In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona is joined by award-winning author Phil Callaway. Phil shares his inspiring journey into surviving the Sandwich Generation by finding the humor and discovering the vital role that laughter plays in navigating life's family challenges as a caregiver.

Phil discusses his acclaimed book, “Family Squeeze,” detailing his experiences as a caregiver for his aging parents while also raising his own children, highlighting the unique hurdles faced by the sandwich generation. He provides insights on family dynamics and the importance of professional care, while offering encouragement for caregivers and emphasizing the necessity of self-care practices like laughter and finding confidants to share their experiences.

Throughout the conversation, Phil underscores the profound impact of how maintaining humor during tough times can have on a positive effect on the whole family.

• Welcome (00:07)
• Guest background (01:26)
• Finding the humor (03:46)
• “Family Squeeze” and the sandwich generation (08:24)
• Caregiving challenges and family dynamics (17:45)
• Self-care for the sandwich generation (23:26)
• Final thoughts (25:34)

Learn more about Phil Callaway, and purchase your copy of “Family Squeeze”:

• Phil's Website

Follow Phil on social media:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes Dawn Nargi, Executive Director and founder of The W Connection, a nonprofit organization supporting widows through connection, encouragement, education, and empowerment.

Dawn shares her personal story of loss and the inception of The W Connection. The discussion highlights the unique challenges of widowhood and underscores the importance of peer-led support and social connections in the healing process. The conversation further explores the need for widows to redefine their lives and establish a "new normal" while providing practical advice for friends and family on offering meaningful support.

The W Connection's ongoing impact and commitment to assisting widows, particularly those in the Sandwich Generation who may face simultaneous responsibilities for their children and aging parents, emphasizes the continuing need for community support and resources for widows navigating their journeys.

Learn more about The W Connection:

• The W Connection Website

Follow The W Connection on social media:

• Facebook

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

• Twitter

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona is joined by Dr. Ashwini Bapat, a hospice and palliative care physician from EpioneMD, who brings a wealth of knowledge from her training at Tufts, Yale, and Harvard. Dr. Bapat delves into the complexities of caring for loved ones with serious illnesses, highlighting the vital importance of engaging in meaningful conversations about living with such conditions. She clarifies the distinction between palliative care, which provides an extra layer of support at any illness stage, and hospice care, focused on holistic support during the final months of life. Families are encouraged to approach these difficult discussions with a listening mindset rather than an agenda, paving the way for open dialogues about care preferences, future living arrangements, and the complexities of denial.

Dr. Bapat stresses the need for proper healthcare documentation, including proxies and living wills, to ensure that individuals’ medical wishes are honored. She also advocates for collaboration between caregivers and medical teams, urging the creation of a “caregiver action plan” that reflects not just medical needs but also the patient’s joys and lifestyle preferences. Listeners will learn the importance of sharing caregiving responsibilities among family members and the necessity of seeking help to alleviate the burden.

Additionally, Dr. Bapat emphasizes the value of early conversations to set clear expectations and minimize conflicts within families. Drawing from her personal experiences as both a physician and a daughter, she underscores the significance of being present and truly listening to loved ones, rather than rushing to take action. This episode is filled with invaluable insights, empowering the Sandwich Generation to approach caregiving with compassion, communication, and collaboration.

Learn more about EpioneMD:

• www.epionemd.com/

Follow on social media:

• www.facebook.com/epionemd/
• www.linkedin.com/company/epionemd/
• https://www.instagram.com/epionemd/

Welcome to the Sandwich Generation Survival Guide with your host, Candace Dellacona. In this insightful episode, Candace is joined by Denise Scruggs, the Director of Education at the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP). Together, they explore effective communication strategies for interacting with loved ones experiencing dementia. Denise shares invaluable tips on how to engage meaningfully, address nonverbal cues, and provide comfort amidst cognitive challenges. From understanding the impact of sensory changes to fostering patience and empathy, this episode offers practical advice for caregivers seeking to enhance their interactions and support their loved ones with dignity and compassion. Tune in to learn how to improve communication and make a positive difference in the lives of those affected by dementia.

Learn more about the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP): www.nccdp.org/

Follow on social media:

• www.facebook.com/nationalccdp
• www.instagram.com/nccdp_iccdp
• www.linkedin.com/company/national-council-of-certified-dementia-practitioners/
• www.youtube.com/@NCCDPLTAD

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, Candace Dellacona sits down with accomplished writer, illustrator, and editor Kate Feiffer. Kate opens up about her career journey, from working in TV production to becoming an author, and how her mother’s dementia influenced her latest novel, Morning Pages. The novel explores the emotional and practical challenges faced by those in the Sandwich Generation—people caring for both aging parents and children.

Kate discusses the themes of invisibility and identity loss that caregivers often experience, emphasizing how writing became a vital outlet for her during her caregiving journey. She also reflects on societal views of aging and the crucial role friendships play in the lives of older women. This episode offers a thoughtful exploration of the Sandwich Generation’s unique struggles, providing listeners with relatable insights and practical advice.

Learn more about Kate Feiffer:

Website: https://www.katefeiffer.com/

Follow Kate Feiffer:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kate.feiffer/

X: https://x.com/katefeiffer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-feiffer-631987a/

In this episode of the Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona interviews Tracy McCubbin, founder of dClutterfly®, who shares her expertise on managing personal belongings and downsizing for aging family members. With 17 years of experience, Tracy emphasizes the importance of framing decluttering conversations around aging goals, such as aging in place or moving to a smaller home, rather than criticizing the amount of stuff. She highlights the benefits of starting these discussions early, getting professional valuations for items, and respecting the emotional connections people have to their belongings. Tracy's compassionate approach helps families navigate the challenges of downsizing while supporting their loved ones' aging objectives.

Learn more:

dClutterfly®: https://www.dclutterfly.com/

Follow dClutterfly®:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracy_mccubbin/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisistracymccubbin

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_u1rOQivEcplEAMUrd5ORQ/videos

In episode 12, "Part 2: Proactive Planning Strategies with Geriatric Care Managers," The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide's Candace Dellacona continues her conversation with Christine Davis Richmond, LMSW, CMC, CDP, the co-founder of Care Collective Nursing Care & Management. The episode delves into the importance of planning ahead for care and discusses how to initiate conversations with loved ones about setting up a care plan before a crisis occurs.

Candace and Christine emphasize the significance of documents like the health care proxy, living will, and medical orders for life-sustaining treatment in outlining one's medical wishes and ensuring they are carried out effectively. They also highlight the role of the power of attorney in managing finances and accessing necessary care resources, underscoring the importance of thorough planning and understanding the available options. Throughout the episode, Candace and Christine provide valuable insights and guidance for listeners navigating the complexities of caring for aging loved ones.

Learn more:

Care Collective Nursing Care & Management: https://www.carecollectivehealth.org/

Follow Care Collective Nursing Care & Management:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carecollectivehealth/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/carecollectivehealth/

In episode 11, "Part 1: Geriatric Care Managers," The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide's Candace Dellacona welcomes Christine Davis Richmond, LMSW, CMC, CDP, the co-founder of Care Collective Nursing Care & Management. The episode delves into the pivotal role of geriatric care managers, professionals adept in nursing, social work, or gerontology, specializing in aiding older adults with healthcare management. Christine, drawing from her social work background, elaborates on care managers' responsibilities, which encompass orchestrating diverse aspects of care for clients.

The discussion explores critical scenarios where care manager intervention proves indispensable, such as discharge planning from medical facilities and orchestrating home care. Christine underscores the significance of grasping a client's needs and priorities and advocating for their voice within the healthcare system.

The episode also addresses challenges like remote care coordination and family conflicts, where care managers serve as mediators, translators, and advocates, prioritizing the client's well-being. Concluding on the importance of proactive planning for aging and healthcare needs, the episode sets the stage for exploring proactive planning strategies in the next installment.

Learn more:

Care Collective Nursing Care & Management: https://www.carecollectivehealth.org/

Follow Care Collective Nursing Care & Management:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carecollectivehealth/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/carecollectivehealth/