Give A Care Podcast

Sharon C. Newman

Give a Care is a podcast for adults supporting aging parents and loved ones. Hosted by caregiving expert Sharon C. Newman, each episode offers practical guidance on legal planning, healthcare decisions, and caregiver wellness.

  1. Why Most Post-Hospital Recoveries Fail (And How to Fix It)

    Jan 12

    Why Most Post-Hospital Recoveries Fail (And How to Fix It)

    Discharge day isn't the finish line—it's the starting blocks. Are you prepared for the "New Normal" after a loved one is released from the hospital? Most families realize within 24 hours that the facility didn't give them a manual for the reality of home care. In this episode, Sharon C. Newman provides that manual. Sharon discusses the Vital Health Measures you must track daily to prevent a relapse, the psychology of recovery (and why patients often stand in their own way), and the logistical nightmare of managing multiple specialists. Sharon also shares a radical tip for caregivers: Start small, set boundaries, and put yourself first. The Growth-Engineered Takeaways: The "Plateau" Warning: If your loved one doesn't show improvement, the therapy will stop. Sharon tells you how to fight back.Blood Pressure is Non-Negotiable: The specific way to document metrics for your doctor to ensure they actually listen.The Pill Box Strategy: How to use pharmacy services to eliminate "Medication Fog" and prevent errors.Outsourcing the "Waiting Games": Why temporary help is the key to running your own life while managing someone else's recovery. Chapter Markers: (00:00) - The "Discharge Overwhelm": Avoiding the Hospital-to-Home Shock (05:56) - The 5-Point Home Safety Audit (Beyond the Bathroom) (10:49) - Mindset as Medicine: Why Some Patients Refuse to Recover (15:52) - The "Handy Dandy Notebook": Managing 3+ Specialists Without Stress (19:06) - The CEO Schedule: Establishing Your Daily Caregiver Routine Connect with Sharon C. Newman: https://linktr.ee/GiveACarePodcast Don't walk the recovery journey alone. Visit RightChoiceHomeCare.com to bridge the gap between crisis and stability.

    20 min
  2. Navigating the Medicare Maze: The "Catch" and Pro Tips for Families (Part 2)

    Jan 4

    Navigating the Medicare Maze: The "Catch" and Pro Tips for Families (Part 2)

    "If I can only sell bananas, I’m not going to tell you how good an apple is." In Part 2 of our Medicare deep-dive, Sharon Newman and expert Dan Olofsson explore the complexities that adult children and seniors face when choosing a plan. Dan explains why basic Medicare leaves out dental, vision, and hearing, and how "Advantage" plans fill those gaps—at a potential cost. This episode is packed with "insider" strategies, including the use of Hospital Indemnity Plans to cover copays and the specific questions every family should ask their broker. If you’ve ever wondered why your mailbox is full of Medicare ads, Dan explains the $18,000 reason why. Key Takeaways: The Underwriting Trap: Why switching plans after age 75 is extremely difficult and how to plan for it now.Independent vs. Captive Agents: Why you need someone who can see the whole "grocery store," not just one brand.The "Aflac on Steroids" Strategy: How a small monthly investment can wipe out thousands in hospital copays.Veteran & Medicaid Benefits: How to get up to $145/month back into your Social Security. Ready to get grounded in the facts? Connect with Dan Olofsson: 708-699-9016 (Call or Text) Did you miss Part 1? Go back and listen to the previous episode to get the full story on the Medicare Alphabet! Stay Connected, Encouraged, and Empowered ⁠Subscribe to The Give A Care Podcast: ⁠ Practical tips, expert conversations, and encouragement you can lean on anytime. Click subscribe and tap the bell so you never miss an episode. ⁠Join our Free LinkedIn Group ⁠ A welcoming space for caregivers and professionals to connect, share resources, and remind one another that we are stronger together. ⁠Connect with Sharon ⁠ Follow Sharon for daily encouragement, professional insights, and a voice that always advocates for caregivers like you.

    23 min
  3. Navigating the Medicare Maze: A Guide to Enrollment & Coverage (Part 1)

    12/29/2025

    Navigating the Medicare Maze: A Guide to Enrollment & Coverage (Part 1)

    "Part A covers your hospital, Part B pays 80% of the doctor... but do you know the pitfalls?" Medicare is one of the most complex systems you’ll navigate in retirement. In Part 1 of our Medicare deep-dive, expert Dan Olofsson joins Sharon C. Newman to demystify the enrollment process and help you avoid the expensive mistakes many seniors make. Whether you're helping a loved one enroll or preparing for your own milestone birthday, Dan provides a clear roadmap through the "Medicare Alphabet." We discuss why you shouldn't trust your junk mail, the reality of prescription penalties, and the specific steps you must take if you plan to keep working past age 65. Key Takeaways: Simplicity is Possible: Medicare can be simplified with the right guidance.Ignore the Junk Mail: How to identify credible coverage vs. marketing fluff.The ABCDs: A plain-English explanation of hospital, doctor, and drug coverage.HR is Your First Stop: Essential advice for employees turning 65. Chapter Markers: (00:00) - Introduction to Medicare Enrollment (02:02) - Understanding Medicare's Complexity (05:05) - Navigating Medicare Mail and Information (06:56) - The Medicare Alphabet: A, B, C, D Explained (13:30) - Choosing Between Medicare Advantage and Supplements (16:30) - Understanding Zero Premium Plans and Their Risks (18:52) - Medicare for Those Still Working (22:36) - Final Thoughts on Part 1 Stay tuned for Part 2!

    24 min
  4. Stop the Burnout: The Essentials of Smart Caregiving

    12/24/2025

    Stop the Burnout: The Essentials of Smart Caregiving

    "Caregiving is not your field... and there is no shame in asking for help." In this episode, Sharon C. Newman explores the reality that most caregivers face: the feeling of being unqualified and overwhelmed. Sharon shares why the first step to becoming a better caregiver is admitting what you don’t know and learning to delegate. Sharon discusses the common mistakes that lead to caregiver burnout, the vital role of medication management, and why Power of Attorney isn't just a piece of paper—it's a lifeline. This conversation is designed to empower you with the practical tools and emotional boundaries needed to navigate family dynamics and elder care with confidence. In This Episode, You Will Learn: - The Power of Documentation: Why tracking symptoms and medication is your best defense in the healthcare system. - Breaking the Martyr Mindset: How to ask for help without shame and why it’s essential for your emotional health. - Legal Preparedness: The non-negotiable documents (like POA) every caregiver needs before a crisis hits. - Setting Boundaries: Practical ways to prioritize self-care so you can provide better care for others. Chapter Markers: (00:00) - Understanding Caregiving Responsibilities (02:48) - The Importance of Documentation in Caregiving (06:05) - Asking for Help: Breaking the Do-It-All Syndrome (08:59) - Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Self-Care (11:53) - Legal Preparedness in Caregiving (14:45) - Final Thoughts and Action Steps Stay Connected, Encouraged, and Empowered ⁠Subscribe to The Give A Care Podcast: ⁠ Practical tips, expert conversations, and encouragement you can lean on anytime. Click subscribe and tap the bell so you never miss an episode. ⁠Join our Free LinkedIn Group ⁠ A welcoming space for caregivers and professionals to connect, share resources, and remind one another that we are stronger together. ⁠Connect with Sharon ⁠ Follow Sharon on LinkedIn for daily encouragement, professional insights, and a voice that always advocates for caregivers like you.

    15 min
  5. Beyond the Diagnosis: Self-Care, Cultural Nuances, and the Caregiver's Emotional Journey

    12/16/2025

    Beyond the Diagnosis: Self-Care, Cultural Nuances, and the Caregiver's Emotional Journey

    In this heartfelt and essential episode of the Give A Care podcast, Callies Newman takes us inside the often-unseen reality of the caregiving experience. Having started at a young age, Callies shares her unique perspective on what it truly takes to sustain a career in home care while prioritizing mental health. Callies dives deep into the complex world of family dynamics and reveals how cultural nuances significantly impact the way families interact with professional caregivers. She underscores why self-care is crucial to combat caregiver burnout and shares poignant lessons learned while navigating death and dying with clients. This episode is a powerful reminder that client advocacy and building trust are the core of rewarding care. Key Takeaways from Callies Newman: How starting caregiving at a young age shaped her perspective and resilience.The vital role cultural nuances play in building effective and trusting relationships with clients.Strategies for engaging with clients to avoid burnout and manage energy.Why advocating for clients is the single most important responsibility of a caregiver.Finding deep fulfillment in caregiving through appreciation and connection Chapter Markers (Jump to the advice you need now!): (00:00) - Introduction to Caregiving Journey (01:59) - First Impressions and Family Dynamics (06:10) - Navigating Cultural and Family Dynamics (11:15) - The Importance of Perspective in Caregiving (15:38) - Understanding Death and Dying (18:02) - Client Advocacy and Caregiver Responsibilities (24:37) - Self-Care and Mental Health in Caregiving (29:22) - Energy Management and Work-Life Balance (32:33) - The Fulfillment of Caregiving (35:33) - Advice for Aspiring Caregivers (39:06) - Working with Family in Caregiving (41:18) - Conclusion and Contact Information Stay Connected, Encouraged, and Empowered ⁠Subscribe to The Give A Care Podcast: ⁠ Practical tips, expert conversations, and encouragement you can lean on anytime. Click subscribe and tap the bell so you never miss an episode. ⁠Join our Free LinkedIn Group ⁠ A welcoming space for caregivers and professionals to connect, share resources, and remind one another that we are stronger together. ⁠Connect with Sharon ⁠ Follow Sharon on LinkedIn for daily encouragement, professional insights, and a voice that always advocates for caregivers like you.

    44 min
  6. 12/07/2025

    Dementia & MS Decoded: A Neurologist’s Guide to Holistic Care (Part 2)

    In Part 2 of our series with Dr. Jessica L. Wilson-Muhammad, we move from diagnosis to daily life. A triple board-certified neurologist, Dr. Jessica L. Wilson-Muhammad, shares her experience as a family caregiver, revealing how the job truly changes family dynamics and demanding roles. This episode is a survival guide for the caregiving journey, focusing on practical strategies to prevent caregiver burnout. Dr. Jessica L. Wilson-Muhammad discusses the vital need to balance a loved one's independence with their safety, and why you must adjust the "attitudes within the household." Learn why advocacy is the most critical tool for ensuring quality care and how to tap into crucial community resources for much-needed family support. As Dr. Jessica L. Wilson-Muhammad says, "You learn as you go," and this episode provides the valuable lessons she learned firsthand. Key Takeaways: Why the caretaker knows the patient better than anyone else—and how to use that knowledge.Strategies for creative care coordination and balancing independence/safety.The necessity of adapting your care plan to avoid burnout.Essential community resources to seek out for long-term support. Chapter Markers (Jump to the most critical advice!): (00:00) - Balancing Independence and Safety in Care(03:21) - Learning Through Experience as a Caregiver(05:12) - The Importance of Advocacy in Care(07:58) - Strategies for Effective Care Coordination(11:31) - Maintaining Independence While Providing Care(14:57) - Preventing Caregiver Burnout(19:37) - Community Resources for Caregivers Stay Connected, Encouraged, and Empowered ⁠Subscribe to The Give A Care Podcast: ⁠ Practical tips, expert conversations, and encouragement you can lean on anytime. Click subscribe and tap the bell so you never miss an episode. ⁠Join our Free LinkedIn Group ⁠ A welcoming space for caregivers and professionals to connect, share resources, and remind one another that we are stronger together. ⁠Connect with Sharon ⁠ Follow Sharon on LinkedIn for daily encouragement, professional insights, and a voice that always advocates for caregivers like you.

    34 min

About

Give a Care is a podcast for adults supporting aging parents and loved ones. Hosted by caregiving expert Sharon C. Newman, each episode offers practical guidance on legal planning, healthcare decisions, and caregiver wellness.