Aging Starts Now

In this episode of Aging Starts Now, elder care coordinator Janel Heflin sits down with Cody Filbert and Shelby Smith from the ALS Association to explore one of the most challenging diagnoses individuals and families can face—ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. An ALS diagnosis can feel overwhelming, bringing uncertainty, emotional strain, and complex care needs. This conversation sheds light...

How can families successfully age in place while staying safe, supported, and connected? In this episode, outreach coordinator Dana Hentschel sits down with Beth Bedore of the Tennessee Chapter of the National Aging in Place Council (NAIPC) to explore how collaboration between professionals is changing the way families navigate aging. You’ll learn: ✔️ What the National Aging in Place Council is ✔️...

In this episode of Aging Starts Now, we’re joined by Elder Care Coordinators Pati Bedwell and Janel Heflin to uncover the hidden costs of long-term care—the expenses families don’t always see coming. From transportation and medication costs to home modifications and caregiver burnout, we’re breaking down what long-term care really costs—and how you can plan ahead. 💡 The earlier you plan, the more...

Aging Starts Now, the podcast from Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, where we help you navigate the legal, financial, and personal challenges that come with aging. In this episode, Attorney Josh Hunter is joined by Public Benefits Specialist Tyler McCullar to explore the VA Caregiver Support Program—an important resource for veterans and the family members who care for them. Under...

Aging Starts Now – Elder Scams: What Families Need to Know Elder scams are on the rise—and they’re becoming more sophisticated every day. In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel sits down with elder care coordinator Erin Keogh-Rankin to break down one of the most urgent issues facing older adults and their families today. From “grandparent scams” and fake IRS calls...

In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Erin Keogh-Rankin from Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning sits down with Penny Johnson of the Tennessee Center for Decision-Making Support to discuss an empowering alternative to conservatorship: supported decision-making. Families often assume that when a loved one needs help making important decisions, removing their legal authority is the only...

In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Elder Care Coordinator Pati Bedwell from Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning is joined by Sara Fort, founder of Do You Organization, to explore the emotional and practical challenges of downsizing. For many families, letting go of a lifetime of belongings can be one of the most difficult parts of aging and planning for the future. Whether it’s dec...

In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel sits down with Elder Care Coordinator and End-of-Life Doula Erin Keogh‑Rankin from Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning to discuss the importance of proactive end-of-life planning. Too often, families delay these conversations until a crisis or diagnosis forces difficult decisions. This episode explores how plann...

How do you know if a nursing home is truly the right fit for your loved one? In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Dana Hentschel and elder care coordinator Pati Bedwell explain how to use the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Care Compare website and its star rating system to evaluate skilled nursing facilities with clarity and confidence. You’ll learn: • What the overall star rating...

What happens when estate planning gets pushed off — and a crisis hits first? In this episode, Dana Hentschel and Attorney Josh Hunter discuss the real consequences of waiting too long to review or update your legal documents. From outdated Powers of Attorney to emergency court involvement, they share real-world examples of how quickly options can disappear — and what families can do now to stay in...

Speech therapy is about more than words. In this episode, outreach coordinator Dana Hentschel talks with speech-language pathologist Olivia Golchi about how therapy can support memory, communication, attention, and independence for adults experiencing cognitive changes. Learn: - What cognitive decline looks like in real life - When to seek support - How caregivers can be involved - Practical strat...

A Medicare fraud scam involving medical equipment—specifically urinary catheters—has resurfaced, leading to fraudulent claims being paid for services beneficiaries never requested or received. In this episode, Dana Hentschel speaks with Tyler McCullar, Public Benefits Specialist at Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, about: • How this scam operates • Warning signs on Medicare Summar...

Many people don’t learn about Medicaid estate recovery until they’re already facing loss. In this episode, host Aging Starts Now is joined by Barbara McGinnis, Certified Elder Law Attorney, to explain what estate recovery is, how it works, and why it matters for families using Medicaid to pay for care. This episode explores: • Common fears and misconceptions • Assets most often affected • How esta...

Severe weather can quickly disrupt caregiving routines—putting older adults and caregivers at risk. In this episode, Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel speaks with elder care coordinators Erin Keogh-Rankin, Janel Heflin, and Pati Bedwell about how caregivers can prepare for emergencies before they happen. This conversation covers: • Why relying on a single plan is risky • Common misconceptions ab...

An executor plays a critical role in settling an estate—managing assets, paying debts, navigating legal requirements, and serving as the point person during an emotional and often stressful time for families. While many people automatically name a spouse, adult child, or close friend, that decision isn’t always the simplest—or the wisest—choice. In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Erin Keogh-Rank...

What if independence isn’t about doing everything alone—but about having the right support? On this episode of Aging Starts Now, host Pati Bedwell, elder care coordinator at Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, sits down with occupational therapist Ebony Porter to explore how occupational therapy helps older adults live safely, confidently, and independently. We clear up common misco...

📂 Organizing Important Papers: Where to Start Most people know organizing important documents is important—but many don’t know where to begin. In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel is joined by Josh Hunter, Associate Attorney at Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, to break it down in a practical, approachable way. We discuss: • Essential documents...

Resident rights matter—especially when a loved one is living in an assisted living or skilled nursing facility. In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel is joined by Elder Care Coordinator Pati Bedwell of Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning for an essential conversation about resident rights in long-term care settings. Together, they break down what re...

Did your holiday visit with your parents leave you feeling a little uneasy? 🎄 Stacks of unopened mail. Expired food in the fridge. Changes in mood, memory, or hygiene. Those small moments can raise a big question: Is it time for more help at home? In this episode of 🎙️ Aging Starts Now, Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel sits down with Elder Care Coordinator Erin Keogh-Rankin of Johnson McGinnis...

The holidays are often filled with tradition and togetherness—but for families caring for a loved one with dementia, they can also bring unexpected challenges. In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel is joined by Lynn Wood, Caregiver Support Coordinator for Mental Health America of the MidSouth. Together, they explore why the holiday season can be particularly over...

In this episode, elder care coordinator Katlyn Green sits down with Lisa Dotson of Northfield Church to explore the heart and impact of Night to Shine—a worldwide prom experience, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, created especially for individuals with special needs. We walk through: The mission and purpose of Night to Shine Northfield Church’s years of involvement What honored guests can ex...

We’re back with Part 2 of our series on Special Needs Trusts — and this week, we’re looking beyond public benefits. In this episode, we explore how a Special Needs Trust can also play a powerful role in asset protection and strengthen your overall estate plan. Attorney Josh Hunter of Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning returns to share practical insight and guidance every family shou...

When you’re caring for someone who depends on ongoing support, every decision matters — especially the financial ones. What many families don’t realize is that even the most well-meaning gift or inheritance can unintentionally jeopardize vital benefits like Medicaid or SSI. In today’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that can truly shape a loved one’s future: special needs trusts. Joining us is...

Denial & Dementia: Why Waiting Can Lead to Crisis In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel sits down with Certified Elder Law Attorney Barbara McGinnis to talk about one of the most difficult—and most overlooked—parts of dementia: denial. Families often explain away the early signs… the confusion, the personality changes, the small mistakes. But when warning signs a...

When aging parents say, “I’m fine right here,” or “I don’t need help,” — what do you do next? In this week’s episode of Aging Starts Now, host Debra King, Elder Care Coordinator and Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, dives into one of the toughest family conversations: when loved ones resist the idea of moving to an assisted living community. Join...