In this episode of Caregiver Conversations, Kristie King and Antonia Harbin Lamb are joined by two special guests, Joshua DeLisle, President of the Monroe Aging Consortium, and Dr. Emily Neal, physical therapist and owner of Courageous Rehab and Wellness. Together, they dive into the crucial topic of caregiver health and wellness, exploring both the challenges and the solutions available to those caring for loved ones. Joshua discusses the role of the Monroe Aging Consortium in providing community support and resources for caregivers, while Dr. Neal offers valuable insights into managing stress and maintaining physical well-being through practical exercises and fun activities. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with expert advice, from building a support team to taking proactive steps to preserve your own health while caring for others.
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Kristie: [00:00:00] Welcome to Caregiver Conversations, where we explore the challenges and triumphs of caregiving with compassion and expertise. I'm Kristie King, Executive Director of the Southeast Michigan Senior Regional Collaborative.
Antonia: And I'm Antonia Harbin Lamb, a staff attorney with the Elder Law and Advocacy Center, a division of Neighborhood Legal Services, Michigan. Today, we have two special guests who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our discussion on caregiver health and wellness. Joining us are Joshua DeLisle, President of the Monroe Aging Consortium, and Dr. Emily Neal, physical therapist and owner of Courageous Rehab and Wellness. Welcome, Joshua and Emily.
Joshua: Good afternoon.
Emily: Hello there. Thank you.
Kristie: Great to have you both with us today. Joshua, could you start by telling us a little bit about the Monroe Aging Consortium itself?
Joshua: Absolutely, Kristie. The Monroe Aging Consortium is a collection of different agencies, businesses, and individuals who, in various ways, serve the senior population here in Monroe County. The group ranges from the owner and operator of Merkel Funeral Services to any of the nursing homes here in town, assisted living facilities, senior centers, independent living facilities, physical therapy providers, and different charitable agencies—essentially anyone whose main focus is serving the senior population here.
Kristie: What are some of the activities of the consortium, or MAC, as you’re more commonly known?
Joshua: The consortium has a networking component as one aspect of what we do. It’s a one-stop shop for connecting people with different services here in town. Through one of our members, we help guide individuals to the resources they may need. We also host summits twice a year, focused on educating the public about senior-related issues. Most years, we hold a health and wellness summit and either a safety summit or a caregiver summit like the one we’re hosting this year. The summits provide information, education, and opportunities for attendees to connect with the human faces behind the services they’re seeking.
Many times, people don’t know where to start when they suddenly need help with their aging parents or when they themselves are seniors in need of assistance. We aim to be that starting point. In addition to the summits, we also host an annual event called the Biz Senior Monroe Celebration. This event honors senior women in the community, highlighting their lives, advice, and achievements. This year, we held it at Monroe County Community College, with just shy of 400 attendees. It was a beautiful and heartwarming celebration.
Kristie: Wow, it sounds like MAC is doing some incredible work building the community around aging services. Can you tell us more about the upcoming Caregiver Summit and what attendees can expect this year?
Joshua: This year, on Thursday, August 22nd, starting at 10:00 AM, we’re hosting a Caregiver Summit in partnership with AgeWell Services of West Michigan, formerly known as the Area Agency on Aging 1-B. They received a grant to provide educational opportunities for both seniors who are caregivers and those who are caring for seniors. Since Monroe County is part of their region, they reached out to us to collaborate on this summit.
The summit will feature speakers addressing the emotional, mental, and physical challenges of caregiving. We have two main speakers: Dr. James Mang, a PhD who will discuss the emotional and mental stress of caregiving, particularly for those caring for someone with dementia, and Dr. Emily Neal, who’s here with us today, who will focus on the importance of caregivers taking care of their physical well-being.
Kristie: Those are such important topics. Will you have vendors there?
Joshua: Absolutely. We’ll have vendors and sponsors present, and there will be opportunities both before and after the presentations for attendees to meet with them. Additionally, our members and sponsors will participate in a panel discussion at the end of the day to address specific questions attendees may have and guide them to the right resources.
One of the biggest goals of this summit is to create a sense of community for caregivers. Coming out of the pandemic, many people feel isolated and overwhelmed. Events like this help remind them that they’re not alone and that there are compassionate, understanding people ready to help them navigate their challenges.
Kristie: Absolutely—building that community around caregiving is key.
Antonia: We know caregiving can take a significant toll on individuals. Joshua, can you share your insights on the physical, mental, and emotional toll caregiving can take?
Joshua: When I meet with families who are caring for aging parents or loved ones, one of the first things I notice is how exhausted they are. As people age and start needing help—whether due to dementia, physical ailments, or other challenges—the dynamic shifts, and it can be overwhelming for both the person in need and their caregivers. There’s a sense of loss, fear, and often isolation as people try to adjust.
Caregivers often take on the emotional burden of their loved ones, unintentionally absorbing their stress, fears, and frustrations. This emotional toll can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even physical health issues for the caregiver. They may feel like they’re facing these challenges alone, without knowing where to turn for support.
It’s critical that caregivers recognize the importance of self-care and building a support network. No one should go through this alone, and there are people and resources out there that can help.
Antonia: That’s such an important point. How does the Monroe Aging Consortium support caregivers in managing these challenges?
Joshua: The most important thing MAC does is connect people with the right resources. We’re a tight-knit group, and we have direct access to each other’s expertise and services. If someone comes to me with a challenge that I can’t personally address, I know exactly who to call and can get them connected quickly—whether they need legal assistance, help finding a facility, or support for home caregiving. We also bring people together at events like the Caregiver Summit, where they can meet others going through similar experiences and find comfort in knowing they’re not alone.
Antonia: That sense of community can be so empowering. What advice do you have for caregivers struggling to maintain their health while caring for their loved ones?
Joshua: My biggest piece of advice is to be willing to ask for help. Many caregivers feel like they have to do everything on their own, but that’s simply not true. It’s okay to raise your hand and say, “I need assistance.” There are people who want to help and can help, but they can’t do that unless you let them know you need it. Like Mr. Rogers said, “If it’s mentionable, it’s manageable.”
Antonia: Thank you for that great advice, Joshua.
Kristie: Let’s move on to talk with Dr. Neal about the physical effects of stress and the importance of exercise. Dr. Neal, you specialize in treating Parkinson’s disease symptoms and helping older adults improve their balance and strength. Can you explain the physical effects of stress on the body, especially for caregivers?
Emily: Stress, at its most basic level, triggers the fight-or-flight response. When we perceive a threat—whether it’s a challenging situation at home or the emotional strain of caring for a loved one—our body releases adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline increases our heart rate and blood pressure, while cortisol, often called the stress hormone, regulates functions like blood sugar levels, metabolism, and immune responses.
For caregivers, chronic stress can suppress the immune system, making them more susceptible to illness. Research shows that caregivers have antibody responses 15% lower than non-caregivers and stress hormone levels 23% higher. Over time, this can lead to chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
It’s essential to address this stress and take proactive steps to manage it. Finding support, whether through groups like the Southeast Michigan Senior Regional Collaborative, MAC, or other local organizations, is crucial for caregivers’ well-being.
Kristie: That’s such valuable information. Can we talk a little about the importance of exercise in managing stress? What types of physical activities would you recommend for caregivers, considering their busy schedules?
Emily: Exercise is incredibly effective at lowering cortisol levels and combating the physical effects of stress. It also boosts serotonin and endorphin levels, which help improve mood and mental well-being. The good news is that the exercises don’t have to be extreme. In fact, research shows that low-impact, light-intensity activities are often more effective at reducing stress.
Activities like yoga, bodyweight exercises (squats, pushups, etc.), walking, and even biking are great options. If your loved one is able, consider including them in your activities. For instance, going for a walk outside together can be a simple but effective way to reduce stress while also getting some fresh air and a change of scenery.
Antonia: Those are some great suggestions for simple yet effective exercises. Dr. Neal, you also emphasize the importance of having fun with physical activities. Can you share some ideas for activities caregivers and their loved ones can enjoy together?
Emily: Definitely! Even something as simple as tossing a balloon back and forth can be a fun and engaging activity. You can also play games like cornhole, do indoor bowling with a light ball, or enjoy memory games and card games together. Gardening can be another enjoyable activity—planting herbs or flowers, and then using those as conversation starters.
It’s all about finding activities that can be adapted to your loved one’s abilities while still allowing both of you to enjoy the time together.
Antonia: Those are wonderful ideas. Transfer training is also crucial for preventing injuries in both caregivers and their loved ones. Can you explain what transfer training involves and why it’s so important?
Emily: Transfer training involves safely moving someone from one surface to another, like from a chair to a bed or from a wheelchair to a toilet. It’s important because improper lifting techniques can lead to serious injuries for both the caregiver and the person being moved.
For those who need help with this, a physical or occupational therapist can assess the situation, determine the best approach, and provide training on using equipment like gait belts, slide boards, or mechanical lifts. The goal is to make sure everyone is safe and that the transfer process is as smooth as possible.
Antonia: Thank you, Dr. Neal, for that important information.
Kristie: This conversation has been all about supporting caregivers’ well-being. Joshua, as we wrap up, what are some practical steps caregivers can take to support their own well-being?
Joshua: To build on what Dr. Emily said, get support from professionals who can help make your environment safe for caregiving. But beyond that, find time to bring joy into your day. Dance, sing, and celebrate small victories. It’s important to balance the seriousness of caregiving with moments of lightness and positivity.
Also, remember that caregiving is not a solo sport. Build a team. Whether it’s family, friends, or professionals, you need people who can help share the load. And if the first set of professionals you approach don’t give you what you need, keep asking. There are so many good people out there who are ready and willing to help—you just have to be open to letting them in.
Kristie: That’s such valuable advice, Joshua—finding those with a heart for caregiving and building a strong support team. So, Joshua, how can listeners find more information about the programs and services offered by the Monroe Aging Consortium, or MAC?
Joshua: We’re currently rebuilding our website, so for now, the best way to connect with us is through our Facebook page, Monroe Aging Consortium. You can also call us at (734) 240-3290 to RSVP for the Caregiver Summit on August 22nd. The event is free, and it’s a great opportunity to meet vendors, hear from experts like Dr. Emily Neal and Dr. James Mang, and build that sense of community we’ve been talking about.
Kristie: That sounds like a great place to connect and build that support network. Dr. Neal, how can listeners find more information about the services and programs you offer at Courageous Rehab and Wellness?
Emily: You’re welcome to call me directly at (734) 735-2421, or email me at CRWellnessLLC@gmail.com. You can also find me on Facebook under Courageous Rehab and Wellness LLC, where you’ll find more information about my services and the physical location of my practice.
Kristie: Thank you so much, Dr. Neal.
Antonia: Thank you, Joshua. And thank you both for sharing your insights and expertise with us today. It’s clear that supporting caregiver health and wellness is essential for providing the best care for our loved ones.
Kristie: To our listeners, thank you for joining us on this episode of Caregiver Conversations. Be sure to subscribe and download the podcast on your favorite platform to stay updated on future episodes. Join us next time as we continue to explore important topics in caregiving and senior support. Stay connected with us on social media and share your caregiving stories. Until next time, take care and keep caring.