Caregiving for aging parents is a challenging yet deeply rewarding experience. As families face the complexities of healthcare decisions, navigating the system, selecting the right providers, and balancing personal well-being with the care of a loved one can often feel overwhelming. In response to these challenges, the healthcare market is evolving to focus on caregiver support, innovative care models, and resources that empower families.
To shed more light on this important topic, we spoke with Dr. Nakeisha Rodgers, a dual board-certified Internist and Geriatrician who has dedicated her career to empowering caregivers and families in the aging process. Through her expertise and educational initiatives, she is helping caregivers balance proactive involvement with self-care, ensuring they and their aging loved ones thrive.
There is a growing recognition in healthcare of the essential role caregivers play, leading to increased support programs and educational resources tailored specifically for them. Programs like the GUIDE Model for dementia care help families manage the complexities of the disease, offering guidance to navigate this challenging journey. Technology is also playing a big role. With tools that allow caregivers to monitor vitals, home temperature, and safety systems from afar, they can feel assured their loved one is safe without needing to be physically present. Lastly, there’s a growing recognition of caregivers’ unique needs, thanks partly to institutions like the Rosalynn Carter Institute, which raise awareness about caregiver needs and offer resources that make the caregiving journey more informed and less isolating. These changes make life easier for caregivers and enhance the quality of care that aging loved ones receive.
Choosing the right doctor can be overwhelming, but we work alongside caregivers to simplify the process. Through the Secrets of Savvy Seniors Online Course: The Caregiver Edition, we guide families on what to look for—like finding providers who truly understand aging care, have experience with specific health needs, and communicate in a way that aligns with the family’s goals. We also talk about asking the right questions and spotting red flags so caregivers feel confident they’re selecting someone who’s a good fit. The focus is on making informed choices, not just picking a name from a list. Our goal is to equip families with the tools they need to confidently make these critical decisions.
– Nakeisha Rodgers
Building trust means being approachable, listening, and giving caregivers solid, practical information they can trust. In the Secrets of Savvy Seniors Online Course: The Caregiver Edition, we provide a supportive space where they can ask questions, share concerns, and feel understood. I encourage caregivers to voice their doubts and needs openly, creating a team dynamic where their roles and insights are valued. Helping them understand what to look for and how to make decisions in their loved ones’ best interests gives them the confidence to act on trusted knowledge rather than feeling lost or overwhelmed.
Avoiding burnout is key, and we make sure caregivers understand that self-care isn’t optional—it’s necessary. In the Secrets of Savvy Seniors Online Course: The Caregiver Edition, we guide families on how to stay proactive in sustainable ways. For instance, remote monitoring tech to check on their loved ones from a distance helps ease the load. We also discuss setting boundaries and keeping up with their health checkups, reinforcing that they can’t be there for someone else if they’re running on empty. By equipping caregivers with strategies to balance engagement and self-care, they can stay involved in their loved one’s healthcare without sacrificing their well-being.
As Dr. Nakeisha mentioned, caregivers play an essential role in the healthcare system and must receive the support they need to thrive. By providing caregivers with the tools, resources, and strategies to make informed decisions while maintaining their well-being, Dr. Nakeisha is confidently helping families navigate the caregiving journey. As she continues to share her expertise, caregivers are empowered to provide the best care possible for their loved ones while ensuring their health and happiness are not sacrificed.
Dr. Nakeisha Rodgers is a dual board-certified Internist and Geriatrician, best-selling author, and national speaker from the Bahamas. With over a decade of experience caring for complex geriatric patients, she is dedicated to improving the caregiving experience through education and empowerment. Dr. Nakeisha is the CEO of Age Like Royalty LLC, providing engaging workshops and resources that simplify geriatric care. She earned her medical degree from the University of the West Indies and completed a Fellowship in Geriatrics at Harvard Medical School. She also serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Internal and Geriatric Medicine in Florida, mentoring the next generation of healthcare leaders.
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