Aging in Style with Lori Williams

Where have we been? Great question, let me tell you. After 276 episodes of Aging and Style , I made the decision to press pause. Yes, 276. When I say that number out loud, I am still amazed at the depth of conversations we’ve had about aging, caregiving, dementia, senior living, and the real-life experiences of incredible older adults and their families. But this isn’t goodbye. It’s not the end. I...

As we usher in 2026, many of us find ourselves seeking a sense of renewal and determination, especially if we're caregiving for family members. With the new year come reflections on personal growth and the resolve to set a guiding principle—a word of the year—that encapsulates our aspirations. For caregivers, who balance a myriad of demands and commitments, selecting a word can be particularly tra...

As the chill of winter sets in, a question we frequently encounter is, "How do I keep my loved ones safe during the winter months?" It's a valid concern given the unique challenges that the colder season presents. From icy roads and outdoor activities to keeping our homes warm and safe, winter demands a vigilant approach to safety that we can't ignore. The holiday season, while a time of joy and c...

As the festive season approaches, families gather around the dinner table not only to celebrate but to reflect and plan for the future. Among the laughter and shared memories, a recurring theme emerges in many households: senior care. It’s during these moments that key questions arise - what are our realistic options for care, and how do we devise a foolproof plan for the years ahead? Understandin...

As we gather with our families during the holiday season, it's a time filled with joy, celebration, and often reflection. Yet, amidst the laughter and festivities, many find themselves faced with significant considerations regarding the well-being of our older relatives. A recurrent theme that emerges during these gatherings is the question, "What level of care does my loved one need?" This inquir...

My loved one with dementia is anxious and agitated – what can I do? It’s common for those with Alzheimer’s to have challenging behaviors – maybe they’re terrified, aggressive, or not sleeping. However, when Tonja Moon’s family gave her grandma a baby doll, everything changed. Her grandma’s mood completely changed, and the baby became her purpose. She began eating more and stopped wandering. She fi...

Finding the perfect gift for our older family members can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. As we grow closer to the holiday season, the task can seem more daunting, especially when considering the unique needs of seniors, particularly those living in assisted living or those living with dementia. But fear not—I’m here to guide you through a thoughtful and heartfelt gifting journey that celebr...

 As the holiday season approaches, the hustle and bustle of family gatherings can be incredibly overwhelming for everyone involved, especially those living with dementia. The vibrant chaos of laughter, chattering, and clattering plates may spark joy for many but can be overpowering for elderly family members who process the world differently. In this episode, I will share key insights into why th...

Have you ever considered how quickly a fall can change a life, especially for our cherished older adults? I'm Lori Williams, and I can tell you firsthand how a simple accident can become a pivotal event. With over 20 years of experience in senior living, I’ve encountered many instances where a fall becomes a critical turning point. Recently, this reality hit home when my mother, at the age of 86,...

As a caregiver, the demands of daily life can quickly overwhelm even the strongest among us. We find ourselves juggling countless responsibilities, often at the expense of our own well-being. This cycle can take a heavy toll on our health if we don't pause to listen to what our bodies are telling us. In this week's episode, I will share with you five key steps that helped me as a caregiver find ba...

As someone who has been deeply immersed in the world of aging and senior care, I've noticed that there’s a significant aspect of aging that often goes unspoken: menopause and perimenopause. Despite the numerous conversations about other transitional stages in life, this particular journey at the end of our reproductive cycles is seldom discussed openly. What is even more puzzling is that so many o...

How to Know It's Time to Take the Keys Away from a Senior Loved One Driving is more than just a means of getting from point A to point B; it's a symbol of freedom, independence, and self-reliance. This significance is particularly pronounced among seniors who have spent their lives behind the wheel. However, there comes a time when the risks of driving may outweigh the benefits, and it's crucial f...

Grappling with Faith When you're faced with a loved one's health crisis—be it a spouse, child, or parent—it's natural to question and confront every emotion you feel, including those tied to faith. Experiences like this can push some to lose faith, while others find their faith strengthened. Personally, during the two and a half years since my husband Mark suffered four strokes, I've found my fait...

The Importance of Visiting Loved Ones with Dementia or Disabilities Visiting friends who have dementia or disabilities can be challenging. My husband, Mark, had four strokess, and it's been a journey for us. Initially, everyone was supportive, but as time went on, visits dwindled. It’s sad to see him feeling isolated, especially when many of his friends have stopped checking in. People have their...

Medicare can feel overwhelming, especially when you're making crucial decisions that influence your healthcare journey for years to come. If you're like many others approaching the Medicare milestone, you've probably already been inundated with stacks of mail, each piece claiming to offer the best advice or solution. As I found with my husband Mark, having a reliable guide through this maze isn't...

It's funny how life has a way of teaching us new things, even when we think we're well-versed in a particular area. As someone who has been a senior living expert for nearly 20 years, I thought I had a firm grasp on everything related to senior housing. However, this past experience of helping my mother and her husband transition to assisted living and memory care offered a fresh perspective. Bein...

Navigating the world of senior living can be quite a maze, especially when you're trying to figure out where the responsibilities of a senior placement service end and the duties of a senior community begin. Some families I've worked with have found themselves unsure about this transition, leading to confusion on move-in day and beyond. It's a common concern: knowing who to turn to for answers whe...

There's a new billion-dollar scam that is targeting seniors, using artificial intelligence in ways that are both alarming and sophisticated. Imagine working your whole life, saving diligently, only to have your retirement funds siphoned away by cunning scammers leveraging cutting-edge technology. It’s a chilling thought, but it's not just a distant worry for the future—it's happening right now. Th...

When it comes to finding the right senior living arrangement for our loved ones, the options can seem both endless and confining. It's a deeply personal decision that hinges on balancing proximity with care quality. As families, we often find ourselves at a crossroads: should we choose a senior living community that's geographically close, offering frequent visits and convenience? Or should we exp...

Big changes are on the horizon for senior care homes in Texas, sparked by a wave of new legislation designed to enhance protections for our elders. While these laws were inspired by some recent news stories, the focus is now on creating a brighter, safer future for seniors in residential care. Now is the perfect time to explore these legal updates, understand their implications, and ensure our sen...

As time goes on, relationships evolve, and new conversations begin to surface, especially with senior adults in our lives. It's not uncommon to find ourselves tiptoeing around certain discussions, unsure of how to approach them without causing discomfort or misunderstanding. Today, I want to talk about three conversations that tend to be particularly challenging: taking the car keys away, transiti...

When the time comes to transition a loved one into assisted living or memory care, the relief of choosing the perfect community can quickly be overshadowed by the seemingly mountainous paperwork that follows. I remember the personal journey of navigating these requirements with my family, and let's just say, it's an experience that can be downright overwhelming, if you're not prepared. But breathe...

As we gracefully move into the 'golden years' of our lives, I often hear concerns about what lies ahead. Many are worried about the changes that come with age, particularly concerning living situations. It's no secret that the conversation around planning for assisted living or senior housing can stir emotions. But what if I told you that being proactive about your future could open up exciting ne...

Ever found yourself in a situation where you've meticulously arranged a caregiver for a loved one, only to have them cancel at the last minute or be sent away by your family member? If that scenario sounds all too familiar, you're not alone. It's a common and frustrating experience that many adult children face, leaving us scrambling to find a solution while managing our own lives. As someone who...

Being a caregiver is a demanding role, one that requires not just physical and emotional strength but also strong communication skills. It's about ensuring clear understanding, providing comfort, and facilitating coordination among everyone involved in the caregiving journey. Today, I want to delve into the seven ways that being a good communicator can significantly enhance the caregiving experien...