Aging Starts Now

Most older adults want to remain in the homes they love—but aging in place requires more than simply staying put. A safe, well-maintained home is essential for preserving independence and preventing costly accidents. In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Elder Care Coordinator Erin Keogh-Rankin sits down with Mark Hill, President of Tandem Handyman Services, to discuss how proactive home maintenanc...

Talking with aging parents about memory loss, driving, medications, accepting help, or future care plans can be one of the most difficult challenges families face. In this episode of Aging Starts Now, host Dana Hentschel sits down with Elder Care Coordinator Pati Bedwell to discuss how families can approach these sensitive conversations with compassion, respect, and confidence. Pati shares practic...

What does it take to stay active, strong, and independent as we age? In this episode of Aging Starts Now, outreach coordinator Dana Hentschel sits down with Dr. Shelby Blankenship, founder of Southern Grit PT and Wellness, to discuss the critical role that strength, balance, mobility, and functional movement play in healthy aging. Many people think physical therapy is only for recovering from inju...

Most people have questions about estate planning and elder law—but some questions feel too awkward, uncomfortable, or even embarrassing to ask out loud. In this episode of Aging Starts Now, host Dana Hentschel sits down with Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning associate attorney Josh Hunter to tackle the questions people often save for private consultations or ask only after everyone...

Hospice care is one of the most misunderstood healthcare services, yet it can provide invaluable support for patients and families during some of life's most challenging moments. In this episode of Aging Starts Now, host Dana Hentschel, Outreach Coordinator with Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, sits down with Erin Keogh Rankin, Elder Care Coordinator and End-of-Life Doula, to exp...

Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is one of the most common forms of dementia, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and frequently misdiagnosed conditions affecting older adults. In this episode of Aging Starts Now, host Janel Heflin, Elder Care Coordinator with Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, sits down with Jennifer Kim, Professor of Nursing at Vanderbilt University School of Nu...

In this episode of Aging Starts Now, attorney and certified elder law attorney Barbara McGinnis sits down with author Charles Wallace to discuss the realities of caregiving and the deeply personal journey that inspired his book, The Caregiver’s Game.

When someone you love clearly needs help—but refuses it—what can families actually do? In this episode of Aging Starts Now, outreach coordinator Dana Hentschel sits down with attorney Barbara McGinnis and elder care coordinator Erin Keogh Rankin to unpack one of the most emotionally complex challenges families face: balancing independence, safety, and legal responsibility when an aging loved one r...

In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Elder Care Coordinator Erin Keogh-Rankin sits down with Occupational Therapist Beth Bedore to discuss one of the most important — and often overlooked — aspects of dementia care: the home environment. For individuals living with dementia, the home can either support safety, independence, and comfort… or unintentionally create confusion and risk. Beth shares pra...

In this episode of Aging Starts Now, attorney and partner Chris Johnson sits down with Carroll Golden, Executive Director of the Knowledge Centers at NAIFA, to unpack a topic that often flies under the radar—but has a profound impact on every family’s financial future. From retirement planning to long-term care and legacy decisions, many of the rules that shape your options are influenced by polic...

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...