JeriTalk

Kelly Adams

A podcast for modern caregivers juggling work, home, family, kids, and finances, all while caring for an aging parent or loved one. We know how overwhelming and stressful life can be, especially when caregiving is involved. Jeri talk is here to provide you resources, tools, and support to encourage and equip you through the journey of caregiving. Each week we will talk to a senior care expert, and caregivers, just like you, who can share valuable knowledge and tools to help you not only survive this season but thrive.

  1. 03/31/2020

    An Organized (after)Life

    Jennifer Gumbel is an estate planning attorney who practices in the areas of estate planning, probate, real estate, and business entities. She earned her J.D. from Drake University Law School in Iowa and practices in Minnesota at Hoversten, Johnson, Beckmann & Hovey, LLP.  When she is not working at the firm, Jennifer writes blog articles on her topics of expertise and records her podcast, An Organized (after)Life. She is passionate about helping people organize and manage their estates after losing someone they love and empowering people to leave the best legacy possible. Jennifer joins me to share how to organize your assets and finances to be prepared for the afterlife. She shares how having a plan in place can help family members know what to expect and find some grounding amid grief. Jennifer also highlights how you can normalize the conversation about estate planning, so it doesn’t have to be a taboo topic for you and your family.  "Acknowledging that you don't get forever can really alter how you look at things, how you approach your day to day life." - Jennifer Gumbel This week on JeriTalk: What probate is and what an organized afterlife looks likeThe importance of strategizing your legal to-do list and what that list should includeTwo different types of assets that most people will have when they pass awayWhat to keep in mind as a blended family when thinking about estates Best practices for understanding and organizing your assetsHow an attorney can serve as a valuable partner throughout the process How often you should revisit your estate plan and assetsFirst steps for getting started on organizing your estate planHow to approach the difficult conversations that come with planning for the future Connect with Jennifer Gumbel: An Organized (after)LifeAn Organized (after)Life: ContentAn Organized (after)Life: PodcastAn Organized (after)Life on FacebookJennifer Gumbel on LinkedInJennifer Gumbel on InstagramJennifer Gumbel on Twitter Jennifer Gumbel on YouTube Subscribe, Rate & Connect with JeriTalk Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of JeriTalk - the podcast for modern caregivers juggling work, home, family, kids, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to

    25 min
  2. 03/24/2020

    Dealing with Conflict in Caregiving

    Conflict is inevitable, and it is never fun. However, while conflict is simply a part of life, there is a human tendency to fear it and avoid it at all costs, preventing teams from reaching their full potential and providing the best support possible for the people in their care. To fight the instinct to run from conflict, you must equip yourself with the tools and resources you need to effectively address difficult situations that arise along your caregiving journey. Today, I discuss the topic of conflict within the caregiving community and why so many people fail to address it. I highlight the role that communication plays in mitigating conflict and ways to ensure that you are respecting the perspectives of others instead of merely placing blame when things go wrong. I also highlight what can happen if we fail to plan as caregivers and why I push for care plans even before a crisis occurs. “When caregiving is involved, conflict brings forth its own unique challenges.” - Kelly Adams This week on JeriTalk: Four key aspects of caregiving that often lead to conflict and seven strategies for responding to conflictWhy clear communication is vital in high-stress situations and tips for improving your communication in your caregiving roleWhy I believe in developing a care team with defined roles and responsibilities for each personDifferent factors that can influence our perspectives and the unique way we see the world  Why dealing with conflict can be even more difficult than attempting to prevent itWhat holding space looks like, why it is essential, and how it can help us move away from defensive tendenciesWays to demonstrate understanding and the importance of being willing to listen The importance of taking ownership for your role in a situation and why I recommend using “I” statements Why you may need a third-party to serve as a mediator to conflict Resources Mentioned: EvernoteLead to Win Podcast: How to Diffuse Conflict Before It Begins Subscribe, Rate & Connect with JeriTalk Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of JeriTalk - the podcast for modern caregivers juggling work, home, family, kids, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Spotify to subscribe to the show and leave an honest review. Don’t forget to share your favorite episodes with your friends, family, and coworkers to help us spread the word and empower more caregivers with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive in their caregiving journey. And for more great content, be sure to visit our website or follow us on Facebook.

    21 min
  3. 03/17/2020

    Caregiving with COVID-19

    Dr. Justin Vines is a practicing PCP at Total Healthcare, located at the Russell Medical Foundation in Alexander City, Alabama. Dr. Vines earned his medical degree and completed his residency in Family Medicine at the University of Alabama and is passionate about his work with families and caregivers as well as his commitment to patient care. Dr. Vines joins me again today to discuss COVID-19, what it is, and why it’s considered a ‘novel’ virus. We discuss what caregivers need to know to help keep the spread of the coronavirus at a minimum for themselves and their loved ones. We discuss what social distancing is, what it truly means, and how it can help minimize the risk of spreading novel viruses like COVID-19. We also discuss how practicing good hygiene habits, like regularly washing your hands and sanitizing surfaces, can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 as well as when you should consider calling your doctor if you think you’re presenting symptoms of coronavirus. “We don’t have an effective treatment or an effective cure or vaccine for COVID-19 right now, so an ounce of prevention is a pound of cure. If you can prevent ever being exposed to it, that’s our best option right now.” - Dr. Justin Vines This week on JeriTalk: What COVID-19 is and why it’s considered a novel virusWhy COVID-19 is a dangerous virus for the elderly and people with compromised immune systems and why there are more confirmed cases in the older population than in pediatric patientsWhat is social distancing and why it’s a critical practice during global pandemicsWhat caregivers need to consider when caring for their elderly loved ones during the COVID-19 outbreakDetermining when to visit your physician if you think you or your loved one present symptoms of COVID-19What caregivers can do to help prevent the spread of the coronavirusHow we can stay socially connected during times of quarantines and statewide lockdownsPersonal hygiene best practices and why using masks and hand sanitizers is not the only way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Resources Mentioned: Coronavirus (COVID-19) - What You Need to Know - Center for Disease Control Connect with Dr. Justin Vines: Total Healthcare Subscribe, Rate & Connect with JeriTalk Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of JeriTalk - the podcast for modern caregivers juggling work, home, family, kids, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Spotify to subscribe to the show and leave an honest review. Don’t forget to share your favorite episodes with your friends, family, and coworkers to help us spread the word and empower more caregivers with the tools, resources

    24 min
  4. 03/10/2020

    Understanding Home Health and Hospice

    Buffy Lovelady is the Care Transition Coordinator at Encompass Health, a national network of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, home health facilities, and hospice agencies dedicated to providing high-quality, cost-effective integrated care to patients, providers, and caregivers. Buffy has over 20 years of experience in the nursing field with over 15 years in the home health and hospice industry. She is passionate about ensuring patients and caregivers receive the quality healthcare they deserve. Buffy joins me today to discuss the difference between home health and hospice services. We discuss the myths and misconceptions about home health and hospice services, how to qualify for each type of service, and the various costs associated with using these services. We discuss why it’s critical for hospital patients to receive transitional care after being discharged and how it can help prevent future hospitalizations. We also discuss what patients and caregivers can expect from receiving hospice care, the resources available to hospice patients, and the various services patients can decline while receiving hospice care. “If you don’t continue to show a decline on hospice and you stable out and continue to do well - we discharge you from hospice.” - Buffy Lovelady This week on JeriTalk: What drew Buffy to work in the home health and hospice services industryWhat sets Encompass Health apart from other home health and hospice agenciesThe difference between home health services versus hospice care servicesThe criteria to qualify for home health services and the steps caregivers should take to start the processThe importance of transitional care for patientsThe various types of services available for home health patients and the costs associated with using home health servicesThe difference between home health services and private sitting servicesDebunking the myths and misconceptions around hospice careManaging patient pain during hospice careResources available to patients on hospice and the services patients can choose not to utilize while receiving hospice careBuffy’s advice to family caregivers on navigating home health and hospice care Connect with Buffy Lovelady: Encompass Health Subscribe, Rate & Connect with JeriTalk Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of JeriTalk - the podcast for modern caregivers juggling work, home, family, kids, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Spotify to subscribe to the show and leave an honest review. Don’t forget to share your favorite episodes with your friends, family, and coworkers to help us spread the word and empower more caregivers with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive in their caregiving journey. And for more great content, be sure to visit our website or follow us on

    35 min
  5. 03/03/2020

    Partnering with your Primary Care Physician

    Dr. Justin Vines is a primary care physician currently practicing at Total Healthcare at the Russell Medical Foundation in Alexander City, Alabama. He obtained his medical degree and completed his residency in Family Medicine at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Dr. Vines is passionate about his work with families and his commitment to patient care. Dr. Vines joins me today to discuss why it’s crucial for patients to view their primary care physician as a healthcare and caregiving partner. We discuss his perspective on common misconceptions around what it truly means to practice family medicine and why he believes PCP’s are a patient’s first line of defense against serious illnesses. We discuss the role that your primary care physician plays in managing and caring for your aging loved one and when you should visit your PCP regarding health-related concerns. We also discuss some of the common chronic health conditions and concerns caregivers should be aware of, the importance of educating yourself on these concerns, and the top four tools he recommends to all family caregivers. "Because of that relationship that we form - we are a resource for the caregiver as much as for the person receiving care.” - Dr. Justin Vines This week on JeriTalk: Demystifying common misconceptions on the role of PCP’s and what practicing family medicine truly meansHow PCP’s can serve as a patient’s first line of defense against serious health concernsWhat family caregivers need to understand about their relationship with their loved one’s PCPWhy it’s okay to speak with the family PCP about sensitive concerns - even when your family member isn’t presentThe importance of considering PCP’s as a partner in your loved one’s healthWhen you should consult with your loved one’s physician about health-related concernsCommon chronic illnesses, diseases, and disorders that caregivers need to be aware ofThe importance of being honest and open with your physicianThe four most valuable tools for family caregiversThe importance of ensuring caregivers understanding their role as a patient advocate Connect with Dr. Justin Vines: Total Healthcare Subscribe, Rate & Connect with JeriTalk Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of JeriTalk - the podcast for modern caregivers juggling work, home, family, kids, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Spotify to subscribe to the show and leave an honest review. Don’t forget to share your favorite episodes with your friends, family, and coworkers to help us spread the word and empower more caregivers with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive in their caregiving journey. And for more great content, be sure to visit our website or follow us on Facebook.

    46 min
  6. 02/25/2020

    Understanding Medicaid

    Today I am joined by Tammy Bruce of Crowne Healthcare Brown's Nursing and Rehab to talk all things Medicaid. With confidence I think I can say one of the MOST confusing aspects of caring for an aging senior is insurance. And honestly, I have worked with so many difference providers of long term care insurance, traditional health insurance, and government insurance...its all confusing. But as confusing as it is, we have to understand it. At least enough to avoid errors. You may be thinking, "I'm not going to put mom in the nursing home." As an advocate for aging in place, I completely commend that and want to support your efforts. But I also very much believe that sometimes the best laid plans do not go as we hoped. Having all of the information to make the best decisions for your family, is so important. This is one area where we really need to have the information so we can plan for the unexpected. Medicaid does a look back for 5 years and if mom's finances have not been properly handled, it can be a complete and total mess. As I started to plan this episode and gather as much information as possible, I thought, who better to walk us through the Medicaid application process than a billing professional. Tammy has 7.5 years of experience billing all payer sources of the nursing home and before that worked for 23 years in banking. Even on the banking side she worked with Medicaid on account audits so her understanding of the process is a huge asset to our listeners. Share this episode with other caregivers who could use the resources and support through the journey. And don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! If you have a question you would like to see us answer on the podcast, drop an email to info@jericare.com.

    37 min
  7. 02/18/2020

    Creating a Winning Care Team

    Don't skip this episode! It's so easy today to just say, "I can handle it all myself." But the reality is no one can "do it all" especially when "it all" entails caring for an aging parent or loved one. In this episode I give you practical and specific tools to walk through creating a winning team. I'm walking you step by step on who to include, how to ask, and where to go from here. I'm evening including a football analogy! You don't want to miss this one:) Step #1 Creating your Roster- in this section I take you through a brainstorming exercise on how to pull people onto your care team. Who should you look to and who should you include. Step #2 Assess the Need- Remember back in episode 9 we talked all about how the first step of creating a care plan really starts with an assessment? You'll find that episode here at http://jericare.com/talk/podcast/careplanning/. In it I focus on 6 main categories that I look at when assessing a clients needs: safety(find my safety checklist here), financial, estate and legal, food and nutrition, general health(medications, drs), and social/spiritual. Okay I lied, there are really 7 and in that episode I even go into the ADLs/IADLs I look at. Go back to listen to the episode so you don't miss anything! Step #3 Assessing your Team- we pick players for our team based on their unique skills and abilities and match them to the position they are best suited for. Don't ask the neighbor who doesn't have a reliable care, to take mom to the doctor. Step #4 Ask for Help and Assigning Responsibility- hands down the hardest. Asking for help is not easy to do but remember that people really do want to help, they just don't know how.

    33 min

About

A podcast for modern caregivers juggling work, home, family, kids, and finances, all while caring for an aging parent or loved one. We know how overwhelming and stressful life can be, especially when caregiving is involved. Jeri talk is here to provide you resources, tools, and support to encourage and equip you through the journey of caregiving. Each week we will talk to a senior care expert, and caregivers, just like you, who can share valuable knowledge and tools to help you not only survive this season but thrive.