The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide

Candace Dellacona speaks with Dr. Matthew Tyler, hospice and palliative care physician and founder of How to Train Your Doctor, about why palliative care should begin earlier—and how it differs from hospice. They break down what families need to know about timing, insurance, and the real gaps in in-home care. Dr. Tyler also shares practical guidance on requesting referrals, navigating family dynamics, and planning ahead with the right decision maker.(00:00) - Understanding Palliative Care with Dr. Matthew Tyler (01:00) - What Palliative Care Is (02:30) - Why Dr. Matthew Tyler Started Social Media (03:42) - Palliative Care vs Hospice (06:59) - What Palliative Teams Do (08:09) - Why the Confusion Persists (10:49) - How to Ask for a Referral (16:05) - Training Doctors to Talk Goals (21:30) - Handling Family Disagreements (25:35) - Values Based Decision Makers (27:44) - Spiritual and Cultural Beliefs (29:31) - Insurance and Coverage Basics (31:39) - Hospice Benefits and Gaps (34:10) - What Families Wish They Knew (35:28) - Final Thanks and Wrap Up To learn more about How to Train Your Doctor, visit https://howtotrainyourdoctor.com/Follow How To Train Your Doctor on social media:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095193314200 Threads - https://www.threads.com/@howtotrainyourdoctor Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/howtotrainyourdoctor/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@howtotrainyourdoctor TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@howtotrainyourdoctor

Host Candace Dellacona welcomes investigative journalist and author Chuck Whitlock to this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide to discuss caregiving, advocacy, and protecting seniors. Chuck shares how writing about white-collar crime led to a media career, and how his experiences caring for an incapacitated first wife and later advocating in healthcare shaped his focus on caregivers. He describes turning to support groups and national associations for resources and respite, and explains how his partnership with healthcare leader Peggy Baddour led to co-authoring “LifeSource, A Caregiver’s Guide for Managing Mental Wellness for the Older Adult.”This episode offers practical tips for doctor visits, medication oversight, and inpatient facility selection. Chuck discusses neglect and overmedication risks, recounts his mother’s death after improper oxygen administration, and warns about medical and financial scams that target vulnerable seniors.(00:00) - Welcome and Guest Intro (01:54) - Chuck’s Career Journey (03:39) - Caregiving Lessons Learned (07:15) - Entering Senior Care Advocacy (10:40) - LifeSource and Advocacy Basics (14:00) - Choosing Care Facilities (18:44) - Overmedication and Neglect (23:00) - Scams Targeting Seniors (28:10) - Final Thanks and Wrap Up To purchase Chuck and Peggy’s book, visit https://lifesourceinc.org/book/Connect with Chuck Whitlock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckwhitlock/

The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide is honored to participate in this year’s Podcasthon with this special episode featuring Father Patrick Devine, a world-renown peace and conflict expert and the Executive International Chairman and Founder of the Shalom Center for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation.Tune in as host Candace Dellacona speaks with Father Patrick about Shalom Center and their work across Eastern Africa to build sustainable peace through dialogue, mediation, grassroots peacebuilding, and development projects. He explains Shalom’s focus on positive peace rooted in justice, truth, mercy, and dignity, and describes programs addressing inter-ethnic conflict, religious ideological extremism, and violence against women and children.Shalom trains local leaders for 18–24 months, builds schools and other stabilizing institutions, has implemented 800+ education projects in 450+ institutions, and emphasizes community ownership. Shalom is headquartered in Kenya and has obtained certification of charitable status in the USA, UK, and Ireland, with 95 cents of every donated dollar going directly to projects.00:00 Welcome and Podcasthon00:38 Meet Father Patrick02:28 Why Shalom Began05:32 Meaning of Shalom07:01 Conflicts Shalom Tackles08:33 Peacebuilding Method10:58 Schools and Development13:20 Owning the Peace16:46 Lessons for Home18:42 Hope and Human Spirit20:43 How to Support Shalom21:54 Thanks and Wrap UpTo learn more about Shalom Center for Conflict Resolution & Reconciliation, visit https://shalomconflictcenter.org/To donate today, visit https://shalomconflictcenter.org/donate/ Follow Shalom Center on Social Media:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalom-sccrr-570026162/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ShalomConflictCenter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shalomconflictcenterTo learn more about Podcasthon and explore the other participating podcasts and their featured nonprofits, visit https://podcasthon.org/

Tune into the latest episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide as host Candace Dellacona speaks with Sheri Biller (of The Sheri and Les Biller Foundation) and Anneliese Barron (Executive Director of Bradley Cooper’s One Family Foundation) about “supportive care” for both patients and caregivers—particularly those navigating life in the sandwich generation.Sheri and Anneliese explain how vital “supportive care” is for those dealing with illness. They also announce a new caregiving initiative, Care Out Loud, which is focused on helping caregivers self-identify, access resources, and address gaps in care due to the persistent barriers faced by underserved, rural, and communities of color.00:00 Welcome to the Sandwich Generation Survival Guide00:58 Meet Sheri Biller & the Sheri and Les Biller Foundation03:28 What “Supportive Care” Really Means and Why It Improves Outcomes04:17 Meet Anneliese Barron & One Family Foundation06:20 Building a Supportive Care Coalition08:03 Why Supportive Care Is Finally in the Spotlight10:24 How Families Can Find and Ask for Support11:50 Financial Help in Practice13:26 Care Out Loud Resources14:59 Asking for Help, Delegating, and Caregiver Guilt17:04 Reaching Underserved, Rural, and Non‑English-Speaking Communities19:41 How to Connect with Care Out Loud21:48 Building a MovementTo learn more about Care Out Loud, visit https://www.wecareoutloud.org/To learn more about Together for Supportive Cancer Care, visit https://supportivecancercare.org/For more information on The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation, visit https://billerfamilyfoundation.org/For more information on One Family Foundation, visit https://onefamilyfoundation.one/To watch “Caregiving,” produced by Bradley Cooper, visit https://www.pbs.org/show/caregiving/

Caring for aging parents often means managing their money, too. On this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, Candace Dellacona talks with Beth Pinsker—CFP, MarketWatch columnist, and author of ‘My Mother’s Money’—about the financial realities of caregiving. From red flags to powers of attorney to navigating sibling dynamics, this episode is a must-listen for anyone supporting an aging parent. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:55 Beth Pinsker's Journey to Financial Expertise03:27 Writing 'My Mother's Money'07:52 The Importance of Power of Attorney and Healthcare Proxy15:59 Handling Financial Responsibilities and Scams26:39 Sibling Collaboration and Financial Realities33:48 Conclusion and Book PromotionTo learn more about Beth and to purchase her book, visit her website at https://bethpinsker.com/ Follow Beth on Social Media:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bpinsker/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethpinsker_ny Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/bethpinsker.bsky.social

On this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona sits down with Dr. Theresa Lyons—a Yale-educated scientist and founder of Navigating AWEtism—to talk candidly about raising a child with autism while navigating the complex medical system. From decoding the autism diagnosis process to building the right healthcare team, Dr. Lyons shares practical guidance, research-backed insights, and a message of real hope for families doing it all. A must-listen for parents balancing special-needs parenting and elder care.00:00 Introduction to the Sandwich Generation Survival Guide00:45 Meet Dr. Theresa Lyons: A Yale-Trained Scientist and Autism Advocate01:40 Dr. Lyons' Personal Journey with Autism02:41 Navigating the Emotional and Scientific Challenges of Autism06:43 Building the Right Healthcare Team09:29 Conventional vs. Functional Medicine14:25 Scientific Insights and Hopeful Research23:05 Balancing Care for Children with Autism and Aging Parents25:01 The Importance of Self-Care and Delegation28:12 Celebrating Small Victories and Building Support Systems29:39 Conclusion and ResourcesFor more information on Navigating AWEtism, visit their website at https://awetism.net/ Subscribe to Navigating AWEtism’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@navigatingawetism Follow Navigating AWEtism on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/navigating_awetism/Follow Dr. Lyons on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresamlyonsphd/ Purchase The Lyons Report 2020: https://www.amazon.com/Lyons-Report-2020-Functional-Medicine/dp/1734358203

Candace Dellacona welcomes Vanessa Grigoriadis, acclaimed investigative journalist, co-founder of Campside Media, and host of the new podcast So Your Parents Are Old, to The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide. Vanessa shares her personal journey into caregiving after her father’s cancer diagnosis and caring for an aging parent, sparking a candid conversation about what it really means to be in the sandwich generation. From difficult financial and long-term care conversations to navigating memory loss, this episode pulls back the curtain on the emotional and logistical realities families face every day. Raw, honest, and deeply relatable, this conversation highlights why proactive planning, community support, and open dialogue matter—and how podcasting has become a powerful tool for bringing these often-quiet conversations into the open. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:20 Vanessa's Background and Upbringing04:34 Career Highlights and Personal Life07:33 The Turning Point: Parents' Health Decline09:15 Navigating Financial and Caregiving Challenges16:28 Creating a Supportive Community22:26 The Importance of Addressing Elder Care31:05 Conclusion and Podcast InformationTo subscribe to Vanessa’s podcast, So Your Parents Are Old, visit https://join.campsidemedia.com/podcastFollow Vanessa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-grigoriadis-b44257207/

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes Dean Blandino, Fox Sports NFL and College Football Rules Analyst and former VP of NFL Officiating. Dean shares his journey from playing sports in New York to becoming an influential figure in sports officiating, offering insights into career pivots and balancing professional obligations with personal life. The discussion delves into his family dynamics, the challenges of being part of the 'sandwich generation,' and the importance of communication and planning in caregiving. Dean also highlights his approach to self-care and maintaining a positive outlook amidst the stresses of work and family responsibilities.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:48 Dean Blandino's Background and Career Journey 04:32 Challenges and Pivots in Dean's Career 10:56 Family Dynamics and the Sandwich Generation 20:25 Balancing Work, Family, and Self-Care 25:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes Dan Krutoy, a tech industry expert who shares advice for seniors who are often targeted by scammers using social engineering tactics, as well as tips for parents on securing their children's devices. Their conversation dives into the critical topic of cybersecurity for families, the importance of awareness, training, and multifactor authentication to protect against cyber threats. Dan also shares the steps to take if a cybersecurity breach occurs. This insightful episode highlights the balance between technological convenience and the necessity of protective measures.00:00 Introduction to the Sandwich Generation Survival Guide00:59 Meet Dan Krutoy: Cybersecurity Expert02:10 Understanding Cyber Threats in the Modern World05:08 Protecting Seniors from Cyber Scams08:35 Social Media Safety Tips17:17 Cybersecurity for Children and Teens23:00 What to Do If You've Been Hacked25:20 Final Thoughts and Future ConcernsTo learn more about Pro4ia, visit their website at https://pro4ia.com/Connect with Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielkrutoy/

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes Genice Lee from Harvest Estate and Appraisals. They discuss the importance of legacy, the role of passion assets in preserving family history, and how Genice’s personal experiences have shaped her professional journey. Genice shares valuable insights on appraising sentimental items, the significance of documentation and inventories, and the overlooked value of family paperwork. They also delve into the unique challenges faced by African American families in preserving their cultural artifacts. Tune in to learn practical tips for estate planning and the importance of storytelling in family legacies.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:41 Genice Lee's Background and Expertise01:55 The Importance of Legacy and Stories02:58 Genice's Personal Journey into Appraising05:43 Challenges in Estate Management09:47 Sentimental vs. Monetary Value17:05 Preserving African American Artifacts29:30 The Role of Technology in Legacy Preservation31:46 Conclusion and Contact InformationTo learn more about Harvest Estate & Appraisal Services, visit their website at https://www.harvestestateandappraisals.com/To learn more about Genice Lee, visit her profile on the International Society of Appraisers website at https://www.isa-appraisers.org/find-an-appraiser/profile/12796/genice-r-leeFollow Genice on social media:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genice-lee-asa-isa-am-a6b22929/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvest4you_/

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona celebrates National Adoption Month by welcoming intellectual property attorney Michele Katz to discuss her journey with adoption and the creation of the Plus One Adoption Foundation. Michele shares her personal experiences, the challenges of adopting both infants and older children, and how her foundation aims to provide reliable resources and support to families looking to adopt. The discussion highlights the emotional and logistical aspects of adoption, the support and resources provided by the foundation to adoptive families, and the importance of changing the narrative around adoption. Michele also touches on key aspects like credible resources, post-placement support, and building a community for adoptive families. As an extra, Michele talks about her private wine label, Wine for Good®, which supports the foundation. Tune in to learn more about transforming adoption experiences and supporting adoptive families.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:37 Michele's Adoption Journey Begins04:17 Adopting an Older Child08:17 Founding Plus One Adoption Foundation12:51 Navigating the Adoption Process19:12 Post-Placement Support and Resources25:35 Community and Final ThoughtsTo learn more about Plus One Adoption Foundation, visit their website at https://plusoneadoption.org/Follow Plus One Adoption Foundation on social media:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/plus-one-adoption-foundation-inc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plusoneadoption/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plusoneadoptionEmail Plus One Adoption Foundation: [email protected]

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 Welcome01:12 Jason Brown's Early Life and Entrepreneurial Journey04:41 Meeting His Wife and Starting a Family07:24 A Life-Changing Diagnosis18:06 Navigating Grief and Finding Purpose23:05 Creating the Legacy Card Deck34:20 Advice on Medical Power of Attorney41:24 Expanding the Legacy Conversation46:45 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsTo learn more about The Legacy Card Deck, visit https://thelegacycarddeck.com/Subscribe to the When What If Happens podcast at https://www.youtube.com/@whenwhatifhappensFollow 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 Welcome01:29 Getting into Home Care: Personal Stories03:22 Understanding the Home Care Crisis04:44 Medicare and Home Care: The Basics08:22 Introducing the GUIDE Program12:46 Steps to Access the GUIDE Program15:24 Comprehensive Services of the GUIDE Program22:06 Training and Safety in Home Care27:41 When to Call a Professional36:06 Conclusion and Contact InformationTo learn more about Right at Home, visit their website at https://www.rightathome.net/lower-manhattanFor RightConversation resources, visit https://www.rightathome.net/lower-manhattan/resources/guides/right-conversationsFollow Right at Home on social media:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/RightatHomeCareFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RightAtHomeLowerManhattanTwitter: https://x.com/rightathomeNY Connect with Albert and Joyce on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alberteshoo/https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycebarocas/

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 Welcome01:11 Rachel's Journey and Revolution Motherhood06:18 The Importance of Self-Care14:09 Navigating the Healthcare System25:21 Building a Supportive Community36:27 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsTo 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/#YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RevolutionMotherhoodFacebook: https://www.facebook.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 Welcome00:54 Ben Kruger's Journey from Hollywood to Healthcare10:46 The Birth of Sollis Health17:17 The Concept and Growth of Concierge Care20:48 Introducing Appian25:23 The Importance of Planning for Aging30:28 Engaging in Conversations About Aging44:17 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 Welcome00:30 Jack Wang's Background and Career Journey02:00 Transition to College Financial Aid Planning05:18 Early College Financial Planning13:55 Understanding Financial Aid and Scholarships28:39 Navigating Student Loans and Family Finances33:30 Grandparents' Role in College Funding39:47 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 Welcome00:29 Jonathan Knaul's Background and Career02:21 Writing the Book: A Love Letter to Parents04:18 Stories of Jonathan's Parents07:28 Challenges and Rewards of Caregiving13:45 Decision Making and Family Dynamics26:38 Caregiver Burnout and Final Thoughts28:30 Conclusion and Community ResourcesTo 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 GratitudeFor more information about Hero Generation, visit https://www.herogen.co/Follow Hero Generation on social media:https://www.linkedin.com/company/herogeneration/https://www.instagram.com/hero__generation/https://www.facebook.com/weareHeroGeneration