Understanding Grief and the Kübler‑Ross Model with Expert Chuck Olliff
Lighting the Path
In this episode of Lighting the Path, host Jerry Fenter welcomes Chuck Olliff, a Licensed Professional Counselor and grief specialist with more than 25 years of experience leading grief support groups. Chuck shares the story of how his journey into grief counseling began unexpectedly — when a local funeral director asked him to facilitate a series of grief groups for families coping with loss. Together, Jerry and Chuck explore the origins and lasting influence of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s work on the five stages of grief — denial, anger,...
info_outline
Dr. Emma Jones Offers a Proven Guide to Resilience for Caregivers
Lighting the Path
In this episode of Lighting the Path, Jerry sits down with Dr. Emma Jones, author of The Phoenix Blueprint, to talk about resilience, burnout, and the emotional tools needed to thrive as a caregiver. Dr. Jones shares what inspired her to write the book and opens up about the real causes of burnout among healthcare professionals—factors that reach far beyond workload and long hours. She introduces the concept of “emotional PPE,” a metaphor she uses to describe the inner armor caregivers need to protect their emotional well-being—just as firefighters use physical protective...
info_outline
How to Start Healing From Burnout as a Caregiver
Lighting the Path
In this episode of Lighting the Path, hospice and palliative care physician Dr. Emma Jones shares her personal experience of spiraling into burnout and the moment that forced her to confront the depth of her mental and emotional exhaustion. Drawing from her book, The Phoenix Blueprint: Emerging Stronger from the Blaze of Healthcare, she reflects on how perfectionism, overwork, and the culture of silence around clinician distress pushed her past her limits, and how stigma and fear made it difficult to admit she needed help. Emma also talks about early warning signs of...
info_outline
How to Navigate Feelings of Guilt and Regret in Grief, Encore Episode
Lighting the Path
In this encore episode, grief specialist Gary Roe discusses how survivors can manage feelings of guilt after the death of a loved one. Roe explores the difference between guilt and regret and offers methods for finding forgiveness and reducing emotional baggage. Guilt vs. Regret Roe explains that while often used interchangeably, guilt and regret are distinct emotions: - Guilt is the feeling we experience when we knowingly do something wrong, usually related to ethical, moral, or legal reasons. - Regret is the emotion we feel when looking back on past actions, realizing we could have handled...
info_outline
How to Avoid Caregiver Depression During the Holidays, Encore Episode
Lighting the Path
Enjoy this encore episode from Lighting the Path and Harbor Healthcare System. The holiday season is loaded with hopes and dreams and expectations. For those who are providing care for someone on hospice the holidays can be difficult to manage. Rosalind Hall-Hiner is the System Director of Social Workers for Harbor Hospice and Beacon Hospice. In this episode she shares ways that caregivers can avoid the depression that often comes with the holiday season. If you were benefitted by the information in this episode, please consider sharing it with your...
info_outline
How to Manage Grief During the Holiday Season, Encore Episode
Lighting the Path
Enjoy this encore episode about how to manage grief during the holidays with Harbor Hospice chaplain and bereavement counselor, Polly Stock. For many people the holidays are not a season of joy and cheer, but a time of grief and sadness. Holidays are times when families come together and the death of an important person in the family can make holidays feel heavy. In this episode, Polly Stock, Bereavement Coordinator with Harbor Hospice of Missouri, shares tips on how to manage grief during the holidays. In this episode, Polly shares some of her favorite resources,...
info_outline
Timely Tips on Ways to Manage Grief at the Holidays, Encore Episode
Lighting the Path
Enjoy this encore episode about how to manage grief during the holidays with grief specialist Gary Roe. In this podcast episode featuring grief specialist Gary Roe, the discussion centers on managing grief during the holidays, a time often marked by intensified emotions for those experiencing loss. Here are the key points covered in the episode: Why Grief Intensifies During the Holidays Emotional Triggers: The holidays can amplify feelings of grief due to memories associated with loved ones who have passed. Traditions that once brought joy may now serve as painful reminders...
info_outline
Helpful Ways to Prepare for Dementia Caregiving
Lighting the Path
Author and dementia advocate Tracy Cram Perkins joins this episode of Lighting the Path to share the heart and purpose behind her book, Dementia Home Care: How to Prepare Before, During, and After. Inspired by a moving comment from her father, Tracy walks listeners through what it means to truly prepare for the dementia caregiving journey. She explains the value of creating a “survivor’s binder” with essential documents and advance care plans, helping families avoid confusion in times of crisis. Tracy also emphasizes that people living with dementia...
info_outline
How to Prepare Before, During, and After Dementia Care
Lighting the Path
In this episode Jerry welcomes Tracy Cram Perkins, author of Dementia Home Care: How to Prepare Before, During, and After. Tracy describes what it was like to be thrust into the role of caregiver—first for one loved one, and eventually for four family members living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Drawing from years of firsthand experience, she shares the lessons, mistakes, and moments of grace that shaped her caregiving journey. Tracy talks about the overwhelming early days of caregiving and the key resources that helped her begin to navigate this challenging role....
info_outline
How to Find the Right Senior Living Option for Your Loved One
Lighting the Path
In this episode of Lighting the Path, Jerry sits down with Shari Ross, a senior living specialist and author of Senior Living Made S.I.M.P.L.E.. Shari brings years of experience helping families navigate the difficult — and often emotional — decisions about finding the right living environment for their senior loved ones. Her book uses the acronym S.I.M.P.L.E. — Support, Information, Matching, Preparation, Letting go, Engagement — as a practical framework for families facing this transition. Shari shares how this approach provides clarity and confidence during one...
info_outlineIn this episode, we welcome Jill Couch, a DAWN Dementia Care Specialist, Trainer, and Occupational Therapist, who brings years of expertise helping families and professionals navigate the challenges of dementia care. Jill explains how the DAWN Method offers a strength-based, person-centered approach that transforms the caregiving experience for both families and professionals.
The DAWN Method helps caregivers reduce their stress and find deeper meaning in their roles by focusing on the skills retained by people living with dementia, rather than what has been lost. Jill highlights how this approach not only improves the well-being of those with dementia but also empowers caregivers to feel more confident and less burdened.
The conversation also explores how the DAWN Method provides training for professional caregivers-whether in home care, assisted living, or healthcare settings-giving them practical tools to enhance their confidence, reduce workplace stress, and improve outcomes for their clients. Jill shares stories from her work with Better People Care and offers practical advice for anyone supporting a loved one or working professionally with dementia.
Key Topics Covered:
-
What is the DAWN Method and how is it different from traditional dementia care?
-
How strength-based, person-centered care can reduce caregiver stress and foster hope.
-
The emotional and practical benefits for families and professional caregivers using the DAWN Method.
-
Real-life examples of how DAWN training has improved care environments and caregiver satisfaction.
-
How to access DAWN Method training and resources for families and professionals.
Resources Mentioned:
-
The DAWN Method of dementia care
-
Better People Care agency
-
DAWN Method training and certification programs for families and professionals
Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: