The One Tool Every Family Caregiver Should Try: Personalized Music with Dan Cohen

Breathe with Intention: Focus on your breath. Inhale deeply, hold for a moment, and exhale slowly. Conscious breathing helps neutralize overwhelming emotions and brings a sense of calm.
Be Your Own Comfort: Imagine what you would tell a dear friend who was feeling the same way. Now, say those kind, reassuring words to yourself. Whether it’s a phrase like, “It’s okay to let go” or “I’m safe now” , affirmations can help soothe your mind.
Anchor Yourself: Use your senses to ground yourself in the present moment. Notice what you see, hear, or feel around you. This practice helps disrupt the rumination cycle and reorients you to the here and now.

E148
38:32
July 3rd 2026

Can music reconnect someone with memories that seem lost?

In this episode, Isabel Melgarejo talks with Dan Cohen, founder of the Music & Memory movement, about how personalized music can reduce anxiety, spark meaningful memories, ease caregiving challenges, and bring moments of joy to people living with dementia.

Discover simple, practical ways to use music as a powerful tool for connection, comfort, and hope—for both caregivers and their loved ones.

A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast

I’m Isabel Melgarejo, and I was raised never to talk about the uncomfortable things in life and to put myself after everyone else’s needs (just like any other woman I know). In college, after Dad’s passing, I had to change all my beliefs. I had to talk about death, about my mom’s future, and I had to ask for a LOT of favors.

After connecting with many caregivers when I moved to Texas and remembering one of the toughest seasons in my life, I created a program to help caregivers navigate these very uncomfortable conversations and help them through their particular journeys with their loved ones. In this podcast, I want to share advice on how to prioritize your mental health, how to have those difficult conversations, and how to talk you out of feeling guilty and overwhelmed.