Episode 2: CAREGIVING 101

A chat with Michael Cochrane and Iris Waicher

What happens when you are faced with the unthinkable and now must take care of your loved one who can no longer take care of themself? Becoming a caregiver for a loved one is more relevant than ever, and we wanted to let those that are faced with this know that they are not alone. In our first part of the session, we meet Michael Cochrane. Michael never intended to become a caregiver but when his husband was faced with an illness, Michael left his job and changed his daily routine to take care of him. Now, Michael uses his knowledge and experience to help others at the Senior Friendship Center – Sarasota and teaches the basics of caregiving to others now in his position. His story is inspiring & will leave you appreciating life. For more information on the Senior Friendship Center – Sarasota, please go here: https://friendshipcenters.org/location/sarasota-friendship-center/

Our second guest is Iris Waichler. Iris has been a medical social worker and patient advocate for 40 years. She was a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team working with patients on a physical medicine and rehabilitation unit. She was also the Director of Medical Social Work at a large hospital in the Chicagoland area. Her work has focused on patients with catastrophic illnesses as well as providing psychological assessments, discharge planning, and counseling for patients and family members in emergency rooms. Iris has written 3 books and numerous written essays and articles. She has been featured in Forbes Magazine, Redbook Magazine, Good Housekeeping, Next Avenue, and Mind Body Green.  For more information, please go to her website:  https://iwaichlerwpengine.com/   or click this link buy her books: https://iwaichlerwpengine.com/purchase-books/