Caregiving Episodes

Send us Fan Mail In this insightful interview, Sue Lloyd-Davies discusses her book Pinkie’s Turnabout (Fitzroy, February 2026), inspired by her own experiences caring for a loved one with dementia and her work with children in caregiving situations. The conversation explores the emotional journey of caregiving, the importance of understanding dementia, and how families can foster open conversations about these challenges. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Pinky's Turnabout 00:54 Inspiration Beh...

Send a text In this conversation, Dr. Mia and Dr. Catherine Madison discuss the complexities of caregiving for individuals with dementia, drawing from personal experiences and professional insights. They explore the importance of understanding advanced care planning, and the vulnerability of dementia patients to health challenges. The discussion also covers legal considerations for caregivers, tools for initiating end-of-life conversations, and lifestyle changes that can enhance brain health....

Send us a text In this conversation, Alex Drane and Dr. Mia discuss the challenges and realities of unpaid caregiving, emphasizing the importance of self-identification, data, and community support. They explore how caregivers often overlook their own needs while focusing on those they care for, and the necessity of finding respite and grace in their roles. The discussion also touches on the impact of caregiving on mental health, especially during stressful times like the holidays, and the ne...

Send us a text The "Mom, You're Grounded Podcast" hosts Allison and Jennifer discuss the GUIDE program with Dr. Mia, an innovative Medicare initiative designed to support caregivers and patients through comprehensive services and respite care. Mia Yang, a geriatrician, shares her expertise and insights on GUIDE (GUiding an Improved Dementia Experience) program. Self refer: GuideAHWFB@advocatehealth.org -NC Triad Guide@advocatehealth.org- NC greater Charlotte area www.MiaYangMD.com ...

Send us a text In this episode of the Ask Dr. Mia podcast, Dr. Mia speaks with Jodi Colada, a director of caregiver outreach, about engaging activities for family caregivers of loved ones living with dementia. They discuss the challenges caregivers face in getting their loved ones to participate in activities, the importance of creating a supportive environment, and various creative expressions that can foster connection. Jodi shares practical tips, resources, and tools to help caregivers eng...

Send us a text In this conversation, Dr. Mia discusses her personal experiences with caregiving and grief, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's role as a caregiver, the challenges of caregiver burnout, and the necessity of seeking support. She reflects on her relationship with her mother and the complexities of love and acceptance in the context of caregiving. Important Resources from this episode; Archangels Caregiver Quiz and Resources https://www.archangels.me/for-caregi...

Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Mia discusses the top misconceptions surrounding dementia and Alzheimer's disease, emphasizing the importance of understanding the differences between the two, the complexities of diagnosing dementia, and the implications of early diagnosis. She also addresses the common belief that Medicare covers in-home care for dementia patients and clarifies the realities of dementia care funding. https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/guide Chapt...

Send us a text In this heartfelt episode of the Ask Dr. Mia podcast, Dr. Mia sits down with Tamra Stokes, a transformational life coach, author, speaker, and founder of Reimagining Life Coaching. Known as The Authentic Caregiver Coach, Tamra empowers overwhelmed family caregivers to heal emotionally, rediscover themselves, and find fulfillment amid the demands of caregiving. Drawing from over 20 years as an educator and 4.5 years as the primary caregiver for her mother, Tamra brings wisdom, e...

Send us a text In this episode of Ask Dr. Mia, host Dr. Mia Yang speaks with Josh Marquess about his family's journey in transitioning his grandmother with Alzheimer's into a memory care facility. They discuss the special bond Josh has with his grandparents, the early signs of Alzheimer's, the emotional challenges of witnessing the progression of the disease, and the difficult decision-making process regarding care options. Josh shares insights on the benefits of memory care, the importance of f...

Send us a text In this episode of the Ask Dr. Mia podcast, Dr. Mia speaks with Jeannine Bryant, a downsizing expert, about the challenges and emotional aspects of helping seniors transition to smaller living spaces. They discuss the concept of "right sizing", the importance of planning, and when to seek professional help. Jeannine shares practical tips for decluttering, navigating family dynamics, and handling crisis situations, especially for those with memory issues. The conversation emphas...

Send us a text Summary In this episode of Ask Dr. Mia, Dr. Mia shares her personal journey as a caregiver for her mother, who passed away from ovarian cancer. She discusses the challenges of navigating caregiving, grief, and the complexities of relationships between caregivers and their aging parents. Dr. Mia emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting the wishes of loved ones, especially when it comes to treatment options, and reflects on her own experiences and feelings of unreso...

Send us a Text Message. Bill Cohen, a certified senior advisor, shares his experience in helping families navigate the challenges of caregiving for a loved one with dementia. He emphasizes the importance of open communication and allowing each family member to express their opinions and concerns. Bill also discusses the training required to become a certified senior advisor and the holistic approach they take to caregiving. He highlights the role of financial considerations in caregiving decisio...

Send us a Text Message. Dr. Mia uses a composite patient Ms. Smith's story to demonstrate her journey through different levels of care, from home to hospital, to skilled nursing facility (SNF), and then back to home. She discusses assisted living vs nursing home vs memory care unit and insurance payment options for them. Additional resources: Eldercare Locator (acl.gov) Nursing home facility ratings per Medicare: enter your zip code below Find Healthcare Providers: Compare Care Near You | Medi...

In this episode, Dr. Mia interviews David McLawhorn, a grief counselor, about his work and the topic of grief. David shares his personal journey into grief counseling and discusses the differences between grief and depression. He also explains the phases of grief and the challenges of anticipatory grief and ambiguous loss. David provides insights into how grief counselors can support individuals who are grieving and recommends resources for further reading. The conversation emphasizes the import...

In the final episode of season three, Dr. Mia reflects on her love for working with people living with dementia and their caregivers. She shares the inspiring story of a couple, Bill and Pat, who exemplify the extraordinary daily acts of caregiving. Dr. Mia discusses the importance of acknowledging, validating, and redirecting communication strategies for dementia care. She also explores the complex emotions and grief that caregivers experience and emphasizes the need for self-compassion and men...

In this episode, Dr. Mia interviews Jeff Bloomfield, an estate planning lawyer from Carolina Estate Planning, to discuss the importance of estate planning and related legal documents. They cover topics such as the difference between a trust and a will, the probate process, and the impact of Medicaid on long-term care services. They also address common issues with power of attorney and guardianship, and emphasize the importance of estate planning for everyone, regardless of their wealth. Jeff pro...

Dr. Mia talks with Caroline Prioleau, writer for the Global Brain Health Institute at University of California San Francisco's Memory & Aging Center and co-lead of the Hear/Say oral history project that collects stories from people's experiences with dementia, aging, creativity and caregiving. We talked about a new documentary called Keys Bags Names Words - about hope in dementia. Sign up for a virtual or in-person screening here. Music & disclaimer Support the show Video on Ask Dr. Mia Y...

Dr. Mia talks with Dr. Ashley Sanderlin about how to advocate for yourself or your love ones within the healthcare system. Ashley H. Sanderlin, PhD is a passionate researcher that investigates modifiable risk factors and early interventions for Alzheimer’s disease. She was the first African American to attain a PhD in Neuroscience from Michigan State University. As an Assistant Professor in Biology at NC A&T State University, Dr. Sanderlin serves as the site Principal Investigator of the North ...

Returning back to Season 3 of Ask Dr. Mia Podcast talking about what is Comprehensive Dementia Care and Medicare's new program to pay for it. Health Affairs' article on Comprehensive Dementia Care: https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/payment-comprehensive-dementia-care-five-key-recommendations Medicare's GUIDE program: Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience: https://innovation.cms.gov/innovation-models/guide D-CARE Study: https://www.dcare-study.org/ Music & disclaimer Supp...

With the recent news of Bruce Willis' diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia, I talk with Dr. Halima Amjad about her own personal journey with her late father's FTD diagnosis as well as her professional role in dementia care and research. Dr. Halima Amjad is an assistant professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Her career as a geriatrician and health services researcher centers around people living with dementia. She cares for patients at the Johns Hopkins Memory ...

Dr. Mia talks with Frances Hall and Bob Cain about the unique needs of adult children who are caring for their aging parents and how their organization Adult Children of Aging Parents (ACAP) helps. Frances Hall is the founder of ACAP, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing information, resources, and community for adult children caring for their aging parents and themselves. Bob Cain is a Chapter Coordinator for the Winston-Salem NC chapter of ACAP and Vice President of Marketing for Pied...

Dr. Mia talks with Neal Shah, CEO and Co-Founder of CareYaya, a new way to find eldercare at home: leveraging college students interested in healthcare careers and technology to create affordable $15/hr direct pay between the person who need care and the student. Newly expanded into NC triad (Winston-Salem, High Point, Greensboro) area as well as Wilmington area. Families/clients to request care from CareYaya here. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Students who are interested in becoming a care...

Dr. Mia talks with Samantha Culler, LCSW at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist's Memory Counseling Program about her professional and personal journey of being a care partner. Neither of them speak on behalf of their employer and views expressed are theirs only. Memory Counseling Program: https://www.wakehealth.edu/locations/clinics/m/memory-counseling-program-sticht-center Dementia care partners' support group manuals and books: https://www.centerforloss.com/bookstore/a-support-group-for-peopl...

Dr. Mia talks about the difficult but common safety issues in Steve & Nina's story. 4 M's of safety problems in people with mild/early stage dementia: money, medications, meals, and mobility/driving. Driving safety: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/driving-safety-and-alzheimers-disease Older adults & driving: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/older-drivers Find an OT who does driving tests: https://www.aota.org/practice/practice-settings/driving-community-mobility/driving--community-mobilit...