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.

Rick 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.

• Recognizing the early signs of dementia and navigating diagnosis
• The emotional impact of Capgras Syndrome and memory care transitions
• How Rick reframed caregiving through mindset and self-care
• The importance of acceptance, humor, and being present
• Male caregivers and the unique challenges they face
• How Rick supports other caregivers through community and education

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

• Caregiver stress is often more about your reaction than your loved one’s behavior
• Acceptance of the disease is key to finding peace
• Humor can be a powerful tool in difficult moments
• Taking care of yourself is essential to being a good caregiver
• Male caregivers need community and emotional support too
• You don’t have to believe every thought—mindset can be changed

• Rick’s Facebook group: For Family Caregivers: Eliminate Stress, Anger, and Guilt
• Rick’s course: caregivermasterycourse.com
• Journal of the American Medical Association caregiver risk study
• Quote 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.”

• 🌐 Website: caregivermasterycourse.com
• 📧 Email: rick@forfamilycaregivers.com
• 💬 Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/forfamilycaregivers

• 🎙 Website: lifeonrepeatpodcast.com
• 📸 Instagram: @lifeonrepeatpodcast
• 📘 Facebook: Life on Repeat...

In this powerful new episode, Laura speaks with Dr. Lama Sibai and Alice Allen-Redfern, co-founders of Magnolia, about the GUIDE Program — a revolutionary new Medicare pilot project that provides comprehensive, wraparound support to people living with dementia and their caregivers.

Dr. Sibai and Alice break down how the program works, who qualifies, and why this signals a major shift in how our healthcare system acknowledges and supports caregivers. Whether you're a family caregiver, healthcare professional, or someone navigating a new dementia diagnosis, this episode is full of crucial information and real hope.

Dr. Lama Sibai is a clinical neuropsychologist based in Seattle, WA. She specializes in the diagnosis and care of individuals with dementia and movement disorders. Dr. Sibai is a co-founder of Magnolia and a fierce advocate for caregiver education, equity in dementia care, and systems-level change.

Alice Allen-Redfern is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in older adults, caregiving, and palliative care. She co-founded Magnolia to address the urgent need for better caregiver support. Alice is a national expert on the new GUIDE Program and is helping families across Washington access these life-changing services.

• What the GUIDE Program is and why it's a game-changer
• Why caregiver support is essential and often overlooked
• Who qualifies for the program and how to apply
• The 9 pillars of the GUIDE Program and what families receive
• How Magnolia is building bridges between healthcare and community support
• Why dementia care must include emotional, logistical, and medical support
• The ripple effects of a dementia diagnosis on families
• The importance of flexibility, education, and advocacy in care planning
• How the GUIDE Program empowers families to remain at home longer
• The emotional toll of caregiving and the urgent need for burnout prevention

00:00 – Introduction to the episode

01:10 – Meet Dr. Lama Sibai and Alice Allen-Redfern

03:15 – The mission behind Magnolia

06:20 – What is the GUIDE Program?

12:55 – Who qualifies and how the program works

19:40 – Breaking down the 9 pillars of GUIDE

27:18 – Why caregiver support is essential

32:10 – How families can find participating GUIDE providers

37:22 – Emotional support, planning, and caregiver identity

45:50 – What makes Magnolia’s team unique

49:30 – The importance of a collaborative, flexible care model

55:45 – How GUIDE supports in-home and long-term care transitions

1:02:00 – Respite benefits and emotional care

1:07:10 – Final thoughts and gratitude

• GUIDE is an 8-year Medicare pilot program offering wraparound care for people living with dementia and their caregivers.
• The program includes monthly check-ins, care planning, respite benefits, and emotional and medical support — all covered by Medicare.
• Magnolia's care model bridges the gap between clinical care and real-life support, prioritizing the whole family’s wellbeing.
• Caregivers are viewed as experts and essential partners in the care team.
• The GUIDE Program recognizes that aging and dementia care require a coordinated, compassionate approach.
• Even those in assisted living or adult family homes can qualify — this program is designed to meet people where they are.

• Magnolia:

In this inspiring episode, Laura sits down with Marisa Payne, certified brain and cognitive health coach and dementia care consultant, to dive into the powerful Dementia Connection Model. Together, they explore how sensory-based strategies, cognitive behavioral theory, and structured daily engagement can transform life for both caregivers and individuals living with dementia.

Whether you're a family caregiver, a healthcare professional, or simply someone looking to better understand dementia care, this episode is filled with practical tools and hope for deeper connection and better quality of life.

👤 Meet Marisa Payne:

Marisa Payne is a credentialed brain and cognitive health coach, Dementia Connection Specialist Certified Trainer, and dementia care consultant. With over a decade of experience — and a lifetime of personal connection to elder care — she’s passionate about empowering caregivers with evidence-based, compassionate tools that prioritize both caregiver well-being and dignity for those living with dementia.

📌 Topics Discussed:

- Marissa’s journey growing up alongside elders and how it shaped her passion for dementia care

- What the Dementia Connection Model is and how it works

- How cognitive behavioral theory can be applied in dementia caregiving

- The power of sensory-based engagement (sound, scent, touch) to create connection and calm

- Practical examples from the “Perfect Day” framework caregivers can use daily

- Why preserving the dignity, autonomy, and emotional safety of people with dementia matters

- How caregivers can feel less isolated and more empowered

- How evidence-based training supports both family caregivers and professionals

⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):

00:00 – Welcome and meeting Marisa Payne

02:00 – Marisa’s story: Growing up in a home with elders

07:00 – The link between childhood experiences and dementia care passion

10:00 – Introduction to the Dementia Connection Model

14:30 – How cognitive behavioral theory applies to dementia

19:00 – The role of sensory engagement (music, scent, touch)

25:00 – Examples of building a “Perfect Day” for someone with dementia

30:30 – How this model works in home care vs. facility care

35:00 – How caregivers can lower their own stress with structure

39:00 – Breaking the myth: People living with dementia can still learn

43:30 – How evidence-based tools build real hope for caregivers

50:00 – Resources for getting trained or learning more

💡 Key Takeaways:

- Caregivers can lower stress and improve quality of life using sensory-based routines

- Even with dementia, individuals can still learn — just differently

- Evidence-based tools like the Dementia Connection Model offer hope, not just help

- Small daily changes (like music and scent) can create powerful emotional shifts

- Supporting caregivers' well-being is essential to better dementia care

📚 Resources Mentioned:

The Dementia Connection Institute – Explore training options and resources

The Busy Caregiver’s Guide to Advanced Alzheimer’s Disease by Dr. Jennifer Stelter

In Pursuit of Wellness – Marissa Payne’s consulting and support services

🤝 Connect with Marisa Payne:

Website: InPursuitofWellness.com

🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast:

Website: https://lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

Instagram: @lifeonrepeatpodcast

Facebook: Life on Repeat Podcast

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeonRepeatPodcast

✨ Like this episode? Please like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs it. You’re not alone. 💛

In this heart-opening conversation, Laura speaks with Marty Schreiber, former Governor of Wisconsin and author of My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer's Caregiver. Marty shares his deeply personal journey of caring for his beloved wife Elaine through Alzheimer's, and how it reshaped his understanding of love, loss, and connection.

With humility, humor, and profound insight, Marty offers encouragement and practical wisdom for family caregivers navigating the emotional complexities of dementia care. This conversation is a powerful reminder that even in profound loss, deep moments of love and meaning are possible.

👤 Meet Marty Schreiber:

Marty Schreiber served as Governor of Wisconsin and spent over 18 years as a public servant before facing his most challenging role yet: caregiver for his wife Elaine, who lived with Alzheimer's disease. Through his experience, Marty became a fierce advocate for caregivers, sharing his hard-won lessons to help others survive—and even find hope—through the caregiving journey. His book, My Two Elaines, has become a beacon of support for countless families around the world.

📌 Topics Discussed:

• Marty's personal caregiving journey with his wife Elaine
• Why caregiving requires letting go—and embracing who your loved one is now
• The emotional toll of caregiving and the importance of self-care
• How unacknowledged grief impacts caregivers
• Living in the present moment with your loved one
• Therapeutic fibbing: preserving dignity and connection
• Why caregivers must ask for help (and why it’s an act of courage)
• Finding meaning, hope, and love even through loss

⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):

00:00 – Welcome and introduction of Marty Schreiber

02:20 – How Marty's caregiving journey began

06:45 – Learning to "let go" and love Elaine as she is now

11:30 – Emotional challenges: grief, guilt, and frustration

18:10 – The power of living in the present moment

23:50 – Therapeutic fibbing: creating moments of peace

30:15 – Marty's reflections on self-care and asking for help

37:40 – Support groups, community, and connection

43:00 – How caregiving changes our understanding of love

48:50 – Final thoughts: What Marty wishes every caregiver knew

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Caregiving requires profound emotional shifts—and immense courage.
• Living in the present allows deeper connection, even when memory fades.
• Self-care is not selfish—it’s essential for both caregiver and loved one.
• Therapeutic fibbing can preserve dignity and create calm.
• Asking for help is an act of strength, not weakness.
• Even amid great loss, moments of love, joy, and meaning can still bloom.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• My Two Elaines by Marty Schreiber

🤝 Connect with Marty Schreiber:

Website: mytwoelaines.com

🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast:

Website: https://lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

Instagram: @lifeonrepeatpodcast

Facebook: Life on Repeat Podcast

YouTube:...

In this deeply meaningful episode, Laura sits down with Dr. Aaron Blight, founder of Caregiving Kinetics, to explore how caregiving reshapes our identity, relationships, and personal growth. Drawing from his experience as a family caregiver, home care business owner, and scholar of caregiving, Dr. Blight shares transformative insights on why reflection—not just action—is vital for caregivers.

Together, they discuss how caregiving calls us to step off the “hamster wheel” of survival mode, face uncomfortable truths, and ultimately find deep meaning in the caregiving journey.

👤 Meet Dr. Aaron Blight:

Dr. Aaron Blight is the founder of Caregiving Kinetics, an international speaker, consultant, and author specializing in caregiving, aging, and healthcare workforce development. A former policy leader at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Aaron’s personal caregiving experience profoundly shaped his career. His award-winning book, "When Caregiving Calls: Guidance as You Care for a Parent, Spouse, or Aging Relative," provides caregivers with practical strategies and reflective tools for navigating the complex emotional terrain of caregiving.

📌 Topics Discussed:

• Aaron’s personal story of unexpected family caregiving
• How caregiving reshapes identity, relationships, and emotions
• The importance of reflection—not just action—for caregivers
• Highlights from Aaron’s book When Caregiving Calls
• Why traditional healthcare often overlooks caregiver needs
• Introducing the Caregiver Mind Shift framework
• How support groups and community reduce caregiver isolation
• Using reflection questions to unlock deeper healing and meaning
• Why connection and storytelling matter in the caregiving journey

⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):

00:00 – Welcome and introduction of Dr. Aaron Blight

01:50 – How unexpected family caregiving changed Aaron’s life

06:00 – Launching a home care company after caregiving experience

09:30 – Why reflection is vital for caregivers' growth

13:45 – Exploring When Caregiving Calls and its 18 key chapters

18:40 – The role of caregiver identity theory in understanding struggles

23:20 – How reflective journaling can transform caregiving

30:00 – Stories from caregivers who found healing through reflection

36:15 – Caregiver isolation, grief, and the need for connection

40:50 – Introducing the Caregiver Mind Shift model

48:10 – How community support can extend beyond caregiving seasons

52:00 – Final thoughts and where to find Aaron’s work

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Caregiving fundamentally changes who we are—but that change can lead to growth.
• Reflection and intentional self-inquiry are powerful tools for caregivers.
• A growth mindset helps caregivers adapt, survive, and ultimately thrive.
• Building or finding community can ease isolation and emotional burden.
• Caregiving deserves acknowledgment, support, and compassionate resources.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• When Caregiving Calls: Guidance as You Care for a Parent, Spouse, or Aging Relative
• Caregiving Kinetics Free Resources & Models

🤝 Connect with Dr. Aaron Blight:

Website: caregivingkinetics.com

Subscribe to his newsletter: Caregiving Kinetics Blog

🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast:

Website: lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

Instagram:

In this enlightening episode, Laura speaks with Neal Shah, America’s Chief Elder Officer and co-founder of CareYaya, about how technology is transforming the future of elder care. From AI-powered caregiver tools to brain-computer interfaces, Neal shares how innovation—and his own caregiving story—sparked a movement to make high-quality care more accessible, affordable, and human-centered.

Whether you’re looking for relief, curious about what’s next in caregiving, or just need a little hope, this episode delivers.

👤 Meet Neal Shah:

Neal Shah is the co-founder of CareYaya, a platform that connects college students pursuing healthcare careers with families who need in-home caregiving support. Inspired by his own experience caring for loved ones, Neal is on a mission to build a future where compassionate care and smart technology come together to serve older adults—and ease the burden on families.

📌 Topics Discussed:

• Neal’s personal caregiving journey and how it inspired CareYaya
• Why caregiving is long overdue for tech innovation
• How college students are creating a new model of affordable care
• The role of AI and voice tools in supporting caregiver training
• Exciting projects: brain-computer interfaces, virtual reality, and more
• How tech can reduce guilt and burnout for family caregivers
• Why human connection still matters—even in a high-tech future

⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):

00:00 – Welcome and introduction of Neal Shah

01:00 – From finance to family caregiving: Neal’s personal story

03:45 – The emotional and logistical toll of caregiving

06:00 – The innovation gap in elder care

09:20 – What CareYaya is and how it works

12:30 – How the tech platform improves caregiver access and quality

16:15 – College students as a compassionate workforce

20:45 – Building a scalable, sustainable care model

24:00 – The role of AI in caregiver support and training

29:15 – What the future of caregiving looks like with AI and neurotech

35:30 – New frontiers: brain-computer interfaces, VR, and more

42:00 – Closing thoughts on hope, innovation, and dignity in care

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Innovation is essential for sustainable caregiving
• College students offer untapped potential as compassionate caregivers
• AI and VR can enhance care without replacing human connection
• New tools can ease the emotional weight and guilt caregivers often carry
• The future of caregiving can be brighter—and more personal—than ever before

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• CareYaya.org – Learn more about CareYaya’s mission, platform, and innovations
• Stay tuned for new tools like AI-powered voice companions and neuro-assistive caregiving tech

🤝 Connect with Neal Shah:

Website: CareYaya.org

LinkedIn: Neal Shah

🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast:

Website: https://lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

Instagram: @lifeonrepeatpodcast

Facebook: Life on Repeat Podcast

YouTube:

📝 Episode Overview:

In this episode, Laura sits down with licensed mental health counselor Laurie Thompson to explore the emotional toll of “challenging behaviors” in dementia care. This episode centers the caregiver—what you experience, what you need, and how to protect your own well-being while supporting a loved one.

👤 Meet Laurie Thompson:

Laurie Thompson is a licensed mental health counselor, dementia connection specialist, and certified sexual and intimacy wellness practitioner. With over a decade of experience working with families, care staff, and individuals in memory care, Laurie takes a holistic, individualized approach to helping both care receivers and caregivers navigate dementia-related challenges.

⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 01:55 – Meet Laurie Thompson & her background
• 06:20 – What are “challenging behaviors”?
• 11:10 – All behavior is communication
• 15:30 – Low, medium & high-risk behavior examples
• 24:40 – The emotional impact on caregivers
• 30:15 – Recognizing burnout
• 36:30 – Real-world self-care strategies
• 44:00 – When caregiving becomes unsafe
• 50:50 – Reframing guilt and walking away
• 55:00 – Final encouragement for caregivers

📌 Topics Discussed:

• Understanding “challenging behaviors”
• Why behavior = communication
• Risk levels of behaviors (low, medium, high)
• How stress impacts your ability to respond
• Caregiver burnout warning signs
• What to do when caregiving becomes unsafe
• Tiny & medium-sized self-care ideas
• Why caregivers must be supported

💡 Key Takeaways:

• All behavior is communication—get curious, not reactive.
• Caregivers often experience burnout before they recognize it.
• Self-care isn’t optional—it’s essential to keep the whole system going.
• Small shifts like journaling or breathwork can have a big impact.
• Your energy affects the entire caregiving dynamic.
• It’s okay to call for help. Safety matters—for everyone.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• Dementia Connection Specialist Certification
• ADLs (Activities of Daily Living)
• Caregiver safety planning
• Habit stacking, grounding techniques

🤝 Connect with Laurie Thompson:

Contact the Life on Repeat Podcast team for more info.

🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast:

Website: https://lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/lifeonrepeatpodcast

Facebook: https://facebook.com/lifeonrepeatpodcast

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeonRepeatPodcast

✨ Like this episode? Please like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to hear it. You’re not alone.

📝 Episode Overview:

In this episode, Laura sits down with Martha Ranon, Executive Vice President of the Southern Caregiver Resource Center (SCRC), to talk about the power of turning personal caregiving experience into community advocacy. Together, they explore how caregivers can access meaningful support, educational resources, and the validation they need to continue showing up with compassion and resilience.

👤 Meet Martha Ranon:

Martha Ranon is the Executive Vice President of the Southern Caregiver Resource Center in San Diego, CA. Her personal journey as a family caregiver led her to a professional path supporting others in similar roles. Martha is a passionate advocate for caregivers, offering support through education, community programs, and public awareness. She helps families navigate the often complex and emotional world of caregiving, particularly for those caring for someone with dementia or cognitive impairments.

📌 Topics Discussed:

• Martha’s transition from family caregiver to professional advocate
• The mission of the Southern Caregiver Resource Center
• Support groups and education as tools for caregiver resilience
• Why caregiving should never be done in isolation
• The emotional, physical, and mental toll of long-term caregiving
• Building a bridge between caregivers and accessible resources
• Simple steps toward caregiver self-care

⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):

00:00 – Introduction to Martha Ranon and the Southern Caregiver Resource Center 02:45 – Martha’s personal caregiving story: Caring for her great aunt

06:10 – How her caregiving experience led to her professional role

08:30 – The mission and work of Southern Caregiver Resource Center

11:40 – Challenges caregivers face and the importance of support groups

15:20 – The emotional impact of caregiving and how Martha supports families

18:10 – Educational programs and how they empower caregivers

21:30 – Common caregiver struggles and how community helps

26:00 – Martha’s advice for overwhelmed caregivers

30:15 – What self-care really looks like for caregivers

33:00 – Why accessible resources make all the difference

36:20 – Final reflections and how to connect with SCRC

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Caregiver support is essential—not optional
• Community resources can transform the caregiving experience
• Educational programs empower caregivers to advocate for themselves
• There is no “one right way” to care for someone—personalized support matters
• Even small moments of self-care make a big difference
• You don’t have to do this alone

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• Southern Caregiver Resource Center – https://www.caregivercenter.org
• Support groups, educational programs, and local caregiving services

🤝 Connect with Martha Ranon:

• Visit https://www.caregivercenter.org to learn more about Martha’s work and the services available through SCRC.

🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast:

Website: https://lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/lifeonrepeatpodcast

Facebook: https://facebook.com/lifeonrepeatpodcast

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