In this episode, our guests will discuss the importance of providing emotional, spiritual and psychological support to both patients and caregivers. Lori La Bey was a caretaker for her father, who had brain cancer, until his death, and still cares for her mother, who has been living with Alzheimer’s disease for over 25 years. Lori will share ideas for how caregivers can better care for themselves as well as help their loved one live as fully as possible with this challenging illness. Next, Jane Klein, who has been a co-facilitator for several support groups, will discuss the benefits and wisdom gained by women who participate in support groups, especially for cancer survivors.

Listen: 3-5-10: Providing Support for Patients and Caregivers – Guests: Lori La Bey and Jane Klein

Jane Klein, RN, MBA

Before her retirement in 2006, Jane Klein was the program and care coordinator for the HealthEast Breast Care Center at St. John’s Hospital in Maplewood, MN. She served women diagnosed with breast cancer by assisting, supporting and educating them throughout the continuum of their care. In addition, Jane coordinated a high risk cancer genetics clinic, facilitated a monthly breast cancer support group, and continues to co-facilitate a weekly group for women with stage 4 cancer. She also coordinated the complementary care offerings, including healing touch, guided imagery, massage and acupuncture. Jane also has served as a volunteer group facilitator for the last twelve years at a domestic abuse shelter in Bloomington, MN. She also is co-facilitator for the women’s cancer integrative healing support group at Well Within.

Lori La Bey

Lori La Bey is a Real Estate agent, who specializes in the working with seniors. Over the past few years, she has experienced life-changing events while dealing with the loss of her Father who died of brain cancer, and her Mother, who has been living with Alzheimer’s disease for over 25 years. Dealing with ill and aging parents turned Lori’s life upside down, and lit a passion in her to spread a message to the world. After watching family members and friends struggle to communicate with her parents as illness gripped them, Lori found ways to make opportunities out of obstacles. She has written a book to help other caregivers, called, Alzheimer’s Speaks -Guiding Caregivers To Be Their Very Best! Giving Voice and Enriching Lives – As the Cookie Crumbles. You can visit Lori at her Resource website & Blog at: http://www.alzheimersspeaks.com.