20 JAN 2022 · You are doing your best. No one prepared you to be a caregiver. You did it because you care. I know you care because you are here. I know you want to be a better caregiver because you listen to these podcasts and visit important websites, like CircleOf.com. Your next step is to take some action. I want to help you to begin the New Year right. I want to show you how you can become a better caregiver in 7 days! In this podcast of Toula’s Tips for Caregivers, my friends from CircleOf.com, Kerry Lange and Alanna McLeod, and I reveal seven simple steps that you can take – and repeat every week – to make your caregiving life easier for you and for your loved one. Do you want to learn more, read my Blog on CircleOf.com. With all you have to do, I want to make it easy. But by taking these little steps each day in the week, you will find yourself healthier, more prepared, and less stressed. Even better, your loved one may be happier. Wishing you many blessings in 2022.

12 DEC 2021 · Will your holidays be Merry and Bright? Christmas is supposed to be a joyous and holy time for us all. However, for caregivers, like you and me, it can also be a stressful, difficult time. The extra stress of trying to make the Season special and meaningful for our loved one is hard enough. Adding in family dynamics can really change the mood fast. That is why you need to listen to this Podcast of Toula’s Tips for Caregivers. My friends from CircleOf.com, Kerry Lange and Alanna McLeod, and I enjoyed an inspiring conversation sharing many helpful suggestions on how to make the Holidays meaningful and special for your loved one and for you. Kerry and Alanna also conveyed their “8 Tips on Creating a Care Calendar”, which is available on their web site, https://circleof.com/featured-content/ We know you will enjoy listening to our conversation. We want you to come out of the holidays without that burned-out feeling. You will be more light-hearted by knowing you did your best. OUR BEST ADVICE - Focus on the real meaning of Christmas: Family time and what is in your heart. We wish you Many Blessings for this Holiday Season. Don’t forget to visit the CircleOf.com web site and download their FAMILY CAREGIVING APP.

12 NOV 2021 · Caregiving requires Teamwork Do you want a team of people around you for when you need help or advice? My new friends at “Circleof.com” can help. With their new APP, you can reduce the stress and hassle of finding people to help. You can create a circle of people around you to provide support. AND, you can make it easier for those around you to help you This App will keep you from wondering, “where to go when you don’t know where to turn to turn for help”. In this podcast of “Toula’s Tips for Caregivers”, Kerry Lange, COO and Chief Evangelist of CircleOf explains how their new APP will make a difference to you. Best of all – the App is FREE. (Visit CircleOf.com to download the FREE App) Kerry knows. She was caregiver for her father, mother and then stepfather. She lived with the stress and feelings of being overwhelmed. As Kerry explains, that is why she went to work with the developers of this App. She wants to help other caregivers There are many people in your life who want to help you, but don’t know what you need. They just want to be asked. You know that I always look out for you. I let you know about any resource that can help you as a caregiver. I believe this CircleOf app will really help you.

27 MAY 2021 · Are you taking care of yourself “from the neck up”? You should – your brain is also the only one you will ever have. That is why, for all my veterans friends and caregivers of veterans, I WANT YOU to REGISTER today for a Free “Brain Health Awareness Webinar this Tuesday, June 1st, from 11am to 12Noon. Register at alzfdn.org/event/veterans/ The webinar is provided by the Alzheimer's Foundation of America to help serve those who have served us. They recognize that Veterans may be at a higher risk for dementia based on their military experiences. You will want to participate. You will be able to get answers to your questions.. The webinar will provide you with information and facts to understand dementia, be proactive about brain health, and learn about services and benefits available to help. Listen to my podcast interview with Charles Fuschillo, CEO of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, as he explains how this webinar will help you to live a better life. Charles will also talk about the many programs that the AFA offers for free. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. If you have more questions, you can call the Alzheimer's Foundation of America HELP LINE at any time (24 hours per day, 7 days a week). Simply dial 866.232.8484. A Licensed clinical social worker, dementia specifically trained, will talk with you, answer your questions, and, most importantly, provide comfort and support. The Help Line is FREE and Completely Confidential. If you prefer an online CHAT, you can visit the AFA web site at alzfdn.org/afahelpline/ I encourage you to REGISTER TODAY, as your first steps for “Check Up From The Neck Up".

24 MAY 2021 · Should you say, “It’s a RAPP”? If you want to help build a stronger community of seniors and caregivers, you should. If you want to help the many grandparents and relatives who are caring for their grandchildren or school-age relatives, you must. Most Importantly - I NEED YOUR HELP in spreading the word about Aging True’s RAPP Program in Duval and Clay Counties, Florida. In this podcast, my guest Jacinda Legions, Community Liaison with Aging True, explains how the “RAPP” program – “Relatives As Parents” Program – is making our community stronger by helping many senior and caregivers like you who have taken on the responsibility of raising children, either their grandchildren or close relatives. May is Older Americans’ Month. This is when we celebrate the strength of older adults and the Aging Network, with special emphasis on the power of connection and engagement in building strong communities. The RAPP Program is an essential part of this effort in Duval and Clay counties. RAPP is a voluntary program open to grandparents and relative caregivers ages 55 and above, caring for children under the age of 18. This support program is designed to assist the caregiver in resuming healthy aging practices and is tailored to best suit the participants’ needs. The program delivers educational training’s, monthly support groups in a comfortable and relaxed setting, transportation, long-term goal planning, bi-monthly newsletter with resources, yearly stipend for children’s summer camp and more. RAPPJAX is supported by a grant from the Delores Barr Weaver Fund. If you or someone you know is a grandparent or relative caring for a young child, learn more about RAPP by contacting Aging True at 904.807.1203, or visiting their website at agingtrue.org. Aging True is also looking for donations to maintain and expand the program. If you know of some organization who is willing to financially support Aging True and the RAPP Program, please call Jacinda directly at 904-807-1266 or by Email at jlegons@agingtrue.org

19 APR 2021 · It is a stressful decision. But you know that it will be the best decision for your loved one. You know that someday you may have to think about bringing your loved one in a place that can provide more care. It may be a rehab facility, an assisted living facility (ALF), or a nursing home. Your loved one comes first and most important. I want to help you to prepare NOW for the crucial questions. WHEN? WHERE? HOW? •When will be the right time? •Where is the best place? •How will you be able to afford it? YOUR FIRST STEP – Listen to this podcast of Toula’s Tips for Caregivers. My two guests are EXPERTS at helping you find the best answers for you and your loved one. The advice they share on this podcast will give you the answers and directions you need. Esther McMillan is the Daily Money Management Manager at Aging True Community Senior Services. She also is a National Certified Guardian. Aging True can help you to know when is the right time – or whether there are OTHER OPTIONS. (Visit their web site https://www.agingtrue.org/) Michael Saffy is owner of Silver Link consulting. They help you find the care your love one deserves (Visit their web site https://www.silverlinkconsulting.com/). Both have important suggestions on how to afford this care. I know how wrenching the decision will be. When we had to place my Mom in a memory care facility, it broke my Dad’s heart. When we placed my Dad in an assisted living facility, it broke my heart. I recognized how important that the advice and support from knowledgeable professionals would help me – and you – to make the best decisions for our loved ones. They are my guests on this podcast so that you, will be better prepared when the time comes to make that decision. When that time comes, I encourage you to seek out Aging True and Silver Link Consulting. If you need more, I am always here for you. Blessings Toula Wootan

22 MAR 2021 · The tables have turned for you. Are you okay? It used to be that work was the most important duty in your life. Your family and loved ones were there for love and support. Now, you are caring for that most important loved one. But you still have to work. I understand. The tables turned on me in 2012, when I became the main caregiver for my parents. But I still had to work, providing outreach and support for caregivers in Northeast Florida. And I still had to do my live radio show, every week. I admit. Sometimes the stress almost overcame me. The tables turned in this podcast of Toula’s Tips for Caregivers, also. I am the “guest” of the day, being interviewed by Nicole Egan, Care Services Director for Aging True. She wanted to hear more of my caregiving stories with my parents, especially while still working. As we talked, I shared some important tips that helped my success as a working caregiver. You are not alone. There are others going through what you are. There is help and support. Some of the valuable tips we talked about will help you: Talk to your bosses. Let them know your situation. Ask how they could accommodate. Know your company’s policies and programs. They are changing to keep valuable employees like you. Talk with other working caregivers. Find local agencies – like Aging True – whose mission is to provide care and support for you. You already know. Caring for your loved one will be the most meaningful and rewarding work you will ever do. But you don’t have to do it alone. You can learn more about Aging True’s services by visiting their web site (https://www.agingtrue.org/) or calling 904.807.1203. Their Customer Relations line for more detailed information, is 904.807.1225. If you need more, I am here for you. And Aging True is here for you, also. Blessings Toula Wootan

9 FEB 2021 · Caregiving is a reflection of your love. All that you do for your loved one (often unappreciated), and all the mistakes you feel you made by trying to be a better caregiver. The times you resist the urge to fix your loved one’s problems. That is your Valentine Story. In this podcast of Toula’s Tips for Caregivers, my guest shares her Caregiver Valentine Story with you. Terri Barton, CEO of Aging True, Inc, also cared for her husband, Bill, for five years, until his death in 2019. In the podcast, she shares her Valentine Story about those times and the lessons she learned. Terri explains why she is so appreciative of being given that time as Bill’s caregiver. She also admits that she made mistakes. She learned that it was important for to make Bill feel as independent as he could be. She also recognized that it was important for her to take time for herself, through diet, exercise and time away. In this Month of Love, highlighted by Valentine’s Day, Terri’s Caregiver Valentine Story will inspire you and encourage you. Wishing you a very Happy Valentine’s Day and a Blessed month of love and good care for you and your loved one.

11 JAN 2021 · You are not alone in your caregiving role. I know. You hear me say that all the time. That is why I introduce new people who are here to help you. In Northeast Florida, there is another MAJOR PLAYER for caregivers and seniors like you. Aging True is a non-profit, charitable organization that enables seniors to stay home and be independent. In this podcast, I talk with Megan Taylor, Care Transitions Program Manager, about all the services that Aging True is providing to support seniors and caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meals. Household items. Counseling. RESPITE. Home Health aides. RESPITE (yes – I said it twice. You need a break). Their Caregiver support program assists clients and/or caregivers in crisis. Aging True has a legacy of providing concern, compassion and care for seniors and caregivers. Megan and the Care Transitions Program team have been at the forefront of helping seniors and caregivers during the pandemic. You can learn more about Aging True and their programs by visiting their web site, http://agingtrue.com/, or by calling them at (904) 807-1203. I am proud to connect you with Aging True. I encourage you to get in touch with them today. Blessings Toula

23 DEC 2020 · My latest podcast is because I care for you. I share this message with you every year – Take Care Of Yourself, especially during the holidays. ESPECIALLY DURING THIS COVID-19 PANDEMIC. My podcast is the recording of my presentation during the Caregiver Coalition of NE Florida’s recent webinar. I talk about how you can be COPING WITH THE HOLIDAYS. I share some important information and advice. This year I discuss extra precautions we are asked to take (and should follow) to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the COVID-19 virus. I wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year. I look forward to working together with you (and, hopefully, seeing you in person again) in 2021.