Focused Healthy Family Podcast

Gina and Donald Grothoff

Gina Grothoff: Occupational Therapist, Family Coach, writer and mom of three Donald Grothoff: Family Coach, Mindset Coach, Speaker, EFT Tapping Practitioner and dad to those same three. This dynamic duo are out each week with a new podcast. Using their 24 years of parenting, life experiences and their challenges with two kids with special needs to give tips to parents everywhere. Gina and Don find themselves in the Sandwich Generation, raising kids and caring for elderly parents, which they do talks, workshops and work with parents. Focused Healthy Family podcast is a light-hearted approach at serious issues and questions parents have today on parenting, forming stronger relationships with their kids, and helping their children grow-all in under 30 minutes. #parenttalk #parenting #parentcommunication #focusedhealthyfamily #co-parenting #singleparents #parents #sandwichgeneration #sandwichgenerationsupport #seniorcaregiversupport #seniorcare #agingparentssupport

  1. 1D AGO

    #215 Planning for the "What If": Long-Term Care Insurance Explained with Scott Cramblitt

    In this episode of the Focused Healthy Family Podcast, Gina and Don sit down with Scott Cramblitt, Financial Services Professional Agent with New York Life Insurance, to unpack one of the most important — and often avoided — conversations families need to have: long-term care planning. As our population ages and longevity increases, more families are facing the emotional, physical, and financial realities of long-term care. Scott helps us understand: What long-term care insurance actually covers The financial risks families face without a plan The rising costs of extended care Common misconceptions about Medicare and long-term care When is the right time to plan The benefits and challenges of different policy options This episode provides clarity, practical education, and encouragement to take action before a crisis forces the conversation. If you want to protect your family, your legacy, and your independence, this is an episode you cannot afford to miss. www.newyorklife.com  C: 443-928-9788 mscramblitt@ft.newyorklife.com Scott's Bio Scott Cramblitt was born in Baltimore, Maryland and raised in Glen Burnie, just outside of Baltimore City. He attended Virginia Tech from 1997 to 2002, earning a Bachelor's degree in Business Economics. In 2005, Scott and his family relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he built an 18-year career in the automotive industry. Throughout his time in automotive leadership, he was known for developing teams, mentoring employees, and helping people grow both professionally and personally. His passion for improving people's lives became a driving force in his career. That passion has now transitioned into the health and insurance space, where Scott helps individuals and families make informed decisions that protect their financial future and long-term wellbeing.  Scott and his wife, Jessica, are proud parents of two sons, Nick and Ben. Outside of work, he enjoys coaching youth sports, especially baseball, playing golf, and spending time with his family and their rescue dogs. At the core of everything Scott does is his mission: to improve people's lives — whether through mentorship, financial education, or helping families prepare for life's unexpected challenges. #FocusedHealthyFamily #LongTermCare #LongTermCareInsurance #AgingWell #FinancialPlanning #CaregiverSupport #FamilyPlanning #RetirementPlanning #ProtectYourLegacy #HealthAndWealth #InsuranceEducation #SeniorCare #FuturePlanning

    1h 1m
  2. FEB 26

    #214 The Right Place at the Right Time: Finding Senior Living With Robin Elbertson

    Choosing where an aging loved one should live can feel overwhelming, emotional, and sometimes filled with guilt. Should they stay at home? Move to assisted living? Is memory care needed yet — or not quite? In this episode of the Focused Healthy Family Podcast, Gina and Don sit down with Robin Elbertson, Senior Living Care Advisor with Assisted Living Locators, to break down how families can actually make the right decision — not just the urgent decision. We talk about the real challenges families face such as waiting too long to talk or the lack of connections, but we also talk about the GOOD stuff — what life can actually improve once the right environment is found. Many seniors regain social connection, better nutrition, safety, and even joy when they land in the right place at the right time. Robin shares what families often misunderstand about senior living, how to recognize the signs that it's time, and how working with an advisor removes pressure and guesswork from the process. This episode is both practical and reassuring — whether you are planning ahead or already in crisis mode. If you're asking: "How do we know it's time?" — this episode is for you. https://assistedlivinglocators.com/ 980-446-9065 Robin's Bio Robin is a Charlotte, North Carolina native who has spent most of her life in the area, with time away for college in Asheville and Alabama, and five meaningful years serving in Africa with a mission organization. After returning home, Robin began working with a senior caregiving agency, where she formed a deep bond with a senior client that helped shape her calling. She later joined a local hospital's Faith and Health department, connecting patients who lacked resources with volunteers and practical support throughout the community. As her own parents entered their mid-80s, Mary founded We Care For Seniors, a personal assistant and concierge service designed to help older adults thrive with dignity and independence. In January 2025, she expanded her work by joining Assisted Living Locators as an Independent Contractor, guiding seniors and their loved ones through the process of finding the right fit for Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. Robin finds great joy serving and advocating for seniors—bringing compassion, clarity, and a steady presence to families during seasons of transition.   #FocusedHealthyFamily #AgingParents #SeniorLiving #AssistedLiving #MemoryCare #CaregiverSupport #ElderCare #SeniorCare #FamilyCaregiving #DementiaCare #CaregiverStress #SeniorLivingAdvisor #HealthyAging #CareDecisions #GeriatricCare #CarePlanning #CaregiverHelp #SandwichGeneration #AgingWell #CaregiverLife

    32 min
  3. FEB 19

    #213 Facing Feeling: Part 4: Adults and Children Who Are Not the Caregivers

    *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "13ce66c2-548c-4d2d-bb8a-8fcf5a01f836" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Not everyone in an aging family is the caregiver — but everyone is still affected. In Part 4 of our Facing Feelings series, Gina and Don explore the emotional world of the spouses, adult children, grandchildren, and siblings who aren't providing the hands-on care… yet still feel the weight of the journey every single day. Because the truth is — you don't have to be managing medications, appointments, or housing decisions to be overwhelmed. You can be across town… across the country… or just emotionally unsure of your place — and still carry a deep emotional load. In this episode we unpack the hidden struggles many families never talk about: • Role Reversal Grief – Watching a parent slowly become the one who needs guidance • Conflicting Emotions – Love, frustration, guilt, relief… all at the same time • Decision-Making Stress – Having opinions but not the authority (or responsibility) • Sibling Conflict – Different perspectives, different involvement, same family • Fear of Repeating the Pattern – "Will this happen to me too?" • Balancing Life Pressures – Raising kids, working careers, living life while the emotional background noise never turns off This conversation helps normalize the experience of being emotionally involved but not in charge — a position many people quietly struggle with and rarely feel allowed to talk about. If you've ever thought "I'm not the caregiver… so why does this feel so heavy?" this episode is for you. #FocusedHealthyFamily #FacingFeelings #AgingParents #FamilyCaregiving #SiblingDynamics #SandwichGeneration #CaregiverSupport #CaregiverStress #FamilyEmotions #DementiaSupport #ElderCare #AgingJourney #GriefInStages #FamilyCommunication #HealthyFamilies

    29 min
  4. FEB 12

    #212 Weird But It Works — EFT in Business - Melissa Taylor NBG

    Gina and Don are doing something a little different in this episode — they pull back the curtain and share a conversation from another podcast where Don becomes the guest. Inside this episode, they introduce and react to Don's appearance on the Network Build Grow podcast with Melissa Taylor, founder of the Network Build Grow networking organization. Together they explore how Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT tapping) unexpectedly connects to business growth, relationships, confidence, and communication. You'll hear the full conversation embedded in the show — including how Don stumbled into EFT, why a "strange tapping thing" actually works, and how emotional regulation directly affects networking success, leadership, and entrepreneurship. This episode blends personal story, business insight, and practical mindset tools — showing that business problems are often emotional problems wearing professional clothes. Whether you run a company, attend networking groups, or just feel nervous introducing yourself in a room full of strangers… this conversation might explain why. Because sometimes the best business strategy… is calming your nervous system first. https://www.networkbuildgrow.com   #FocusedHealthyFamily #NetworkBuildGrow #EmotionalFreedomTechniques #EFTTapping #BusinessMindset #NetworkingSkills #EntrepreneurLife #CommunicationSkills #ConfidenceBuilding #StressRelief #ProfessionalGrowth #SmallBusinessOwners #LeadershipDevelopment #MentalFitness #WeirdButItWorks

    33 min
  5. FEB 5

    #211 Overwhelmed and Unsupported… or Is It Grief?

    In this deeply meaningful episode of the Focused Healthy Family podcast, Gina and Don sit down with their mentor, Jan Luther of JanLuther.com, to explore a truth many families never hear out loud: What we often label as overwhelm, burnout, or lack of support when caring for a loved one with dementia is, at its core, grief. As an aging loved one slowly declines due to dementia, families begin grieving long before death occurs—grieving the loss of personality, connection, shared memories, and future dreams. This episode unpacks anticipatory grief, why it's so often misunderstood, and how failing to name it can leave caregivers feeling isolated, exhausted, and emotionally stuck. Jan, a trusted guide in grief and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), helps reframe the caregiving experience with compassion and clarity. Together, the three discuss how acknowledging grief—rather than just "managing stress"—can be a turning point in healing. You'll also be guided through a gentle EFT tapping segment, offering listeners a practical way to release emotional weight, calm the nervous system, and feel supported in the midst of loss. This conversation is for anyone caring for a loved one with dementia, navigating end-of-life changes, or wondering why "more support" doesn't seem to touch the deeper pain. If you've ever felt overwhelmed and unseen, this episode may help you finally name what your heart already knows. Jan Luther, The EGO Tamer® Emotional Freedom & Mindset Mastery Coach Jan Luther is a Master Coach, author, and speaker recognized as a leading authority on emotional freedom and subconscious reprogramming. Known as "The EGO Tamer®" and the "Chiropractor for Your Soul," Jan specializes in helping high-performers, leaders, and individuals dismantle the mental and spiritual blockages—collectively known as the "EGO"—that prevent them from living their Divine Purpose. www.janluther.com https://www.facebook.com/JanLutherTheEGOTamer https://www.linkedin.com/in/janluther/ https://www.instagram.com/thejanluther/ #FocusedHealthyFamily #GriefNotJustBurnout #DementiaCaregiving #AnticipatoryGrief #CaregiverSupport #EFTTapping #EmotionalHealing #EndOfLifeCare #DementiaJourney #CaregiverGrief #MentalHealthForCaregivers

    1h 5m
  6. JAN 29

    #210 I Don't Have Time For That

    In this episode of the Focused Healthy Family podcast, Gina and Don explore the powerful role hobbies play in healthy aging—especially for seniors who have retired and suddenly find themselves with extra time and fewer daily responsibilities. Retirement can be a joyful transition, but it can also bring boredom, loneliness, and a loss of purpose. Drawing from insights shared by caregivers and older adults, Gina and Don discuss simple, practical ways seniors can develop hobbies at home to relax, stay engaged, and find fulfillment. From reading, puzzles, gardening, and crafts to listening to music, journaling, baking, light exercise, and even learning something new, hobbies can bring structure, joy, and mental stimulation into daily life. They also highlight how hobbies can reduce stress, boost mood, and support cognitive and emotional health—offering seniors a sense of accomplishment and connection during retirement. Research shows that engaging in enjoyable activities can improve mental well-being, enhance cognitive function, and increase overall life satisfaction for older adults. Whether you are a caregiver, adult child, or senior yourself, this episode offers encouragement and ideas to help turn retirement into a season of discovery, creativity, and meaningful living. Article on Hobbies and Aging https://www.agingcare.com/questions/what-activities-as-a-caregiver-do-at-home-to-relax-191743.htm For 50 tips for new hobbies https://www.familyhoodcentral.com/50-essential-tips-for-learning-a-new-hobby/ #FocusedHealthyFamily #SeniorHobbies #HealthyAging #RetirementLife #CaregiverSupport #AgingWell #SeniorWellness #LifelongLearning #ActiveAging #SeniorActivities #MentalWellness #PurposeInRetirement #CaregiverTips #FamilyCaregiving

    40 min
  7. JAN 15

    #208 Facing Feeling Part 2: Personal Caregivers

    Facing Feelings - Part 2: In this heartfelt episode of the Focused Healthy Family Podcast, Gina and Don Grothoff open an honest conversation about the emotional challenges faced by personal caregivers. Drawing from their experiences as mindset coaches and family advocates, they explore the complex feelings that often accompany caregiving—chronic stress, guilt, anticipatory grief, anger, resentment, loneliness, and the painful loss of self that can lead to burnout and exhaustion. Referencing insights from the Cleveland Clinic's article on caregiver burnout and The New York Times piece on anticipatory grief, Gina and Don unpack how these emotions manifest and why they're so common among those caring for loved ones. They discuss the importance of recognizing these feelings early, setting healthy boundaries, and finding ways to care for oneself while caring for others. Listeners will gain practical tools for emotional regulation, including mindfulness, EFT tapping, and mindset shifts that help caregivers move from survival mode to a place of balance and compassion. This episode serves as a reminder that caregivers deserve support, rest, and healing just as much as those they care for. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Grief+is+Mourning+Sickness&crid=3C3IXN6UMHNLR&sprefix=grief+is+mourning+sickness%2Caps%2C136&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 #FocusedHealthyFamily #CaregiverSupport #CaregiverBurnout #AnticipatoryGrief #MindsetMatters #EFTTapping #SelfCareForCaregivers #MentalHealthAwareness #FamilyCaregivers #EmotionalWellness

    39 min

About

Gina Grothoff: Occupational Therapist, Family Coach, writer and mom of three Donald Grothoff: Family Coach, Mindset Coach, Speaker, EFT Tapping Practitioner and dad to those same three. This dynamic duo are out each week with a new podcast. Using their 24 years of parenting, life experiences and their challenges with two kids with special needs to give tips to parents everywhere. Gina and Don find themselves in the Sandwich Generation, raising kids and caring for elderly parents, which they do talks, workshops and work with parents. Focused Healthy Family podcast is a light-hearted approach at serious issues and questions parents have today on parenting, forming stronger relationships with their kids, and helping their children grow-all in under 30 minutes. #parenttalk #parenting #parentcommunication #focusedhealthyfamily #co-parenting #singleparents #parents #sandwichgeneration #sandwichgenerationsupport #seniorcaregiversupport #seniorcare #agingparentssupport