Tag Archives: Blog Talk Radio

January 26, 2013 · 10:02 pm

End Of Life Wishes: Sometimes You Just Have To Ask.

The Purple Jackety Highly recommends Caregiving.com

The Purple Jacket Highly recommends Caregiving.com

On Saturday, Richard and I were guest on ‘Your Caregiving Journey’ hosted by Denise Brown from Caregiving.com You can listen to the show by simply clicking here.

Our conversation today came out of a discussion that Denise and I had a couple of weeks ago about a decision I made to withhold information from Richard after he completed his radiation and chemotherapy treatments where the oncologist estimated that he had 3 to 4 months to live. We also talked about a variety of other end of life topics that are often difficult to discuss, yet important to get out in the open.

Having a discussion with your partner or caree on such a sensitive topic can be difficult, but so essential in order to Be A Healthy Caregiver.

During our discussion, Richard spoke about his desires when his pain becomes too great, described what a good day feels like and shared what he whats from me as his partner and caregiver on a daily basis. Sometimes it is a simple as…’When something is wrong with me, you will be the first to know, until then, just let me be!

Denise and I talked about the challenge of letting go of my own beliefs and emotions when it comes to Richard’s wishes. As I mentioned on the show, Richard and I come for different faith traditions which has different perspectives and philosophies when it comes to end of life decisions. However as his partner and his caregiver, it is essential for me to put aside my own personal beliefs so that I can honor what Richard wants.

As Caregivers and life partners, we often forget that we are not the ones who are sick. While we share in our care and concern for each other, when it comes to these critical issues, it is important to follow the wishes of the one who is ill.

End of life discussions are never easy to have. Richard and I have both buried our partners and while we both have previous experience in this subject, it does not make it any easier. We just know that we have to have this discussion.

Herman & Richard 1990’s

Richard & Chris late 1980’s

Richard & Chris 2012

Find a way to have that end-of-life discussion…

Below are some great example of how to start this conversation along with some great questions to to get the conversation going provided by Denise Brown at Caregiving.com

“If you feel uncomfortable, simply say, “I’m uncomfortable with what I’m about to ask, but I’ve been giving some thought to your last months. I want to make sure I understand what you what and need. Would you be up to having a discussion?” And then go from there. The discussion is a process which means you might continue the conversation over several days and weeks and month. And, as your caree’s health changes, you’ll want to revisit the discussion to ensure your caree’s wishes haven’t changed.”

These questions can help during your discussion:

1. How do you want to spend your last months and weeks and days?

2. What do you want from me during your last months?

3. What’s a good day like for you? (This is a good question to ask regularly as the definition of a “good day” will change.)

4. Do you have any unfinished business you’d like to finish?

5. How do you feel about dying? What do you think happens after we die?

If you haven’t visited Denise Brown at Caregiving.com now is the time to do so. Richard and I consider Denise and all the members of Caregiving.com as our extended family. Denise is a true leader in the Caregiving community.

Remember…We Might Have Cancer…

But Cancer Does Not Have US!

Caregivers: How Do We Listen at the End of Life? (thepurplejacket.com)
Challenges of caregiving ‘weigh’ on Chris MacLellan (thepurplejacket.com)
End of Life Wishes: Let’s Talk About It! (thepurplejacket.com)
What Is The Best Thing For Me, The Caregiver? (thepurplejacket.com)
Don’t Go It Alone! The Importance of Caregiver Support (babyboomersandmore.com)
The Benefits (Gifts) of Caregiving (assistedlivingtoday.com)
The Perfect Sunset (thepurplejacket.com)
Planning for the Future with Your Loved One (lifefoneblog.com)
82: Who Would Have Known? (thepurplejacket.com)

4 Comments

Filed under Caregiving, The Purple Jacket

Tagged as advocacy, advocate, Be A Healthy Caregiver, Blog Talk Radio, Caregiver, Caregiving, Conversation, esophagus cancer

January 19, 2013 · 7:06 pm

Challenges of caregiving ‘weigh’ on Chris MacLellan

I would like to thank Florida Blue for this article which was published on their website today.

Chris MacLellan is among the estimated 65.7 million caregivers in the U.S., so he has a lot of people who can understand the challenges of caring for a loved one. However, sometimes he’s felt completely alone.

“Just as the caree needs support, caregivers need their own support system to help them get through the ups and downs of the caregiving experience,” said Chris. “I found out that if I can’t take care of myself, how can I take care of my partner?”

Research tells us that caregiving can have serious physical health consequences. In fact, 17% of caregivers feel their health in general has gotten worse as a result of their caregiving responsibilities.*

Chris knows all about the toll that caregiving can inflict upon his own health. In past years, he has cared for a close friend and he now cares for his partner, who was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2011. He describes these experiences as “life changing.”

But what also changed during these experiences was his weight. While he cared for others, he struggled with using food as comfort instead of fuel. At one point in Chris’ life he weighed almost 300 lbs. – and he knew he was at a breaking point. Through diligent efforts, he lost 100 lbs. and continues the battle to keep it off. However, due to the recent stress of his partner’s diagnosis and subsequent caregiving duties, his weight has started to rise once again.

“I knew I had to make a permanent change in my weight,” he said. “If I am to be a healthy caregiver, I have to take better care of myself.”

Chris now is a big believer in caregivers taking care of their physical and mental health. He also realizes that like him, other caregivers often put their own personal needs second, which often turns into weight gain or other health problems..

In February of 2011, he began writing a blog to share his caregiving story and

create awareness. Today, an interactive online community of caregivers also thrives as a result of his outreach. He calls his blog The Purple Jacket, where you’ll find his passion for caregiving, personal experiences and struggles, and advocacy efforts. Plus, the blog has blossomed into a full-scale resource for caregivers with a focus on the specific challenges of the LGBT community.

Chris also hosts Be a Healthy Caregiver on BlogTalkRadio and you’ll find his helpful tips, words of encouragement and retweets @TheBowTieGuy.

“I am a communicator, not a clinician,” Chris says. “My passion for increasing awareness about caregiving has been my mental therapy, of sorts. Sharing my life has helped others…and me, too.”

So, after all, Chris is not alone.

Take a virtual ride with Chris

On January 20th, Chris will kick off a virtual ride, tweeting from his stationary bike about improving his personal health while continuing to raise awareness for fellow caregivers. His goal to lose weight is teamed with reaching other caregivers to motivate them to focus on their own health. Florida Blue will follow Chris’s ride on Twitter, so be sure to help us cheer him on!

We understand the importance of making your health a priority, especially if you’re a caregiver. To help you make the difficult decision to focus on your own health, we invite you to stop by one of our Florida Blue Centers, where one of our staff nurses will speak with you about your personal health challenges. You can even get a your blood pressure checked, have a cholesterol and blood glucose screening, check your height and weight, and more.

And, don’t forget to visit Staying Healthy on floridablue.com for great tips and guidance.

Be sure to tell us about your caregiving experiences, below. We want you to know you are not alone…

*Source: http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=439

Caregivers: It’s Time To Get Healthy with ‘VRide’ (thepurplejacket.com)
Caregivers: How Do We Listen at the End of Life? (thepurplejacket.com)
It’s Time to Get Healthy with VRide (caregiving.com)
Every Day: Set An Intention For Yourself. (thepurplejacket.com)
What Is The Best Thing For Me, The Caregiver? (thepurplejacket.com)

5 Comments

Filed under Caregiving, The Purple Jacket

Tagged as Be A Healthy Caregiver, Blog Talk Radio, Caregiver, Caregiving, Chris, Florida, Health

January 9, 2013 · 8:02 pm

Caregivers: How Do We Listen at the End of Life?

On Tuesday we welcomed Dr. Richard Wagner, M.Div., Ph.D., ACS to our ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ show on Blog Talk Radio.

Dr. Wagner’s book ‘The Amateur’s Guide to Death and Dying: enhancing the End of Life.” provides us with a realistic view of a topic that is often difficult to talk about. Out of Seattle, WA., Dr. Wagner has worked in the field of end of life issues for over 30 years.

As Caregivers, we often face the issues of death on a daily basis. Yet as caregivers, we often help facilitate healthy transitions for the person that we care for and love. “Curiously enough, people who are dying usually have a different priority system at this time in their life…..” As the caregiver, we are so focused on the needs of our caree, sometimes we just need to be present and listen.

During my Caregiving experience with Fr. Orlando, I had the privilege to hold him while he made his transition. I would not have been able to do that without knowing from our conversations that he was at peace with his life and had accepted what was going to happen. Of course, during those marvelous conversations, we had no idea when the time would come, yet we both knew that it would come. Those last few weeks with him were amazing and filled with raw emotions. Honest, heartfelt conversations seemed to happen with such ease. That was his way of preparing me for what was coming down the road. Sometimes, listening is the best answer.

While death is not a ‘lively’ topic to talk about, I am confident that you will find the conversation with Dr. Wagner upbeat, real and sensitive.

To listen to Tuesday’s episode, simply click here. (I would appreciate your feedback on this episode.)

To learn more about Dr. Wagner, click here.

To purchase Dr. Wagner’s books, click here.

Next Tuesday, January 15th at 1:00pm (est) our guest will be Mandy Harrell from WeareverUSA . The Wearever brand offers comfortable, quality, affordable and stylish apparel solutions for everyday health and wellness concerns.

To access all our ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ episodes on

Simply click here

‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on Blog Talk Radio (thepurplejacket.com)
Every Day: Set An Intention For Yourself. (thepurplejacket.com)
The Perfect Sunset (thepurplejacket.com)
Happy Thanks-Caregiving (thepurplejacket.com)
Caregiving and Your Career: What Do You Want? (caregiving.com)

7 Comments

Filed under Caregiving, The Purple Jacket

Tagged as advocacy, advocate, Be A Healthy Caregiver, Blog Talk Radio, Bow Tie Guy, Caregiver, love

December 19, 2012 · 4:05 pm

On Tuesday’s ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ Show with Rob Harris…

Were-in-this-Together-A-Caregivers-Story

To purchase Rob’s book from Amazon.com, simply click on the icon above

On Tuesday’s ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ show, we had a wonderful conversation with acclaimed Caregiving author Rob Harris. Rob, who cares for his wife Cindy, has written a beautiful book, ‘We’re In This Together: A Caregivers Story.’ Rob’s book takes us on a Caregiver’s journey that is heartfelt, real and without a doubt, a true love story. While reading the book, I felt as if I was sitting in Rob and Cindy’s living room, having a conversation with them while sharing a cup of coffee. Rob’s ability to pinpoint his 70 Caregiving tips to his real life Caregiving experience, is a must read for anyone who is, will be, or has been a caregiver. There is a reason Rob’s book has been a #1 Amazon.com best seller in the Physicians & Patient category. I highly recommend, ‘We’re In This Together: A Caregivers Story.‘ You will not be able to put the book down! You can purchase Rob’s book through Amazon.com

You can listen to our conversation from Tuesday’s ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ show by simply clicking here.

For more information on Rob and to follow his blog, Facebook Page and Twitter updates, please visit his website at www.robcares.com or simply click the icon below.

The Fab Four

Blog Talk Radio

Be sure to join us every Tuesday at 1:00pm for ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver on Blog Talk Radio. Yes, we are on the air next Tuesday, Christmas afternoon with ‘The Fab Four’ …no, not those guys from England; My four fabulous sisters! Having a sister is like having a friend for life, I am lucky enough to have four! My Caregiving genes are rooted through the love and care my sisters have demonstrated to me over the years. Our conversation Tuesday will be fun and upbeat. After this half hour, you will know why they are the ‘Fab Four’!

Remember: We might have Cancer…But Cancer Does Not Have Us!

What Is The Best Thing For Me, The Caregiver? (thepurplejacket.com)
Every Day: Set An Intention For Yourself. (thepurplejacket.com)
Happy Thanks-Caregiving (thepurplejacket.com)
Caregiver Burnout: 9 Ways to Avoid It (thepurplejacket.com)

1 Comment

Filed under Caregiving, The Purple Jacket

Tagged as advocacy, advocate, Be A Healthy Caregiver, Blog Talk Radio, Bow Tie Guy, Caregiver, Caregiver Support, Christmas, Fab Four

December 15, 2012 · 2:56 pm

‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on Blog Talk Radio Every Tuesday at 1:00pm

Join us this Tuesday, December 18th at 1:00pm for ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on Blog Talk Radio with our special guest, acclaimed Caregiving author, Rob Harris. You can listen live on Tuesday or at a time that is convenient for you by simply clicking here

Rob’s book, We’re In This Together: A Caregiver’s Story and the 70 Caregiving Tips that he included, has been a #1 Amazon.com bestseller in the Physicians & Patient Caregiver category. Celebrities, the media, and some of the leading oncologists, surgeons and doctors in the United States and abroad have praised it. Excerpts of his book, along with many of his Caregiver Tips will soon appear in one of the nation’s leading magazines and websites: Coping With Cancer.

His book has inspired many, including two songwriters that produced a song and had it recorded by an up-and-coming recording artist. The song, We’re In This Together, will be made available in the near future.

Rob enjoys writing, blogging, and speaking in front of audiences, but gets the most pleasure from helping caregivers, patients, and those within the medical community. In whatever free time remains, he enjoys visiting with family, friends, and spending time at the beach.

If you would like to be a guest on ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ contact me direct at Chris@thepurplejacket.com

Be A Healthy Caregiver On Blog Talk Radio Tuesday at 1:00 pm (thepurplejacket.com)
What Is The Best Thing For Me, The Caregiver? (thepurplejacket.com)
‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on Blog Talk Radio (thepurplejacket.com)
Happy Thanks-Caregiving (thepurplejacket.com)
Can We Unlearn Unhappiness? (caregiving.com)
With Self-Care, You Keep (caregiving.com)

2 Comments

Filed under Caregiving, The Purple Jacket

Tagged as Be A Healthy Caregiver, Blog Talk Radio, Bow Tie Guy, Caregiver, Caregiving, Chris, Health, Purple Jacket, The Purple Jacket

December 5, 2012 · 4:09 pm

Every Day: Set An Intention For Yourself.

‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on Blog Talk Radio

On Tuesday’s ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ Blog Talk Radio Show, my special guest was David Levison from ‘Get2BFit’ in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. David and I talked at great length about the importance of getting into a routine the centers around our personal health and well-being, along the importance of having a good body image. Yet one of the comments from David that stood out the most was simply this: Every day: set an intention for yourself.

As caregivers, we often take a back seat and never ‘set and intention’ for ourselves: I think David is on to something sunset_yoga_girls here! Often time as caregivers, our intentions are completely focused on our Caree. To set an intention for ourselves seems scary, but…it is the right thing to do. Setting an intention keeps us on track, allows us to focus on our needs, while making us better caregivers, too!

To listen to ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ featuring Chris MacLellan ‘The Bow Tie Guy’ and ACSM Certified Trainer, blogtalkradiologo David Levison on ‘Be A Healthy simply click here

Join us every Tuesday at 1:00 pm (est) for ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on Blog Talk Radio. Upcoming Guests:

December 11th: David Treece from Treece Financial Group

December 18th: Author and Caregiver Rob Harris from Rob Care

If you are interested in being a guest on ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ please email me at Chris@thepurplejacket.com

If you cannot join us live, you can listen to this show, or any of our earlier episodes of ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ by simply by clicking here

Remember…We Might Have Cacner...But Cancer Does Not Have us!

The CareGiver Partnership Reveals Top Holiday Gifts for the Hard-to-Shop for Senior (prweb.com)
‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on Blog Talk Radio (thepurplejacket.com)
What Is The Best Thing For Me, The Caregiver? (thepurplejacket.com)
With Self-Care, You Keep (caregiving.com)
When Do You Need Comfort? (caregiving.com)
Happy Thanks-Caregiving (thepurplejacket.com)

8 Comments

Filed under Caregiving, The Purple Jacket

Tagged as advocacy, advocate, Be A Healthy Caregiver, Blog Talk Radio, Bow Tie Guy, Caregiver, Caregiving, Health, LGBT Seniors, Radio

November 27, 2012 · 10:25 am

‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on Blog Talk Radio

On Tuesday’s ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ show our special guest are Attorney’s Ryan Shaughnessy and Michelle Silies who practice law in St. Louis, MO. Our discussion will center around the importance of having your legal documents in order, before a crisis happens. Join us at 1:00 pm (est) for another episode of ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on Blog Talk Radio. Not able to listen to the show live, that’s OK…You can listen to the show at anytime after 1:00pm (est) by clicking here.

With Self-Care, You Keep (caregiving.com)
Hot Topics: Where’s the Help? (caregiving.com)

‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on Blog Talk Radio

On Tuesday’s ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ show, we had a wonderful conversation with Fr. J. Lawrence Richardt from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis where we discussed how Spirituality can play a role in being a healthy caregiver. Approaching his 50th anniversary of his ordination, Fr. Larry has been a caregiver for his mother for the past seven years in Indiana.

During our conversation we talked about:

How being present to others is important in ministry and in Caregiving…
The importance of being anchored to a larger world outside of Caregiving…
How Scripture and Spiritual Direction helps keep me (us) honest…
How we laugh and find beauty during those dog days of caregiving…

To listen to our conversation on Blog Talk Radio, please click here.

Join us next Tuesday at 1:00pm (est)for another episode of ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on Blog Talk Radio for a discussion with Attorney’s Ryan Shaughnessy and Michelle Silies as we discuss the importance of having your legal documents in order. For the link to next week show you can click here

Tell Us: Holiday Tips for the First-Time Family Caregiver (caregiving.com)
Caregiver Burnout: 9 Ways to Avoid It (thepurplejacket.com)
With Self-Care, You Keep (caregiving.com)
Today Is Kiss a Caregiver Day! (caregiving.com)
The Telikin PC for the ‘The Little One’ (thepurplejacket.com)

1 Comment

Filed under Caregiving, The Purple Jacket

Tagged as advocacy, advocate, Be A Healthy Caregiver, Blog Talk Radio, Bow Tie Guy, Caregiver, Caregiving, Spiritual Direction

November 19, 2012 · 4:29 pm

‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on Blog Talk Radio

Join us on Tuesday at 1:00 pm (EST) for another episode of ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on Blog Talk Radio. On this week’s ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ show, we’ll be chatting with the Reverend Larry Richardt who is a retired Catholic Priest from the Diocese of Indianapolis. As a caregiver for his mother and formally trained Spiritual Director, Father Richardt has a keen understanding on how the role spirituality plays in order to ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ To listen to the show live on Tuesday (or anytime that is convenient for you) just click here

Hot Topics: Where’s the Help? (caregiving.com)
Your Marketability Because of Caregiving (caregiving.com)

3 Comments

Filed under Caregiving, The Purple Jacket

Tagged as advocacy, advocate, Be A Healthy Caregiver, Blog Talk Radio, Bow Tie Guy, Caregiver, Radio

November 13, 2012 · 9:12 pm

Be A Healthy Caregiver on Blog Talk Radio

Today on ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on Blog Talk Radio, we had a great conversation with Nancy Allegrezza, RN, Director of Marketing with Telikin Computers. Telikin is the easy to use, all in one, touchscreen computer designed with seniors in mind. Some seniors have never become familiar with computer technology and may be intimidated by it. Telikin helps reduce those fears. To listen to our show, click here. (Please pardon the technological problems at the start of the show)

For information on how to purchase a Telikin Computer, please click the icon below.

Join us next Tuesday, November 20th at 1:00pm (est) for another session on ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ with our guest, Fr. Larry Richardt who is a retired Catholic Priest and Spiritual Director who also acts as a caregiver for his 95-year-old mother. Our conversation will focus on how developing a healthy spirituality can play an important role in being a Healthy Caregiver. Our November 20th show can be accessed by clicking here.

You see…We Might have Cancer, but Cancer Does Not have us!