Lighting the Path: A New Concept of Hospice Care

In this episode of Lighting the Path, grief and bereavement specialist Dawn Delaloye, PhD, shares the story of how she was drawn into walking alongside people in seasons of deep loss. She gently introduces the idea of anticipatory grief—the kind of grief that shows up before a death or major loss—and talks about when it can surface for patients, caregivers, and families who know that change is coming. Dawn names some of the common signs of anticipatory grief, like feeling on edge, tearful, exhausted, distracted, or "not like yourself," and reassures listeners that these are normal responses, not personal failures. From there, Dawn talks about how grieving before a loss feels different from grieving after a death, especially when you are still caregiving, making big decisions, and trying to hold on to small, meaningful moments at the same time. She offers kind, practical suggestions for how caregivers and family members can navigate this season—putting words to their emotions, making space for rest, creating memories with their loved one, and reaching out for support instead of trying to be "the strong one" all the time. The conversation closes with a list of resources and places to find help, so no one has to walk through anticipatory grief alone. To learn more about Dawn, visit her website at Sunrise Coaching. Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.

In this episode of Lighting the Path, host Jerry Fenter talks with Melissa Lunardini, Chief Clinical Officer at Help Texts, about transforming grief support through technology. Help Texts is a pioneering service that sends thoughtful, personalized messages to people experiencing grief and loss — and just as importantly, to their friends and family who want to offer meaningful support but may not know how. Melissa explains the clinical philosophy behind Help Texts, the models that guide message design, and how the service helps normalize ongoing grief through timely, compassionate communication. She shares powerful testimonials from participants whose healing journeys were eased by receiving these messages, and discusses what demographic trends reveal — including that the largest user groups are adults aged 40–64 and 65+, and that men find the service particularly supportive. Together, Jerry and Melissa explore how grief can be met with empathy, connection, and innovative digital pathways that remind us all that healing begins with compassionate words. Learn more about Help Texts at www.helptexts.com. For pricing information please visit Pricing | Help Texts Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.

In this follow-up episode of Lighting the Path, host Jerry Fenter continues the conversation with Kera Sanchez, founder and editor of Get Griefy magazine. Kera shares how the idea for the magazine first came to her—quite literally—in the shower. Though she had no formal background in journalism, her passion for helping others share their stories of grief and loss led her to create a publication that now reaches readers across the globe. Through Get Griefy, people from every walk of life have found a place to express their experiences with loss, healing, and transformation. Kera reflects on some of her favorite published stories and how they've connected a worldwide community of grievers and creatives alike. The upcoming issue of Get Griefy focuses on women's issues—honoring resilience, vulnerability, and empowerment through storytelling. Listeners can explore more or read the free digital edition at getgriefymagazine.com, with a print version also available for purchase. Key discussion points: The unexpected inspiration behind Get Griefy Turning passion into purpose without formal training Highlighting meaningful stories from around the world A preview of the next Get Griefy issue on women's issues Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.

Licensed professional counselor and grief specialist Chuck Olliff returns to the podcast. Chuck has been leading bereavement support groups for more than 20 years, and in this episode he explains why grief support groups play such an important role in healing and connection after loss. He walks listeners through the six key topics he covers in his six-week virtual grief groups, offering valuable insights for anyone navigating their own grief or supporting others who are. Chuck's compassionate and practical approach makes the process feel less daunting and more accessible to all. All of Chuck's groups meet virtually via Zoom, allowing participants to join from anywhere. To learn more about Chuck Olliff and to register for an upcoming grief group, visit chuckolliff.com. Chuck also mentions the resources of Alan Wolfelt in this episode. To see Alan's resources you can visit his website here. Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.

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 equipment to face the dangers of their work. Dr. Jones walks listeners through her six-step model designed to help professionals prevent burnout, restore balance, and reconnect with meaning in their work. As the conversation unfolds, she offers practical wisdom drawn from her own experience and research, and finally shares the single takeaway she hopes readers and listeners will carry with them from The Phoenix Blueprint. Listeners who want to connect with Dr. Jones can visit her website or follow her on Instagram for more insights and resources. Resources mentioned The Phoenix Blueprint: Emerging Stronger from the Blaze of Healthcare by Emma Jones, MD Emma Jones, MD – website and additional resources for healthcare professionals (speaking, workshops, and support offerings) Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.

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 situations differently. Strategies for Managing Guilt and Regret Roe shares several strategies for managing these difficult emotions: 1. Release these feelings through talking, writing, or creative expression 2. Seek support: Talk to someone who listens well and loves you[3]. 3. Practice self-compassion: Remember that you're doing the best you can with the information you had at the time. Reducing Emotional Baggage To lighten the load of guilt and regret, Roe suggests: - Accepting that you can't change the past: Focus on what you can control in the present. - Practicing forgiveness: Both for yourself and others involved in the situation. - Honoring the deceased: Find ways to celebrate their memory and continue their legacy. - Seeking professional help: If guilt or regret persist, consider talking to a grief counselor or therapist. You can visit Gary's website for free resources and contact information at www.garyroe.com. Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.

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, including the following books that you can find by following the links below. Healing Your Holiday Grief by Alan Wolfelt Surviving the Holidays Without You by Gary Roe The Empty Chair by Robert DeVries Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com. For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life. For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.

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 are still themselves, deserving of dignity, respect, and opportunities to share their insights. Listeners will hear helpful ideas for caregiver self‑care, including Tracy's Daily D.O.S.E. method and how to use her Meltdown Trigger List, available at tracycramperkins.com, to prevent stressful moments before they start. This conversation reminds every caregiver that with preparation and compassion, it's possible to bring calm, comfort, and connection into dementia care. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if this episode helped you or someone you know in their serious illness journey! Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.

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 of the most stressful times in a caregiver's journey. We discuss some of the most common challenges families face when searching for senior living options: Guilt when making housing decisions for a loved one. Panic when faced with an emergency or rushed move. Neglecting self-care while being a caregiver. Shari also talks about the relief families feel once their loved one is safe, cared for, and thriving in the right community. Beyond the book, she provides affordable tools and resources through her Etsy store, Senior Living Shop, to help families get organized and feel prepared. For more information, visit Shari's website at seniorlivingmadesimple.com or order Senior Living Made S.I.M.P.L.E. online wherever books are sold. If you're a caregiver or family member facing senior living decisions, this episode offers both practical strategies and much–needed encouragement.

In this touching episode, guest Larry W. Robinson—renowned faith-based media personality and author of Sacred Steps, A Faith-Filled Journey Through Transition into Eternity—offers a deeply personal account of his mother's final chapter and the powerful legacy she leaves behind. Larry shares how his mother's journey led her to Harbor Hospice in Lake Charles, a facility known for providing comfort, dignity, and spiritual support for patients and families facing life's greatest challenge. A central theme of the episode is Larry's inspiration for writing Sacred Steps, envisioned as a spiritual resource for Christians seeking encouragement and deeper understanding of the process of "transitioning" from this life to eternity. Larry explains his intentional use of the word "transitioning," emphasizing the sacredness of the moment when one crosses from earthly life into eternity—a perspective rooted in faith and reverence. One of the most stirring moments in the conversation comes as Larry reflects on his mother's last breath, describing it as a "holy moment"—sacred ground that transformed his grief into awe. His story is a moving reminder of the spiritual significance of end-of-life experiences and the enduring power of a legacy rooted in love and faith. To find out more about Larry's books and media, visit his website at www.ceolarry.com Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if this episode helped you or someone you know in their caregiving journey! Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.

In this episode, we're joined by Debbie Compton—author, caregiving advocate, and the founder of The Purple Vine. Debbie brings compassion and hard-won wisdom from years spent caring for her father, her mother, and her mother-in-law. Debbie opens up about the personal journey that led her to leave her job in order to become a full-time caregiver. Like many, she initially saw herself as simply "a daughter taking care of her parents," not realizing she was part of a much larger community of caregivers. We discuss the emotional and practical challenges she faced, including the experience of caregiver burnout and the many lessons she wishes she had known before beginning her caregiving journey. Debbie shares how hospice care changed her family's story and urges listeners to consider its benefits sooner rather than later. A chance encounter with a hospice nurse inspired Debbie to start The Purple Vine, a supportive resource for other caregivers who might feel alone or overwhelmed. She offers advice, encouragement, and tangible tips for those walking a similar path. If you are a caregiver, know someone who is, or simply want to better understand the realities of caregiving, this episode is filled with empathy, honesty, and hope. Topics Include: Debbie's personal caregiving journey for three loved ones The decision to leave work and take on full-time caregiving Why so many people don't 'identify' as caregivers The realities of caregiver burnout The comfort and relief hospice care brought her family Things Debbie wishes she had known at the beginning The inspiration behind The Purple Vine and its mission Advice for new caregivers Resources: Learn more about Debbie and discover support for your caregiving journey at thepurplevine.com Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if this episode helped you or someone you know in their caregiving journey! Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.

In this episode of Lighting the Path, host Jerry Fenter welcomes Dr. Julia Mayer, a seasoned psychotherapist and co-author of the newly published The AARP Caregiver Answer Book, written with her husband, Dr. Barry Jacobs. Dr. Mayer brings her extensive expertise to offer a comprehensive look at the caregiving journey—from its challenging beginnings to its often-overlooked end. Key Topics Discussed: Comprehensive Caregiving Guidance: Dr. Mayer shares insights from her book, which covers every stage of the caregiving experience, providing practical advice and emotional support for caregivers at all points in their journey. Life After Caregiving: Dr. Mayer emphasizes the importance of the chapters dedicated to what comes after caregiving ends. She encourages caregivers to recognize the difficulty of what they've accomplished and to give themselves credit for their dedication and hard work. Coping with Guilt and Regret: The conversation delves into the common feelings of guilt and regret that many caregivers experience after their responsibilities conclude. Dr. Mayer offers compassionate advice on processing these emotions and finding peace. Preparing for Caregiving: Dr. Mayer advocates for proactive preparation, urging listeners to plan for caregiving roles before they arise to minimize stress and uncertainty. Affirmation for Caregivers: Throughout the episode, Dr. Mayer reminds caregivers that their efforts matter deeply and that they deserve acknowledgment for the significant, often unrecognized, work they do. Whether you are currently a caregiver, have been one in the past, or anticipate stepping into this role in the future, this episode provides validation, practical tips, and heartfelt encouragement. For more information: www.loveandmeaning.com www.aarp.org The AARP Caregiver Answer Book Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.

In this insightful episode, Jerry sits down with Dr. Julia Mayer, a clinical psychologist specializing in women's issues and caregiver support. Drawing from both her professional expertise and lived experience, Dr. Mayer opens up about the unique challenges, emotional complexities, and unexpected rewards of caregiving. The discussion includes, The emotional impact of becoming a caregiver unexpectedly Balancing personal well-being while supporting loved ones Navigating family dynamics and communication during times of crisis The importance of self-compassion and seeking support Dr. Mayer also offers a sneak peek into her upcoming book, The AARP Caregiver Answer Book (co-authored with Dr. Barry Jacobs), which will be published in July. She shares practical tips, resources, and encouragement for anyone walking the caregiving path. Key Takeaways: Caregiving is both challenging and deeply rewarding Self-care and support systems are essential for caregivers Open communication can ease family tensions and foster understanding Every caregiving journey is unique, but no one has to go it alone For more information: www.loveandmeaning.com www.aarp.org The AARP Caregiver Answer Book Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at jfenter@harborhcs.com.