Life on Repeat: A Dementia Caregiver Podcast

Laura Vaillancourt
  • 5.0 (22)
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  • CADA SEMANA

Life on Repeat is the podcast for dementia caregivers who need a breath, a laugh, and a lifeline. Hosted by eldercare consultant and dementia coach Laura Vaillancourt, each episode offers practical tools, expert insights, and honest conversations to help you navigate the caregiving journey with more clarity and less overwhelm. Whether you're a spouse, adult child, or long-distance caregiver, this show is your companion through the complex world of dementia care—offering wisdom, validation, and encouragement every step of the way. You’re not alone. You’re doing better than you think. And this podcast is here to walk beside you.

  1. 5 NOV

    The Science of Caregiver Stress: How to Rewire Stress & Restore Calm | with Dr. Jayanth Peddi

    In this hopeful and eye-opening conversation, Laura welcomes Dr. Jayanth Peddi, a UK-based GP and integrative/functional medicine practitioner. Together, they tackle one of the most pressing realities for dementia families and professionals alike: chronic caregiver stress. Dr. Peddi explains how stress reshapes the brain–body connection, why mindset and sleep are non-negotiable, and simple, practical steps caregivers can take today to feel calmer, stronger, and more in control. 👤 Meet Dr. Jayanth Peddi: Dr. Jayanth Peddi, MBBS, MRCGP is a family physician (GP) in Leeds, UK, practicing integrative and functional medicine. He leads Lifecare Functional and Integrative Medical Clinic and is associated with Serenity Health & Wellness in Leeds, offering adjunctive wellness therapies. 📌 Topics Discussed: - The brain as a “frequency generator” and how thoughts influence physiology - What long-term high stress does to caregivers (nervous system, hormones, fatigue) - Parasympathetic vs. sympathetic: why balance matters and how to restore it - Practical resets: meditation, breathwork, sleep timing, movement, nature - Nutrient basics for stressed bodies: Vitamin D + K2, B-complex, magnesium, and minerals - Vagus-nerve support and neural therapy as a rapid “calm-down” intervention - Why genetics ≠ destiny for most chronic conditions; the empowering role of lifestyle - Water quality, environmental load, and starting small (one habit at a time) - Emotional detox: releasing stored stress and how it accelerates physical healing - Hopeful perspectives on dementia care and areas for future deep dives ⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate): 00:00 – Welcome & Laura’s intro to Dr. Peddi 02:40 – From illness to integrative medicine: Dr. Peddi’s journey 08:10 – Caregiver stress 101: what constant stress does to the body 14:45 – Mindset, meditation, and brain “frequency”: changing your state 21:30 – Sympathetic vs. parasympathetic; vagus-nerve reset tools 27:00 – Practical basics: sleep window, breathwork, daily movement 32:10 – Foundational nutrients for caregivers (D/K2, B’s, magnesium, minerals) 38:35 – Water quality & environmental load: realistic upgrades 44:20 – Emotional detox & releasing stored stress 50:15 – Hope for dementia families; why genetics isn’t destiny 56:00 – Where to learn more & how to connect with Dr. Peddi 💡 Key Takeaways: - Your thoughts are biochemical. Changing your mindset shifts stress chemistry. - Calm is trainable. Short daily meditation + breathwork can reset your system. - Protect your sleep window. Earlier lights-out supports brain detox overnight. - Replenish what stress depletes. Consider Vitamin D + K2, B-complex, magnesium, and multi-minerals (consult your clinician). - Vagus-nerve support helps. Interventions like neural therapy may create a rapid, felt sense of balance. - Start small. Pick one habit (sleep, breathing, water, or a 5-minute practice) and build from there. - You’re not powerless. For most people, genetics ≠ destiny—daily choices matter. 📚 Resources Mentioned: Practices: meditation, guided breathwork, daily movement/walks, sauna, emotional release work Nutrient foundations: Vitamin D + K2, B-complex, magnesium, multi-mineral support Topics to explore: vagus-nerve stimulation, neural therapy, water filtration, photobiomodulation 🤝 Connect with Dr. Jayanth Peddi: Clinic: Lifecare Functional & Integrative Medical Clinic Wellness: Serenity Health & Wellness Website: lifecarefunctionalandintegrativemedicine.com 🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt...

    1 h y 10 min

  2. 22 OCT

    The Caregiver Identity Crisis: Rediscovering You in the Midst of Dementia Care

    In this deeply compassionate and insightful conversation, Laura welcomes back licensed mental health counselor Laurie Thompson to explore one of the most personal and universal experiences of caregiving: losing yourself in the process. Together, they unpack what it means to lose your sense of identity while caring for someone you love — and how to slowly, intentionally begin to rediscover yourself. From the brain science behind chronic stress to practical mindfulness tools and emotional reframing, this episode offers validation, comfort, and hope for anyone who’s ever thought, “I don’t even know who I am anymore.” 👤 Meet Laurie Thompson: Laurie Thompson is a licensed mental health counselor and longtime collaborator on Laura’s clinical team. With nearly 15 years of experience supporting caregivers and families impacted by dementia, Laurie specializes in helping individuals manage chronic stress, reclaim a sense of self, and build emotional resilience. Her compassionate approach blends practical brain-based strategies with deep empathy for the caregiving experience. 📌 Topics Discussed: - The emotional and neurological impact of chronic caregiving stress - Why caregivers often feel like they’ve “lost themselves” - The brain’s ability to rewire and heal through mindfulness and reframing - Small daily practices that help you reconnect with your identity - The concept of “identity anchors” and how to find yours again - Managing guilt and grief when life no longer feels familiar - How to bring your authentic self into caregiving moments - The power of holding space for both caregiving and self-care ⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate): 00:00 – Introduction and Laura’s connection with Laurie 02:15 – Why caregivers often lose their sense of self 06:30 – How chronic stress rewires the brain and impacts identity 12:00 – The opportunity to “reprogram” your brain through awareness 18:30 – Finding small ways to reconnect to yourself 25:00 – Mindfulness, sensory awareness, and grounding practices 31:00 – The unrealistic expectations placed on caregivers 38:45 – Grief, loss, and the “spiritual journey” of caregiving 45:00 – Reclaiming identity through small wins and “what went well” moments 52:00 – Integrating your authentic self into caregiving 58:00 – Closing reflections on empowerment, balance, and self-compassion 💡 Key Takeaways: - Losing yourself as a caregiver is a common — and completely human — experience. - Chronic stress physically reshapes the brain, but healing and rewiring are always possible. - Your thoughts are not your identity — you have the power to reframe and redirect them. - Start small: one mindful breath, one grounding moment, one positive note in a jar. - Bring yourself into caregiving — your creativity, humor, and personality are part of what makes your care meaningful. - You can hold both truths: caring for others and caring for yourself are equally vital. 📚 Resources Mentioned: Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers by Robert Sapolsky Mindfulness and sensory grounding practices “What Went Well” Jar exercise for daily positive reflection 🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast: Instagram: @lifeonrepeat.podcast Facebook: Life on Repeat Podcast Website: lifeonrepeatpodcast.com Email: hello@lifeonrepeatpodcast.com If this conversation resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share the episode with another caregiver who might need to hear it 💛 Every listen helps us reach more caregivers who deserve to feel seen, supported, and hopeful.

    38 min

  3. 1 OCT

    Getting a Dementia Diagnosis: Signs, Steps, and What You Need to Know | with Laura Vaillancourt

    Getting a diagnosis can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re not sure where to start or what’s “normal” vs. “not normal.” In this episode, Laura walks you through the signs to watch for, how to know when it’s time to seek answers, and why getting a diagnosis can actually bring relief and clarity. You’ll also learn about common treatable conditions that can mimic dementia symptoms, and how to prepare for a doctor’s appointment so you feel supported and informed. 👤 Meet Laura Vaillancourt: Laura is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Geriatric Mental Health Specialist, and the host of the Life on Repeat Podcast. With over 20 years of experience working with individuals and families navigating dementia, Laura’s mission is to provide caregivers with education, encouragement, and resources so they never feel alone on the journey. 📌 Topics Discussed: - What’s “normal” forgetfulness vs. concerning memory changes - Red flags that signal it may be time to seek medical evaluation - Treatable conditions that can look like dementia (depression, delirium, vitamin deficiencies, infections, and more) - Who can provide a diagnosis — from primary care to specialists - How to prepare for a medical appointment (questions to ask, what to bring, and how to track concerns) - What to expect after receiving a diagnosis and how to begin building your care team ⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate): 00:00 – Why people wait to seek a diagnosis 04:30 – What’s normal aging vs. not normal memory loss 08:10 – Treatable conditions that mimic dementia symptoms 13:25 – Who can provide a diagnosis and what to expect 19:40 – How to prepare for an appointment 27:15 – What happens after diagnosis and building your care team 34:45 – Resources, planning, and next steps 💡 Key Takeaways: - Memory impairment is not a normal part of aging. - Many treatable conditions can cause memory changes, so don’t assume dementia. - Early evaluation helps rule out reversible causes and provides peace of mind. - Preparation is key — bring detailed examples, a list of medications, and questions to appointments. - Getting a diagnosis is not the end; it’s the beginning of support, planning, and resources. 📚 Resources Mentioned: Annual wellness exam (Medicare-covered screening) Cognitive assessments (MoCA, MMSE, SLUMS) Local Area Agencies on Aging Alzheimer’s Association resources Geriatric care managers and elder law attorneys 🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast: Instagram: @lifeonrepeat.podcast Facebook: Life on Repeat Podcast Website: lifeonrepeatpodcast.com Email: hello@lifeonrepeatpodcast.com If you’ve been feeling unsure about your loved one’s memory changes, this episode is for you. Take a deep breath — you don’t have to walk this path alone.

    28 min

  4. 17 SEP

    5 Powerful Self-Care Practices for Dementia Caregivers | with Laura Vaillancourt

    In this heartfelt episode, Laura Vaillancourt offers five powerful, research-backed self-care practices for dementia caregivers who are feeling stretched thin. These small, meaningful shifts are designed to help you nurture your mind, body, and spirit — without adding more to your already full plate. If you’ve ever wondered, “But what does self-care actually look like when I’m caring for someone 24/7?” — this episode is for you. 📌 Topics Discussed: Why “take care of yourself” can feel impossible for caregiversThe difference between busy and truly connectedHow embracing uncertainty can reduce stress and open possibilitiesThe surprising link between curiosity and lowering stressHow to experience authentic gratitude (not forced positivity)Why movement — not “exercise” — boosts energy and resilienceSimple ways to integrate self-care without adding overwhelm ⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate): 00:00 — Introduction: Why self-care feels impossible in caregiving 04:10 — Practice #1: Connection 10:15 — Practice #2: Embrace the unknown 17:30 — Practice #3: Invite curiosity 23:20 — Practice #4: Gratitude 32:00 — Practice #5: Movement 39:45 — How to access Laura’s free 10-step self-care journal 💡 Key Takeaways: Self-care isn’t about adding more tasks — it’s about noticing what truly nourishes you.Quality of connection matters more than quantity.Curiosity and stress can’t coexist — curiosity helps unlock creativity and calm.Gratitude works when you feel it, not just when you list it.Movement moves energy, restores vitality, and doesn’t have to be complicated. 📚 Resources Mentioned: Free 10-Step Self-Care Journal: Email hello@lifeonrepeatpodcast.com to get your download sent right to you! 🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast: Instagram: @lifeonrepeat.podcast Facebook: Life on Repeat Podcast Website: lifeonrepeatpodcast.com Email: hello@lifeonrepeatpodcast.com Caring for yourself is one of the most loving things you can do — for you and for the person you care for. 💙 If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another caregiver who could use a little extra support today.

    21 min

  5. 3 SEP

    Highly Sensitive Caregivers & Dementia: Finding Peace with Todd Smith

    What does it mean to be a highly sensitive person (HSP) — and how does that intersect with the caregiving journey? In this powerful conversation, Laura sits down with Todd Smith, creator of the Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People podcast, to explore the gifts and challenges of being highly sensitive while caring for a loved one. Todd shares his personal caregiving experiences, insights on inner and outer work, and practical strategies for reducing stress and embracing reframing as a tool for resilience. 👤 Meet Todd Smith: Todd Smith is the host of the Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People podcast and founder of True Inner Freedom. For over 18 years, Todd has guided highly sensitive people in breaking free from stress and emotional overload through inquiry-based processes, including The Work of Byron Katie. A highly sensitive person himself, Todd draws on his caregiving journey and personal practice to help others find peace without needing the world to change. 📌 Topics Discussed: - What it means to be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) - Todd’s personal caregiving experiences with his grandmother, father-in-law, and mother-in-law - Understanding the DOES framework for HSP traits (Depth, Overwhelm, Empathy/Emotion, Sensitivity) - The overlap between high sensitivity and caregiving strengths - How HSP gifts can also become challenges without boundaries - Why inner work matters for caregivers (and how to begin) - Reframing caregiving experiences as gifts rather than burdens - Using inquiry to manage stress, guilt, and overwhelm ⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate): 00:02 – Welcome and introduction to Todd Smith 04:00 – Todd’s caregiving journey and family experiences 10:00 – What it means to be an HSP (Highly Sensitive Person) 15:00 – Exploring the DOES framework of HSP traits 22:00 – Caregiving strengths and challenges for HSPs 30:00 – Guilt, overwhelm, and the importance of inner work 40:00 – Reframing caregiving as a gift, not a burden 55:00 – Todd’s tools for stress management and daily practices 01:00:00 – Closing reflections and how to connect with Todd 💡 Key Takeaways: Around 15–20% of people are Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs), and this trait can be both a gift and a challenge in caregiving.HSPs often excel at noticing subtle needs and offering deep empathy — essential caregiving strengths.Without balance, sensitivity can lead to overwhelm, guilt, or burnout.Inner work, like inquiry practices, helps caregivers process emotions and prevent stress from building up.Reframing difficult caregiving moments can shift perspective and bring a sense of peace.Caregivers need to care for themselves as much as they care for others. 📚 Resources Mentioned: True Inner Freedom – Todd Smith’s Website Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People Podcast Research on Highly Sensitive People by Dr. Elaine Aron The Work of Byron Katie (thework.com) 🤝 Connect with Todd Smith: Website: trueinnerfreedom.com Podcast: Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People YouTube: @theworkasmeditation 🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast Website: lifeonrepeatpodcast.com YouTube: @LifeonRepeatPodcast Instagram: @lifeonrepeat.podcast Facebook: Life on Repeat Podcast If you found this conversation helpful, please like, subscribe, and share this episode with others who may need encouragement on their caregiving journey. Together, we can make caregiving feel less isolating and more supported. 💜

    46 min

  6. 20 AGO

    Caregiver Overwhelm? Tech Tools That Lighten Your Load

    Caregivers often wish they had “another set of hands” to help manage endless tasks, appointments, and responsibilities. In this episode of the Life on Repeat Podcast, Laura explores how technology—when used intentionally—can save time, reduce stress, and bring more breathing room into the caregiving journey. From shared calendars and safety monitors to medication reminders and even AI, Laura shares practical tech tools designed to support caregivers without ever replacing the heart of caregiving. This conversation highlights how technology can be a helper, not a substitute—freeing you up to stay connected, present, and human. 👤 Meet Laura VaillancourtLaura Vaillancourt is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Geriatric Mental Health Specialist, and founder of Eldercare Counseling & Guidance Services. Through the Life on Repeat Podcast, she helps caregivers feel less overwhelmed and more supported by providing education, resources, and encouragement rooted in compassion and expertise. 📌 Topics DiscussedThe heaviest pain points in caregiving (appointments, communication, safety, isolation)5 tech categories that can support caregivers: Daily organization & remindersSafety & monitoring toolsMedical supportEmotional & social connectionRespite & outsourcing Real-life caregiver stories where tech made life easierPractical ways caregivers can experiment with AI (emails, activities, translations, and more)Keeping the “heart in tech”—why connection always comes first ⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):00:00 – Why technology can be a caregiver’s ally 06:15 – Caregiving pain points that feel the heaviest 12:40 – Organization & reminders: calendars, task lists, voice assistants 20:50 – Safety & monitoring: GPS trackers, sensors, stove shutoff devices 29:35 – Medical support: smart pill dispensers & symptom trackers 36:40 – Emotional & social connection: Memoryboard (*Correction: GrandPad mentioned in episode was meant to be Memoryboard), Echo Show, family engagement 45:15 – Outsourcing & respite apps (TaskRabbit, Papa, Care.com) 51:20 – AI for caregivers: real-world examples and creative uses 01:02:00 – Keeping the heart in tech: connection over replacement 💡 Key Takeaways:Tech should lighten your load, not replace your role as a caregiver.Shared calendars and digital task lists reduce overwhelm and ease coordination.Safety devices (GPS, fall detectors, stove shutoffs) bring peace of mind.Smart pill dispensers and trackers support independence and medical accuracy.Connection tools like Memoryboard and Echo Show help families stay close from afar.Outsourcing platforms can provide small but meaningful breaks for caregivers.AI can be a practical assistant for emails, activity planning, translation, and more.Start small: one tool at a time to see what truly helps without adding stress. 📚 Resources Mentioned:Carely (caregiving app)Google Calendar (shared scheduling)Alexa & Google Home (voice assistants)GPS trackers & smart home sensorsMedMinder & Hero (smart pill dispensers)Symptom tracking appsMemoryboard (tablet for seniors)Amazon Echo ShowTaskRabbit, Papa, Care.comAI tools: ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Claude 🤝 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt:🌐 Website:...

    39 min

  7. 30 JUL

    How One Breath Can Change Your Day: Mindfulness Made Simple

    Mindfulness is more than meditation — it’s a way of connecting with the present moment, finding calm in chaos, and reclaiming your power even in stressful caregiving seasons. In this episode, Laura Vaillancourt sits down with Laura Alessio, a registered nurse and health and wellness coach, to explore how mindfulness can improve our lives and relationships, help us slow down, and even rewire the way we handle stress. Whether you’re a caregiver feeling overwhelmed or simply looking for practical ways to bring more calm into your day, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped to start small but powerful mindfulness practices. 👤 Meet Laura AlessioLaura Alessio, RN, is a health and wellness coach passionate about helping people integrate mindfulness and self-care into their everyday lives. She founded the free Facebook group Stress Less with Mindfulness, where people can find a safe, supportive community for learning and practicing mindfulness. 📌 Topics DiscussedHow Laura discovered mindfulness and integrated it into her nursing careerThe link between mindfulness and stress reduction for caregiversWhat mindfulness actually looks like (beyond meditation)How multitasking rewires the brain — and why “monotasking” mattersThe power of mindful breathing and micro-practices throughout the dayUsing mindfulness to handle high-stress caregiving moments with graceReframing negative self-talk and shifting mental patternsPractical tips for incorporating mindfulness into everyday tasks (even laundry!) ⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate) 00:00 – Welcome & how Laura and Laura met at a healthcare event 03:00 – What drew Laura Alessio to mindfulness and nurse coaching 08:00 – What mindfulness really is (and isn’t) 13:00 – Caregivers, multitasking, and how to rewire the stressed brain 18:00 – Micro-practices: one deep breath can shift everything 22:00 – Using mindfulness in challenging caregiving moments 27:00 – Reprogramming negative thoughts & self-talk 33:00 – How mindfulness impacts physical and emotional health 38:00 – Practical steps to integrate mindfulness into daily life 44:00 – Guided breathing exercise 💡 Key TakeawaysMindfulness is not about perfection or long sessions — it’s about awareness in the moment.Small actions (like a single deep breath) can calm the nervous system and shift your energy.Multitasking is a learned state, but mindfulness can help rewire the brain toward focus and calm.Mindfulness improves caregiving experiences by helping regulate your own energy and responses.You don’t need extra time to practice mindfulness — you can integrate it into everyday tasks. 📚 Resources MentionedFree Facebook Group: Stress Less with Mindfulnessnursecoachalessio.comDr. Joe Dispenza’s work on brain rewiring and meditation 🤝 Connect with Laura AlessioWebsite: nursecoachalessio.comFacebook Group: Stress Less with MindfulnessInstagram & LinkedIn: @nursecoachalessio 🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat PodcastInstagram: @lifeonrepeat.podcastFacebook: facebook.com/LifeonrepeatpodcastWebsite:a...

    53 min

  8. 25 JUN

    Caregiving, Mindset & Alzheimer’s: A Husband’s Honest Journey

    In this heartfelt episode, Laura speaks with Rick Henkin, a spouse-turned-caregiver whose wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at age 65. Rick shares his powerful story of navigating the emotional toll of caregiving, learning acceptance, and discovering how to care for himself so he could better care for his wife. From humor and heartbreak to practical wisdom, Rick offers a moving look at what it truly means to show up with love, even in the face of dementia. 👤 Meet Rick HenkinRick Henkin is a family caregiver and advocate who began his caregiving journey when his wife, Sonya, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2020. In response to the emotional challenges of caregiving, he launched the Facebook group For Family Caregivers: Eliminate Stress, Anger, and Guilt and developed the Caregiver Mastery course to help others find peace, presence, and emotional resilience. Rick brings humor, insight, and hope to a journey many walk alone. 📌 Topics DiscussedRecognizing the early signs of dementia and navigating diagnosisThe emotional impact of Capgras Syndrome and memory care transitionsHow Rick reframed caregiving through mindset and self-careThe importance of acceptance, humor, and being presentMale caregivers and the unique challenges they faceHow Rick supports other caregivers through community and education ⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate)00:00 – Introduction and Rick’s story 05:40 – Receiving the Alzheimer’s diagnosis 11:15 – Capgras Syndrome and emotional toll 17:00 – Realizations about the burden of caregiving 22:30 – Launching his Facebook group and course 29:45 – Choosing memory care and building relationships with staff 40:00 – What it’s like now having Sonya back at home 49:20 – Humor as a survival tool 56:00 – Male caregivers, mindset, and emotional regulation 1:04:30 – Rick’s advice for caregivers and the importance of community 💡 Key TakeawaysCaregiver stress is often more about your reaction than your loved one’s behaviorAcceptance of the disease is key to finding peaceHumor can be a powerful tool in difficult momentsTaking care of yourself is essential to being a good caregiverMale caregivers need community and emotional support tooYou don’t have to believe every thought—mindset can be changed 📚 Resources MentionedRick’s Facebook group: For Family Caregivers: Eliminate Stress, Anger, and GuiltRick’s course: caregivermasterycourse.comJournal of the American Medical Association caregiver risk studyQuote by Maya Angelou: “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”Quote by Wayne Dyer: “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” 🤝 Connect with Rick Henkin🌐 Website: caregivermasterycourse.com📧 Email: rick@forfamilycaregivers.com💬 Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/forfamilycaregivers 🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast🎙 Website: lifeonrepeatpodcast.com📸 Instagram: @lifeonrepeatpodcast📘 Facebook: Life on Repeat...

    54 min
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Life on Repeat is the podcast for dementia caregivers who need a breath, a laugh, and a lifeline. Hosted by eldercare consultant and dementia coach Laura Vaillancourt, each episode offers practical tools, expert insights, and honest conversations to help you navigate the caregiving journey with more clarity and less overwhelm. Whether you're a spouse, adult child, or long-distance caregiver, this show is your companion through the complex world of dementia care—offering wisdom, validation, and encouragement every step of the way. You’re not alone. You’re doing better than you think. And this podcast is here to walk beside you.

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