say you are tired and they tell you to get more rest.You ask for help and they say, “Let me know if you need anything.”You try to explain caregiving and somehow, they still do not get it. If you are carrying more than people around you seem to see, this episode is for you. In this Week 11 episode of The Age of Caregiving, Dr. Anna Thomas shows you how to explain caregiving needs in ways people actually hear. You will learn how to shift conversations from venting to partnership, how to describe your reality clearly without over explaining, and how to ask for support without shame or exhaustion. You should not have to justify your role just to receive empathy. This episode helps you lead those conversations with clarity and confidence. Explore More from The Age of Caregiving 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://lifecareleadhership.com/podcast📺 Watch on YouTube: https://lifecareleadhership.com/youtube📝 Read more on our Blog: https://lifecareleadhership.com/blog LINKSFrom Caregiver to Care Leader: https://lifecareleadhership.com/from-caregiver-to-care-leaderDementia Care Confidence: https://lifecareleadhership.com/dementiacareconfidenceWorkshops & Free Trainings: https://lifecareleadhership.com/free-trainings *Bio: Anna Thomas: Dr. Anna Thomas is a board-certified physician, TEDx speaker, workplace wellbeing strategist, and leadership coach who helps professionals, caregivers, and organizations thrive through the pressures of work, life, and care. As founder of LifeCare LeadHership & Workplaces That Care she brings together medicine, coaching, and workplace wellbeing to teach practical resilience and care-ready leadership. A John Maxwell Certified Speaker and creator of the CARE Framework, she equips leaders and teams to strengthen retention, support wellbeing, and lead with compassion and clarity. The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of Dr. Thomas and do not reflect the views of any past or present employer. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or legal advice. Description

    5 min
  4. The Most Important Home Safety Fixes Every Caregiver Should Make

    JAN 19

    The Most Important Home Safety Fixes Every Caregiver Should Make

    One fall. One fire hazard. One missed step in the bathroom. That is all it takes to turn caregiving into a crisis. If your home has not been safety proofed, or if you are unsure what really matters, this episode will give you peace of mind and a clear plan. In this Week 10 episode of The Age of Caregiving, Dr. Anna Thomas walks you through the most important home safety fixes every caregiver should prioritize, without spending thousands or turning your house into a hospital. You will learn what to address first, what to watch for next, and how small changes can prevent emergencies before they happen. Safety is not fear based. It is leadership. And it starts at home. Explore More from The Age of Caregiving 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://lifecareleadhership.com/podcast📺 Watch on YouTube: https://lifecareleadhership.com/youtube📝 Read more on our Blog: https://lifecareleadhership.com/blog LINKSFrom Caregiver to Care Leader: https://lifecareleadhership.com/from-caregiver-to-care-leaderDementia Care Confidence: https://lifecareleadhership.com/dementiacareconfidenceWorkshops & Free Trainings: https://lifecareleadhership.com/free-trainings *Bio: Anna Thomas: Dr. Anna Thomas is a board-certified physician, TEDx speaker, workplace wellbeing strategist, and leadership coach who helps professionals, caregivers, and organizations thrive through the pressures of work, life, and care. As founder of LifeCare LeadHership & Workplaces That Care she brings together medicine, coaching, and workplace wellbeing to teach practical resilience and care-ready leadership. A John Maxwell Certified Speaker and creator of the CARE Framework, she equips leaders and teams to strengthen retention, support wellbeing, and lead with compassion and clarity. The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of Dr. Thomas and do not reflect the views of any past or present employer. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or legal advice.

    8 min
  5. What to Do When Your Loved One Refuses Help as a Caregiver

    JAN 12

    What to Do When Your Loved One Refuses Help as a Caregiver

    You offer help gently, thoughtfully, even lovingly and your loved one pushes back.“I don’t need help.”“I can do it myself.”“You’re treating me like a child.” If you are caught between wanting to care and being shut down, this episode is for you. In this Week 9 episode of The Age of Caregiving, Dr. Anna Thomas walks you through five practical strategies to respond when your loved one refuses help, without escalating conflict or losing your peace. You will also learn a powerful mindset shift that helps you stop taking resistance personally and stay grounded when emotions run high. This episode is about protecting dignity, maintaining connection, and leading care with both compassion and boundaries. Explore More from The Age of Caregiving 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://lifecareleadhership.com/podcast📺 Watch on YouTube: https://lifecareleadhership.com/youtube📝 Read more on our Blog: https://lifecareleadhership.com/blog LINKSFrom Caregiver to Care Leader: https://lifecareleadhership.com/from-caregiver-to-care-leaderDementia Care Confidence: https://lifecareleadhership.com/dementiacareconfidenceWorkshops & Free Trainings: https://lifecareleadhership.com/free-trainings *Bio: Anna Thomas: Dr. Anna Thomas is a board-certified physician, TEDx speaker, workplace wellbeing strategist, and leadership coach who helps professionals, caregivers, and organizations thrive through the pressures of work, life, and care. As founder of LifeCare LeadHership & Workplaces That Care she brings together medicine, coaching, and workplace wellbeing to teach practical resilience and care-ready leadership. A John Maxwell Certified Speaker and creator of the CARE Framework, she equips leaders and teams to strengthen retention, support wellbeing, and lead with compassion and clarity. The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of Dr. Thomas and do not reflect the views of any past or present employer. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or legal advice.

    7 min
  6. How to Organize Caregiving Days When Every Day Looks Different

    JAN 6

    How to Organize Caregiving Days When Every Day Looks Different

    Your caregiving to do list never ends, and no two days ever look the same. You may start with a plan, only to have it unravel when your loved one wakes up confused, a doctor calls, or something unexpected takes over the day. If you feel exhausted by the unpredictability of caregiving, this episode is for you. In this Week 8 episode of The Age of Caregiving, Dr. Anna Thomas shares how to organize caregiving days even when everything keeps changing. You will learn why traditional schedules fail caregivers, how to use flexible time blocks instead of rigid hourly plans, how to identify caregiving priorities that actually matter, and one mindset shift that makes chaos feel more manageable. This is not about perfection. It is about creating rhythm in real life caregiving so you can lead with confidence instead of confusion. Explore More from The Age of Caregiving 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://lifecareleadhership.com/podcast📺 Watch on YouTube: https://lifecareleadhership.com/youtube📝 Read more on our Blog: https://lifecareleadhership.com/blog LINKSFrom Caregiver to Care Leader: https://lifecareleadhership.com/from-caregiver-to-care-leaderDementia Care Confidence: https://lifecareleadhership.com/dementiacareconfidenceWorkshops & Free Trainings: https://lifecareleadhership.com/free-trainings *Bio: Anna Thomas: Dr. Anna Thomas is a board-certified physician, TEDx speaker, workplace wellbeing strategist, and leadership coach who helps professionals, caregivers, and organizations thrive through the pressures of work, life, and care. As founder of LifeCare LeadHership & Workplaces That Care she brings together medicine, coaching, and workplace wellbeing to teach practical resilience and care-ready leadership. A John Maxwell Certified Speaker and creator of the CARE Framework, she equips leaders and teams to strengthen retention, support wellbeing, and lead with compassion and clarity. The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of Dr. Thomas and do not reflect the views of any past or present employer. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or legal advice.

    6 min
  7. How Caregivers Can Take a Break Without Feeling Guilty

    12/29/2025

    How Caregivers Can Take a Break Without Feeling Guilty

    If you finally sit down to rest but guilt kicks in before your body even relaxes, you’re not alone. In this episode, Dr. Anna Thomas breaks down why caregivers feel guilty when they try to rest and how to create breaks that nourish, restore, and protect both you and the care you provide. You’ll learn how to understand the purpose of guilt, reset your rest expectations, build a sustainable rest rhythm, and shift your inner language from sacrifice to leadership. By the end, you’ll have practical tools to step away without the emotional backlash — because your rest is part of the care plan. Explore More from The Age of Caregiving 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://lifecareleadhership.com/podcast📺 Watch on YouTube: https://lifecareleadhership.com/youtube📝 Read more on our Blog: The Age of Caregiving Blog & Podcast LINKSFrom Caregiver to Care Leader: https://lifecareleadhership.com/from-caregiver-to-care-leaderDementia Care Confidence: https://lifecareleadhership.com/dementiacareconfidenceWorkshops & Free Trainings: https://lifecareleadhership.com/free-trainings *Bio: Anna Thomas: Dr. Anna Thomas is a board-certified physician, TEDx speaker, workplace wellbeing strategist, and leadership coach who helps professionals, caregivers, and organizations thrive through the pressures of work, life, and care. As founder of LifeCare LeadHership & Workplaces That Care she brings together medicine, coaching, and workplace wellbeing to teach practical resilience and care-ready leadership. Her keynotes and trainings cover caregiving in the workplace, dementia education, burnout prevention, culture, and women’s leadership. A John Maxwell Certified Speaker and creator of the CARE Framework, she equips leaders and teams to strengthen retention, support wellbeing, and lead with compassion and clarity. Audiences value her blend of storytelling, science, and strategy. Learn more or book Dr. Thomas www.WorkplaceWellbeingSpeaker.com The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of Dr. Thomas and do not reflect the views of any past or present employer. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or legal advice.*

    7 min
  8. How to Hold a Calm, Clear, and Productive Family Caregiving Meeting

    12/22/2025

    How to Hold a Calm, Clear, and Productive Family Caregiving Meeting

    If every family caregiving conversation feels tense, emotional, or unproductive, you’re not alone. In this episode, Dr. Anna Thomas walks you step by step through how to prepare, lead, and follow up on a caregiving family meeting that creates clarity instead of conflict. You’ll learn how to set the tone, share responsibilities, manage resistance, and communicate with calm confidence even when family dynamics are complicated. By the end, you’ll have a simple structure you can use for every caregiving meeting, no matter how hesitant, overwhelmed, or uninvolved your family may feel. Explore More from The Age of Caregiving 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://lifecareleadhership.com/podcast📺 Watch on YouTube: https://lifecareleadhership.com/youtube📝 Read more on our Blog: The Age of Caregiving Blog & Podcast LINKSFrom Caregiver to Care Leader: https://lifecareleadhership.com/from-caregiver-to-care-leaderDementia Care Confidence: https://lifecareleadhership.com/dementiacareconfidenceWorkshops & Free Trainings: https://lifecareleadhership.com/free-trainings *Bio: Anna Thomas: Dr. Anna Thomas is a board-certified physician, TEDx speaker, workplace wellbeing strategist, and leadership coach who helps professionals, caregivers, and organizations thrive through the pressures of work, life, and care. As founder of LifeCare LeadHership & Workplaces That Care she brings together medicine, coaching, and workplace wellbeing to teach practical resilience and care-ready leadership. Her keynotes and trainings cover caregiving in the workplace, dementia education, burnout prevention, culture, and women’s leadership. A John Maxwell Certified Speaker and creator of the CARE Framework, she equips leaders and teams to strengthen retention, support wellbeing, and lead with compassion and clarity. Audiences value her blend of storytelling, science, and strategy. Learn more or book Dr. Thomas www.WorkplaceWellbeingSpeaker.com The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of Dr. Thomas and do not reflect the views of any past or present employer. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or legal advice.*

    7 min

About

Welcome to The Age of Caregiving, where work doesn’t stop, life keeps moving, and caregiving becomes the second job no one trained you for. Hosted by Dr. Anna Thomas—physician, caregiver advocate, and leadership coach—this podcast is your weekly guide to navigating the complex realities of modern caregiving. Whether you’re balancing a career while caring for a parent, partner, or child, or you're a leader trying to support employees who are caregiving, this space is for you. Each episode delivers real talk, practical strategies, and compassionate leadership tools to help you care without losing yourself in the process. It’s time to stop surviving caregiving—and start leading through it. New episodes every week. Subscribe now and join the movement redefining what it means to thrive in the Age of Caregiving