The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide

What happens when the role that defined you suddenly changes? NFL Hall of Famer, Super Bowl champion, and Southern University head football coach Marshall Faulk joins Candace Dellacona to discuss resilience, reinvention, and finding purpose after a major life transition.Marshall shares candid lessons from life after the NFL, caring for his mother, raising children, mentoring young athletes, and learning to stay present through change. He also explains why adversity builds strength, discipline matters more than comfort, and giving children better opportunities does not mean removing every obstacle.Whether you are caring for aging parents, raising children, changing careers, mentoring the next generation, or redefining your own identity, this conversation offers a practical and inspiring playbook for moving forward with purpose.(00:00) - Welcome and Guest Intro (01:45) - What Sandwich Generation Means (04:04) - Caring for Mom and Kids (06:14) - Life After the NFL (09:51) - Therapy and Staying Busy (12:50) - Be Present to Move Forward (15:06) - Redefining Success and People (21:17) - Coaching at Southern University (28:38) - Discipline Builds Winners (30:23) - Discipline Over Comfort (32:06) - Wrap Up and Subscribe Follow Marshall Faulk on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/marshallfaulkFollow and subscribe to The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide wherever you listen to podcasts. New conversations are released on the first and third Tuesdays of every month. If this episode resonates with you leave a five-star rating or review and share it with another sandwich generation caregiver!

What if one of the most valuable resources for family caregivers was already covered by Medicare? Before you assume you can't afford a care manager, listen to this episode. In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, Candace Dellacona sits down with Connor Sweeney, founder of Baba, a groundbreaking care advocacy platform that's helping family caregivers navigate one of the most overwhelming parts of caregiving—and for many Medicare and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, the service is available at little to no cost. Inspired by his own family's experience after his grandmother suffered a stroke, Connor created Baba to give caregivers something they rarely have: a knowledgeable guide in their corner. Imagine having an expert who can:Coordinate medical careHelp appeal insurance denialsConnect you with specialists and community resourcesArrange transportationNavigate Medicare and Medicaid benefitsReduce the endless administrative burden that leaves so many caregivers exhaustedIf you've ever thought, "I wish I could afford a geriatric care manager," this episode may completely change what's possible. Whether you're caring for an aging parent, a spouse with a chronic illness, or another loved one, you'll discover that help may be far more accessible than you realized—and that asking for support before a crisis can make all the difference. This conversation is filled with practical advice, hope, and one resource every caregiver should know about.(00:00) - Caregiving Needs Support (00:30) - Meet Connor and Baba (02:15) - Why Baba Was Built (03:46) - Covered by Insurance (06:01) - What Advocates Handle (08:48) - Care Navigation Problems (11:17) - How Onboarding Works (14:28) - Coverage and Eligibility (15:20) - Denials and Big Savings (17:34) - Respite and Benefits Help (24:49) - Family Conflict and Neutrality (26:47) - Hidden VA Aid Benefit (27:54) - Caregiving Culture Shift (29:01) - Wrap Up and Subscribe To learn more about Baba, visit https://www.callbaba.com/ Follow Baba on social media:Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/company/callbaba/Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/baba.helpsFacebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577179311253

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona celebrates National Adoption Month by welcoming intellectual property attorney Michele Katz to discuss her journey with adoption and the creation of the Plus One Adoption Foundation. Michele shares her personal experiences, the challenges of adopting both infants and older children, and how her foundation aims to provide reliable resources and support to families looking to adopt. The discussion highlights the emotional and logistical aspects of adoption, the support and resources provided by the foundation to adoptive families, and the importance of changing the narrative around adoption. Michele also touches on key aspects like credible resources, post-placement support, and building a community for adoptive families. As an extra, Michele talks about her private wine label, Wine for Good®, which supports the foundation. Tune in to learn more about transforming adoption experiences and supporting adoptive families.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:37 Michele's Adoption Journey Begins04:17 Adopting an Older Child08:17 Founding Plus One Adoption Foundation12:51 Navigating the Adoption Process19:12 Post-Placement Support and Resources25:35 Community and Final ThoughtsTo learn more about Plus One Adoption Foundation, visit their website at https://plusoneadoption.org/Follow Plus One Adoption Foundation on social media:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/plus-one-adoption-foundation-inc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plusoneadoption/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plusoneadoptionEmail Plus One Adoption Foundation: [email protected]

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes Albert Eshoo and Joyce Barocas, owners of Right at Home Home Care in New York City. They discuss their paths into the home care industry and delve into the new Medicare GUIDE Program, designed to assist families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer's and dementia. The discussion covers the limitations of traditional Medicare coverage, the importance of activities of daily living (ADLs), and the significant benefits of the GUIDE program, including free access to care navigators and respite care. The episode provides listeners with comprehensive insights on how to effectively utilize home care services and the GUIDE program to maintain their loved ones' independence and improve the quality of life for caregivers.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:29 Getting into Home Care: Personal Stories03:22 Understanding the Home Care Crisis04:44 Medicare and Home Care: The Basics08:22 Introducing the GUIDE Program12:46 Steps to Access the GUIDE Program15:24 Comprehensive Services of the GUIDE Program22:06 Training and Safety in Home Care27:41 When to Call a Professional36:06 Conclusion and Contact InformationTo learn more about Right at Home, visit their website at https://www.rightathome.net/lower-manhattanFor RightConversation resources, visit https://www.rightathome.net/lower-manhattan/resources/guides/right-conversationsFollow Right at Home on social media:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/RightatHomeCareFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RightAtHomeLowerManhattanTwitter: https://x.com/rightathomeNY Connect with Albert and Joyce on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alberteshoo/https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycebarocas/

In this episode of 'The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide,' host Candace Dellacona welcomes Ben Kruger, a thought leader in modern healthcare. Ben shares his journey from a career in Hollywood to co-founding Sollis Health, a company providing concierge urgent and emergent care, and his latest venture, Appian, which aims to holistically support aging adults and their families.Ben discusses the inspiration behind his ventures, the complexities of the US healthcare system, and the importance of proactive planning in aging well. The conversation emphasizes the significance of early engagement, active listening, and creating a supportive infrastructure for aging loved ones, touching on the emotional and logistical challenges faced by the sandwich generation.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:54 Ben Kruger's Journey from Hollywood to Healthcare10:46 The Birth of Sollis Health17:17 The Concept and Growth of Concierge Care20:48 Introducing Appian25:23 The Importance of Planning for Aging30:28 Engaging in Conversations About Aging44:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with Ben on social media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-kruger-35a745b/