Month: October 2024

Empowered Grief: Navigating Loss and Rebuilding Life with Support with Claire Drexler (Ep. 9)

~ The Widow Empowerment Project

Grief is a deeply personal journey, but with the right support, it becomes more manageable, offering comfort in life’s toughest moments.

In this episode, Andy Dziedzic and Megan LeBarron speak with Claire Drexler, a licensed clinical social worker and grief educator from the Center for Loss and Bereavement. Claire discusses a holistic approach to grief counseling and the wide range of services offered by the Center, including individual counseling, family therapy, and specialized programs for children, as well as outreach to schools and senior centers.

Tune in as this conversation sheds light on the practical tools and support systems available to widows and families navigating the overwhelming emotions that accompany loss. 

Talking points include:

  • How grief counseling supports the emotional, psychological, and social dimensions of loss
  • How the study of death, “Thanatology,” helps us understand the complexities of grief
  • Effective techniques for discussing and planning end-of-life wishes, using tools like the “Five Wishes” document
  • Why focusing on self-care early in the grief process can make a significant difference
  • Available resources for grieving families, including tip sheets and national support networks
  • And much more!

Resources:

Get in Touch with The Widow Empowerment Project:

Connect with Claire Drexler:

 

About Our Guest: 

Claire Drexler is a licensed clinical supervisor and grief educator specializing in bereavement support. She works at the Center for Loss and Bereavement in Pennsylvania, offering counseling, support groups, and educational resources for individuals and families navigating the complexities of grief.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Supporting Widows with Dignity: The Role of In-Home Care with Mandy Delp (Ep. 8)

~ The Widow Empowerment Project

When faced with grief, illness, or the loss of a loved one, finding the right support can make all the difference. 

Mandy Delp, a caregiving expert from Home Helpers, joins host Andy Dziedzic and co-host Megan LeBarron to discuss how compassionate in-home care can provide vital assistance for widows and families during life’s most challenging moments.

Mandy shares the mission of Home Helpers, which offers personalized, non-medical care designed to maintain independence and dignity for those in need. Whether it’s helping with daily tasks like shopping and transportation, or providing advanced support for individuals with dementia, ALS, or in hospice care, Home Helpers tailors its services to the unique needs of each client. Mandy also highlights the emotional benefits of planning ahead and accepting care early, which can prevent unnecessary stress when crises arise.

Key insights include:

  • How comprehensive caregiving—from basic daily assistance to live-in care—can significantly improve quality of life during difficult transitions
  • The importance of tailoring care to help widows and families maintain independence while receiving the emotional and physical support they need
  • Breaking through the resistance many seniors have toward accepting help, and how caregivers can frame services as an enhancement of their independence
  • The value of planning ahead to avoid the emotional and logistical challenges of last-minute caregiving decisions
  • How Home Helpers partners with hospice care teams to provide dignity and peace during end-of-life care
  • And much more!

For those navigating the complexities of caregiving or looking to plan for the future, this discussion offers compassionate and actionable guidance.

 

Resources:

Get in Touch with the Widow Empowerment Project

Connect with Mandy Delp:

Connect with Home Helpers Home Care:

About Our Guest: 

Mandy Delp is a compassionate caregiving expert with Home Helpers, a nationwide provider of non-medical in-home care services. She is committed to empowering families through life’s most challenging transitions, offering support from daily assistance to advanced hospice care.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More