In this episode of the Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes Jason Brown, a legacy strategist and entrepreneur. Jason shares his compelling life story from being a young entrepreneur in California to dealing with the tragic loss of his wife. He emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and having essential conversations about legacy and end-of-life planning. Jason introduces his innovative 'Legacy Card Deck,' designed to facilitate meaningful discussions on topics such as medical decisions, financial planning, love, and personal legacy. Jason's profound personal experiences and insights make this episode a valuable resource for anyone navigating the challenges of the sandwich generation while searching for the tools and insights needed to prepare for the future and create a lasting impact.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:12 Jason Brown's Early Life and Entrepreneurial Journey
04:41 Meeting His Wife and Starting a Family
07:24 A Life-Changing Diagnosis
18:06 Navigating Grief and Finding Purpose
23:05 Creating the Legacy Card Deck
34:20 Advice on Medical Power of Attorney
41:24 Expanding the Legacy Conversation
46:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
To learn more about The Legacy Card Deck, visit https://thelegacycarddeck.com/
Subscribe to the When What If Happens podcast at https://www.youtube.com/@whenwhatifhappens
Follow Jason and The Legacy Card Deck on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasondowntownbrown/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legacycarddeck/
In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes Albert Eshoo and Joyce Barocas, owners of Right at Home Home Care in New York City. They discuss their paths into the home care industry and delve into the new Medicare GUIDE Program, designed to assist families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer's and dementia. The discussion covers the limitations of traditional Medicare coverage, the importance of activities of daily living (ADLs), and the significant benefits of the GUIDE program, including free access to care navigators and respite care. The episode provides listeners with comprehensive insights on how to effectively utilize home care services and the GUIDE program to maintain their loved ones' independence and improve the quality of life for caregivers.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:29 Getting into Home Care: Personal Stories
03:22 Understanding the Home Care Crisis
04:44 Medicare and Home Care: The Basics
08:22 Introducing the GUIDE Program
12:46 Steps to Access the GUIDE Program
15:24 Comprehensive Services of the GUIDE Program
22:06 Training and Safety in Home Care
27:41 When to Call a Professional
36:06 Conclusion and Contact Information
To learn more about Right at Home, visit their website at https://www.rightathome.net/lower-manhattan
For RightConversation resources, visit https://www.rightathome.net/lower-manhattan/resources/guides/right-conversations
Follow Right at Home on social media:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/RightatHomeCare
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RightAtHomeLowerManhattan
Twitter: https://x.com/rightathomeNY
Connect with Albert and Joyce on LinkedIn:
In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes Rachel Welch, a women’s pre and postnatal fitness pioneer and founder of Revolution Motherhood, and her new program created to help pre-, menopausal, and post-menopausal women. Rachel discusses the crucial role self-care plays in women's health, the motivation behind creating Revolution Motherhood, and the importance of valuing and understanding women's bodies through different life stages. She also offers advice on finding trusted healthcare providers and cutting through the noise of abundant but inconsistent health information, particularly in the menopause space. The conversation underscores the necessity of community and support for women, especially those in the sandwich generation.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:11 Rachel's Journey and Revolution Motherhood
06:18 The Importance of Self-Care
14:09 Navigating the Healthcare System
25:21 Building a Supportive Community
36:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
To learn more about Revolution Motherhood, visit their website at https://www.revolutionmotherhood.com/
Connect with Revolution Motherhood on social media:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/revolution-motherhood/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revolutionmotherhood/#
In this episode of 'The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide,' host Candace Dellacona welcomes Ben Kruger, a thought leader in modern healthcare. Ben shares his journey from a career in Hollywood to co-founding Sollis Health, a company providing concierge urgent and emergent care, and his latest venture, Appian, which aims to holistically support aging adults and their families.
Ben discusses the inspiration behind his ventures, the complexities of the US healthcare system, and the importance of proactive planning in aging well. The conversation emphasizes the significance of early engagement, active listening, and creating a supportive infrastructure for aging loved ones, touching on the emotional and logistical challenges faced by the sandwich generation.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:54 Ben Kruger's Journey from Hollywood to Healthcare
10:46 The Birth of Sollis Health
17:17 The Concept and Growth of Concierge Care
20:48 Introducing Appian
25:23 The Importance of Planning for Aging
30:28 Engaging in Conversations About Aging
44:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Connect with Ben on social media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-kruger-35a745b/
In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes Jack Wang, a wealth advisor at Innovative Advisory Group and host of 'The Smart College Buyer' podcast. They discuss Jack's journey from commercial banking to wealth advising with a focus on college financial aid planning. Jack provides in-depth strategies on how families can maximize financial aid, the importance of early planning, and the nuances of different aid sources. They also explore the role of grandparents and other family members in contributing to college costs, and the implications of different types of contributions. Jack offers practical advice for parents to ensure they are financially prepared for their child's college education without compromising their own financial stability. Tune in to gain valuable insights and tips for securing financial aid and making informed decisions about paying for college.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:30 Jack Wang's Background and Career Journey
02:00 Transition to College Financial Aid Planning
05:18 Early College Financial Planning
13:55 Understanding Financial Aid and Scholarships
28:39 Navigating Student Loans and Family Finances
33:30 Grandparents' Role in College Funding
39:47 Conclusion and Podcast Promotion
To subscribe to the Smart College Buyer, visit https://smartcollegebuyer.podbean.com/
Follow Jack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejackwang/
In this episode of 'The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide,' host Candace Dellacona welcomes Dr. Jonathan Knaul, a distinguished Royal Canadian Air Force pilot and commander, NATO mission leader, instructor at the National Test Pilot School, and author of 'Final Approach, a Test Pilot’s Story of Caring for Loved Ones.'
Jonathan shares his impressive background, from leading high-stakes military missions to training elite military pilots, through his journey as a caregiver for his parents and the heartfelt motivation behind writing his book. He discusses the skills he learned as a decorated military pilot and commander in the RCAF, how he used those skills when dealing with the complexities of caregiving, and the emotional and practical challenges of advocating for loved ones with dementia. Jonathan provides valuable advice on how to maintain the dignity of your aging loved ones and how to manage caregiver burnout. Jonathan and Candace also discuss the importance of community and self-care all while navigating this demanding role.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:29 Jonathan Knaul's Background and Career
02:21 Writing the Book: A Love Letter to Parents
04:18 Stories of Jonathan's Parents
07:28 Challenges and Rewards of Caregiving
13:45 Decision Making and Family Dynamics
26:38 Caregiver Burnout and Final Thoughts
28:30 Conclusion and Community Resources
To purchase Jonathan’s book and subscribe to his newsletter, visit https://finalapproachbook.com/.
In this episode of the Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona speaks with Nicole àBeckett and Dr. Shruti Roy, co-founders of the innovative technology platform Hero Generation. Nicole and Shruti share their personal caregiving experiences that inspired them to create Hero Generation, a comprehensive web-based tool designed to support family caregivers. This first of its kind technology provides Sandwich Generation members medical and legal resources, tools to organize and manage caregiving responsibilities, and a community to help caregivers manage the emotional and logistical challenges they face. The discussion highlights the important role that technology can play in caregiving and how technology can support, organize, and manage these responsibilities. Candace commends the founders for their mission-driven approach and the value Hero Generation brings to caregivers.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:51 Nicole's Caregiving Journey
04:15 Shruti's Caregiving Experience
06:46 The Hero Generation Platform
07:40 Platform Features and Benefits
11:23 Community and Support for Caregivers
25:32 Accessing Hero Generation
28:19 Closing Remarks and Gratitude
For more information about Hero Generation, visit https://www.herogen.co/
Follow Hero Generation on social media:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/herogeneration/
Join host Candace Dellacona in this insightful episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, featuring Dr. Gerda Maissel, founder of My MD Advisor. Candace and Dr. Maissel discuss “solo agers” and the unique challenges they face. Learn about critical strategies for single people as they age, including building community, ensuring proper medical care, and legal planning to navigate aging independently or with limited family support. This episode provides valuable insights for both solo agers and their loved ones!
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:30 Dr. Gerda Maissel's Background and My MD Advisor
01:07 Personal Story: The Catalyst for My MD Advisor
02:29 Challenges in the Healthcare System
05:30 The Concept of Solo Aging
09:14 Fears and Realities of Solo Agers
22:56 Building Community and Support Networks
25:52 Legal and Medical Preparations for Solo Agers
29:38 When to Seek Professional Help
31:45 Conclusion and Contact Information
For more information about My MD Advisor, visit:
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In this episode of the Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona is joined by Neal Shah and Sydney Rosbury from CareYaya, an innovative platform transforming the elder care industry.
Neal shares his journey from Wall Street to full-time caregiver to founder of CareYaya. The CareYaya on-line platform connects university students with seniors in need of companion-level care, offering a cost-effective and reliable alternative to traditional home care. Sydney, a pre-med senior at the University of Michigan, discusses the intergenerational experiences and the invaluable skills she gained as a caregiver with CareYaya. Additionally, Neal introduces Counterforce Health, a new project utilizing AI to assist families in appealing denied health insurance claims, aiming to alleviate caregiver stress. The episode highlights the importance of personalized, affordable care and the growing need for innovative solutions in the aging population.
00:00 Introduction to the Sandwich Generation Survival Guide
01:19 Meet Neal Shah: From Finance to Caregiving
03:58 The Birth of CareYaya
05:24 Sydney Rosbury's Journey with CareYaya
07:10 What is CareYaya?
08:39 Innovations and Impact of CareYaya
12:49 Challenges in the Care Industry
19:30 CareYaya's Expansion and Future Plans
29:19 Exciting New Projects: Counterforce Health
32:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona interviews Beth Weeks, a registered nurse and co-founder of Senior Living Consultants of New York.
Beth discusses the complexities of senior housing, including options such as aging in place, independent living, and assisted living facilities. She shares her personal journey that led her to specialize in senior care, as well as the mission of her consultancy to bring clarity, transparency, and advocacy to families navigating these decisions. The conversation covers the importance of safety, financial planning, and the evolving landscape of senior housing that is becoming more inclusive of diverse communities and specialized needs.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:02 The Growing Senior Population
01:43 Beth's Background and Motivation
03:21 Challenges in Senior Housing
05:10 Different Senior Housing Options
05:55 Safety Concerns for Aging in Place
08:36 Independent Living vs. Assisted Living
14:30 When to Consider Skilled Nursing
18:03 Cost Considerations and Financial Planning
27:00 The Future of Senior Living Communities
29:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
For more information on Senior Living Consultants of New York, visit:
In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona is joined by financial planner and author Sherry Finkel Murphy. They discuss the unique challenges of the 'Triple Decker Sandwich Generation,' a term coined to describe the multitasking demands of caring for aging parents, children, and grandchildren simultaneously. Sherry shares her experiences and strategies for managing these responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of stopping self-reproach, advocating for oneself and planning wisely.
Highlights include the significance of 'radical flexibility,' the concept of a 'Forget You Fund' for financial independence, and ways to find joy and self-care amidst multigenerational obligations. Sherry also delves into the historical context of increasing life expectancy and its impact on family dynamics, offering practical advice for living a fulfilling life even when caught between generations.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:24 Sherry's Background and Skillset
01:17 The Concept of Madrina Molly™
02:37 Challenges of the ‘Triple Decker Sandwich Generation’
04:22 Financial Planning for Women
09:29 Housing and Flexibility
16:23 Living in the Now and Financial Tips
24:25 The ‘Forget You Fund’ and Career Pivots
31:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
For more information, visit:
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In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes entrepreneurial power couple Kass and Mike Lazerow. They discuss their book Shoveling $h!t: A Love Story, which details how to successfully build your business, and shares the harsh realities and joys of entrepreneurship.
During the episode, Kass and Mike delve into their origin story, the importance of picking the right partner in business as in life, and how they support the entrepreneurial community through investments and mentorship. They reveal their four-part approach—vision, communication, mindset, and workload—and the creation of their Go-Gauge™ to help evaluate business ideas. Kass and Mike also discuss work-life balance, offering personal anecdotes about juggling family life with running a business, the significance of modeling good behavior for their children, and the importance of consistency in both personal and professional spheres. The episode wraps up with a note on their continued commitment to giving back through initiatives like Cycle for Survival.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:29 Kass and Mike's Origin Story
02:34 Entrepreneurial Journey and Book Inspiration
04:16 Writing the Book Together
06:22 The Importance of Picking the Right Partner
15:22 The Go-Gauge™ and Evaluating Business Ideas
22:22 Balancing Family and Entrepreneurship
29:28 Modeling Success for Kids and Founders
34:38 Conclusion and Book Pre-order Information
To preorder Shoveling $h!t: A Love Story, visit:
For more information on Kass and Mike, visit:
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In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes Katie Schumacher, founder of Don't Press Send, to discuss the challenges and responsibilities faced by the sandwich generation when managing children's internet usage, the emotional disconnect fostered by screens, and the importance of teaching empathy.
Katie shares her journey of creating Don't Press Send, offers tips for parents and teachers on promoting digital wellness, and underscores the crucial role of mindful social media usage. She also dives into practical strategies for dealing with cyberbullying and the negative impact of social media on children's mental health. The episode concludes with actionable advice on how to create a supportive environment for kids navigating the digital landscape.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:42 The Birth of Don't Press Send
01:44 Understanding the Impact of Technology on Children
03:25 Teaching Empathy and Emotional Connection
06:30 Practical Tips for Parents and Children
08:33 Digital Wellbeing and Cyber Civics
11:21 The Pressure of Social Media and Parental Responsibility
15:39 Supporting Children Through Online Mistakes
18:59 The Impact of Parental Involvement
19:20 Challenges Faced by Today's Children
19:56 Parental Intervention Strategies
22:46 School's Role in Addressing Online Issues
25:15 The Ripple Effect of Tragedies
26:37 Guiding Children in the Digital Age
32:05 The Importance of Attention and Presence
33:49 Resources and Final Thoughts
For more information, visit:
To purchase Katie’s books, visit:
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In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes Karen Covy, a distinguished divorce coach and attorney dedicated to helping her clients navigate the divorce process.
Karen shares her journey from a traditional matrimonial lawyer to a divorce coach, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's options when preparing for divorce. She discusses the role of a divorce coach, the stages of divorce decision-making, and the cost-effectiveness of hiring a coach.
The conversation covers the collaborative approach involving lawyers and coaches, mediation versus litigation, and the preparation required for an amicable divorce. Karen highlights how a divorce coach can make the divorce process less painful and more efficient, ultimately leading to better outcomes for clients.
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In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona is joined by award-winning author Phil Callaway. Phil shares his inspiring journey into surviving the Sandwich Generation by finding the humor and discovering the vital role that laughter plays in navigating life's family challenges as a caregiver.
Phil discusses his acclaimed book, “Family Squeeze,” detailing his experiences as a caregiver for his aging parents while also raising his own children, highlighting the unique hurdles faced by the sandwich generation. He provides insights on family dynamics and the importance of professional care, while offering encouragement for caregivers and emphasizing the necessity of self-care practices like laughter and finding confidants to share their experiences.
Throughout the conversation, Phil underscores the profound impact of how maintaining humor during tough times can have on a positive effect on the whole family.
Learn more about Phil Callaway, and purchase your copy of “Family Squeeze”:
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In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes Dawn Nargi, Executive Director and founder of The W Connection, a nonprofit organization supporting widows through connection, encouragement, education, and empowerment.
Dawn shares her personal story of loss and the inception of The W Connection. The discussion highlights the unique challenges of widowhood and underscores the importance of peer-led support and social connections in the healing process. The conversation further explores the need for widows to redefine their lives and establish a "new normal" while providing practical advice for friends and family on offering meaningful support.
The W Connection's ongoing impact and commitment to assisting widows, particularly those in the Sandwich Generation who may face simultaneous responsibilities for their children and aging parents, emphasizes the continuing need for community support and resources for widows navigating their journeys.
Learn more about The W Connection:
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In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona is joined by Dr. Ashwini Bapat, a hospice and palliative care physician from EpioneMD, who brings a wealth of knowledge from her training at Tufts, Yale, and Harvard. Dr. Bapat delves into the complexities of caring for loved ones with serious illnesses, highlighting the vital importance of engaging in meaningful conversations about living with such conditions. She clarifies the distinction between palliative care, which provides an extra layer of support at any illness stage, and hospice care, focused on holistic support during the final months of life. Families are encouraged to approach these difficult discussions with a listening mindset rather than an agenda, paving the way for open dialogues about care preferences, future living arrangements, and the complexities of denial.
Dr. Bapat stresses the need for proper healthcare documentation, including proxies and living wills, to ensure that individuals’ medical wishes are honored. She also advocates for collaboration between caregivers and medical teams, urging the creation of a “caregiver action plan” that reflects not just medical needs but also the patient’s joys and lifestyle preferences. Listeners will learn the importance of sharing caregiving responsibilities among family members and the necessity of seeking help to alleviate the burden.
Additionally, Dr. Bapat emphasizes the value of early conversations to set clear expectations and minimize conflicts within families. Drawing from her personal experiences as both a physician and a daughter, she underscores the significance of being present and truly listening to loved ones, rather than rushing to take action. This episode is filled with invaluable insights, empowering the Sandwich Generation to approach caregiving with compassion, communication, and collaboration.
Learn more about EpioneMD:
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Welcome to the Sandwich Generation Survival Guide with your host, Candace Dellacona. In this insightful episode, Candace is joined by Denise Scruggs, the Director of Education at the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP). Together, they explore effective communication strategies for interacting with loved ones experiencing dementia. Denise shares invaluable tips on how to engage meaningfully, address nonverbal cues, and provide comfort amidst cognitive challenges. From understanding the impact of sensory changes to fostering patience and empathy, this episode offers practical advice for caregivers seeking to enhance their interactions and support their loved ones with dignity and compassion. Tune in to learn how to improve communication and make a positive difference in the lives of those affected by dementia.
Learn more about the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP): www.nccdp.org/
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In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, Candace Dellacona sits down with accomplished writer, illustrator, and editor Kate Feiffer. Kate opens up about her career journey, from working in TV production to becoming an author, and how her mother’s dementia influenced her latest novel, Morning Pages. The novel explores the emotional and practical challenges faced by those in the Sandwich Generation—people caring for both aging parents and children.
Kate discusses the themes of invisibility and identity loss that caregivers often experience, emphasizing how writing became a vital outlet for her during her caregiving journey. She also reflects on societal views of aging and the crucial role friendships play in the lives of older women. This episode offers a thoughtful exploration of the Sandwich Generation’s unique struggles, providing listeners with relatable insights and practical advice.
Learn more about Kate Feiffer:
Website: https://www.katefeiffer.com/
Follow Kate Feiffer:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kate.feiffer/
In this episode of the Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona interviews Tracy McCubbin, founder of dClutterfly®, who shares her expertise on managing personal belongings and downsizing for aging family members. With 17 years of experience, Tracy emphasizes the importance of framing decluttering conversations around aging goals, such as aging in place or moving to a smaller home, rather than criticizing the amount of stuff. She highlights the benefits of starting these discussions early, getting professional valuations for items, and respecting the emotional connections people have to their belongings. Tracy's compassionate approach helps families navigate the challenges of downsizing while supporting their loved ones' aging objectives.
Learn more:
dClutterfly®: https://www.dclutterfly.com/
Follow dClutterfly®:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracy_mccubbin/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisistracymccubbin
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_u1rOQivEcplEAMUrd5ORQ/videos