Introducing a dynamic new podcast that explores the world of caregiving through storytelling and information-sharing. We look at who does the caregiving in the U.S. and why this work is so important. In this first season, we tackle caregiving issues head-on. You’ll meet family caregivers and paid care workers, creators of innovative programs, and care activists who are organizing nationally to mobilize care workers and implement a progressive national care agenda.
We’re committed to creating a second season of The Shape of Care! Please help us by donating here. We’re grateful for your all of your support. And please let us know if you’d want to hear how you can sponsor The Shape of Care!
Caregiving in the Time of Corona: An interview with elder care expert, Karen Wasserman
Episode Notes Elder care expert, Karen Wasserman, shares both tragic and uplifting stories based on her work with elders and their families during this difficult time. In sharing how her Boston-based agency helps elders and their families, she provides a powerful roadmap for caregivers to help them find services and support in their own localities...
Caregiving in the Time of Corona: An interview with Laurie Sheridan
Episode Notes In this episode, Laurie Sheridan returns to the podcast to talk about the death of her husband, Ira, who had Parkinson’s Disease. Sadly, Ira died – two months before the pandemic hit. Find out how Laurie is coping with the loss, where she’s finding joy, and her surprising reaction to the timing of...
Caregiving in the Time of Corona: a Global Perspective
Episode Notes What can we learn from global perspectives about the impact of the pandemic on care workers and caregivers? For one thing, the universality of what we’re all going through. But there’s more. In this episode, we welcome four researchers who share their insights about the impact of the global pandemic in their respective...
Caregiving in the Time of Corona: An interview with Maria Colville
Episode Summary This episode features an interview with Marie Colville, a professional home care worker who has been doing this work for 30 years. You’ll hear Maria talk about the childhood experiences that inspired her to do this work. And prepare to be inspired by her fearlessness and passion for caring for others, even in...
Caregiving in the Time of Corona: An interview with Rick Surpin
Episode Summary How are home care workers doing during this pandemic? As front-line workers, the nature of their work is hands-on and up close. These workers face major issues about staying protected and safe. And what about the people they’re caring for? How are families in need of care dealing with this crisis? Mindy interviews...
Caregiving in the Time of Corona: Interview with Laura Barr
Episode Summary How are caregivers coping during this global health crisis? The Shape of Care podcast is releasing a series of interviews with people who are caring for a loved one right now. In this episode, Mindy brings back a guest from Season 1 – Laura Barr – whose wife, Jean, has Alzheimer’s Disease. In...
EP7 — Q&A with Karen Wasserman, Elder Care Expert
This is our final episode for Season 1! In this episode, elder care expert, Karen Wasserman, responds to listeners' questions and concerns.
EP6 — Homophobia in elder care
This episode explores homophobia in elder care, featuring the LGBT Aging Project founder, Dale Mitchell. We also meet Rebekah Levitt, Executive Director of Rogerson House, who brought LGBT sensitivity training to her staff. And we hear from Laura Barr, who shares her own concerns about homophobia in institutional care.
EP5 — Alzheimer’s Disease: How to cope when it gets sadder
Laura Barr makes another big decision – to move her wife, Jean, out of Rogerson House and into a skilled nursing facility. This is emotionally hard, but she finds creative ways to cope.
Caregiving in the Time of Corona: An interview with Taura Taylor
Episode Notes In this episode, we welcome sociologist Taura Taylor, a Visiting Lecturer at Georgia State University who teaches about race and resilience. Over the years, Taura has played a caregiver role to a number of family members, and three years ago, her mother moved in with her. Taura talks about the culture of caregiving...