Toula's Tips for Caregivers

Toula's Tips For Caregivers
Toula's Tips for Caregivers

Toula Wootan is a nationally recognized caregiver and caregiver advocate. Her show offers advice, counseling and care. Guests include national experts and caregiving celebrities.

  1. Veterans: Is It Time For a “Check Up From The Neck Up”?

    05/27/2021

    Veterans: Is It Time For a “Check Up From The Neck Up”?

    Are you taking care of yourself “from the neck up”? You should – your brain is also the only one you will ever have. That is why, for all my veterans friends and caregivers of veterans, I WANT YOU to REGISTER today for a Free “Brain Health Awareness Webinar this Tuesday, June 1st, from 11am to 12Noon. Register at alzfdn.org/event/veterans/ The webinar is provided by the Alzheimer's Foundation of America to help serve those who have served us. They recognize that Veterans may be at a higher risk for dementia based on their military experiences. You will want to participate. You will be able to get answers to your questions.. The webinar will provide you with information and facts to understand dementia, be proactive about brain health, and learn about services and benefits available to help. Listen to my podcast interview with Charles Fuschillo, CEO of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, as he explains how this webinar will help you to live a better life. Charles will also talk about the many programs that the AFA offers for free. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. If you have more questions, you can call the Alzheimer's Foundation of America HELP LINE at any time (24 hours per day, 7 days a week). Simply dial 866.232.8484. A Licensed clinical social worker, dementia specifically trained, will talk with you, answer your questions, and, most importantly, provide comfort and support. The Help Line is FREE and Completely Confidential. If you prefer an online CHAT, you can visit the AFA web site at alzfdn.org/afahelpline/ I encourage you to REGISTER TODAY, as your first steps for “Check Up From The Neck Up".

    19 min
  2. A Community Of Strength Caring For Grandchildren

    05/24/2021

    A Community Of Strength Caring For Grandchildren

    Should you say, “It’s a RAPP”? If you want to help build a stronger community of seniors and caregivers, you should. If you want to help the many grandparents and relatives who are caring for their grandchildren or school-age relatives, you must. Most Importantly - I NEED YOUR HELP in spreading the word about Aging True’s RAPP Program in Duval and Clay Counties, Florida. In this podcast, my guest Jacinda Legions, Community Liaison with Aging True, explains how the “RAPP” program – “Relatives As Parents” Program – is making our community stronger by helping many senior and caregivers like you who have taken on the responsibility of raising children, either their grandchildren or close relatives. May is Older Americans’ Month. This is when we celebrate the strength of older adults and the Aging Network, with special emphasis on the power of connection and engagement in building strong communities. The RAPP Program is an essential part of this effort in Duval and Clay counties. RAPP is a voluntary program open to grandparents and relative caregivers ages 55 and above, caring for children under the age of 18. This support program is designed to assist the caregiver in resuming healthy aging practices and is tailored to best suit the participants’ needs. The program delivers educational training’s, monthly support groups in a comfortable and relaxed setting, transportation, long-term goal planning, bi-monthly newsletter with resources, yearly stipend for children’s summer camp and more. RAPPJAX is supported by a grant from the Delores Barr Weaver Fund. If you or someone you know is a grandparent or relative caring for a young child, learn more about RAPP by contacting Aging True at 904.807.1203, or visiting their website at agingtrue.org. Aging True is also looking for donations to maintain and expand the program. If you know of some organization who is willing to financially support Aging True and the RAPP Program, please call Jacinda directly at 904-807-1266 or by Email at jlegons@agingtrue.org

    39 min
  3. What To Know Before You Consider Placing Your Loved One

    04/19/2021

    What To Know Before You Consider Placing Your Loved One

    It is a stressful decision. But you know that it will be the best decision for your loved one. You know that someday you may have to think about bringing your loved one in a place that can provide more care. It may be a rehab facility, an assisted living facility (ALF), or a nursing home. Your loved one comes first and most important. I want to help you to prepare NOW for the crucial questions. WHEN? WHERE? HOW? •When will be the right time? •Where is the best place? •How will you be able to afford it? YOUR FIRST STEP – Listen to this podcast of Toula’s Tips for Caregivers. My two guests are EXPERTS at helping you find the best answers for you and your loved one. The advice they share on this podcast will give you the answers and directions you need. Esther McMillan is the Daily Money Management Manager at Aging True Community Senior Services. She also is a National Certified Guardian. Aging True can help you to know when is the right time – or whether there are OTHER OPTIONS. (Visit their web site https://www.agingtrue.org/) Michael Saffy is owner of Silver Link consulting. They help you find the care your love one deserves (Visit their web site https://www.silverlinkconsulting.com/). Both have important suggestions on how to afford this care. I know how wrenching the decision will be. When we had to place my Mom in a memory care facility, it broke my Dad’s heart. When we placed my Dad in an assisted living facility, it broke my heart. I recognized how important that the advice and support from knowledgeable professionals would help me – and you – to make the best decisions for our loved ones. They are my guests on this podcast so that you, will be better prepared when the time comes to make that decision. When that time comes, I encourage you to seek out Aging True and Silver Link Consulting. If you need more, I am always here for you. Blessings Toula Wootan

    25 min
  4. TURNING THE TABLES:  Succeeding As A Working Caregiver

    03/22/2021

    TURNING THE TABLES: Succeeding As A Working Caregiver

    The tables have turned for you. Are you okay? It used to be that work was the most important duty in your life. Your family and loved ones were there for love and support. Now, you are caring for that most important loved one. But you still have to work. I understand. The tables turned on me in 2012, when I became the main caregiver for my parents. But I still had to work, providing outreach and support for caregivers in Northeast Florida. And I still had to do my live radio show, every week. I admit. Sometimes the stress almost overcame me. The tables turned in this podcast of Toula’s Tips for Caregivers, also. I am the “guest” of the day, being interviewed by Nicole Egan, Care Services Director for Aging True. She wanted to hear more of my caregiving stories with my parents, especially while still working. As we talked, I shared some important tips that helped my success as a working caregiver. You are not alone. There are others going through what you are. There is help and support. Some of the valuable tips we talked about will help you: Talk to your bosses. Let them know your situation. Ask how they could accommodate. Know your company’s policies and programs. They are changing to keep valuable employees like you. Talk with other working caregivers. Find local agencies – like Aging True – whose mission is to provide care and support for you. You already know. Caring for your loved one will be the most meaningful and rewarding work you will ever do. But you don’t have to do it alone. You can learn more about Aging True’s services by visiting their web site (https://www.agingtrue.org/) or calling 904.807.1203. Their Customer Relations line for more detailed information, is 904.807.1225. If you need more, I am here for you. And Aging True is here for you, also. Blessings Toula Wootan

    24 min

About

Toula Wootan is a nationally recognized caregiver and caregiver advocate. Her show offers advice, counseling and care. Guests include national experts and caregiving celebrities.

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