Dr. Florence Johnson joins us for a powerful conversation about the hidden realities of caregiving, the emotional toll so many families carry in silence, and why support systems still fail millions of working caregivers. We unpack the surprising findings from her research, including the cultural and gender differences in asking for help, the financial strain caregivers face, and the critical role community support can play in reducing isolation.

We also talk about respite care, adult day services, employer flexibility, and why caregiving conversations need to happen openly and often. Florence brings both professional insight and deep personal passion to the discussion, sharing practical advice that caregivers can start using right away while reminding us that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

Episode Highlights

[1:50] - Florence Johnson joins the conversation and shares the inspiration behind her caregiving research

[2:50] - Surprising study findings about men using caregiving support services more often than women

[5:30] - Why isolation and lack of social support make caregiving even harder

[8:13] - Florence reflects on witnessing caregiving firsthand growing up in her own family

[10:58] - Breaking down the role and value of adult day services for caregivers and families

[15:37] - The financial realities caregivers face while balancing work, healthcare, and family responsibilities

[18:17] - Why caregiver support services remain difficult to access and afford

[20:16] - What employers can do to better support working caregivers in the workplace

[23:43] - Practical first steps caregivers can take to build a stronger support network

[27:55] - Redefining respite care and why caregivers need permission to rest without guilt

[31:36] - Florence shares what’s next in her research and advocacy work for caregivers

[32:47] - A hopeful conversation about the future of caregiver awareness and collective action

Links & Resources

• Dr. Florence Johnson LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile
• “Caregiving Without A Net: Poll shows who needs help the most”: https://ihpi.umich.edu/news-events/news/caregiving-without-net-poll-shows-who-needs-help-most
• What Is Adult Day Care?: AARP Resource Guide
• Jason Resendez, President & CEO, National Alliance for Caregiving
• Find Your Local Area Agency on Aging: https://acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/area-agencies-aging

About Dr. Florence Johnson

Florence Johnson, Ph.D., MHA, MSN, CDP is an Assistant Professor and health services nurse scientist at the University of Michigan School of Nursing. With more than 30 years of experience in home care, hospice, dementia care, and healthcare quality improvement, her work focuses on improving support systems for family caregivers—especially Black dementia caregivers—through research, education, and community advocacy.

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