The Empathy Exchange: Navigating Grief, Burnout and Trauma in Seniors’ Care with Edy Nathan

In this episode of "The Empathy Exchange," host Deborah Bakti engages in a profound conversation with Edy Nathan, author of "It's Grief: The Dance of Self Discovery through Trauma and Loss." Drawing on their experiences of supporting senior care staff and families through grief, burnout, and trauma, Deborah and Edy explore the intricate dynamics of identity shifts within families as their loved ones transition into a senior care environment.

The discussion delves deep into the often unnoticed realm of grief in the family experience, unraveling the layers of emotions that accompany the shift from a caretaker role to that of a partner in care. Edy shares her unique perspective on grief, describing it as a hunger or yearning for something missing, particularly in the context of loss of trust and the realization of personal limitations. The conversation extends to the care team members, shedding light on the overlooked grief they experience when residents pass away and the long-term emotional effects that may surface years after a crisis.

Together, Deborah and Edy explore practical steps for creating an empathy exchange within the seniors care community, emphasizing the importance of small, meaningful moments, self-care, and the power of sharing experiences with a trusted confidant.

Tune in to gain valuable insights into the nuanced world of grief, burnout, and trauma in seniors care, and discover how fostering empathy can be a transformative force in navigating these challenging experiences.

You can find out more about me and the work I do at DeborahBakti.com or email me at [e-mail]

Edy Nathan offers a new way to think about tangling with potent adversaries. Yes, New York University in New York City and Fordham University for master degrees. She is a certified clinical social worker whose goal is to help people transform their lives, identifying tools to
interrupt the silence and long term affects burnout, grief and trauma have within the structure of long-term care homes and hospices. One person at a time. One step at a time. Changing the business of health care as it enters a new realm of care.

You can find Edy at EdyNathan.com

What is The Relational Approach: In Seniors' Care?

Let’s face it – Senior's Care is a complex business that provides a much-needed service to residents and families during a tough chapter in their lives. The beginning of this key relationship can be filled with anxiety, stress and worry and yet, there is a better way to bring residents, families and staff together.

Staff and leadership of Senior Care Facilities need an incredible amount of support when it comes to managing residents/seniors and their family relationships. This podcast will provide a framework and open up discussions around The Relational Approach™.

The Relational Approach™ System is a practical and easy-to-use framework for leaders and staff in Senior Care Homes to build stronger connections with families. It’s based on three guiding principles that focus on trust, respect, and working together as partners in care. The system also helps raise awareness of six common relational roadblocks that can cause tension. Once these roadblocks are identified, simple strategies can be used to close the gaps.

This process guides staff from learning and understanding to fully integrating and transforming their relationships with families. As a result, it reduces friction, frustration, and stress, allowing teams to avoid problems before they escalate. The goal is to move away from a transactional approach and create a more relational, empathetic, and human connection between staff and families.

Join host Deborah Bakti – a former executive in seniors care for 11 years, and a family member three times over, with her dad, mom, and husband all having lived as residents. She’s seen what it’s like on both sides.

In each episode, we'll explore both the family and staff perspectives, shedding light on the emotions, expectations, and sometimes the disappointments that arise from the friction in these relationships. Through heartfelt conversations, personal anecdotes, and expert insights, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the diverse perspectives that shape senior care environments.

Tune in to gain valuable insights, and cultivate a better approach. Together, let's create a community where understanding thrives and where the journey of aging is met with compassion and empathy.