In this episode we welcome Jason Resendez, a leading advocate in the caregiving and Alzheimer's space, to the podcast. Together, we discuss the critical challenges facing working caregivers and how systemic changes can create supportive environments both in the workplace and in society. Jason shares his personal caregiving journey, the groundbreaking advocacy work of the National Alliance for Caregiving, and practical tips for employees and employers navigating caregiving responsibilities. From public policy changes to personal empowerment, this conversation sheds light on the invisible struggles and triumphs of working caregivers. Plus, Jason provides a sneak peek into the 2025 "Caregiving in the U.S." study, offering a glimpse into the future of caregiving data and trends.

Jason Resendez is a nationally recognized caregiving advocate. He currently serves as the President and CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving, where he leads research, policy, and programmatic initiatives to build health, wealth, and equity for America’s 53 million family caregivers. In 2023, Jason was named one of the most consequential leaders in health and medicine by STAT News. Prior to joining NAC, Jason was the founding executive director of the Us Against Alzheimer’s Center for Brain Health Equity where he pioneered the concept of Brain Health Equity through peer-reviewed research, public health partnerships, and public policy. In 2020, Jason was name done of America’s top influencers in aging by PBS’s Next Avenue alongside Michael J. Fox and Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. He has been quoted by The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, STAT News, and Univision on issues related to caregiving and health equity. Jason is from South Texas and graduated from Georgetown University.

Episode Highlights:

[1:07] - Introduction to Jason Resendez and his advocacy work for caregivers.
[5:00] - Jason’s personal caregiving story and its influence on his career.
[10:58] - The creation and impact of the Caregiver Summit.
[17:32] - Insights into Alzheimer's and the intersection with caregiving.
[22:27] - Credible resources for addressing early signs of dementia.
[24:58] - Preview of the upcoming 2025 "Caregiving in the U.S." study and its significance.
[29:20] - How employers can support working caregivers and real-world examples.
[34:02] - Advice for employees: Navigating conversations about caregiving with managers.
[38:07] - A challenge to employers to create a culture of caregiving.

Links & Resources:

• National Alliance for Caregiving: https://www.caregiving.org/
• Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org/
• BrainGuide by UsAgainstAlzheimer’s: https://mybrainguide.org/
• AARP Caregiving Resources: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/
• Jason Resendez LInkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonresendez/
• Caregiving in the U.S. 2020 (NAC and AARP report):
• Year end review Working Caregivers-The Invisible Employees Newsletter
• National Alliance for Caregiving and Caregiver Summit Nation focus newsletter by Working Caregivers-The Invisible Employees

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In this episode, we welcome Amy Goyer, a nationally renowned caregiving advocate, author, and consultant. Amy shares her journey from music therapy to becoming a voice for caregivers everywhere. We’ll explore the invisible challenges working caregivers face and how employers can create meaningful change.

Tune in to hear Amy’s insights on advocacy, the power of storytelling, and how employers can foster flexibility and support for working caregivers. This is a conversation filled with wisdom, humor, and actionable advice that you won’t want to miss!

Episode Highlights

[3:05] - Fun Fact Spotlight: Amy shares her childhood story and her journey into music therapy.

[6:00] - Music & Caregiving: How Amy used music therapy to support her grandmother and father.

[8:11] - Becoming a Caregiving Advocate: Amy’s path from music therapist to leading caregiving advocate.

[10:00] - Family Caregiving Roles: Amy explains how her role as a caregiver shifted over time within her family.

[16:35] - Paid Family Leave: Why paid leave matters and how AARP is pushing for better policies.

[20:00] - Policy Challenges: The obstacles in making paid family leave a reality nationwide.

[23:09] - Flexible Work for Caregivers: How workplace flexibility benefits employees and employers alike.

[27:29] - HR & Workplace Culture: How companies can support caregivers through better workplace culture.

[30:00] - Employer Tips: Amy’s best advice for employers to support caregiving employees.

[35:00] - Caregiver Tips & Advice: Actionable tips for caregivers to balance work, family, and self-care.

[40:00] - Resources & How to Connect: Where to find Amy’s book, articles, and caregiving support resources.

[44:22] - Closing Remarks: Selma and Zack thank Amy and challenge listeners to explore caregiving resources.

Links & Resources

• Amy’s Website: http://amygoyer.com/joomla/
• AARP Family Caregivers Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aarpfamilycaregivers
• Amy’s Book: “Juggling Life, Work, and Caregiving”:https://www.amazon.com/Juggling-Life-Work-Caregiving-Goyer/dp/1634251636/
• Amy’s YouTube Series: https://www.youtube.com/@amygoyer/playlists
• Amy & AARP: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/experts/info-2019/amy-goyer.html

Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share, and leave a review. Together, we can raise awareness and create a more supportive workplace for working caregivers. Be sure to check out our website, Invisible Employee Advocates, to subscribe to our newsletter, purchase our book, and stay connected. See you in the next episode!

In this episode of Working Caregivers, we have an insightful conversation into the challenges faced by working caregivers and explore how employers can build trust and support systems for this often invisible yet essential workforce. Selma and Zach are joined by Lee Hafner, an accomplished writer and editor at Employee Benefit News, who shares her insights into the growing caregiving crisis and practical ways organizations can address it.

We discuss the importance of empathy in leadership, the role of storytelling in fostering a supportive workplace culture, and simple, cost-effective strategies employers can adopt to create a more inclusive environment. Whether you're a caregiver, an HR professional, or a leader seeking to make a difference, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories.

Episode Highlights

[1:39] – The significance of National Family Caregiver Month and this year's theme: “Caregivers Around the Clock.”

[2:55] – Introducing Lee Hafner: her advocacy for caregivers and her professional journey inspired by personal experiences.

[4:31] – The multifaceted challenges caregivers face and why employers should address them holistically.

[9:08] – How leaders can start conversations about caregiving in the workplace and the importance of sharing personal experiences.

[13:15] – Balancing employee privacy with data collection: creative approaches to understanding and supporting caregivers.

[22:07] – A challenge to leaders: how a simple conversation can transform employee relationships.

[29:46] – Empowering caregivers: practical tips to build visibility and find support within the workplace.

Links & Resources

• Visit Employee Benefit News for more insights from Lee Hafner.
• How To Be A Working Caregiver May/June 2023 Issue Employee Benefit News - May/June 2023
• Lee Hafner LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leehafner/
• Learn about National Family Caregiver Month: Caregiver Action Network.
• Explore more caregiving resources at Invisible Employee Advocates.

Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share, and leave a review. Together, we can raise awareness and create a more supportive workplace for working caregivers. Be sure to check out our website, Invisible Employee Advocates, to subscribe to our newsletter, purchase our book, and stay connected. See you in the next episode!