Building Better Partnerships in Care
Wed Dec 17 2025
Strong caregiving depends on strong relationships. In this episode, psychologists Dr. Julie Mayer and Dr. Barry Jacobs share practical guidance for creating healthy, collaborative partnerships between families and professional caregivers, helping everyone feel supported and aligned in their loved one's care.
What you’ll learn in this episode
Why guilt is so common for family caregivers and how to work through it
How to gradually introduce professional care to create smoother transitions
Communication habits that build trust between families and caregivers
Why empathy is essential for preventing conflict and improving teamwork
How agencies can support caregivers with training and consistency
Approaches to self-care that help both family and professional caregivers sustain their wellbeing
Additional resources:
The AARP Caregiver Answer Book – Julie and Barry's comprehensive guide to caregiving, communication, and emotional resilience
Understanding the Different Stages of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Needs – A helpful overview for anticipating changing care requirements
Episode 36: How to Talk with Aging Parents Who Won’t Receive Help Graciously – In an earlier episode of ComForConnections, Barry addresses how to care for a parent who doesn’t want your care.
Featured Guests
Dr. Julie Mayer
Dr. Julie Mayer is a clinical psychologist with decades of experience supporting family systems, caregiver wellbeing, and lifespan challenges. Her work focuses on helping families navigate the emotional landscape of caregiving with empathy, communication, and resilience.
Dr. Barry Jacobs
Dr. Barry Jacobs is a clinical psychologist and nationally recognized expert on family caregiving, chronic illness, and care partnerships. His work emphasizes the central role of relationships and shared understanding in delivering meaningful, coordinated care.
Stay Connected!
Like what you heard? Subscribe to ComForConnections on your favorite podcast platform, and explore more caregiver resources from ComForCare.
About the Host
Tiffany Robinson is a passionate advocate for caregiver education. As the host of ComForConnections, she brings warmth, insight, and a deep understanding of the caregiving experience to every episode.
More
Strong caregiving depends on strong relationships. In this episode, psychologists Dr. Julie Mayer and Dr. Barry Jacobs share practical guidance for creating healthy, collaborative partnerships between families and professional caregivers, helping everyone feel supported and aligned in their loved one's care. What you’ll learn in this episode Why guilt is so common for family caregivers and how to work through it How to gradually introduce professional care to create smoother transitions Communication habits that build trust between families and caregivers Why empathy is essential for preventing conflict and improving teamwork How agencies can support caregivers with training and consistency Approaches to self-care that help both family and professional caregivers sustain their wellbeing Additional resources: The AARP Caregiver Answer Book – Julie and Barry's comprehensive guide to caregiving, communication, and emotional resilience Understanding the Different Stages of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Needs – A helpful overview for anticipating changing care requirements Episode 36: How to Talk with Aging Parents Who Won’t Receive Help Graciously – In an earlier episode of ComForConnections, Barry addresses how to care for a parent who doesn’t want your care. Featured Guests Dr. Julie Mayer Dr. Julie Mayer is a clinical psychologist with decades of experience supporting family systems, caregiver wellbeing, and lifespan challenges. Her work focuses on helping families navigate the emotional landscape of caregiving with empathy, communication, and resilience. Dr. Barry Jacobs Dr. Barry Jacobs is a clinical psychologist and nationally recognized expert on family caregiving, chronic illness, and care partnerships. His work emphasizes the central role of relationships and shared understanding in delivering meaningful, coordinated care. Stay Connected! Like what you heard? Subscribe to ComForConnections on your favorite podcast platform, and explore more caregiver resources from ComForCare. About the Host Tiffany Robinson is a passionate advocate for caregiver education. As the host of ComForConnections, she brings warmth, insight, and a deep understanding of the caregiving experience to every episode.