Hey Woman: Caregiving, Grief, and Finding Your Way Forward

cortneysteinbacher
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Personal Journals

Hey Woman: Caregiving, Grief, and Finding Your Way Forward is an honest, compassionate podcast for women and caregivers facing the emotional weight, difficult decisions, family tensions, and unexpected grief of caring for someone they love. Hey Woman offers practical guidance, meaningful conversations, and reassurance that they do not have to navigate it alone.

  1. Jul 23

    Why Dealing With Grief Can Feel Harder After the First Year

    Many women expect dealing with grief to become easier after the first year. When it does not, they may wonder why they are still struggling or feel pressure to return to who they were before the loss. In this episode, Julie and Cortney explore why the second year of grief can feel different, more permanent, and sometimes more isolating. They discuss the pressure to “be better,” the danger of comparing one grief journey to another, and the complicated mix of sadness, relief, guilt, anger, and even happiness that can surface after the initial crisis has passed. Listeners will hear an honest conversation about: Rebuilding life after a long caregiving journey Adjusting traditions, relationships, and expectations Allowing time for rest, support, joy, and a changing identity This episode offers reassurance for anyone experiencing caregiver grief and learning how to move forward without rushing, judging, or abandoning themselves. Get your free Caregiver Toolkit + connect with resources and attorneys in your state: https://planningandprotecting.com If you find this episode helpful, please subscribe and share it with friends and family.

  2. Jul 9

    How to Choose a Nursing Home + Advocate for Your Loved One | Caregiving Guide

    Choosing a nursing home or care facility can feel overwhelming—but knowing what to look for can make all the difference. In this episode, we’re joined by elder care navigator Jasmyn Winey to break down how families can confidently navigate elder care decisions. Alongside Cortney and Julie’s personal caregiving experiences, this conversation provides a well-rounded look at the realities of transitioning into care. Learn how to: Tour and evaluate care facilities Communicate effectively with staff Advocate for your loved one’s needs Support resident well-being, including nutrition and daily care Navigate challenges influenced by COVID-19 Whether you’re in the middle of a caregiving transition or planning ahead, this episode offers practical tools and compassionate insight. #NursingHome #ElderCare #Caregiving #SeniorCare #CareFacilities #CaregiverSupport #ElderCareTips #FamilyAdvocacy #ChoosingNursingHome #ResidentWellbeing #CaregiverAdvice #AgingParents

    How to Choose a Nursing Home + Advocate for Your Loved One | Caregiving Guide

  3. Jun 25

    Assisted Living vs Aging in Place: What’s Best for Your Loved One? | Senior Care Guide

    Assisted living or aging in place—which is the right choice for your loved one? In this episode, we break down the key differences with Virla Ocker, Admissions Director at Nippenose Valley Village. Learn how to evaluate senior living communities, what to look for during facility tours, and the critical questions every family should ask before making a decision. We also dive into: • The benefits of assisted living for safety and social connection • How respite care can serve as a trial run • Signs it may be time to consider community living This episode is a must-listen for caregivers and families navigating elder care decisions and looking for guidance on senior housing options.   #AssistedLiving #SeniorLiving #ElderCare #Caregiving #SeniorCare #AgingParents #AgingInPlace #SeniorLivingOptions #CaregiverSupport #SeniorCareDecisions #RespiteCare #ChoosingSeniorLiving #SeniorCommunity #HealthyAging

    Assisted Living vs Aging in Place: What’s Best for Your Loved One? | Senior Care Guide

  4. Jun 11

    Balancing Caregiving & Work: Legal Rights, Family Leave + Real-Life Tips

    Caregiving while maintaining a career is one of the most challenging realities many families face today. In this episode, Courtney and Julie dive into the realities of balancing caregiving and employment—from navigating work-life balance to understanding legal protections and family leave options. Whether you're caring for an aging parent or planning for the future, this conversation offers practical strategies to help you stay supported at work while showing up for your loved ones. You’ll learn: How caregiving impacts careers and workplace decisions What legal protections (like family leave) may be available How to communicate with employers about your caregiving needs Why early planning is critical for long-term success If you’re a caregiver feeling overwhelmed trying to “do it all,” this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and actionable next steps. #Caregiving #WorkLifeBalance #FamilyLeave #CaregiverSupport #ElderCare #WorkingCaregiver #CaregivingTips #LegalPlanning #CaregiverLife #FamilyCaregiver

  5. May 28

    Why Caregiving Communication Breaks Down (And How Kolbe Helps Families Work Together)

    Caregiving conflict isn’t always about what needs to be done—it’s about how each person naturally tries to do it. In this episode, Cortney Steinbacher and Julie Steinbacher explore how the Kolbe assessment can be a powerful tool for caregivers—helping families understand problem-solving styles, reduce tension, and make clearer decisions together. Listeners will discover: How Kolbe explains different caregiving instincts and communication breakdowns Practical ways to divide responsibilities and reduce resentment How to apply Kolbe insights to caregiving team building Why Kolbe can be especially helpful in end-of-life decisions Get your free Caregiver Toolkit + resources: Planning and Protecting   #ElderLaw #Caregiving #FamilyCaregiver #Kolbe #TeamBuilding #FamilyDynamics

    Why Caregiving Communication Breaks Down (And How Kolbe Helps Families Work Together)

  6. May 14

    Family Caregivers and the Crucial Role of Social Caregiving for Aging Parents

    What happens when an aging parent is still physically independent, but suddenly more alone than anyone realizes? For many family caregivers, care begins long before medication lists, doctor visits, or daily hands-on help. It often starts with loneliness, lost routines, and the quiet fear that an aging loved one is slipping into isolation. Family caregiving specialists, Cortney and Julie Steinbacher discuss why social caregiving matters, especially after the death of a spouse or a major life change. For family caregivers, this conversation offers a practical way to think about connection, planning, and aging in place before a crisis forces the issue. Listeners will discover: How family caregivers can spot the early signs of social isolation. Why consistent visits, meals, and routines can protect emotional well-being. How to start thinking about home safety, family roles, and future care decisions. Listen for a clearer way to support an aging loved one without waiting for everything to become medical. Get your free Caregiver Toolkit + connect with resources and attorneys in your state: https://planningandprotecting.com If you find this episode helpful, please subscribe and share it with friends and family.

    Family Caregivers and the Crucial Role of Social Caregiving for Aging Parents

  7. Apr 30

    How Elder Care Has Evolved

    Hosted by Julie and Cortney, this episode explores how modern tools can support caregivers, from familiar devices like Alexa and Apple Watch to virtual medical visits. Drawing on their real-life caregiving experience, they focus on practical uses, privacy considerations, and why starting small can make these tools easier to adopt and more effective over time.

    How Elder Care Has Evolved

  8. Apr 16

    Making the Most of Caregiving Visits

    Caregiving visits can feel overwhelming when time is limited and needs are constantly changing. In this episode, Cortney and Julie share practical ways to make visits more meaningful, focusing on presence over tasks, creative activities that foster connection, and routines that adapt as care needs evolve. A compassionate conversation about showing up with intention, even when plans shift and moments look different than they used to.

    Making the Most of Caregiving Visits
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Hey Woman: Caregiving, Grief, and Finding Your Way Forward is an honest, compassionate podcast for women and caregivers facing the emotional weight, difficult decisions, family tensions, and unexpected grief of caring for someone they love. Hey Woman offers practical guidance, meaningful conversations, and reassurance that they do not have to navigate it alone.

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