Hey Woman: Caregiving, Grief, and Finding Your Way Forward

How to Choose a Nursing Home + Advocate for Your Loved One | Caregiving Guide

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 03:00:00 -0300

Choosing a nursing home or care facility can feel overwhelming—but knowing what to look for can make all the difference.

In this episode, we’re joined by elder care navigator Jasmyn Winey to break down how families can confidently navigate elder care decisions. Alongside Cortney and Julie’s personal caregiving experiences, this conversation provides a well-rounded look at the realities of transitioning into care.

Learn how to:

Tour and evaluate care facilities
Communicate effectively with staff
Advocate for your loved one’s needs
Support resident well-being, including nutrition and daily care
Navigate challenges influenced by COVID-19

Whether you’re in the middle of a caregiving transition or planning ahead, this episode offers practical tools and compassionate insight.

#NursingHome #ElderCare #Caregiving #SeniorCare #CareFacilities #CaregiverSupport #ElderCareTips #FamilyAdvocacy #ChoosingNursingHome #ResidentWellbeing #CaregiverAdvice #AgingParents

Assisted Living vs Aging in Place: What’s Best for Your Loved One? | Senior Care Guide

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0300

Assisted living or aging in place—which is the right choice for your loved one?

In this episode, we break down the key differences with Virla Ocker, Admissions Director at Nippenose Valley Village. Learn how to evaluate senior living communities, what to look for during facility tours, and the critical questions every family should ask before making a decision.

We also dive into: • The benefits of assisted living for safety and social connection
• How respite care can serve as a trial run
• Signs it may be time to consider community living

This episode is a must-listen for caregivers and families navigating elder care decisions and looking for guidance on senior housing options.

#AssistedLiving #SeniorLiving #ElderCare #Caregiving #SeniorCare #AgingParents #AgingInPlace #SeniorLivingOptions #CaregiverSupport #SeniorCareDecisions #RespiteCare #ChoosingSeniorLiving #SeniorCommunity #HealthyAging

Balancing Caregiving & Work: Legal Rights, Family Leave + Real-Life Tips

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0300

Caregiving while maintaining a career is one of the most challenging realities many families face today.

In this episode, Courtney and Julie dive into the realities of balancing caregiving and employment—from navigating work-life balance to understanding legal protections and family leave options. Whether you're caring for an aging parent or planning for the future, this conversation offers practical strategies to help you stay supported at work while showing up for your loved ones.

You’ll learn:

How caregiving impacts careers and workplace decisions
What legal protections (like family leave) may be available
How to communicate with employers about your caregiving needs
Why early planning is critical for long-term success

If you’re a caregiver feeling overwhelmed trying to “do it all,” this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and actionable next steps.

#Caregiving #WorkLifeBalance #FamilyLeave #CaregiverSupport #ElderCare #WorkingCaregiver #CaregivingTips #LegalPlanning #CaregiverLife #FamilyCaregiver

Why Caregiving Communication Breaks Down (And How Kolbe Helps Families Work Together)

Thu, 28 May 2026 03:00:00 -0300

Caregiving conflict isn’t always about what needs to be done—it’s about how each person naturally tries to do it.

In this episode, Cortney Steinbacher and Julie Steinbacher explore how the Kolbe assessment can be a powerful tool for caregivers—helping families understand problem-solving styles, reduce tension, and make clearer decisions together.

Listeners will discover:

How Kolbe explains different caregiving instincts and communication breakdowns
Practical ways to divide responsibilities and reduce resentment
How to apply Kolbe insights to caregiving team building
Why Kolbe can be especially helpful in end-of-life decisions

Get your free Caregiver Toolkit + resources: Planning and Protecting

#ElderLaw #Caregiving #FamilyCaregiver #Kolbe #TeamBuilding #FamilyDynamics

Family Caregivers and the Crucial Role of Social Caregiving for Aging Parents

Thu, 14 May 2026 03:00:00 -0300

What happens when an aging parent is still physically independent, but suddenly more alone than anyone realizes?

For many family caregivers, care begins long before medication lists, doctor visits, or daily hands-on help. It often starts with loneliness, lost routines, and the quiet fear that an aging loved one is slipping into isolation.

Family caregiving specialists, Cortney and Julie Steinbacher discuss why social caregiving matters, especially after the death of a spouse or a major life change.

For family caregivers, this conversation offers a practical way to think about connection, planning, and aging in place before a crisis forces the issue.

Listeners will discover:

How family caregivers can spot the early signs of social isolation.
Why consistent visits, meals, and routines can protect emotional well-being.
How to start thinking about home safety, family roles, and future care decisions.

Listen for a clearer way to support an aging loved one without waiting for everything to become medical.

Get your free Caregiver Toolkit + connect with resources and attorneys in your state: https://planningandprotecting.com

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How Elder Care Has Evolved

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0300

Hosted by Julie and Cortney, this episode explores how modern tools can support caregivers, from familiar devices like Alexa and Apple Watch to virtual medical visits. Drawing on their real-life caregiving experience, they focus on practical uses, privacy considerations, and why starting small can make these tools easier to adopt and more effective over time.

Making the Most of Caregiving Visits

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0300

Caregiving visits can feel overwhelming when time is limited and needs are constantly changing. In this episode, Cortney and Julie share practical ways to make visits more meaningful, focusing on presence over tasks, creative activities that foster connection, and routines that adapt as care needs evolve. A compassionate conversation about showing up with intention, even when plans shift and moments look different than they used to.

Understanding Wills & Trusts

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0300

Estate planning isn’t just about documents; it’s about protecting the people you love. In this episode, Cortney and her mom Julie break down wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, explaining how early planning creates clarity, protects assets, and supports caregivers before a crisis hits. A practical, compassionate conversation about legacy, family, and making informed decisions.

Exploring the Levels of Care

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0300

This conversation, with Julie Steinbacher and Cortney Steinbacher, explores the journey of caregiving, focusing on the challenges faced by caregivers, the importance of respite care, understanding various levels of care, and the role of elder law attorneys in navigating these complexities. It emphasizes the need for planning, both for emergencies and financial considerations, to ensure the well-being of both caregivers and their loved ones.

Reimagining Life with Dementia

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Julie Steinbacher, Cortney Steinbacher, and special guest, Eloy van Hal explore innovative approaches to dementia care. They focus on the concept of dementia villages and the importance of viewing individuals with dementia as people with abilities rather than patients. The conversation highlights the significance of personalized care, outdoor activities, and the role of music in enhancing the quality of life for those living with dementia. Caregivers are encouraged to embrace calculated risks and make small changes to improve the caregiving experience.

Caregiving with Confidence

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0400

In this heartfelt episode, hosts Cortney and Julie Steinbacher explore the complexities of caregiving through personal stories and expert insights. Joined by long-term care expert Don Quante, the discussion dives into financial strategies, the impact of COVID-19 on care facilities, and the evolving landscape of elder care. Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on planning for the future, leveraging financial products, and the significance of respite care. This episode is a tribute to the love and legacy of family, offering practical advice for caregivers navigating similar paths.

Seeing Beyond the Diagnosis

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0400

This conversation with Julie and Cortney Steinbacher, along with guest Eloy van Hal, examines the complexities of caregiving, particularly in the context of dementia and end-of-life care. The speakers share personal experiences and emphasize the importance of communication among family members when making care decisions. They discuss cultural differences in approaches to end-of-life care, the significance of having early conversations about preferences, and the resources available for caregivers. They highlight the emotional challenges faced by caregivers and the necessity of planning for care in a compassionate and informed manner.

The Subtle Power of Self-Care

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0400

In this conversation, co-hosts Cortney and Julie Steinbacher emphasize the significance of effectively communicating emotional needs within relationships. They highlight the common tendency to offer solutions instead of providing empathetic support, stressing the importance of being heard and understood during difficult times.

Caregiving Reflections: A Year to Remember

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0400

This podcast episode explores the emotional journey of caregiving, reflecting on personal experiences and lessons learned. Hosts Cortney and Julie Steinbacher discuss the challenges of balancing caregiving with personal life, the importance of communication, and the need for advocacy in the caregiving process. They emphasize that caregivers are not alone in their struggles and that seeking support and understanding is crucial. The conversation highlights the significance of making informed decisions, embracing fresh perspectives, and recognizing the emotional toll caregiving can take on relationships.

Healing Through the Holidays

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Co-hosts Cortney and Julie Steinbacher reflect on their first holiday season without their beloved Nan, sharing personal stories and insights about navigating grief, caregiving, and the importance of maintaining traditions while adapting to new realities. They discuss the challenges of gift-giving, the significance of food and recipes, and the power of connection through touch and shared experiences. This episode emphasizes the need for intentional choices during the holiday season, encouraging listeners to find balance and create meaningful moments with their loved ones.

The Future of Cognitive Care

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0400

This conversation with Julie and Cortney Steinbacher, along with guest Eloy van Hal, explores the intersection of holiday traditions and dementia care, emphasizing the importance of normalcy, autonomy, and community support. The speakers share personal stories and insights from their experiences, advocating for a holistic approach to caregiving that prioritizes the individual's preferences and quality of life. They discuss the role of technology in enhancing care while maintaining human connections, and the need for open conversations about end-of-life care. Ultimately, the discussion encourages caregivers to empower those they care for by providing choices and fostering a supportive community.

The Hidden Crisis in Home Care

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Hey Woman podcast, hosts Cortney Steinbacher and Julie Steinbacher feature their first non-family guest, Don Quante, a financial expert who shares insights on long-term care and financial planning. Don discusses the impact of caregiving on families, the importance of financial products, and the evolving landscape of long-term care post-COVID. The conversation highlights the challenges and solutions in caregiving, emphasizing the need for planning and support.

The Truth Behind Estate Planning

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, hosts Cortney Steinbacher and Julie Steinbacher discuss the overwhelming emotions of grief and the practicalities of estate planning following the loss of a loved one. They share personal anecdotes about their grandmother's estate planning decisions, emphasizing the importance of wills and beneficiary designations. The conversation also explores the challenges of caregiving, the need for clear communication among family members, and the evolving role of family caregivers in today's society.

Memories and Mementos

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0300

Co-hosts Cortney Steinbacher and Julie Steinbacher discuss the emotional complexities surrounding the distribution of personal belongings after a loved one passes away. They share personal anecdotes about their grandmother's downsizing process, the significance of family input in estate planning, and the importance of intentional planning to avoid conflicts. The conversation also touches on the concept of gifting while living, the impact of longevity on inheritance, and the creation of meaningful keepsakes that honor family memories.

The Weight We Carry

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0300

Co-hosts Cortney Steinbacher and Julie Steinbacher dive into the complexities of caregiving, particularly when caring for aging parents. The speakers share personal experiences that highlight the emotional challenges, the struggle for independence, and the importance of understanding the perspectives of both caregivers and those they care for. They discuss the need for support, the dynamics of family relationships, and the necessity of self-forgiveness in the caregiving journey. The conversation emphasizes that while caregivers strive to provide the best care, they must also navigate their own emotions and limitations.

Planning for Peace of Mind

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0300

In this episode, co-hosts Cortney Steinbacher and Julie Steinbacher discuss the emotional complexities of funeral planning, emphasizing the importance of pre-planning, understanding family dynamics, and the role of support systems during grief. They share their personal experiences and insights on how to navigate the difficult conversations surrounding death, ensuring that the wishes of the deceased are honored while also considering the emotional well-being of the family. They highlight the significance of communication, legal considerations, and the impact of personal preferences in creating a meaningful farewell.

Holding On to Birthday Celebrations

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0300

In this episode, co-hosts Cortney Steinbacher and Julie Steinbacher discuss the significance of celebrating birthdays, especially for loved ones who are aging or facing health challenges. They share personal stories about their experiences with caregiving, the emotional complexities of planning celebrations, and the importance of communication and understanding the wishes of those they care for. The conversation emphasizes the need for caregivers to balance their own needs with those of their loved ones, offering practical tips for making celebrations meaningful without adding undue stress.

Honoring Love and Loss

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0300

Co-hosts Cortney Steinbacher and Julie Steinbacher explore the emotional journey of planning a wedding while navigating grief after the loss of a loved one. They are joined by special guest Stephanie Martinez, the bride, Cortney’s sister and Julie’s daughter. The speakers share their experiences of including memories of their grandmother, Nana, in the wedding planning process, highlighting the balance between joy and sadness. They discuss the importance of honoring loved ones, the challenges of wedding logistics, and the significance of family traditions. Through heartfelt anecdotes, they emphasize the need to acknowledge complex emotions during significant life events.

Navigating Nutrition and Enjoyment

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0300

Join Cortney Steinbacher, CPA and Julie Steinbacher, Esq as they explore the significance of food in caregiving, emphasizing its role in providing control, enjoyment, and maintaining traditions for elderly loved ones. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences with food and caregiving, highlighting how food can serve as a tool for connection and comfort. They discuss the balance between nutrition and enjoyment, especially for individuals with dementia, and the importance of saying yes to food choices that bring joy. The conversation also touches on the complexities of alcohol consumption in caregiving and the need for open communication with medical professionals regarding dietary choices.

Hogeweyk Part 2

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 03:19:00 -0300

This conversation delves deeper into the innovative concept of the dementia village, exploring how it transforms caregiving for individuals with dementia. Co-hosts Cortney and Julie share their personal experiences and insights from their visit to the village, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle adjustments, medication management, and the need for comprehensive care plans. They discuss the significance of understanding the individual needs of those being cared for, the role of pets in caregiving, and the necessity of having backup plans in place. The conversation highlights alternative therapies and the importance of a personalized approach to caregiving, ultimately aiming to improve the quality of life for both caregivers and their loved ones.

The Hogeweyk Village

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0300

In this episode, Co-hosts Cortney and Julie discuss their transformative experience at the Hogeweyk Village in Amsterdam, a pioneering community designed for individuals with dementia. They explore the philosophy of embracing risk to enhance life quality, the importance of community and engagement in caregiving, and practical strategies for involving loved ones in everyday activities. The conversation emphasizes the need for a mindset shift in how we approach care for those with dementia.

Community of Support

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0300

This podcast episode explores the multifaceted journey of caregiving, highlighting the emotional and practical challenges faced by caregivers. Co-hosts Cortney and Julie share personal stories and insights on the importance of acceptance, communication, and support in navigating the complexities of caregiving. They emphasize the need for caregivers to acknowledge their own struggles, seek help, and maintain open lines of communication with family members. The conversation also touches on the impact of caregiving on work and relationships, the significance of creating a supportive environment, and the importance of finding joy amidst the challenges. Ultimately, the episode serves as a reminder that caregivers are not alone and that building a community of support is essential.

Navigating Grief and Life's Milestones

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0300

Co-hosts Julie Steinbacher and Cortney Steinbacher explore the complexities of grief and loss, particularly in the context of navigating significant life events and holidays after the passing of a loved one. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences with grief, the challenges of facing 'firsts' without their loved one, and the importance of having a plan for emotional support during difficult times. They emphasize the need for open communication and understanding in relationships, especially when dealing with grief, and offer insights into how to support oneself and others through the grieving process.

Palliative and Hospice Care

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 01:09:00 -0300

In this heartfelt conversation, Julie Steinbacher and Cortney Steinbacher discuss the challenges of caregiving, particularly in the context of Julie's mother's and Cortney's Nana's declining health. They share personal experiences with palliative and hospice care, emphasizing the importance of advocating for quality of life and understanding available resources. The discussion highlights the emotional and practical aspects of caregiving and the significance of community support.

Legacy of Caregiving

Thu, 15 May 2025 04:00:00 -0300

In this episode of the Hey Woman podcast, hosts Cortney and Julie reflect on their childhood vacations and the legacy of their grandmother and mother. They discuss the challenges and emotional aspects of caregiving, the importance of planning ahead with legal documents like powers of attorney, and the need for advocacy in healthcare. The conversation emphasizes the complexities of managing grief and responsibilities after a loved one's passing, while also highlighting the significance of supporting caregivers. Listeners are encouraged to take actionable steps in their own caregiving journeys and to seek resources for planning and protection.heywomanpodcast.com

planningandprotecting.com

Hey woman!

Thu, 01 May 2025 11:23:00 -0300

In this heartfelt episode of the Hey Woman podcast, hosts Cortney Steinbacher and Julie Steinbacher share their personal journey through caregiving and grief following the passing of their beloved Nana and mom. They reflect on the life lessons imparted by Nana, the challenges and beauty of caregiving, and the importance of connection and communication during difficult times. The conversation delves into the emotional landscape of grief, the significance of staying informed, and the joy found in small moments, all while honoring Nana's legacy. In this episode, they reflect on the life lessons learned from their grandmother and mother, focusing on themes of caregiving, retail therapy, and the importance of taking time for oneself. They emphasize the significance of creating safe spaces for relaxation and self-care. The conversation highlights the challenges of caregiving while maintaining one's own mental health and the necessity of planning days off to recharge.