Welcome to Beyond Care, your go-to source for all things caregiving. Whether you're a caregiver, healthcare professional, attorney, home care advisor, or nurse educator, this is the place for you. We know caregiving can be a wild ride, filled with ups, downs, and everything in between. Join us as we share heartfelt stories, practical tips, and expert advice through our podcast to help you navigate your journey.
End-of-life caregiving for individuals living with dementia is one of the most emotionally complex and least discussed stages of care. In this episode, host Annika Darwal is joined by PK Beville, Founder and CEO of Second Wind Dreams and a leading voice in dementia education, to explore what truly compassionate end-of-life care looks like. Drawing from decades of experience, PK discusses why death should be approached as a human experience rather than a medical problem, the importance of presence, touch, and empathy when words fade, and how caregivers can be trained to support dignity through the final stages of dementia. This conversation offers care professionals and families a deeply human framework for preparing caregivers, supporting grief, and honoring life until the very last moment.
Listen on Spotify Watch on YoutubeStepping into caregiving often brings pressure to do everything—but shifting from “caregiver” to “advocate” can change the experience entirely. In this episode, caregiver advocate Debra Hallisey joins host Annika Dhariwal to unpack what advocacy truly looks like in everyday care. Drawing from her years supporting both parents, Debra offers clear guidance on setting boundaries, giving yourself grace, understanding the emotional weight of grief and guilt, and navigating complicated family dynamics. This conversation gives caregivers a realistic, compassionate framework to protect their well-being, communicate their needs, and create a more sustainable caregiving journey—moving from overwhelm to empowerment with practical steps they can use right away.
Listen on Spotify Watch on YoutubeNavigating Medicaid and Medicare can feel overwhelming—but understanding how these programs work is key to securing the right care for your loved one. In this episode, healthcare expert Guy Michaud Jr. joins host Annika Dhariwal to simplify how both programs apply to home health care. With over two decades in managed care and Medicaid provider relations, Guy offers clear insights on eligibility, coverage differences, and common pitfalls families face. This conversation gives caregivers a practical roadmap to make informed choices, align care plans with real needs, and plan financially for the future—turning confusion into confidence on the caregiving journey.
Listen on Spotify Watch on YoutubeCaregiving can be deeply rewarding—but it often brings isolation, guilt, and the quiet struggle of trying to “do it all” alone. In this uplifting episode, caregiver advocate and author Theresa Wilbanks joins host Annika Dhariwal to share practical, compassionate guidance for creating sustainable support systems. Theresa blends humor and hard-earned wisdom to help caregivers reconnect with their values, accept help without guilt, set healthy boundaries, and release the emotional weight that caregiving carries. This conversation is filled with real-world tools to help caregivers move from overwhelm to resilience—while protecting their well-being and preserving the relationships that matter most.
Listen on Spotify Watch on YoutubeAnnika Dharwial is the Co-founder of Learn2Care, a platform revolutionizing caregiver training through accessible, high-quality education. As a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) student at the University of Southern California, she focuses on marketing and brand strategy to enhance the platform's influence. She also established Gluten Free Jio, an online resource providing support and insights for individuals managing Celiac disease and gluten-free living. Committed to social impact, Annika is dedicated to developing innovative solutions that empower and inspire communities.
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