You are doing your best. No one prepared you to be a caregiver. You did it because you care. I know you care because you are here. I know you want to be a better caregiver because you listen to these podcasts and visit important websites, like CircleOf.com. Your next step it to take some action. I want to help you to begin the New Year right. I want to show you how you can become a better caregiver in 7 days! In this podcast of Toula’s Tips for Caregivers, my friends from CircleOf.com, Kerry Lange and Alanna McLeod, and I reveal seven simple steps that you can take – and repeat every week – to make your caregiving life easier for you and for your loved one. Do you want to learn more, read my Blog on CircleOf.com. With all you have to do, I want to make it easy. But by taking these little steps each day in the week, you will find yourself healthier, more prepared, and less stressed. Even better, your loved one may be happier. Wishing you many blessings in 2022. Toula Wootan

Will your holidays be Merry and Bright? Christmas is supposed to be a joyous and holy time for us all. However, for caregivers, like you and me, it can also be a stressful, difficult time. The extra stress of trying to make the Season special and meaningful for our loved one is hard enough. Adding in family dynamics can really change the mood fast. That is why you need to listen to this Podcast of Toula’s Tips for Caregivers. My friends from CircleOf.com, Kerry Lange and Alanna McLeod, and I enjoyed an inspiring conversation sharing many helpful suggestions on how to make the Holidays meaningful and special for your loved one and for you. Kerry and Alanna also conveyed their “8 Tips on Creating a Care Calendar”, which is available on their web site, https://circleof.com/featured-content/ We know you will enjoy listening to our conversation. We want you to come out of the holidays without that burned-out feeling. You will be more light-hearted by knowing you did your best. OUR BEST ADVICE - Focus on the real meaning of Christmas: Family time and what is in your heart. We wish you Many Blessings for this Holiday Season. Don’t forget to visit the CircleOf.com web site and download their FAMILY CAREGIVING APP. Holiday Blessings to you Toula

Caregiving requires Teamwork Do you want a team of people around you for when you need help or advice? My new friends at “Circleof.com” can help. With their new APP, you can reduce the stress and hassle of finding people to help. You can create a circle of people around you to provide support. AND, you can make it easier for those around you to help you This App will keep you from wondering, “where to go when you don’t know where to turn to turn for help”. In this podcast of “Toula’s Tips for Caregivers”, Kerry Lange, COO and Chief Evangelist of CircleOf explains how their new APP will make a difference to you. Best of all – the App is FREE. (Visit CircleOf.com to download the FREE App) Kerry knows. She was caregiver for her father, mother and then stepfather. She lived with the stress and feelings of being overwhelmed. As Kerry explains, that is why she went to work with the developers of this App. She wants to help other caregivers There are many people in your life who want to help you, but don’t know what you need. They just want to be asked. You know that I always look out for you. I let you know about any resource that can help you as a caregiver. I believe this CircleOf app will really help you. (Visit Circleof.com)

Should you say, “It’s a RAPP””? If you want to help build a stronger community of seniors and caregivers, you should. If you want to help the many grandparents and relatives who are caring for their grandchildren or school-age relatives, you must. Most Importantly – I NEED YOUR HELP in spreading the word about Aging True’s RAPP Program in Duval and Clay Counties, Florida. In this podcast, my guest Jacinda Legions, Community Liaison with Aging True, explains how the “RAPP” program – “Relatives As Parents” Program – is making our community stronger by helping many senior and caregivers like you who have taken on the responsibility of raising children, either their grandchildren or close relatives. May is Older Americans’ Month. This is when we celebrate the strength of older adults and the Aging Network, with special emphasis on the power of connection and engagement in building strong communities. The RAPP Program is an essential part of this effort in Duval and Clay counties. RAPP is a voluntary program open to grandparents and relative caregivers ages 55 and above, caring for children under the age of 18. This support program is designed to assist the caregiver in resuming healthy aging practices and is tailored to best suit the participants’ needs. The program delivers educational training’s, monthly support groups in a comfortable and relaxed setting, transportation, long-term goal planning, bi-monthly newsletter with resources, yearly stipend for children’s summer camp and more. RAPPJAX is supported by a grant from the Delores Barr Weaver Fund. If you or someone you know is a grandparent or relative caring for a young child, learn more about RAPP by contacting Aging True at 904.807.1203, or visiting their website, agingtrue.org. Aging True is also looking for donations to maintain and expand the program. If you know of some organization who is willing to financially support Aging True and the RAPP Program, please call Jacinda directly at 904-807-1266 or by Email at jlegons@agingtrue.org Blessings Toula Wootan

It is a stressful decision. But you know that it will be the best decision for your loved one. You know that someday you may have to think about bringing your loved one in a place that can provide more care. It may be a rehab facility, an assisted living facility (ALF), or a nursing home. Your loved one comes first and most important. I want to help you to prepare NOW for the crucial questions. WHEN? WHERE? HOW? • When will be the right time? • Where is the best place? • How will you be able to afford it? YOUR FIRST STEP – Listen to this podcast of Toula’s Tips for Caregivers. My two guests are EXPERTS at helping you find the best answers for you and your loved one. The advice they share on this podcast will give you the answers and directions you need. Esther McMillan is the Daily Money Management Manager at Aging True Community Senior Services. She also is a National Certified Guardian. Aging True can help you to know when is the right time – or whether there are OTHER OPTIONS. (Visit their web site https://www.agingtrue.org/) Michael Saffy is owner of Silver Link consulting. They help you find the care your love one deserves (Visit their web site https://www.silverlinkconsulting.com/). Both have important suggestions on how to afford this care. I know how wrenching the decision will be. When we had to place my Mom in a memory care facility, it broke my Dad’s heart. When we placed my Dad in an assisted living facility, it broke my heart. I recognized how important that the advice and support from knowledgeable professionals would help me – and you – to make the best decisions for our loved ones. They are my guests on this podcast so that you, will be better prepared when the time comes to make that decision. When that time comes, I encourage you to seek out Aging True and Silver Link Consulting. If you need more, I am always here for you. Blessings Toula Wootan

The tables have turned for you. Are you okay? It used to be that work was the most important duty in your life. Your family and loved ones were there for love and support. Now, you are caring for that most important loved one. But you still have to work. I understand. The tables turned on me in 2012, when I became the main caregiver for my parents. But I still had to work, providing outreach and support for caregivers in Northeast Florida. And I still had to do my live radio show, every week. I admit. Sometimes the stress almost overcame me. The tables turned in this podcast of Toula’s Tips for Caregivers, also. I am the “guest” of the day, being interviewed by Nicole Egan, Care Services Director for Aging True. She wanted to hear more of my caregiving stories with my parents, especially while still working. As we talked, I shared some important tips that helped my success as a working caregiver. You are not alone. There are others going through what you are. There is help and support. Some of the valuable tips we talked about will help you: Talk to your bosses. Let them know your situation. Ask how they could accommodate.Know your company’s policies and programs. They are changing to keep valuable employees like you.Talk with other working caregivers.Find local agencies – like Aging True – whose mission is to provide care and support for you. You already know. Caring for your loved one will be the most meaningful and rewarding work you will ever do. But you don’t have to do it alone. You can learn more about Aging True’s services by visiting their web site (https://www.agingtrue.org/) or calling 904.807.1203. Their Customer Relations line for more detailed information, is 904.807.1225. If you need more, I am here for you. And Aging True is here for you, also. Blessings Toula Wootan

Caregiving is a reflection of your love.All that you do for your loved one (often unappreciated), and all the mistakes you feel you made by trying to be a better caregiver. The times you resist the urge to fix your loved one’s problems.That is your Valentine Story. In this podcast of Toula’s Tips for Caregivers, my guest shares her Caregiver Valentine Story with you. Terri Barton, CEO of Aging True, Inc, also cared for her husband, Bill, for five years, until his death in 2019. In the podcast, she shares her Valentine Story about those times and the lessons she learned.Terri explains why she is so appreciative of being given that time as Bill’s caregiver. She also admits that she made mistakes. She learned that it was important for to make Bill feel as independent as he could be. She also recognized that it was important for her to take time for herself, through diet, exercise and time away.In this Month of Love, highlighted by Valentine’s Day, Terri’s Caregiver Valentine Story will inspire you and encourage you.Wishing you a very Happy Valentine’s Day and a Blessed month of love and good care for you and your loved one.

You are not alone in your caregiving role. I know. You hear me say that all the time. That is why I introduce new people who are here to help you. In Northeast Florida, there is another MAJOR PLAYER for caregivers and seniors like you. Aging True is a non-profit, charitable organization that enables seniors to stay home and be independent. In this podcast, I talk with Megan Taylor, Care Transitions Program Manager, about all the services that Aging True is providing to support seniors and caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meals. Household items. Counseling. RESPITE. Home Health aides. RESPITE (yes – I said it twice. You need a break). Their Caregiver support program assists clients and/or caregivers in crisis. Aging True has a legacy of providing concern, compassion and care for seniors and caregivers. Megan and the Care Transitions Program team have been at the forefront of helping seniors and caregivers during the pandemic. You can learn more about Aging True and their programs by visiting their web site, http://agingtrue.com/, or by calling them at (904) 807-1203. I am proud to connect you with Aging True. I encourage you to get in touch with them today. Blessings Toula

My latest podcast is because I care for you.I share this message with you every year – Take Care Of Yourself, especially during the holidays.ESPECIALLY DURING THIS COVID-19 PANDEMIC.My podcast is the recording of my presentation during the Caregiver Coalition of NE Florida’s recent webinar.I talk about how you can be COPING WITH THE HOLIDAYS. I share some important information and advice.This year I discuss extra precautions we are asked to take (and should follow) to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the COVID-19 virus.I wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year. I look forward to working together with you (and, hopefully, seeing you in person again) in 2021.

Stop what you are doing and sit down!You are amazing. You don’t tell yourself that enough, but you are. Do you feel happy? With all the craziness of caregiving that you deal with every day, and the frantic pace you set for yourself from morning to night, it may be hard to be.Happiness is overrated. So, sit down, be still, and listen.My guest and I talk about this on my latest podcast of Toula’s Tips for Caregivers. For 35 years, Peter Rosenberger has been caregiver for his wife, Gracie, who lives with severe disabilities. Through his books, music, radio show and podcast, Peter demonstrates an unswerving commitment to strengthen fellow caregivers. LEARN MORE ABOUT PETER and his show, books and music at https://hopeforthecaregiver.com/music/Peter knows that happiness is fleeting. What is more important is to feel JOY. Feel PEACE. Find Joy and Peace in the knowledge that you are doing something wonderful for your loved one. Joy and Peace in the knowledge that God is with you, supporting you, protecting you.Peter encourages you to take time for yourself. Find an activity you like just for yourself, even if for just a few minutes. Find your Joy. Find your Peace.Take time to feel God’s presence. Listen to the Lord supporting you, helping you, encouraging you. God is saying that He is proud of you.Remember Scriptures. • Psalm 46:10. Be still and know that I am God • Psalm 62 5,6 Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress; I will not be shaken.So many find their worth in business. Joy and strength only in Him. I know you will find a new peace after listening to this podcast.Many BlessingsToula

You are not the only one dealing with this stress.There are millions of working caregivers like you, struggling to be a good, productive, and valuable employee while still giving your loved one the care and attention necessary for a life of quality.I understand. I worked for five years while taking care of my parents. Sometimes the stress was overwhelming.I have one strong suggestion for you. My guest on this podcast of Toula’s Tips for Caregivers shares the same advice in our conversation.TALK TO YOUR EMPLOYER. Let them know of your needs. Ask them about programs they have that can help you.Larry Nisenson is the Chief Commercial Officer for Genworth Financial, one of the largest national Life Insurance companies. They also have a unique program for employers, called CareScout® Caregiver Support Services. (FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT https://www.carescout.com/) CareScout is an innovative program designed to provide expert guidance and personal support for working caregivers struggling to find the right help for their loved one. When you listen to the podcast, make note of the advice and resources that Larry and I reveal.There is NO COST to employees to use the CareScout® Caregiver Support Services. Your employer can purchase it from Genworth as a benefit to you and your fellow employees.Your employer should understand: It SAVES the company money and productivity to help and keep a productive employee (like you).You should not have to sacrifice your job to take care of your loved one. You should not have to neglect your loved one to keep your job.CareScout and Genworth can help you. I will help you.BlessingsToula

Take care of yourself first.That has always been my message to you. I care for you. Take care of yourself so that you can take good care of your loved one.But there is more. Some day you will no longer need to be a caregiver. Are you prepared for that reality?On this podcast of Toula’s Tips for Caregivers, my guest Chris MacLellan (“The Bow Tie Guy”) and I talk about adjusting to life after caregiving. Chris lost his partner, Richard, in 2015. As you know, I lost both of my parents in the last two years. The transition is difficult.Chris transferred his grief into a role as a spokesperson and advocate for other caregivers. He is using his podcast, “Healing Ties”, and his Whole Care Network (https://www.thewholecarenetwork.com/), which brings together other caregiver advocates, to share advice, resources and encouragement to you and all caregivers.Listen as we talk about how all the tips we share with you for taking care of yourself will also help you after your role as a caregiver is over. Taking time for yourself, staying involved in activities you like, having caregiver buddies. These will help protect and prepare you.By protecting your identity now, as a caregiver, you are also protecting your individual identity for that time.Protect Your Identity: Now and After CaregivingBlessingsToula

You are not alone.I know the stress can be overwhelming. You have more demands as a caregiver while doing your part to stop the COVID-19 pandemic. This is an uncertain time. We feel forced into isolation.There is HOPE. I want to help you learn activities that will help you, and resources to support you.In this podcast of TOULA’S TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS, I talk with two authorities on caregiving and dealing with stress. They also have the resources to help you.Dr. Christine Caufield is CEO of LSF Health Systems and Executive Vice President, Lutheran Services Florida at Lutheran Services Florida. Terri Barton CEO Aging True, Jacksonville FL which provide seniors in Duval and Clay Counties, Florida, with the care and assistance they need to live independently.Chris and Terri reminded us of several crucial resources for you:•Aging True’s Telehealth Mental Health Counseling Program is available by calling 904.807.1243 (You Need To Talk To People)•Lutheran Services Florida a “24/7 Access To Care” Line available at any time, by calling 877.229.9098.•Aging True can conduct regular “Wellness Checks” to make sure you or your loved one are safe.•Aging True is still delivering meals to seniors; for some, they are delivering three meals a day for seniors.•Several organizations provide in-home respite (you can get help to take a break)We also collectively identified actions that you can take to help you and your loved one:•Find a “safe place” (as, your back yard) to retreat, enjoy nature and fresh air•Exercise (go for a walk or jog; tune into YouTube or TV exercise videos)•Read books has•Journal every day; make notes of your day, of your feelings, and of your dreams•Start a Gratitude Journal; every day list 3 blessings or joys•Pray. Meditate.•WATCH LESS NEWS•Focus on what you can control; adjust your daily routines •If you feel sad, or overwhelmed, REACH OUT FOR HELPYou are stronger than you know. You are a caregivers (caregivers are strong). You are older (you needed strength to get this far). You ask for help when needed (a major sign of strength).Remember what HOPE means: Hang On. Pain Ends. This will end.BlessingsToula Wootan

I have a new challenge for you.I want you to get out of your comfort zone; do something different.It will energize you. It will make you a better caregiver. It may even inspire others who you have never met.My guest on this podcast of Toula’s Tips for Caregivers is a great role model for you. Lynette Hipsher is Ms. Senior DIVA 2019. Although she had never even thought about being in a pageant before, she challenged herself. Now she has found that she is encouraging and influencing others, and gaining more confidence in herself.Lynette is also a caregiver, specializing in Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. That has been her platform as Ms. Senior DIVA for the past year. As Ms. Senior DIVA, Lynette has been an advocate for the State of Florida for Alzheimer’s and dementia causes.Lynette is a Certified Nursing Assistant. She started by caring for her grandparents. For 15 years, Lynette owned and operated her own private in-home daycare business. Now she is a private professional caregiver, specializing with Alzheimer's and dementia patients.As her one-year term ends, Lynette asks YOU to compete to be the next Ms. Senior DIVA in Jacksonville. She believes in you. And, she wants you to experience the joys of growing bolder, learning more and continuing to flourish.The Ms. Senior DIVA Pageant is open to all women ages 50 to 59. For women 60 or better, you can compete for the Ms. Senior Jacksonville title.Visit www.aseasonedaffair.com/senior-pageants.html to learn more and to submit your application. If you have any questions or concerns, email the Founder and Director, Kenyonn Demps at aseasonedaffairpageants@gmail.com or call (904) 323-2063.One way to be a better caregiver, to take better care of yourself, and to inspire more people, is to have more experiences.I hope you will accept my challenge. I promise that, if you do, I will have you on my podcast next year.BlessingsToula

Are you protecting yourself with self-quarantine and social distancing for the Coronavirus? GOOD!Are you feeling more isolated? PLEASE DON'T.**There is help.** Just because you are avoiding contact with others does not mean that you should feel isolated, especially if your loved one has dementia or Alzheimer’s.In this podcast of Toula’s Tips for Caregivers, my guest Charles Fuschillo, CEO of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA), explains the many resources that AFA provides for you.The AFA web site offers many online resources for caregivers, with home therapeutic activities to help you stay engaged during Coronavirus isolation. VISIT The Web Site (https://alzfdn.org/) Their National Toll-Free Helpline (866.232.8484) is staffed by compassionate licensed social workers who are specifically trained in dementia care. In my podcast, Dr Fuschillo talks about the many simple activities that the web site can show you how to do at home, such as:• Reminiscence activities, as looking through family picture albums, listening to music, or dancing to favorite songs• Tactile sensory stimulation, as flower arranging, small tasks or chores• Brain exercises to keep your mind active, enhance memory. • Social stimulation: as, video chats, text messaging, sending emails, telephone calls, or mailing letters. We care about you and your loved one. Check out the AFA resources. CALL THE **Toll-Free Helpline** **(866.232.8484)**I want you and your loved one to be safe and healthy. You are not here alone.BlessingsToula

Are you ready for a new adventure?My special guest on this podcast, Brenda Griffin, Ms. Senior Jacksonville 2019, wants you to try something new.She also wants you to be financially secure..Brenda is an inspiration to us all. She is an ordained minister, Bible Teacher, Financial Wellness Advocate, Information Broker, and an Influencer. She is most proud of being a wife, mother and grandmother. She is also a caregiver for her father, helping him navigate the health insurance programs, protecting his finances, protecting him from scammers. In the podcast, Brenda leaves us with several helpful suggestions from her years as a caregiver.Brenda shares a secret: having been named Ms Senior Jacksonville has given her a unique advantage to promote her cause and influence others to achieve more.YOU, too, CAN HAVE THAT OPPORTUNITY. Brenda encourages you to be a contestant in this year’s MS SENIOR JACKSONVILLE PAGEANT and the INAUGURAL MS. SENIOR DIVA PAGEANT (for women 50 to 59). To learn more, visit the website, ASeasonedAffair.com.One way to be a better caregiver, and to take care of yourself, is to have more experiences, so that you can inspire more people.

You can stop feeling isolated.As a caregiver for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s, I know that too often it is difficult for you to find places where you can feel safe, respected, and understood.That is why the Mayo Clinic and Eldersource have partnered with the Edward Waters College Disparities Center and community volunteers to help the New Town/College Gardens neighborhood become a dementia caring community.My guest on this podcast of Toula’s Tips for Caregivers, Catherine Powell, is an Assistant Coordinator for events at the New Town Memory Café.  Catherine talks about the mission and the upcoming activities designed to respond to the needs of dementia patients and their caregivers.The Memory Café is a safe and comfortable space where people with memory loss and their care partners can socialize, have fun, offer each other support, and exchange helpful information. It is free and open to all community members with memory loss, Alzheimer's disease, or related dementia & their care partners.I am excited to share this information with you about the New Town Dementia Friendly Community and the Memory Café.Blessings

As you get older, are you noticing that your memory is not as good as it used to be? Do you want help?Does your loved one have of a memory disorder, as Alzheimers or Dementia? Do you pray for help?BE ENCOURAGED. There are amazing people working on helping you.That includes my guest on this podcast of _Toula’s Tips for Caregivers_. Dr. Alan Snow is at the forefront in the diagnosis and treatment of brain aging and memory disorders. He has over 340 issued patents on new drugs, nutraceuticals, and screening technologies.He and his professional partner, Dr. Rudolph Tanzi, have created new programs and new medications to improve your memory. They are finding new medications to slow those diseases.In the podcast, Dr. Snow shares some exciting news about new treatments for memory disorders, both current and in the near future.His new “Vitamin For The Aging Brain” is PERCEPTA, a natural plant-based dietary supplement, available on their web and on Amazon.In the podcast, Dr. Snow also shares an important way that you can change your brain TODAY. Dr. Snow and his partner, Dr. Tanzi encourage you to change your lifestyle with SHIELD: Sleep, Handle Stress, Interact, Exercise, Learn New Things, and Diet. I hope you to be encouraged, and be changed by my interview with Dr. Snow. BlessingsToula Wootan

This Holiday Season is supposed to be the most joyous time of the year. For most people. But not for all of us.How do you feel, Toula? Are you singing, "HO. HO. HO.", or "NO. NO. NO."?Do you know others who are dealing with the STRESS of the season? Or the GRIEF of missing a loved one now? Or maybe someone having “anticipatory grief” for someone who is very ill?I understand. I still miss my Mom and Dad, and my son.But there is still joy to be found in this Season. And, it is okay to feel sad and glad.My special guest on this podcast is a friend who can help you. Rachel Weinstein is an authority on the topic of grief. She holds a Master's Degree in Education, with a specialty in Counseling and Counselor Education, from Indiana University. Rachel spent the early part of her career as a general psychotherapist, and later began specializing in the area of grief, loss, and life transition.Rachel is also an expert because she has lost people close to her, and has had to deal with those conflicting emotions.In this podcast, Rachel shares some practical ways we can cope with our feelings. She offers some simple actions we can take during the holidays to honor those we are grieving.Rachel is here to help you. If you find yourself having difficulty coping with a loss, and coping with the Holidays, contact Rachel by calling: (409) 540 – 4950, or email her at JaxCenterForGrief@gmail.com.I hope you also will gain some insight and comfort from this podcastHoliday BlessingsToula Wootan

Are you scared every time your loved one gets behind the wheel of the car?Are you sure there is something wrong? Are you ready to have “the talk”? Will you be able to do what is needed?Let’s face the truth. Some seniors should not be driving any more. But it is so difficult for family to do anything about it.My guest on this podcast, Matt Gurwell, CEO of Keeping Us Safe, LLC, can help you “have the talk”. He can help you to know whether your loved one should still be driving. He even created a comprehensive “Self-Assessment Program for Older Drivers” to objectively evaluate driving performance.Matt knows why this is important. He is retired from a very distinguished and successful 24-year career as an Assistant District Commander with the Ohio State Highway Patrol. He says he started “Keeping Us Safe” because, “It was the result of 20-plus years of holding dying people in my arms at terrible car accidents, and delivering dozens and dozens of death notifications to families. I would much rather work with families to bring a peaceful resolve to this sensitive and uncomfortable issue now, rather than have them deal with it when a State Trooper is knocking on their front door".If you want to know more, visit Matt’s web site, www.keepingussafe.org.BlessingsToula