Caregiver Insights with Drs. Jacobs and Mayer

In this informative episode of Chatting with Betsy, host Betsy Wurzel shares valuable caregiver insights in her conversation with Dr. Barry J. Jacobs and Dr. Julia L. Mayer about their newest collaboration, The AARP Caregiver Answer Book — a must-have resource for caregivers at any stage of their journey. Structured in a helpful Q&A format, the book answers real-life caregiving questions and provides emotional, practical, and spiritual guidance.

Betsy and her guests explore critical topics, including the importance of education, self-care, and end-of-life planning. The conversation also dives into how caregiving transforms us, why it’s important to find purpose afterward, and the benefits of mental health counseling and support groups. They stress how vital it is to keep communication open with spouses, partners, and children throughout the caregiving process.

These caregiver insights highlight the need for resources that validate the caregiver’s journey and provide practical support. Betsy shares her heartfelt opinion that this book belongs in every physician’s office and wishes it had been available during her own caregiving experience. She considers it an essential resource that every family should have access to.

🎵 Listen to this egaging interview with Betsy Wurzel and Drs. Jacobs and Mayer on vaulable information for all caregivers:   🙌  Click here to listen…

📚 Where to Buy The AARP Caregiver Answer Book

You can purchase your copy of this essential guide at:

• AARP Website

• Amazon.com

• Bookshop.org

👥 About the Authors

Dr. Barry J. Jacobs is a clinical psychologist, family therapist, and Principal at Health Management Associates, a national healthcare consulting firm. He is the author of the widely praised book, The Emotional Survival Guide for Caregivers: Looking After Yourself and Your Family While Helping an Aging Parent. He has written extensively for AARP.org and AARP Magazine. Dr. Jacobs also has personal experience as a caregiver for his mother (who had vascular dementia) and his stepfather (who had Alzheimer’s disease).

Dr. Julia L. Mayer is a clinical psychologist who has spent over three decades helping women in caregiving roles, those in troubled marriages, and individuals with histories of sexual trauma. She is the author of A Fleeting State of Mind and is a former president of the Board of The Philadelphia Psychology Network. She also co-hosts the podcast Shrinks on Third, which centers on psychology and social justice. Dr. Mayer has also been a caregiver herself, supporting her father after the sudden loss of her mother, and later, her in-laws.

Together, they co-authored:

• AARP Meditations for Caregivers: Practical, Emotional, and Spiritual Support for You and Your Family

• AARP Love and Meaning After 50: The Ten Challenges to Great Relationships — and How to Overcome Them

• The AARP Caregiver Answer Book (featured in this interview)

💬 A Final Message from the Authors

Dr. Barry J. Jacobs and Dr.Julia L. Mayer would like the readers and Caregivers to be encouraged that you are doing or have done the best you could, not to feel guilty or berate yourself if you lose your patience, be proud and feel good about your caregiving  experiences and how you supported your loved one through their journey

By offering compassionate caregiver insights drawn from both personal and professional experience, Drs. Jacobs and Mayer provide reassurance and strength for every family.

🔗 Connect with the Authors

• Dr. Barry J. Jacobs on LinkedIn

• Dr. Julia L. Mayer on LinkedIn