Around The Table With Vickie

A fall can change everything, but recognizing the warning signs early can help protect mobility and independence. Vickie and Chris sit down with physical therapist Javier Acosta to discuss fall prevention, rebuilding confidence after a fall, the importance of staying active, and how tools like walkers and physical therapy can help seniors maintain their independence. Javier also shares practical s...

What if we looked at dementia differently? On this special episode of Around the Table With Vickie, Vickie is joined by internationally recognized dementia educator Teepa Snow, whose Positive Approach to Care has helped transform the way families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals understand Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Teepa shares her insight into the changing brain, t...

Dolly Parton has given the world so much through her music, generosity, faith, and unforgettable spirit. But behind the spotlight was another role that millions of families can relate to: caregiver. In this special episode of Around the Table With Vickie, Vickie and Chris reflect on Dolly’s life, her nearly six decade marriage to Carl Dean, and the caregiving journey she experienced when his healt...

In Part 2 of our conversation on the impact of interior design in senior living, Vickie, Brian, and Chris continue discussing how thoughtful design can improve safety, independence, connection, and quality of life. From natural light and outdoor spaces to furniture, memory care layouts, and the expectations of the next generation of seniors, this episode explores why beautiful spaces also need to...

What does interior design have to do with quality of life in senior living? On this episode of Around The Table With Vickie, Vickie and Chris welcome back Brian Runk for a conversation about the importance of creating beautiful, comfortable, and functional spaces for seniors. Vickie shares nearly 40 years of experience in senior care and explains how she discovered the powerful impact that colors,...

Growing older isn't necessarily expensive. Getting sick without a plan is. In this episode of Around the Table with Vickie, Vickie Runk and Chris Runk discuss with Patrick Hurt why aging is becoming more financially difficult than ever before. From rising healthcare costs and inflation to Medicare misconceptions, long term care planning, and the growing loneliness crisis among seniors, this co...

Is America prepared for the financial realities of aging? In this episode of Around The Table With Vickie, Vickie and Chris Runk tackle one of the biggest challenges facing today's seniors and their families: the rising cost of growing older. From Medicare misconceptions and long term care planning to inflation, healthcare expenses, isolation, and the importance of preparing early, this conver...

How does someone go from an activities assistant in a nursing home to founding one of the region's leading senior living organizations? In this episode of Around The Table With Vickie, Vickie Runk shares the remarkable story of how her career in senior care began while studying psychology and social work at Liberty University. What started as a part time activities position became the foundati...

What does it look like to walk beside someone through Alzheimer's with unwavering faith, friendship, and love? In this heartfelt continuation of our conversation with David Benoit, we explore the daily realities of caring for Dr. Elmer Towns, co-founder of Liberty University, author, professor, and lifelong servant of Christ. David shares powerful stories about helping Dr. Towns continue teach...

In this heartfelt episode of Around the Table with Vickie, Vickie Runk and Chris Runk welcome David Benoit for a powerful conversation about friendship, faith, and walking alongside someone through Alzheimer’s disease. David shares his decades long friendship with Dr. Elmer Towns, cofounder of Liberty University and author of more than 200 books. From golf outings and family vacations to helping n...

In this episode of Around the Table with Vickie, Vickie, Chris, and Brian Runk share the exciting story behind the acquisition of the historic Oakwood Country Club in Lynchburg, Virginia. From preserving generations of family memories to creating new opportunities for connection, hospitality, golf, dining, and community, this conversation explores the vision for Oakwood’s future. The family discus...

Loneliness is one of the most overlooked challenges facing seniors today, and it is impacting more lives than many people realize. In this episode of Around The Table With Vickie, we dive into the emotional, physical, and spiritual effects of loneliness and social isolation. From the loss of routine and independence to the quiet struggles of pride and disconnection, this conversation sheds light o...

The “silver tsunami” is no longer coming, it’s already here. In this episode of Around The Table With Vickie, Vickie and Chris dive deep into one of the most important (and urgent) conversations facing families today: the massive shift in our aging population. From the rapid growth of Americans over 65 to the overwhelming demand for caregivers, facilities, and family support, this episode unpacks...

In this episode of Around the Table with Vickie, Vickie, Brian, and Chris continue their conversation about the realities of senior living and how families can navigate the transition with confidence. They break down the levels of care in assisted living, what “aging in place” really means, and when a move to nursing care may become necessary. They also discuss how communities partner with home he...

Senior living can feel overwhelming when families begin searching for care. With terms like independent living, assisted living, memory care, and adult day programs, it is easy to feel unsure about where to start. In this episode of Around the Table with Vickie, Vickie, Chris Runk, and Brian Runk break down the different levels of senior care and how families can begin preparing before a crisis ha...

No family dreams about the day they must consider changes for Mom or Dad, but avoiding the conversation often creates crisis decisions. In this heartfelt and practical episode of Around the Table with Vickie, Vickie and co-host Chris Runk dive into one of the most important conversations adult children can have: planning ahead for senior care. From early warning signs like medication mismanagement...

On this episode of Around the Table with Vickie, Vickie and co-host Chris Runk welcome Jimmy Ayers, Sheriff of Amherst County, for a powerful and timely discussion about senior safety. With over 40 years in law enforcement, Sheriff Ayers shares practical, real-world guidance on how seniors can protect themselves while continuing to live independently at home. From home lighting and security camera...

Go brew your favorite cup of coffee and pull up your comfiest chair. This is a conversation that matters. On this powerful episode of Around the Table with Vickie, we sit down with special guests Charles Billingsley and his father Clyde Billingsley to share a deeply personal journey through Alzheimer’s, caregiving, faith, and the transition into professional senior care. From the first signs of me...

In this heartfelt episode of Around the Table with Vickie, Vickie and Chris welcome longtime team member and regional director Mary Beth Wilbon to talk about one of the toughest parts of caregiving: navigating sibling disagreements, care decisions, and family conflict with grace. From differing opinions about when it’s time for senior living… to guilt over “promises” made years ago… to the emotion...

In this heartfelt episode of Around the Table with Vickie, we continue a powerful conversation about what truly matters in senior living. Joined by Patrick Daly, Administrator at Liberty Ridge, and Carolyn Wooten, Administrator at Pearls of Life, we pull back the curtain on the emotional realities of caregiving, family trust, and leading with heart in a highly regulated industry. This episode dive...

In this episode of Around the Table with Vickie, we take a deeper look inside what truly defines exceptional memory care and it’s not just the buildings or amenities, but the people, trust, and heart behind it all. With over three decades of experience, today’s conversation with Patrick Daly and Carolyn Wooten explores how modern memory care communities are intentionally designed to help residents...

In this episode of Around the Table with Vickie, Vickie and Chris kick off a new year by challenging one of the biggest misconceptions about senior living. They talk openly about fear, transparency, and why senior communities are no longer the last stop but a place where life, connection, and purpose continue to grow. From innovative technology and music therapy to leadership, staffing, and listen...

As the holidays approach, families often notice changes they cannot ignore. In this episode of Around the Table with Vickie, we sit down with trusted experts, Carolyn Wooten and Mary Beth, to talk honestly about dementia, depression, and the added stress the season can bring. We share practical guidance on safety, routines, redirection, and protecting independence while still stepping in when it m...

In this Christmas episode of Around the Table with Vickie, Vickie and Chris sit down with longtime team members Carolyn Wooten and Mary Beth to talk about what the holidays really look like inside their communities. They share the stories, traditions, and small moments that have shaped Christmas for generations of residents and families, and why these simple touches matter so much. From themed tre...

We talk about the meaning behind the name Willow Ridge and why willow trees represent safety, healing, and hope for Vickie. Patrick shares how the team has reimagined the building with brighter spaces, updated dining, and intentional renovations to make it feel like home. We also dive into the heart of their care philosophy—reminding staff that this is the residents’ home and they are guests who s...