The Care Table

Amy Huddleston

Welcome to The Care Table with Amy Huddleston. With nearly two decades in the home care industry, Amy received countless requests from friends and professionals navigating the caregiving journey. Her passion for helping others led to creating The Care Table podcast—a name that reflects conversations and support for aging loved ones. Through expert interviews on topics like a dementia diagnosis, financial planning, and emotional well-being, plus personal caregiving stories, The Care Table podcast reminds you you’re not alone. Join us to find the peace and support you need as a caregiver.

  1. 5d ago

    How to Talk to Senior Living Facility Staff About Your Loved One | The Care Table

    Best ways to communicate with staff when your parent lives in an assisted living or skilled nursing facility. In this episode, Heather Adcock shares her extensive experience in long-term care to provide valuable insights into facility communication, family engagement, and navigating regulatory processes. Perfect for families and caregivers, this conversation offers practical advice to improve interactions with care facilities. Takeaways: - Importance of consistent family communication - Roles and responsibilities of facility staff - Best practices for family engagement - Regulatory requirements and survey processes - Handling concerns and complaints effectively - Building trust and understanding with staff - The impact of family dynamics on care - Strategies for effective care conferences - The role of ombudsmen and regulatory agencies - Balancing expectations and reality in elder care Sound Bites: "Give families grace and manage expectations." "Regulations for nursing homes are staggering." "We are all on call 24 hours a day." Products/Books/Resources: Nursing Home Resources & Finding One Near You: https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/resources/resources-and-information Find an ombudsman for support: ​​https://theconsumervoice.org/get-help/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to facility communication and guest background 01:16 Heather Adcock's career in long-term care 02:25 Overview of facility types and resident capacity 04:04 Family expectations and communication in transitions 05:02 Initial communication and updates when moving in 07:32 Designated points of contact for families 10:01 Family involvement and managing multiple contacts 12:15 Effective communication methods: email, phone, and more 16:02 A day in the life of a facility administrator 17:32 Handling concerns and the importance of documentation 20:30 Family conferences and virtual meetings 21:16 Building successful family-facility partnerships 23:17 The importance of consistency and patience 28:19 Responding to medical and condition changes 34:34 Giving families grace and managing expectations 36:05 Regulations and survey processes explained 44:56 Communication during surveys and inspections 50:24 Understanding state and federal regulations 58:16 Preparing for survey visits and managing stress 01:01:26 Effective family communication habits 01:08:36 Key advice for families entering long-term care 01:13:25 Respecting resident wishes and end-of-life conversations 01:14:51 The importance of compassion and understanding in elder care Support The Care Table Podcast: Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCareTable Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaretable/ Visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Care-Table/61580615603797/ Our website: https://www.thecaretable.com/ Email us: info@thecaretable.com Please rate and review us so we know if we’re helping you!

  2. Sep 15

    Caregiver Support Advice with a Gerontologist | The Care Table

    What is a gerontologist? Dr. Lakelyn Eichenberger, a gerontologist, offers her wisdom on aging, early conversations, respite for caregivers and more. In this episode, Dr. Lakelyn Eichenberger shares her journey into gerontology, the evolution of home care, and practical advice for caregivers. Discover insights on aging, dementia, and how to navigate the caregiving journey with compassion and confidence. Takeaways: - What is a gerontologist and how it differs from other roles in aging - The impact of growing up in a caregiving environment - The importance of early conversations about aging and end-of-life wishes - The evolution of home care services over the years - The role of home care during the COVID-19 pandemic - In-home respite care and its benefits for caregivers - The importance of planning and research for caregiving resources - Addressing misconceptions about aging and dementia - The concept of soul care and staying present - Supporting the sandwich generation and caregiver boundaries Sound Bites: "Dementia is not a normal part of aging" "Aging is vibrant and full of purpose" "Listening can be more powerful than we realize" Products/Books/Resources: Caregiver Chats podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSkB_X_wEZF3-6j4_bDhGdoXnTU_p6-B Death Deck: https://thedeathdeck.com/ National Alliance for Caregiving: https://www.caregiving.org/ Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Lakelyn Eichenberger and her background 02:08 What is a gerontologist and how it differs from other roles in aging 03:47 Growing up in a household that valued elders and caregiving 05:47 Dr. Lakelyn's favorite course: Death and Dying 07:58 Transition from one-on-one caregiving to advocacy and education 09:56 Doctoral research on dementia, family caregivers, and in-home respite care 13:08 The evolution of home care services over the years 17:09 The impact of the pandemic on home care and caregiving support 21:58 Advice for caregivers: start researching and planning early 25:47 The importance of boundaries and soul care for caregivers 31:59 Supporting aging loved ones and the importance of early conversations 37:59 Misconceptions about aging and dementia 43:50 The value of wisdom, interdependence, and living in the moment 49:50 The significance of including older adults in decision-making 57:54 Resources and ways to connect with Dr. Lakelyn Eichenberger 59:53 Final thoughts: hope for the future of aging and caregiving Support The Care Table Podcast: Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCareTable Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaretable/ Visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Care-Table/61580615603797/ Our website: https://www.thecaretable.com/ Email us: info@thecaretable.com Please rate and review us so we know if we’re helping you!

  3. Sep 8

    How one wife went from nightly crisis to peaceful caregiving with Diane Chew | The Care Table Ep. 41

    In this episode of The Care Table podcast, Dementia Coach Diane Chew shares her profound journey caring for her husband with Lewy body dementia, highlighting the potential benefits of hemp-based products and the importance of early detection, advocacy, and community support in dementia care.  Diane highlights the importance of hospice, self-care, faith, and community support. Her insights offer invaluable guidance for caregivers navigating similar challenges. Takeaways: - Cannabis helped manage Ben's dementia symptoms and sleep patterns. - Early signs of dementia can be subtle and overlooked. - Documenting symptoms is crucial for diagnosis and treatment. - Maintaining connection and presence is crucial in dementia caregiving. - Proactively set legal and financial plans early in the diagnosis. - Self-care and emotional expression are essential for caregiver resilience. - Living in the moment fosters deeper connection and peace. - Surrendering control and embracing acceptance reduces stress. Sound Bites: "Hospice can be used for up to two years." "Trust your intuition and spiritual guidance." "Sleep is a game changer in dementia care" Products/Books/Resources: Diane’s website: https://www.dementiacoachdiane.com/ Leaf 411 Cannabis Nurse Helpline: https://leaf411.org/ ▶️ FREE Newsletter with tips for caregiving, dementia care and self care.  https://www.dementiacoachdiane.com/email-updates ▶️ Explore Gummies for Dementia Care with FREE Nurse Support:  https://www.healerdirect.com/diane Rock to the Future: https://rocktothefuture.org/ The Care Table made a donation in memory of Ben to this non-profit. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and guest background 00:28 Introduction to Diane's caregiving journey 01:04 Ben’s caregiving journey and diagnosis 02:25 Early signs and confusion in dementia 02:52 Understanding hospice and palliative care options 04:04 Impact of stopping cannabis and symptoms 06:30 Cannabis and the endocannabinoid system 07:00 Managing health crises like UTIs in dementia 07:28 Medication reactions and hypersensitivity 09:17 The transformative effect of hemp products 11:03 Finding nurse support and sourcing products 11:58 The importance of legal planning and power of attorney 12:55 Clinical trials and innovative treatments 16:06 The role of faith and intuition in caregiving 16:17 Sleep, agitation, and managing sundowning 20:12 The importance of early detection and advocacy 20:53 Living in the moment and unconditional love 25:02 Living with a loved one with dementia 26:07 Building community and online support networks 27:25 Recognizing when caregiving becomes overwhelming 30:00 Hospital experiences and systemic challenges 30:28 Self-care strategies for caregivers 35:02 Reflections on spiritual connection and guidance 36:50 Lessons learned and advice for caregivers 40:02 Advice for caregivers facing end-of-life decisions 45:09 The miraculous aspects of Diane’s journey 50:05 Closing thoughts and encouragement for caregivers Support The Care Table Podcast: Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCareTable Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaretable/ Visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Care-Table/61580615603797/ Our website: https://www.thecaretable.com/ Email us: info@thecaretable.com Please rate and review us so we know if we’re helping you!

  4. Sep 1

    Music Therapy Is Not Entertainment - It’s a Clinical Tool | The Care Table Ep. 40

    In this episode of The Care Table podcast, Emma Tarai, a credentialed music therapist, explains what music therapy is, how it benefits older adults and those with cognitive impairments, and how caregivers can access these services. Discover how music can bring joy, reduce anxiety, and foster connections in challenging moments. Takeaways: - What is music therapy and how it works - Benefits of music therapy for older adults and those with cognitive impairments - How to identify if someone is a good candidate for music therapy - Accessing music therapy services and insurance coverage - The emotional and social impact of music therapy in hospice and care settings Sound Bites: "Music therapy is useful at any stage of dementia." "Music can bring joy and smiles even in the hardest times." "Music helps validate feelings and connect people." Products/Books/Resources: How to find a music therapist: https://www.musictherapy.org/about/find/ To contact Emma, LPMT: etarai@gmail.com Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to music therapy and guest Emma Tarai 01:22 What is music therapy and how it differs from music appreciation 02:08 Emma's background and journey into music therapy 04:03 Who can benefit from music therapy and signs to look for 06:43 Benefits of music therapy for older adults and cognitive health 11:54 When to start music therapy in dementia stages 13:29 Creating personalized songs for memory and connection 16:51 Session length, format, and setting options 24:11 Group vs. individual sessions and their benefits 26:45 Finding a music therapist and insurance considerations 32:45 Duration and ongoing benefits of music therapy 34:22 Impactful stories and real-life examples of music therapy success 37:18 Why music helps open emotional expression 39:41 The power of music to create connections and shared experiences 46:14 Final thoughts on the importance and growth of music therapy Support The Care Table Podcast: Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCareTable Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaretable/ Visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Care-Table/61580615603797/ Our website: https://www.thecaretable.com/ Email us: info@thecaretable.com Please rate and review us so we know if we’re helping you!

  5. Aug 25

    Why Most Families Miss the Real Purpose of Home Health | The Care Table Ep. 39

    Amy Huddleston, Elizabeth McAnally and Tammy Keans break down the biggest misconceptions about home health, including what it covers, who qualifies, how it differs from private duty, and why it can be such a strong bridge for older adults trying to stay safe at home. The conversation is especially useful for caregivers who are trying to understand what Medicare covers, how visits actually work, and when home health is the right next step. Learn the difference between skilled home health and non-medical home care, common referral reasons, what happens after discharge from the hospital or rehab, and how home health supports both patients and caregivers. Sound Bites: "We bridge the gap." "The goal is to keep you home without us." Products/Books/Resources: Home Health Compare to find a well-rated home health company: https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/?providerType=HomeHealth Chapters: 00:00 - Home health is not the same as private duty 00:51 - What the nurse actually does during a home health visit 02:23 - Insurance coverage vs out-of-pocket private duty costs 03:52 - Why supplemental care helps keep people home longer 05:18 - Why home health episodes usually last about 60 days 05:53 - Understanding the Medicare homebound requirement 07:36 - Common home health patients: CHF, COPD, surgery, orthopedics 09:22 - What outpatient therapy means after home health 10:13 - When decline, falls, and weakness make home health appropriate 11:13 - Helping the frequent callers and confused families 13:14 - What speech therapy and occupational therapy do 14:51 - Why diet changes like pureed food matter after illness 15:55 - The face-to-face doctor visit requirement 17:26 - How the agency helps when patients do not have a doctor 19:11 - Starting services within 48 hours when the patient agrees 20:53 - Patience and trust when families are hesitant 22:20 - Recertification and extending care when goals are not met 23:12 - Why home health needs measurable goals 24:36 - Medicare documentation and why it matters 25:19 - Private pay nursing after discharge 26:51 - Medication setup and why it prevents hospital readmission 27:33 - Private pay therapy after Medicare discharge 28:20 - How home health supports caregivers, not just patients 29:50 - Why home health fills the gap after hospital discharge 31:20 - Medication confusion after rehab or facility discharge 33:00 - Why discharge planners need to explain home health better 36:51 - Biggest misconceptions: cost and length of visits 38:04 - Patients must participate for therapy to work 39:19 - Home health comes to the patient 40:07 - What to do when you notice a change in a loved one 41:39 - How to find a reputable agency in your area 42:18 - What Home Health Compare shows 43:18 - Why quality ratings can be tricky to interpret 44:10 - Google reviews and senior patient limitations 45:17 - Patients still have to do their part 46:09 - When it is time to ask for help 47:23 - Using home services before moving someone to a facility 48:16 - Home health in assisted living vs skilled nursing facilities 49:22 - Closing thoughts and appreciation Support The Care Table Podcast: Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCareTable Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaretable/ Visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Care-Table/61580615603797/ Our website: https://www.thecaretable.com/ Email us: info@thecaretable.com Please rate and review us so we know if we’re helping you!

  6. Aug 18

    The Medicare Program Giving Dementia Caregivers Relief at Home | The Care Table Ep. 38

    In this episode, Amy Huddleston interviews Nancy Gillette, Chief Growth Officer at Pocket RN, about innovative virtual nursing solutions supporting families caring for loved ones with dementia. They explore how Pocket RN's model improves care, reduces hospitalizations, and empowers caregivers, shaping the future of home healthcare. Takeaways: - The gap between home and healthcare and how Pocket RN addresses it - The nurse for life model and continuity of care - The impact of the guide model on patient outcomes - How Pocket RN supports family caregivers and reduces stress - The role of technology and AI in clinical support - CMS guide program and Medicare benefits for dementia care - Respite care and its importance for family caregivers - The future of healthcare and home-based solutions Products/Books/Resources: To check eligibility for program: https://pocketrn.com/ Or email: contact@pocketrn.com  Or call: 872.233.4490 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Nancy Gillette and Pocket RN 03:06 Challenges in the current healthcare system 05:58 Support team availability 24/7 08:55 Family caregiver training and resources 12:00 Why focus on dementia first 15:06 Utilization of respite hours and services 17:58 Coordination with other healthcare services 20:53 Referral process and eligibility assessment 24:13 Caregiver burden assessments and support 27:02 Caregiver satisfaction and program impact 30:00 The future of healthcare and home-based models 32:54 Statistics on caregiver health and stress 36:01 Nurses' role and value in the model 39:01 Medicare's evolving role in home care 42:04 The need for a collaborative healthcare ecosystem 44:04 The emotional toll of caregiving and support solutions 45:00 The societal impact of caregiver support 45:53 The potential for growth and innovation in home healthcare 46:52 How to get started with Pocket RN 48:07 Final thoughts and future outlook Support The Care Table Podcast: Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCareTable Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaretable/ Visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Care-Table/61580615603797/ Our website: https://www.thecaretable.com/ Email us: info@thecaretable.com Please rate and review us so we know if we’re helping you!

  7. Aug 11

    Introducing Wellderly.ai, a Care Planning Tool | The Care Table Ep. 37

    In this episode of The Care Table podcast, Amy introduces Wellderly.ai, an unbiased, AI-powered, human-guided care planning platform that helps families navigate aging with confidence instead of chaos.  Wellderly.ai is currently available in the central Ohio area, and will soon be available in markets nationwide. This is the first unbiased care planning tool of its kind. Wellderly.ai does not take referral fees from facilities or businesses. It provides personalized recommendations for your aging relative and serves as a tool to help you navigate the caregiving journey. Give it a try today at https://www.wellderly.ai/ Support The Care Table Podcast: Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCareTable Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaretable/ Visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Care-Table/61580615603797/ Our website: https://www.thecaretable.com/ Email us: info@thecaretable.com Please rate and review us so we know if we’re helping you!

  8. Jul 28

    Choosing the Right Medicare Plan: A Guide for Seniors | The Care Table Ep. 36

    In this episode of The Care Table podcast, Amanda Schneider, a Medicare broker, shares essential insights on navigating Medicare options, understanding coverage, and making informed decisions for seniors. Learn about the differences between Medicare plans, how to choose the right coverage, and tips for avoiding common pitfalls. Takeaways: - Medicare plan options and differences - Initial questions when starting Medicare - How to choose between Medicare Advantage and Supplements - Understanding coverage and costs in Medicare - Importance of plan review during open enrollment - Tips for selecting a reputable Medicare broker Sound Bites: "Your doctors and your drugs are the most important." "Medicare Advantage is managed health care." "Always review your plan every year." Products/Books/Resources: Medicare.gov - https://www.medicare.gov/ CostPlus Drugs by Mark Cuban - https://costplusdrugs.com/ GoodRx - https://www.goodrx.com/ TrumpRX - https://trumprx.gov/ Medicare GLP-1 Bridge - https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coverage/prescription-drug-coverage/medicare-glp-1-bridge Amanda Schneider - Medicare Broker for Ohio, Florida, and Michigan - https://www.schneider4u.com/ Some of the links provided are affiliate links. I may receive a commission if you purchase through these links. Thank you for your support! Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Medicare and the Role of Brokers 02:55 Navigating Medicare: Common Questions and Initial Confusions 05:52 Understanding Medicare Coverage: What’s Included and What’s Not 08:41 The Importance of Planning for Long-Term Care 11:39 Medicare Options: Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage 14:42 Choosing the Right Medicare Plan: Factors to Consider 17:48 The Enrollment Process: Key Dates and Considerations 20:37 Real-Life Impacts of Medicare Plan Choices 23:32 Navigating Prescription Drug Coverage and Changes 29:57 Navigating Emergency Room Visits and Insurance Networks 31:34 Understanding Medicare Brokers and Their Role 34:17 Preparing for Medicare Plan Comparisons 36:15 Choosing the Right Medicare Plan for Chronic Conditions 40:22 The Importance of Prescription Drug Plans 46:13 Recent Changes in Medicare Rules and Benefits 51:14 Understanding Medicaid and Low-Income Subsidies Support The Care Table Podcast: Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCareTable Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaretable/ Visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Care-Table/61580615603797/ Our website: https://www.thecaretable.com/ Email us: info@thecaretable.com Please rate and review us so we know if we’re helping you!

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5
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Care Table with Amy Huddleston. With nearly two decades in the home care industry, Amy received countless requests from friends and professionals navigating the caregiving journey. Her passion for helping others led to creating The Care Table podcast—a name that reflects conversations and support for aging loved ones. Through expert interviews on topics like a dementia diagnosis, financial planning, and emotional well-being, plus personal caregiving stories, The Care Table podcast reminds you you’re not alone. Join us to find the peace and support you need as a caregiver.

Information

  • Creator
    Amy Huddleston
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Care Table
  • Show Website
    The Care Table

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