Best of 2024 - 1 - Adventures of a Single Mom - Claire Martin
Focused Healthy Family Podcast
Release Date: 12/26/2024
#160 Rules and Reality
Focused Healthy Family Podcast
In this episode of Focused Healthy Family, Gina and Don dive into the complex world of hospital, rehab, and facility stays—unpacking the often-overlooked rules that can impact your loved one's care. They discuss the realities of insurance coverage, including what it does not cover and how it directly affects the length of hospital and rehab stays. Too often, families find themselves caught off guard when a hospital announces that a patient must be discharged with little notice—sometimes with just a day to decide on the next steps. Gina and Don share insights on the importance of being...
info_outline
#159 - Understanding Senior Living Options with Sharon Willis of Ranson Ridge
Focused Healthy Family Podcast
In this episode of Focused Healthy Family, Gina and Don Grothoff sit down with Sharon Willis from Ranson Ridge Assisted Living and Memory Care to explore the different levels of care available for aging loved ones. Sharon helps clarify the distinctions between Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care, offering valuable insights into what each level provides and how families can determine the right fit for their loved ones. We also touch on Skilled Nursing facilities and the important role they play in the continuum of senior care. Whether you're planning ahead or navigating care...
info_outline
#158 How It All Began… and Got a Little Weird
Focused Healthy Family Podcast
In this heartwarming (and slightly hilarious) episode, Gina and Don Grothoff take a stroll down memory lane and reintroduce themselves to the Focused Healthy Family audience in the most personal way possible—through stories of their own lives. From tales of their births (yes, even those!), awkward first dates, parenting adventures, and the journey that led them to create this podcast, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the real people behind the mics. With plenty of laughs, a few sweet moments, and maybe even an embarrassing story or two, this episode is all about connection—both...
info_outline
#157 Occupational Therapy...On the toilet
Focused Healthy Family Podcast
In this episode of Focused Healthy Family, Gina and Don dive into a topic that often goes overlooked but plays a huge role in caregiving—bathroom safety and accessibility for aging loved ones, whether they’re in the hospital or at home. From the challenges of maneuvering into a bathroom with a walker or wheelchair to practical solutions like sliding tub chairs and grab bars, we share real-life insights and tips for making this essential space safer and more functional. We discuss the often complicated logistics caregivers face, the importance of preparation, and the tools and modifications...
info_outline
#156 Legacy of Love
Focused Healthy Family Podcast
What do we truly leave behind for our children? In this heartfelt episode of the Focused Healthy Family podcast, Gina and Don explore the many ways we can build a lasting legacy—not just through material possessions, but through the skills, talents, stories, and love we share. They reflect on their own experiences, from learning valuable life skills from their parents to creating meaningful traditions with their own children. Join them as they discuss the importance of passing down wisdom, fostering strong connections, and being intentional about the memories we create. Whether it's teaching...
info_outline
Exercise After 50 – Simple Moves for Strength and Mobility
Focused Healthy Family Podcast
In this episode of Focused Healthy Family, we explore practical exercises you can do at home to stay strong, mobile, and pain-free after 50. As we age, everyday movements like carrying groceries, climbing stairs, and even opening jars can become more challenging. But with the right stretches and muscle-strengthening techniques, you can maintain independence and confidence in your daily life. Join us as we discuss simple, functional exercises to help you walk without pain, slide out of bed with ease, lift little ones safely, and keep your body moving comfortably. Whether you're looking to...
info_outline
#154 False Evidence Appearing Real
Focused Healthy Family Podcast
Fear is a natural part of life, but for seniors, certain fears can feel overwhelming. Today, we’re talking about the big fears many older adults face—financial insecurity, losing independence, coping with the loss of a spouse, declining functionality, and even the growing threat of identity theft. If you or a loved one are facing these concerns, you’re not alone. Let’s break them down and talk about ways to manage and overcome them. What fears do you or your loved ones face as you age? Share your thoughts in the comments, or reach out to us for more resources! ...
info_outline
#153 Flying Back To The Nest
Focused Healthy Family Podcast
In this episode of Focused Healthy Family, we dive into the unique challenges and rewards of being part of the sandwich generation—those who find themselves caring for aging parents while raising their own children. We explore the emotional, physical, and financial toll this dual caregiving role can take, as well as strategies for maintaining balance, building resilience, and finding joy amidst the demands. Whether you're in the thick of it or preparing for this chapter, this conversation offers practical advice and heartfelt stories to remind you that you’re not alone in this journey. ...
info_outline
#152 Help! I am a Hostage.
Focused Healthy Family Podcast
In this heartfelt episode, we explore the profound challenges of caregiving for aging loved ones and how their behavior may be an attempt to communicate unspoken needs. Drawing from Gina Grothoff's personal experience with her dad's battle with Parkinson’s, we reflect on his final year and the emotional toll of feeling like a hostage to his circumstances. Join us as we discuss strategies for understanding, compassion, and finding ways to foster connection amidst the struggles. This episode offers insights and support for families navigating similar journeys. ...
info_outline
#151 Food Foibles: Navigating Changes in Eating as We Age
Focused Healthy Family Podcast
As we age, the simple act of eating can transform into a complex challenge. In this episode of the Focused Healthy Family podcast, we delve into the changes that occur in the mouth and throat over time. From drier saliva and decaying teeth to weakened chewing and swallowing muscles, these shifts can have a big impact on nutrition and quality of life. We also highlight the life-saving importance of the Heimlich maneuver, especially as swallowing difficulties increase. Whether you're caring for an aging loved one or navigating these changes yourself, join us for this informative and supportive...
info_outlineToday Gina and Don interview Claire Martin and now in her own words she will describe who she is and why we love talking to her: Hi, I’m Claire Martin the founder and host of “Strong, Single and Human” Podcast.
So, who the hell am I? I moved to Australia 13 years ago for love!!!!! oh and to have fun, work hard and live the Australian dream…. the last thing I expected was to be a 49-year-old single mum navigating the challenges of raising a child on my own with no support network but here I am. In my pre-child life, I had been a project manager running global multimillion-dollar IT projects, managing multiple teams and I reported to top-level management…but nothing could have prepared me for the immense ups and downs of being a parent let alone a single parent.
The last 9 years have been a roller coaster ride – • escaping an abusive alcoholic relationship and the fallout that comes with it, • working a high-pressure 24/7 job while trying to circumnavigate pick-ups, drop-offs and all the rest. • dealing with mummy guilt battles daily • losing said job one week before having a major heart operation • and most importantly trying to hold it together for my son’s sake and his emotional stability. The one thing I realized is life throws us all curve balls and I’m no different to anyone else in fact I’ve had it pretty good compared with other single parents….
And so, “Strong Single and Human” was born……. My podcast is a journey into the Nirvana of single-parentdom and to find out if it is possible to live life on your own terms and stay sane somewhat!!! My goal is to help, inspire and give people hope…. that you can thrive while traversing the craziness of raising children solo.
https://www.instagram.com/strong_single_and_human/