In this month’s episode of Let’s Talk Caregiving, Roberto and Marta speak with Cheryl Kidd, a registered dental hygienist in alternative practice who was inspired by her caregiving journey to create a portable dental hygiene service for older adults and people with disabilities. Together, they explore the often-overlooked connection between oral health and overall well-being, especially in those living with dementia. Cheryl shares how poor oral hygiene can lead to serious health conditions—and why caregivers need support, education, and access to services that meet patients where they are. You’ll also hear practical tips and tools caregivers can use to improve oral care at home.Keywords: oral health and dementia, caregiving challenges, portable dental care, elder hygiene, dental health equity

In this month’s episode of Let’s Talk Caregiving, Roberto and Marta sit down with Dr. Michelle Jackson, director at Point Loma Nazarene University, to explore health equity, dementia research, and the lived experiences of Black women at risk for Alzheimer’s. Dr. Jackson shares the goals of her groundbreaking community-based research study—BWITS (Black Women Inflammation and Tau Study)—and why culturally sensitive, accessible programs are crucial in both advancing dementia science and supporting family caregivers. The conversation dives deep into stigma, stress, trust in healthcare, and how community partnerships are transforming the future of dementia care.Keywords: dementia research, health equity, Alzheimer's, caregiving stress, community-based care

In this month’s episode of Let’s Talk Caregiving, Roberto and Marta sit down with Jocelyn Protopappas, Manager of Special Projects at SDSU’s Center for Excellence in Aging & Longevity (CEAL). Together, they dive into what it means to redefine aging, from inclusive city planning and caregiver empowerment to the importance of maintaining social connections later in life. Jocelyn also introduces CEAL’s Community Call Hub—a program matching socially isolated older adults and caregivers with friendly callers to reduce loneliness and provide human connection. Whether you're supporting a loved one or shaping the future of age-friendly communities, this conversation offers insight, resources, and real hope.Keywords: caregiver support, aging in community, social isolation, community call programs, age-friendly initiatives

In this month's episode, Roberto and Marta chat with Faezeh Nemati, VP of Operations at ComForCare in North San Diego. Listen to their discussion about the emotional and logistical challenges of relocating a loved one, navigating transitions in care, and how programs like transitional and respite care can offer vital support to overwhelmed families.Keywords: caregiving transitions, respite care, dementia support, relocation stress, family caregivers, home care services.

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Kelly Peters, Vice President of Community Impact at Rancho Coastal Humane Society. Listen to their discussion about the powerful connection between caregiving and pet companionship, highlighting programs that keep seniors and their beloved pets together. From pet-assisted therapy to senior adoption programs, learn how Rancho Coastal is supporting caregivers and spreading joy through furry friends.Keywords: caregiving, pet-assisted therapy, seniors, companionship, rancho coastal humane society

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Giselle, a bilingual lead clinician and Associate Director at the Cohen Clinic at Veteran Village of San Diego. Listen to their discussion about supporting military families, breaking mental health stigma, and the vital role of caregivers. Together, they explore how accessible, culturally sensitive, and collaborative care can empower hidden heroes across generations.Keywords: military caregivers, mental health support, PTSD, veteran families, telehealth services, caregiver resources

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Victor, a Heath Promotion Specialist and Partner Relay program liaison for the County of San Diego Office of Border Health. Victor assists with providing emergency preparation information for multi-lingual and vulnerable communities by coordinating a network of trusted government and non-profit organizations in San Diego County. Listen to their conversation about the importance of emergency preparedness and resources available to caregivers in the community.Keywords: emergency preparation, community emergency preparation, disaster response, earthquake preparedness, flood preparedness

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Dr. Zvinka Zlatar, a principal researcher for UC San Diego's Wise Lab, a wellness initiative focused on seniors. Dr. Zlatar discusses the impact of lifestyle interventions such as diet and exercise on our overall brain health, including blood flow, brain structure, and memory. Keywords: brain health, brain aging, senior wellness, cognition, memory

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Deborah Ferrell, Director of Care Services for the San Diego chapter of the ALS Association. Listen to their discussion about understanding the nature and course of ALS, and the challenges and rewards of caring for someone with the disease. ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that impacts the cells of the brain and spinal cord. Keywords: caregiving, ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease, ALS caregiving, case management, neurodegenerative disease,

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Uriko, a full-time family caregiver for both parents, ages 89 and 91.  Listen to their discussion about how Uriko became her parents' full-time caregiver and the changes she noticed in both of them that required full-time care. Keywords: family caregiver, COPD, end-stage COPD, dementia, family caregiving, 

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha reflect on SCRC's services in 2024. There are over 490,000 unpaid family caregivers in San Diego, and SCRC plays an important role in connecting family caregivers with support and additional resources. Keywords: family caregiver, unpaid family caregiver, caregiver resources, support, San Diego caregivers

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Dr. Paula Desplats, an associate professor at UCSD who is currently researching the role of circadian alterations that trigger neuronal death in Alzheimer's disease. Paula discusses the cutting-edge research happening in San Diego and ways for caregivers and their loved ones to get involved in research. Keywords: alzheimer's disease research, brain research, Parkinson's research, treatment, cure

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Susan, advisory board member and volunteer for End of Life Choices CA, a non-profit that assists individuals and families with end of life planning and education. Susan helps de-stigmatize conversations around end of life planning and death and dying. Keywords: end of life planning, advance care directive, palliative care, medical assistance in dying, hospice

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Frank, a CFO for Coast Care, Cal Aim Department. Listen to their discussion about the benefits of respite services for caregivers. Although rewarding, caregiving comes with its own set of demands. Very often, family caregivers can find themselves managing their loved one's complex medical and cognitive issues over the course of months or years. Frank shares how he and his wife provided 30 years of around the clock care for his mother in law after a stroke left her fully disabled.Listen to Frank's personal narrative as he candidly discusses the physical and emotional impacts of caregiving, and the need for caregivers to seek out respite care from time to time. Keywords: respite care, family caregiver, stroke, disability, elder care

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Jennie, a yoga instructor who teaches gentle and chair yoga and movement to seniors. She also works one-on-one with individuals teaching caregivers how to engage with their loved ones through yoga, breathing techniques and short guided meditations.Listen to their discussion about how to use gentle movement in caregiving, how these practices may fit into a self-care routine, and the benefits of practical, easy movements. Keywords: vision, visual impairment, baby boomers, family caregiver

In this month's episode, Roberto chats with Carrie, a Blind and Low Vision Social Worker from the Braille Institute. In her role, Carrie assists family caregivers who are visually impaired.Listen to their discussion about support services available to the visually impaired community, tips and life skills for caregiving with a visual impairment and vision changes as we age. Keywords: vision, visual impairment, baby boomers, family caregiver

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Melissa, a death doula and advocate for the most loving end of life experience possible for the dying and their loved ones. She recognizes the importance of communicating end of life wishes to caregivers. Listen to their discussion about how to talk about death and dying with your loved ones, sharing your personal wishes, and navigating the emotions of end of life. Keywords: end of life, death, wishes

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Irene, who has been a family caregiver for many years, currently providing care to her husband who has Parkinson's and previously cared for her mother.Listen to their discussion about caring for someone with Parkinson's disease, the experience of long-term caregiving, and the importance of finding support.Keywords: Parkinson's Disease, Support Groups, North County

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Larry Griner, a family caregiver who provided care for his mother for 6 years.Listen to their discussion about the power of music in caregiving, and his personal experience as a family caregiver. He shared his caregiving journey on social media including their use of music to connect and enjoy their time together. Keywords: music, family caregiver, Alzheimer's Disease

In this month's episode, Roberto and Martha chat with Dr. Kathryn Winters, a Palliative Care Physician and Assistant Professor at UCSD Health.Listen to their discussion about the navigating end-of-life care decisions, the value and benefits of palliative care, and personal experiences as family caregivers. Keywords: palliative care, hospice care, family caregivers