From Overwhelmed to Relieved The Senior Caregiving Podcast

Shannon Calles
  • 4.2 (5)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

Are you an adult daughter caring for an aging parent and feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or unsure how much longer you can keep going? From Overwhelmed to Relieved: The Senior Caregiving Podcast is a compassionate, truth-telling space for women navigating the emotional and practical realities of caring for aging parents—especially moms. Hosted by Shannon Calles, Independent Agency Owner, Senior Care Consultant, a Certified Dementia Practitioner, and someone who has walked this caregiving path personally. She offers honest guidance on dementia, assisted living and memory care decisions, caregiver burnout, family dynamics, and how to get your parent the care they deserve without losing yourself in the process. This isn't about doing caregiving perfectly. It's about sustainable care, dignity for your parent, and relief for you. If you've ever whispered, "I love my mom… but I'm exhausted," you're in the right place. Subscribe to the podcast and share it with another adult daughter who is quietly carrying a lot too who needs to guidance and support on her caregiving journey. Connect with Shannon! Website: https://clarkcountyseniorresources.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clark_county_senior_resources Call her directly: 564-227-8847 Schedule a Call with Shannon - https://calendly.com/shannon-clarkcountysr/30min?month=2026-01

  1. Oct 12

    Grief and Numbness After Caregiving Ends

    Why don't I feel anything? If your caregiving season has ended, through a move to memory care, a hospice call, or the death of your parent, and you're sitting in numbness instead of tears, this episode is for you. In this episode, Shannon Calles talks honestly about a grief that rarely gets named: the numbness that shows up after caregiving ends — whether through placement, hospice, or the death of a parent. If you've felt flat, disconnected, or guilty for not crying "the right way," this episode is your permission slip. What You'll Learn •          Why numbness after caregiving isn't the absence of grief — it's a nervous system response •          The three real, documented reasons caregivers often feel numb: anticipatory grief, caregiver burnout, and disenfranchised grief •          A client story of a daughter who felt nothing for months after her mother's death — and what happened when the grief finally came •          A simple, doable weekly challenge to help you stop judging your own grief timeline Featured Quote "I don't have to earn my grief by crying on schedule. My love for my mother was never measured by my tears — it was measured by every single day I showed up." Resources Mentioned •          Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of SW WA — 360-735-5720 •          Strong Daughters Club (Facebook Community) — The Strong Daughters Club LET'S CONNECT ONLINE: 📧 Email: shannon@clarkcountysr.com 📱 Instagram: @clark_county_senior_resources 🌐 Website: clarkcountyseniorresources.com

  2. Oct 6

    Caregiver Depression: Naming It Without Shame

    Are you depressed, or "just tired"? If you're an adult daughter caring for an aging parent, especially a mom living with dementia, the heaviness you've been carrying may have a name. In this episode, Shannon Calles, Certified Dementia Practitioner, talks honestly about caregiver depression and why naming it without shame is where relief begins. If you cry in the car between work and Mom's house, if you've stopped doing the things you used to love and can't remember when that happened, this episode is for you. In this episode, Shannon covers: ✔ Why so many caregiving daughters call depression "just tired," "stressed," or "a lot right now" ✔ The shame scripts that keep us silent, and what's actually true ✔ What the research says: 40 to 70 percent of family caregivers have clinically significant symptoms of depression ✔ Andrea's story, and the driveway moment that told her something was wrong ✔ Shannon's own story of naming the heaviness ✔ The common signs of depression, and the difference between burnout and depression ✔ Four steps toward relief: say the word, book an appointment for you, put one thing down, and find your people ✔ This week's challenge and mantra This week's mantra: "I'm not failing. I'm carrying too much, and I'm allowed to say so." If you are having thoughts of suicide or of hurting yourself, please call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), call your doctor, or go to your nearest emergency room. You don't have to carry this alone. Join the Strong Daughters Club, our free Facebook community for daughters caring for aging parents. It's a place where you can say "I'm not okay" and nobody flinches. 💙 Join the Strong Daughters Club: facebook.com/share/g/1DnDv72Hfx Want to hop on a call to discuss your situation and what your options are? In a call together, I will help you understand where things are at with your parent, what options you have available to you now and in the future, resources available, and how I can help you. 📞 Book a Call with me: calendly.com/shannon-clarkcountysr/30min RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 (24/7) Family Caregiver Alliance, Caregiver Statistics: caregiver.org National Institute of Mental Health, Depression: nimh.nih.gov LET'S CONNECT ONLINE: 📧 Email: shannon@clarkcountysr.com 📱 Instagram: @clark_county_senior_resources 🌐 Website: clarkcountyseniorresources.com

  3. Jul 29

    Caring for a Parent You Don't Have a Good Relationship With

    Episode 23: Caring for a Parent You Don't Have a Good Relationship With Caring for a parent who hurt you is one of caregiving's least-discussed realities. In this deeply personal episode of From Overwhelmed to Relieved: The Senior Caregiving Podcast, Shannon Calles shares her own story of caring for her mother through a lifetime of a strained, painful relationship — and walks through how to provide competent, dignified care for a parent with a complicated history, without needing reconciliation first. Learn why boundaries make caregiving sustainable, how to separate "caregiving" from "healing," and hear a client story of building a structure that protected both a mother's care and a daughter's peace. In this episode: Shannon's own story of caring for her mother despite a lifetime of a strained, painful relationship Why caregiving and reconciliation are two separate projects — and you're only required to do one The hidden emotional labor of managing logistics for a parent who wasn't a safe presence for you A client story: how "Maureen" built a care structure that protected her mother's wellbeing and her own boundaries Three concrete steps to start separating duty from healing this week This week's mantra and challenge Powerful quote from this episode: "You can care for her without carrying her." Resources mentioned: Strong Daughters Club: facebook.com/share/StrongDaughters Book a Discovery Call: calendly.com/shannon-clarkcountysr/30min

  4. Jul 17

    Long-Distance Caregiving 101

    Long-Distance Caregiving: How to Coordinate Mom's Care (and a Move) From Another State You can't just pop in to check on her. Every update comes secondhand — a phone call from a nurse two states away, a fall you weren't there for, a decision you have to make about someone you can't even see. If you're managing a parent's care from another state, this episode is for you. Shannon breaks down why long-distance caregiving carries such a specific, lonely weight — and why your job was never to be everywhere at once. You'll learn why a local senior care advocate can be your "boots on the ground" for touring communities you can't visit yourself, exactly what a good advocate does during a tour, and the full checklist of what to look for (and what red flags mean you walk away) — whether you're touring in person or reviewing someone else's notes and video. Plus, a real family's story of relocating a 92-year-old stroke survivor across the country after discovering a prior power of attorney had financially exploited her. If you've ever felt guilty for not living closer to your parent, this episode will help you build a plan instead of carrying the guilt alone. In this episode: Why distance doesn't measure your love — or your capability as a caregiver The real risk of evaluating a community off a website and a phone call What a trained advocate actually does on a tour (and the questions they ask that families don't know to ask) The full "what to look for" checklist: staffing ratios, care plans, resident engagement, safety protocols, and more A family's story of long-distance relocation after financial exploitation by a prior POA This week's challenge and mantra for long-distance caregivers What You'll Learn: Why long-distance caregiving carries a uniquely heavy, isolating weight — and why it's not your fault Why touring a community off a website and a phone call is a gamble you don't have to take What a trained senior care advocate actually does during a tour (and why "boots on the ground" matters when you can't be there yourself) The full checklist of what to look for on any tour: staffing ratios, the smell test, resident engagement, care plan process, safety protocols, and more The red flags that mean it's time to walk away A real family's story of relocating a 92-year-old stroke survivor across the country after discovering financial exploitation by a prior power of attorney Want to hop on a call to discuss your situation and what your options are? In a call together, I will help you understand where things are at with your parent, what options you have available to you now and in the future, resources available, and how I can help you. 📞 Book a Call with me: calendly.com/shannon-clarkcountysr/30min Let's Connect Online! 📧 Email me: shannon@clarkcountysr.com 📱 DM/Connect on IG: @clark_county_senior_resources 🌐 clarkcountyseniorresources.com

  5. Jun 23

    Guest Episode · Teresa on Sibling Conflict, POA, and Loving Your Mom Through the Fight

    Featured Pull Quote "Your sibling is not your enemy. The disease is. The grief is. Underneath almost every battle are two terrified people who both love their mom — and have never once said, 'I'm scared too.'" Episode Summary Shannon welcomes guest Teresa for an unflinching conversation about sibling conflict in caregiving. With her mom in memory care and her brother holding POA, Teresa shares what the battles looked like, what they cost her, and what finally helped her move toward peace — whether the relationship is fully repaired. What You'll Learn •        Why caregiving so often fractures sibling relationships •        How POA changes family power dynamics •        How to separate Mom's care from old rivalries •        Boundary-setting without estrangement •        The first concrete step toward repair Resources & Links • Strong Daughters Club: facebook.com/share/g/1DnDv72Hfx • Book a Discovery Call: calendly.com/shannon-clarkcountysr/30min • Email: shannon@clarkcountysr.com • Instagram: @clark_county_senior_resources • Text Shannon: 564-227-8847

  6. Jun 16

    We won't qualify for Medicaid

    Most families dealing with a senior placement crisis carry a belief that stops them from even exploring one of their biggest financial resources: 'We won't qualify for Medicaid.' In this episode, Shannon Calles dismantles the four most common Medicaid myths and walks families through what Washington State Apple Health Long-Term Care actually covers, who actually qualifies, and what to do right now — whether placement is days away or still on the horizon.   FEATURED QUOTE The assumption that you don't qualify could be costing your family tens of thousands of dollars — and a whole lot of unnecessary stress. Get accurate information before you write Medicaid off.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE •        The 4 most common Medicaid myths — and the truth behind each one •        How Washington State's income rules are more flexible than most people realize •        Why home ownership doesn't automatically disqualify your parent •        Community spouse protections explained in plain language •        Whether memory care is covered by Medicaid (and how to find communities that accept it) •        What a private pay bridge is and how families use it •        The 5 action steps to take immediately — whatever stage you're at   KEY RESOURCES MENTIONED •        Washington State Apple Health Long-Term Care (Medicaid) Information Link •        DSHS / Home and Community Services Information Link •        Washington Law Help COPES information link •        Book a free Discovery Call: calendly.com/shannon-clarkcountysr/30min •        Strong Daughters Club (free Facebook community): facebook.com/share/strongdaughtersclub •        Free Caregiver's Relief Guide: clarkcountyseniorresources.com   THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE Write down your parent's actual financial picture — monthly income, savings, assets, home ownership, and spouse status. You're not applying for anything. You're just getting honest with yourself so you can make decisions from clarity instead of fear. Then share this episode and tag @clark_county_senior_resources on Instagram.   THIS WEEK'S MANTRA I make decisions from information, not assumption. Clarity is an act of love.   CONNECT WITH SHANNON •        Website: clarkcountyseniorresources.com •        Instagram: @clark_county_senior_resources •        Email: shannon@clarkcountysr.com •        Phone: 564-227-8847 •        Book a Call: calendly.com/shannon-clarkcountysr/30min

  7. May 24

    POA: What It Actually Means (And What It Doesn't)

    POA: What It Actually Means (And What It Doesn't)   "Power of Attorney is not a title. It is a role. And like any role, it comes with responsibilities, boundaries, and a need for support." — Shannon Calles, Episode 19   Episode Overview Most families treat Power of Attorney like a checkbox — sign it, file it, breathe easier. But the gap between what POA actually means and what most people think it means can cause serious harm when a care crisis hits. Using a composite client story, Shannon breaks down the five most common POA misconceptions — and gives you a clear framework for understanding your role and your limits before the next crisis arrives.   What You'll Learn in This Episode •        Why POA doesn't give you unlimited authority while your parent is still legally competent •        The difference between Financial POA and Healthcare POA — and why one without the other leaves a dangerous gap •        When your POA authority expires (yes, it can expire) •        How to protect yourself legally and emotionally when family conflict arises •        The documentation habits that protect both you and your parent •        What the role of POA actually requires — and what it doesn't   The 5 Most Common POA Misconceptions 1. POA means you're in charge. (Not necessarily — not while your parent is still legally competent.) 2. One document covers everything. (Financial POA and Healthcare POA are separate documents.) 3. POA is permanent. (It expires at death and may not be honored if it's outdated.) 4. POA protects you from family conflict. (It gives you legal authority — not family harmony.) 5. You can handle this alone. (You cannot — and you shouldn't have to.)   This Week's Challenge: The POA Document Audit •        Find and locate the POA document •        Read it — note the type, date signed, and when your authority activates •        Identify the gap — do you have both financial and healthcare POA? Is it current and on file? •        Take one single next action to close the gap •        Share your takeaway on Instagram and tag @clark_county_senior_resources   This Week's Mantra "I don't have to have all the answers. I just have to know my role, ask for help, and keep showing up for her."   Resources Mentioned •        National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys: naela.org •        AARP Power of Attorney Guide: aarp.org •        Area Agency on Aging (Clark County): 360-735-5720 •        Strong Daughters Club (Free Facebook Community): The Strong Daughters Club •        Book a Call with Shannon: calendly.com/shannon-clarkcountysr/30min   Join the Strong Daughters Club If today's episode brought up questions — about POA, about what comes next, about how to even start these conversations — you don't have to sit with them alone. The Strong Daughters Club is our free Facebook community built specifically for adult daughters navigating senior care.   Join here: The Strong Daughters Club   Connect with Shannon Calles Website: clarkcountyseniorresources.com Email: shannon@clarkcountysr.com Phone/Text: 564-227-8847 Instagram: @clark_county_senior_resources Book a Call: calendly.com/shannon-clarkcountysr/30min

    POA: What It Actually Means (And What It Doesn't)

  8. May 18

    How to Have the Hard Conversation About Your Parent's Care Plan

    Episode 18 | How to Have the Hard Conversation About Your Parent's Care Plan (Before Crisis Forces It) Are you avoiding "the talk" with your aging parent about their care plan — and secretly hoping it never has to happen? You're not alone. But the longer we wait, the more that decision gets made for us. In an ER. By strangers. In crisis. In this episode, Shannon Calles — senior care consultant, certified dementia practitioner, and someone who has walked this caregiving road personally — breaks down the three hardest conversations in caregiving and gives you the tools to finally start having them. In this episode you'll learn: ✔ How to start "the talk" with your parent before a crisis forces it — including exact conversation starters you can use this week ✔ How to navigate the sibling dynamic when not everyone is showing up equally  ✔ What to do when your parent refuses help — and what that resistance is really telling you ✔ Why having this conversation early is one of the most loving things you can do Want to talk through your specific situation and what your options are? In a call together, I'll help you understand where things stand with your parent, what care options are available now and in the future, and exactly how I can support you. RESOURCES MENTIONED: •        Strong Daughters Club (Free Facebook Community): facebook.com/share/g/1DnDv72Hfx •        Book a Call with Shannon: calendly.com/shannon-clarkcountysr/30min •        The Caregiver's Relief Guide (Free Download): clarkcountyseniorresources.com   CONNECT WITH SHANNON: •        Email: shannon@clarkcountysr.com •        Phone/Text: 564-227-8847 •        Website: clarkcountyseniorresources.com •        Instagram: @clark_county_senior_resources

    How to Have the Hard Conversation About Your Parent's Care Plan
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Ratings & Reviews

4.2
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Are you an adult daughter caring for an aging parent and feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or unsure how much longer you can keep going? From Overwhelmed to Relieved: The Senior Caregiving Podcast is a compassionate, truth-telling space for women navigating the emotional and practical realities of caring for aging parents—especially moms. Hosted by Shannon Calles, Independent Agency Owner, Senior Care Consultant, a Certified Dementia Practitioner, and someone who has walked this caregiving path personally. She offers honest guidance on dementia, assisted living and memory care decisions, caregiver burnout, family dynamics, and how to get your parent the care they deserve without losing yourself in the process. This isn't about doing caregiving perfectly. It's about sustainable care, dignity for your parent, and relief for you. If you've ever whispered, "I love my mom… but I'm exhausted," you're in the right place. Subscribe to the podcast and share it with another adult daughter who is quietly carrying a lot too who needs to guidance and support on her caregiving journey. Connect with Shannon! Website: https://clarkcountyseniorresources.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clark_county_senior_resources Call her directly: 564-227-8847 Schedule a Call with Shannon - https://calendly.com/shannon-clarkcountysr/30min?month=2026-01

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