Caregiving is a deeply emotional journey—full of love, frustration, joy, and exhaustion, sometimes all at once. In this episode, we revisit the AIM Framework—a tool designed to help family caregivers manage stress by tuning into the full spectrum of what we feel.

You’ll hear:

• Why it’s just as important to acknowledge joy as it is to acknowledge stress
• How laughter and lightness can serve as tools for emotional resilience
• Practical ways to identify what makes you feel okay—and how to commit to more of it

AIM stands for:

• A – Acknowledge how you're feeling
• I – Identify what you need in order to continue caring
• M – Make a commitment to yourself

This episode is a reminder that it's not selfish to care for yourself—it’s essential. Tune in and take aim at both the heavy and light moments of caregiving.

Helpful Links:

https://caregiver.com/articles/laughter-medicine/

https://familycaregiversonline.net/keeping-your-sense-of-humor-as-a-family-caregiver/

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/its-ok-to-laugh-right-now

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/play-your-way-sane/202010/how-use-humor-manage-stress

For guesting opportunities, send me a message at ⁠slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com⁠

For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit ⁠praxisforcare.com⁠

Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book

Follow me on Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/praxisforcare⁠

Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com

When it comes to fall prevention, we often focus on external fixes—like clearing walkways and installing handrails. But there's an internal factor that's just as important: bone health.

In this episode, I dive into how osteoporosis, often called a “silent threat,” impacts fall risks. We cover:

• The connection between osteoporosis and fall-related injuries

• The difference between osteoporosis and osteopenia

• Different ways to prevent bone loss—and how to fit prevention into your lifestyle as a busy family caregiver

Taking care of your bones is another way of taking care of the people you love. Tune in to learn practical ways to strengthen bone health and reduce fall risks.

Links & Resources for today’s episode:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21855-osteopenia

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4443-osteoporosis

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db405.htm

https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/

Conditions that affect your bones https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/ss/slideshow-bone-conditions

https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/ss/slideshow-boost-bone-health Simple Steps to Strengthen Your bones

8 Weight Bering exercises for Stronger Bones https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/features/exercise-weight-bearing

Do Medications Affect Your bones https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/features/medication-affect-bones

10 Medications that May Increase Your Risk of Osteoporosis https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/osteoporosis/medications-that-may-increase-risk-for-fractures

For guesting opportunities, send me a message at ⁠slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com⁠

For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit ⁠praxisforcare.com⁠

Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book

Follow me on Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/praxisforcare⁠

Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com

When a loved one faces illness or injury, caregiving becomes a shared journey—not just their experience, but ours too.

In this episode, we explore how reflecting on what we would want in a time of need can shape how we care for others. We discuss:

• The importance of including your own experience in caregiving decisions
• How recognizing the relationship as a two-way journey reduces stress
• Why clear thinking and low stress are key to finding the right support

By honoring both perspectives, caregiving becomes more sustainable, compassionate, and satisfying for everyone involved. Tune in to learn how.

For guesting opportunities, send me a message at ⁠slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com⁠

For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit ⁠praxisforcare.com⁠

Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book

Follow me on Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/praxisforcare⁠

Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com

Caregiving is already challenging, but when outside forces—like political decisions—affect those we care for, stress levels can rise even higher. This episode isn’t about politics, but about how caregivers can manage stress in uncertain times.

We revisit the AIM framework with a fresh perspective:

A – Acknowledging your feelings and the impact of external factors

I – Identifying the outlets you need to process and cope

M – Making a commitment to engage in the strategies that support you

By recognizing how we feel and actively working toward solutions, we can stay strong for ourselves and those we care for. Tune in to learn how to navigate stress and uncertainty while maintaining balance in your caregiving journey.

For guesting opportunities, send me a message at ⁠slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com⁠

For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit ⁠praxisforcare.com⁠

Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book

Follow me on Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/praxisforcare⁠

Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com

As family caregivers, it's easy to feel like you have to do it all. The pressure to manage every task, every responsibility, and every emotion can be overwhelming. But the truth is, we can only do so much as one person.

In this episode, I explore the power of creating a care team to break the cycle of doing it all alone. We talk about:

• Why caregivers often push aside their own needs to prioritize their loved ones
• How a care team can reduce stress and prevent burnout
• Practical steps to build a support network that lightens your load

Remember, caregiving isn’t just about your loved one—it’s about ensuring you have the support to show up fully. You don’t have to do it all alone. Tune in to learn how you can take care of yourself while continuing to care for others.

For guesting opportunities, send me a message at ⁠slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com⁠

For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit ⁠praxisforcare.com⁠

Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book

Follow me on Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/praxisforcare⁠

Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com

Welcome to my podcast, Straight Talk for Giving-Care. My podcast is for family caregivers created by a family caregiver. I’ve been on a care journey through dementia with my mother for more than 12 years. On our journey I’ve learned that the most difficult part of caring for a loved one isn’t taking on additional responsibilities and performing additional tasks. It’s doing that while feeling what you’re feeling. In these podcasts, I share stories and the life lessons I’ve learned to help family caregivers create a journey that is satisfying for both people.

As family caregivers, we've all heard the advice to "go with the flow." But let's be real—going with the flow can sometimes feel like you're completely out of control. Caregiving is full of unpredictable changes, and when you're trying to keep up with those while managing your own emotions, it can take a serious toll on your health.

In this episode, I dive deep into what wellness truly means for caregivers—how to keep your loved one safe while making decisions that prioritize both of you.

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For guesting opportunities, send me a message at ⁠slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com⁠

For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit ⁠praxisforcare.com⁠

Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book

Follow me on Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/praxisforcare⁠

Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com

I had no idea that SO MANY EMOTIONS would come with the unexpected change to the relationship with my mother.

In this episode, I share my journey with "AIM" – a strategy that has profoundly shaped my caregiving experience.

AIM stands for:

1. Acknowledging Your Feelings

2. Identifying What You Need to Continue Caring, and

3. Making a Commitment to Yourself to Get the Support You Need.

I discuss the importance of recognizing your emotional states as a caregiver and how this awareness can sustain you in the long term. I also provide insights on how to identify your needs and the steps necessary to ensure you receive the support you deserve.

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For guesting opportunities, send me a message at ⁠slyarbrough@praxisforcare.com⁠

For information on what I do and to read my blog, visit ⁠praxisforcare.com⁠

Learn more about my book: https://www.praxisforcare.com/book

Follow me on Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/praxisforcare⁠ Intro & Outro Music by: https://www.bensound.com