Deidre Edwards joins hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial to talk about tool kits for caregivers on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

Deidre Edwards joins hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial to talk about tool kits for caregivers on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

Hear Caregiver SOS every Sunday at 6pm on News Ta…

Caregiver SOS

Hosts: Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Hosts: Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Tool Kits for Caregivers with Deidre Edwards

In this episode of Caregiver SOS On Air, hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial sit down with Jackie Bresner, Director of Therapy at Home Care Dimensions, to unpack how families and caregivers can maximize the benefits of home healthcare. Drawing on her 33 years of experience in therapy and acute care, Jackie breaks down common misconceptions about home health and explains how skilled care differs from routine daily assistance.

The conversation highlights how home healthcare serves as a vital bridge between hospitals, physicians, and families, helping seniors regain independence, manage chronic conditions, and stay safe at home.

Key Topics & Summary


Understanding Skilled Home Healthcare: Home health focuses on skilled medical needs—such as disease management education, physical/occupational therapy, and wound care—rather than custodial tasks like bathing or meal preparation, which fall under provider services.


Navigating Care & Coverage: Services require a physician or practitioner referral and are typically covered 100% by Medicare for patients who meet the "homebound" criteria, with visit schedules dictated by specific clinical needs rather than arbitrary caps.


Medication Reconciliation & Safety: Admission involves a thorough medication audit to reconcile prescriptions across specialists, preventing dangerous drug interactions, duplicate therapies, and rehospitalization.


Home Assessments & Adaptations: Therapists evaluate the living environment for hazards—checking bed heights, rug traction, cord placement, and bathroom grab bars—while teaching practical maneuvers, such as navigating kitchens or closets safely with a walker.


Caregiver Integration & Support: Family caregivers are encouraged to join visits to learn body mechanics for safer transfers, medication routine strategies, and early warning signs of health decline.


Telehealth Coordination: Home health teams assist homebound individuals by gathering vital signs and facilitating telehealth appointments with primary care providers.

Key Takeaways for Caregivers


Set Clear Goals: Before care begins, outline specific functional milestones—like transferring into a car, navigating stairs, or prepping a basic meal—to help guide the therapy plan.


Protect Your Own Health: Take advantage of therapist instruction on proper body mechanics so you can assist your loved one with sitting, standing, and moving without injuring yourself.


Be the First Line of Observation: Caregivers are often the first to notice subtle changes or physical declines; communicating these early allows the home health team to contact physicians and make timely adjustments before a health event becomes a crisis.

About Jacqueline

Homecare Dimensions opened in 1995 and provides skilled home health services in various markets throughout the state of Texas including San Antonio, Austin, Dallas- Fort Worth, Corpus Christi, the Rio Grande Valley, and El Paso. Skilled services include nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Services are provided to patients receiving services in the home. They offer training, education, and care for patients with varied diagnosis and disease processes including the need for wound care, IV therapy in the home, disease management support and training, medication management and teaching, as well as Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapy.

Speaking with us is Jacqueline Bresner, Director of Therapy with Homecare Dimensions Jacqueline is both a United Health Group Sages Award Winner, and Optum Superhero. Of her 33-year career, 26 of them have been working in extensive Home Health fields.

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

In this episode of Caregiver SOS On Air, hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial sit down with Jackie Bresner, Director of Therapy at Home Care Dimensions, to unpack how families and caregivers can maximize the benefits of home healthcare. Drawing on her 33 years of experience in therapy and acute care, Jackie breaks down common misconceptions about home health and explains how skilled care differs from routine daily assistance.
The conversation highlights how home healthcare serves as a vital bridge between hospitals, physicians, and families, helping seniors regain independence, manage chronic conditions, and stay safe at home.
Key Topics &amp; Summary
<ul data-path-to-node="3">
<li>
Understanding Skilled Home Healthcare: Home health focuses on skilled medical needs&mdash;such as disease management education, physical/occupational therapy, and wound care&mdash;rather than custodial tasks like bathing or meal preparation, which fall under provider services.
</li>
<li>
Navigating Care &amp; Coverage: Services require a physician or practitioner referral and are typically covered 100% by Medicare for patients who meet the "homebound" criteria, with visit schedules dictated by specific clinical needs rather than arbitrary caps.
</li>
<li>
Medication Reconciliation &amp; Safety: Admission involves a thorough medication audit to reconcile prescriptions across specialists, preventing dangerous drug interactions, duplicate therapies, and rehospitalization.
</li>
<li>
Home Assessments &amp; Adaptations: Therapists evaluate the living environment for hazards&mdash;checking bed heights, rug traction, cord placement, and bathroom grab bars&mdash;while teaching practical maneuvers, such as navigating kitchens or closets safely with a walker.
</li>
<li>
Caregiver Integration &amp; Support: Family caregivers are encouraged to join visits to learn body mechanics for safer transfers, medication routine strategies, and early warning signs of health decline.
</li>
<li>
Telehealth Coordination: Home health teams assist homebound individuals by gathering vital signs and facilitating telehealth appointments with primary care providers.
</li>
</ul>
Key Takeaways for Caregivers
<ol data-path-to-node="5">
<li>
Set Clear Goals: Before care begins, outline specific functional milestones&mdash;like transferring into a car, navigating stairs, or prepping a basic meal&mdash;to help guide the therapy plan.
</li>
<li>
Protect Your Own Health: Take advantage of therapist instruction on proper body mechanics so you can assist your loved one with sitting, standing, and moving without injuring yourself.
</li>
<li>
Be the First Line of Observation: Caregivers are often the first to notice subtle changes or physical declines; communicating these early allows the home health team to contact physicians and make timely adjustments before a health event becomes a crisis.
</li>
</ol>
About Jacqueline
Homecare Dimensions opened in 1995 and provides skilled home health services in various markets throughout the state of Texas including San Antonio, Austin, Dallas- Fort Worth, Corpus Christi, the Rio Grande Valley, and El Paso. Skilled services include nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Services are provided to patients receiving services in the home. They offer training, education, and care for patients with varied diagnosis and disease processes including the need for wound care, IV therapy in the home, disease management support and training, medication management and teaching, as well as Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapy.
Speaking with us is Jacqueline Bresner, Director of Therapy with Homecare Dimensions Jacqueline is both a United Health Group Sages Award Winner, and Optum Superhero. Of her 33-year career, 26 of them have been working in extensive Home Health fields.
Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.
Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

Making the Most of Home Healthcare: What Caregivers Need to Know | Jacqueline Bresner

In this episode of Caregiver SOS On Air, hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial welcome internationally renowned intervention scientist, gerontologist, and Drexel University Dean Emerita Dr. Laura Gitlin. Together, they explore how tailored activities can transform dementia care, restore a sense of purpose for individuals living with cognitive decline, and alleviate caregiver stress. 

Episode Summary

Dr. Gitlin shares her nearly 40-year journey in gerontology, starting from early observations in nursing homes where residents living with dementia were left inactive and unengaged. Highlighting how family caregivers frequently struggle to find meaningful ways to engage their loved ones, Dr. Gitlin explains the origin and framework of the Tailored Activity Program (TAP). 

Rather than relying on one-size-fits-all activities, TAP focuses on identifying a person’s intrinsic interests and modifying tasks to match their current cognitive and physical abilities. The discussion covers practical examples across various stages of dementia, the role of occupational therapists (OTs) and other care providers, and the profound outcomes of tailored activities—from reducing hospitalizations to bringing moments of joy and happiness. 

Key Takeaways


Matching Interests to Current Capacities: Meaningful engagement requires connecting activities to intrinsic interests while adapting them to current functional levels. For example, a lifelong traveler with limited mobility might enjoy travel videos, color-focused visual programs, or photography books. 


The Enduring Need for Purpose: The fundamental need for a role, purpose, and identity remains throughout every stage of dementia. Engaging in tailored activities helps satisfy this need regardless of disease progression. 


Therapeutic Benefits for Caregivers & Recipients: Properly matched activities can reduce challenging behaviors (such as agitation, shadowing, or repetitive questioning), decrease hospitalizations, and lower caregiver burden and depression. 


Adaptation Across Disease Stages:


Early/Moderate Stages: Goal-directed activities like completing a crafted gift box. 


Severe/Late Stages: Sensory-rich experiences, including tactile materials, calming music, armchair exercises, procedural memory tasks (like holding or playing an instrument), or uplifting videos. 


The Role of Occupational Therapy: While TAP is designed around the expertise of OTs who assess cognitive capacity and environmental factors, elements of the program can be delivered by trained volunteers, nurses, social workers, and family caregivers. 


Focusing on What Remains: Traditional neurological tests evaluate lost capabilities, whereas TAP identifies remaining strengths to guide communication strategies, adapt environments, and set appropriate expectations. 

Key Moments & Highlights


Introduction: Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial introduce Dr. Laura Gitlin and set the stage for discussing engagement in dementia care. 


Origin of the Work: Dr. Gitlin discusses observing resident inactivity in long-term care facilities and hearing family caregivers ask, "What do I do with my loved one?"




Tailoring Activities: Why single solutions (like generic music or crafts) don't work, and how to adapt activities around intrinsic interests. 


Real-World Connections & "Wowzitude": Host Carol Zernial highlights the Wowzitude Memory Travels program and shares how recognizing a loved one's past professional role can explain and redirect behaviors. 


Stage-Specific Activity Examples: From goal-directed crafts in early stages to sensory and procedural memory activities in advanced stages. 


Measuring Success & The Priority of Joy: Shifting focus from standard clinical metrics toward fostering moments of joy, laughter, and personal satisfaction. 


Delivery & Payment Models: How OTs and other professionals integrate TAP into care plans, along with navigate prescription requirements and Medicare reimbursement considerations in the U.S. 


Caregiver Realizations & Lasting Impact: How caregivers gain new perspective on their loved one's abilities, featuring a moving story of a caregiver utilizing TAP strategies years later.

About Dr. Gitlin

Laura N. Gitlin, PhD, FGSA, FAAN is internationally and nationally ranked among the top social scientists. She is an intervention scientist, dean emerita, and a distinguished professor in the College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University. She co-founds and is chief scientific officer of Plans4Care, Inc. She is the author/co-author of over 550 scientific publications and seven books. Her recent co-authored, Handbook of Intervention Science: From Design to Implementation (Academic Press), was reviewed as “lifting intervention science to new heights”. She works with numerous proven programs such as COPE, Adult Day Service Plus, Get Busy Get Better and the Tailored Activity Program.

Guest Contact: To learn more about Dr. Laura Gitlin's research and work, email her directly at LNG45@drexel.edu.

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

In this episode of Caregiver SOS On Air, hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial welcome internationally renowned intervention scientist, gerontologist, and Drexel University Dean Emerita Dr. Laura Gitlin. Together, they explore how tailored activities can transform dementia care, restore a sense of purpose for individuals living with cognitive decline, and alleviate caregiver stress. 
Episode Summary
Dr. Gitlin shares her nearly 40-year journey in gerontology, starting from early observations in nursing homes where residents living with dementia were left inactive and unengaged. Highlighting how family caregivers frequently struggle to find meaningful ways to engage their loved ones, Dr. Gitlin explains the origin and framework of the Tailored Activity Program (TAP). 
Rather than relying on one-size-fits-all activities, TAP focuses on identifying a person&rsquo;s intrinsic interests and modifying tasks to match their current cognitive and physical abilities. The discussion covers practical examples across various stages of dementia, the role of occupational therapists (OTs) and other care providers, and the profound outcomes of tailored activities&mdash;from reducing hospitalizations to bringing moments of joy and happiness. 
Key Takeaways
<ul data-path-to-node="8">
<li>
Matching Interests to Current Capacities: Meaningful engagement requires connecting activities to intrinsic interests while adapting them to current functional levels. For example, a lifelong traveler with limited mobility might enjoy travel videos, color-focused visual programs, or photography books. 
</li>
<li>
The Enduring Need for Purpose: The fundamental need for a role, purpose, and identity remains throughout every stage of dementia. Engaging in tailored activities helps satisfy this need regardless of disease progression. 
</li>
<li>
Therapeutic Benefits for Caregivers &amp; Recipients: Properly matched activities can reduce challenging behaviors (such as agitation, shadowing, or repetitive questioning), decrease hospitalizations, and lower caregiver burden and depression. 
</li>
<li>
Adaptation Across Disease Stages:
<ul data-path-to-node="8,3,1">
<li>
Early/Moderate Stages: Goal-directed activities like completing a crafted gift box. 
</li>
<li>
Severe/Late Stages: Sensory-rich experiences, including tactile materials, calming music, armchair exercises, procedural memory tasks (like holding or playing an instrument), or uplifting videos. 
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
The Role of Occupational Therapy: While TAP is designed around the expertise of OTs who assess cognitive capacity and environmental factors, elements of the program can be delivered by trained volunteers, nurses, social workers, and family caregivers. 
</li>
<li>
Focusing on What Remains: Traditional neurological tests evaluate lost capabilities, whereas TAP identifies remaining strengths to guide communication strategies, adapt environments, and set appropriate expectations. 
</li>
</ul>
Key Moments &amp; Highlights
<ul data-path-to-node="11">
<li>
Introduction: Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial introduce Dr. Laura Gitlin and set the stage for discussing engagement in dementia care. 
</li>
<li>
Origin of the Work: Dr. Gitlin discusses observing resident inactivity in long-term care facilities and hearing family caregivers ask, "What do I do with my loved one?"
 
</li>
<li>
Tailoring Activities: Why single solutions (like generic music or crafts) don't work, and how to adapt activities around intrinsic interests. 
</li>
<li>
Real-World Connections &amp; "Wowzitude": Host Carol Zernial highlights the Wowzitude Memory Travels program and shares how recognizing a loved one's past professional role can explain and redirect behaviors. 
</li>
<li>
Stage-Specific Activity Examples: From goal-directed crafts in early stages to sensory and procedural memory activities in advanced stages. 
</li>
<li>
Measuring Success &amp; The Priority of Joy: Shifting focus from standard clinical metrics toward fostering moments of joy, laughter, and personal satisfaction. 
</li>
<li>
Delivery &amp; Payment Models: How OTs and other professionals integrate TAP into care plans, along with navigate prescription requirements and Medicare reimbursement considerations in the U.S. 
</li>
<li>
Caregiver Realizations &amp; Lasting Impact: How caregivers gain new perspective on their loved one's abilities, featuring a moving story of a caregiver utilizing TAP strategies years later.
</li>
</ul>
About Dr. Gitlin
Laura N. Gitlin, PhD, FGSA, FAAN is internationally and nationally ranked among the top social scientists. She is an intervention scientist, dean emerita, and a distinguished professor in the College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University. She co-founds and is chief scientific officer of Plans4Care, Inc. She is the author/co-author of over 550 scientific publications and seven books. Her recent co-authored, Handbook of Intervention Science: From Design to Implementation (Academic Press), was reviewed as &ldquo;lifting intervention science to new heights&rdquo;. She works with numerous proven programs such as COPE, Adult Day Service Plus, Get Busy Get Better and the Tailored Activity Program.
Guest Contact: To learn more about Dr. Laura Gitlin's research and work, email her directly at <a href="mailto:LNG45@drexel.edu">LNG45@drexel.edu</a>.
Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.
Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

Unlocking Connection & Purpose for Persons Living with Dementia | Dr. Gitlin

In this moving and lighthearted episode of Caregiver S.O.S. On Air, host Ron Aaron and guest co-host Tina Smith (Senior Director of Caregiver Program Operations at the WellMed Charitable Foundation) welcome back comedian, actor, writer, and radio host Keith Price to discuss navigating the intense emotional weight of caregiving through humor and connection.

Keith shares his personal journey of managing long-distance caregiving from New York to Texas while supporting his aging parents. He reflects on the double loss of his mother and father just six weeks apart, the physical and mental toll of 24/7 caregiving routines, and how unexpected emotional triggers—like TV commercials—continue to surface years after a loss as a reminder of enduring love. Drawing on wisdom passed down from comedy icon Joan Rivers, Keith highlights how finding a "sliver of laughter" in the darkest moments can be a vital tool for survival, catharsis, and resilience.

Key Takeaways


The Dual Reality of Laughter and Tears: Crying and laughing stem from the same emotional place; finding humor during tragic times is not disrespectful, but rather a essential survival mechanism for healing.


Long-Distance Caregiving Demands: Balancing long-distance travel with 24/7 caregiving duties creates unique strain and exhaustion, underscoring the deep empathy needed for primary caregivers.


Grief is an Expression of Love: Sudden bursts of sorrow long after losing a loved one are natural reminders of the lasting bond and affection you still carry.


Joan Rivers' Advice on Survival: Finding even a tiny sliver of humor amid hardship provides the emotional relief necessary to keep going through loss.


Accepting Your Limits: Caregivers often wrestle with feelings of guilt or asking if they did enough; recognizing that you did the best you could with the tools you had is vital for peace of mind.

About Keith

Out Comedian, Actor, Writer, radio personality, Keith Price is a dynamic and diverse comic energy who brings every aspect of himself to the stage for the purpose of laughter and understanding. He was the first out, African-American personality on Sirius XM Satellite Radio. He produces and performs in comedy shows in and outside of New York City. He also is the host and executive producer of his own podcast, Keith Price’s Curtain Call available on Broadway World, ITunes, Google Play Music, as well as, MOCHAA with Bobby Rivers.

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

In this moving and lighthearted episode of Caregiver S.O.S. On Air, host Ron Aaron and guest co-host Tina Smith (Senior Director of Caregiver Program Operations at the WellMed Charitable Foundation) welcome back comedian, actor, writer, and radio host Keith Price to discuss navigating the intense emotional weight of caregiving through humor and connection.
Keith shares his personal journey of managing long-distance caregiving from New York to Texas while supporting his aging parents. He reflects on the double loss of his mother and father just six weeks apart, the physical and mental toll of 24/7 caregiving routines, and how unexpected emotional triggers&mdash;like TV commercials&mdash;continue to surface years after a loss as a reminder of enduring love. Drawing on wisdom passed down from comedy icon Joan Rivers, Keith highlights how finding a "sliver of laughter" in the darkest moments can be a vital tool for survival, catharsis, and resilience.
Key Takeaways
<ul data-path-to-node="3">
<li>
The Dual Reality of Laughter and Tears: Crying and laughing stem from the same emotional place; finding humor during tragic times is not disrespectful, but rather a essential survival mechanism for healing.
</li>
<li>
Long-Distance Caregiving Demands: Balancing long-distance travel with 24/7 caregiving duties creates unique strain and exhaustion, underscoring the deep empathy needed for primary caregivers.
</li>
<li>
Grief is an Expression of Love: Sudden bursts of sorrow long after losing a loved one are natural reminders of the lasting bond and affection you still carry.
</li>
<li>
Joan Rivers' Advice on Survival: Finding even a tiny sliver of humor amid hardship provides the emotional relief necessary to keep going through loss.
</li>
<li>
Accepting Your Limits: Caregivers often wrestle with feelings of guilt or asking if they did enough; recognizing that you did the best you could with the tools you had is vital for peace of mind.
</li>
</ul>
About Keith
Out Comedian, Actor, Writer, radio personality, Keith Price is a dynamic and diverse comic energy who brings every aspect of himself to the stage for the purpose of laughter and understanding. He was the first out, African-American personality on Sirius XM Satellite Radio. He produces and performs in comedy shows in and outside of New York City. He also is the host and executive producer of his own podcast, Keith Price&rsquo;s Curtain Call available on Broadway World, ITunes, Google Play Music, as well as, MOCHAA with Bobby Rivers.
Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.
Caregiver SOS On Air is a presentation of the WellMed Charitable Foundation. For more resources, tips, and past episodes, visit caregiversos.org or email your questions to radio@wellmed.net.

Tool Kits for Caregivers with Deidre Edwards

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