Valerie Lynn Borgman

Desperately Seeking Senior Living

For all the sons, daughters, grandkids, spouses and ALL caregivers who suddenly find themselves tangled in the search for senior living and care. We’re interviewing real families who have been through the process. We’re talking tips, red tape and industry speak. Let us help you go from desperate to doable!

Author

Valerie Lynn Borgman

Category

Education

Latest episode

Jul 9, 2026

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Episodes

Why Is Senior Living So Hard to Navigate? - Ep 121 16.10.2023

It feels like it should be easy. You search..."my mom needs help going to the bathroom".  Or "care for my elderly parent" or "help for seniors". You google and you should be able to get a straightforward answer, right? You call the places that come up during your search and none of them can help. Almost all of our clients tried to find the right fit on their own before they found us. This week we'...

Should You Disclose Everything to a Senior Living Community? - Ep 120 02.10.2023

Many families struggle with disclosing their loved ones care needs especially if there are behaviors they find embarrassing or if they feel no-one could possible want to care for their loved one. Other families find financial information too private to share. Some families don't know what they should or shouldn't be sharing. In this episode we're talking about why it might not be a good idea to NO...

What If the Community Tour Guide Isn’t Available? - Ep 119 25.09.2023

Some families have been turned away... some were faced with frazzled, nervous staff... other families reported feeling unwelcome. So what is this tour guide position, why does everyone seem so nervous when they're not available and why it is so hard to get the information you want. Don't miss this episode!!! CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES Follow us on INSTAGRAM for more do...

Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Driving - Ep 118 18.09.2023

There are things in life we take for granted…like driving. We jump in our car and take off to the grocery store without a thought. Loss of independence is one of the top things seniors report they fear. Not being able to drive is one of the biggest representations of that loss. So what are you supposed to do when you fear your loved one isn’t safe behind the wheel? In this episode, we’re talking a...

Understanding the Mini Mental Exam - Ep 117 11.09.2023

Has your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or Dementia? Or have you told their Doctor you suspect they have a cognitive impairment? Then you may have heard about this test. Many families we work with are still confused about how it works and what impact it can have on finding the right assisted living or memory care. This week we're talking about how the test is scored and how senior l...

Can Families Provide Care in Assisted Living? - Ep 116 04.09.2023

Caregiving is such a difficult job…It comes with so many emotions…loss, guilt, frustration, anger, sadness and fear. Despite your reasons for being a caregiver…there often comes a day when you make that move to assisted living. But what if your mom or dad are asking you to continue helping them shower? What if the cost of medication management has you asking if you can do that for your mom after s...

What If You Disagree with the Nurse Assessment? - Ep 115 28.08.2023

You know your loved one best but when it comes to a nurse assessment…The community is balancing regulations and liabilities. Yes, They are providing care but they are also a company. A company that is subject to annual inspection and protecting their license as well as the caregivers and other residents. There are so many variables to consider. So what if you disagree with their assessment of your...

How Senior Living Communities Determine Cost - Ep 114 21.08.2023

If you’ve been through the search for senior living chances are the pricing got confusing. Why is it so hard to get a final price? Why is it so hard to compare and how does the cost change so quickly? This week we're answering these tough questions! CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES Follow us on INSTAGRAM for more doable tips! Need help with your situation? BECOME A CLIENT TO...

Will Independent Living Call 911? What Families Should Know - Ep 113 14.08.2023

There are many reasons seniors decide to make the move to senior living…sometimes it’s the yard, meals, transportation or making new friends. Many times is safety. Whatever the reason…I bet you didn’t think you had to ask THIS question. In my research, I have found 3 companies...not communities but companies... with many communities... whose policy is to NOT call 911 for their independent resident...

Explaining Alzheimer’s to Children with Alder Allensworth and Brenda Freed - Ep 112 07.08.2023

Your mom has Alzheimer’s…. And you? … Have teenagers. So what do you do when your teenagers say, "No!" to spending time with grandma? Or maybe your mom thinks your 10 year old is actually you! With everything you have on your plate…how are you supposed to handle this!? This week we’re talking with Counselor and RN, Alder Allensworth and Singer/Songwriter and Music therapist Brenda Freed about thei...

Moving to Assisted Living, Downsizing & Asking for Help with Leslie Fuller - Ep 111 31.07.2023

In this episode, founder of Inspired Senior Care, Leslie Fuller shares her family's story. She talks about what it was like when the strong one, the caregiver....the one no one was expecting to end up in the hospital...did. What the conversation about assisted living was like and how the process of moving was for them.  Leslie has her master of social work with a focus in gerontology. She worked i...

Language Matters in Assisted Living and Memory Care with Leslie Fuller - Ep 110 24.07.2023

Have you ever toured a senior living community… and it just didn’t feel right? Did you hear things or see things that made you feel like this was an institution and not a community? If you're not getting that warm welcoming feeling.. how can you be sure your mom or dad will? In this episode, we’re talking with the founder of Inspired Senior Care, Leslie fuller about what language to look for when...

Considering a Cash Home Buyer During Care Transitions with Brian and Ranny Ray - Ep 109 17.07.2023

JOHN BUYS UGLY HOUSES Have you ever seen these small signs on the side of the road? Did you know that these folks get lists of homes that have been paid off or are on a reverse mortgage and call the home owner? In many cases attempting to undervalue the home and buy it for a very low price. They could be calling your mom or dad or grandma. I’m so excited to welcome Brian and Ranny Ray of Senior Ho...

Caregiver Resources You Should Know with Dementia Darling - Ep 108 10.07.2023

This is our 4th episode in our caregiver series with Carrie Alberts, a.k.a. Dementia Darling. In this episode, we're talking about all her favorite resources for caregivers. These resources are for anyone. If you know someone with Alzheimer’s or any cognitive impairment or if you’re a caregiver in memory care or a private duty caregiver. You’ll want to check out this entire series. Just key word s...

Dementia Care Tips with Dementia Darling - Ep 107 03.07.2023

This week is our third episode in our caregiver series. I’m so excited to welcome back Carrie Alberts, a.k.a. Dementia Darling and if you’re listening right now and you’re thinking... Oh I didn’t mean to listen to a dementia episode… this episode isn’t for me… Then I definitely want you to listen in because these tips are for anyone interacting with someone who has dementia not just caregivers or...

Gaslighting and Caregiving Challenges with Dementia Darling - Ep 106 26.06.2023

Last week we started our caregiver series with Carrie Aalberts aka dementia darling… with her top tip… finding your community and if you’re a caregiver or you know someone who is?  you’ll definitely want to check it out…  This episode is a continuation of our first conversation covering Carrie’s top tips for caregivers. Carrie worked in senior living for a decade, has a degree in gerontology and a...

Finding Your Community as a Caregiver with Dementia Darling - Ep 105 19.06.2023

You visit your mom once a week to fill her pill box but you worry she’s not taking her medications, so you give her a call every day just to make sure. Or maybe your dad lives with you because he just isn’t safe living alone and even though he doesn't need much help, you make his meals every day.  Sound familiar? You’re a caregiver and it’s time to find your tribe! I’m so excited to welcome Carrie...

When Pets Become a Problem in Senior Living - Ep 104 12.06.2023

How many times have you cringed watching your mom almost trip over her dog? And what happens when you’re not there? What to do with your parent's beloved cat or dog can be a brutal conversation. In this episode, we talk about knowing when it's time to have the conversation about pets and other possible options to giving them up. CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES Follow us on...

Loss of Independence and Senior Living - Ep 103 05.06.2023

The time has come for your mom to move into senior living and she’s NOT happy about it. She keeps talking about how she’s losing her independence but you see it as gaining the freedom to do more since she won’t have to worry about keeping up with the house. So what’s she talking about? This week we’re looking at what this loss might look like for your loved one and ways you can help. CLICK HERE fo...

Googling Senior Living: What Families Should Know - Ep 102 29.05.2023

Many of our clients have told us they spent hours on the internet… which led them to countless phone calls…which led them nowhere! So why is it so hard to find what you’re looking for? Listen in! CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES Get your FREE GUIDE or Connect with us at https://linktr.ee/Desperatelyseekingseniorliving Need help with your situation? Hire Valerie to help you p...

Why Birthdays Matter More Than the Cake in Aging - Ep 101 22.05.2023

Do you know your Mom or Dad or Grandpa's birthday? Are you sure? This week we're talking about why a birthdate could be wrong and why it's so important for seniors! CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES Follow us on INSTAGRAM for more doable tips! Need help with your situation? BECOME A CLIENT TODAY! Would you like to share your story and be a guest on our show?  Email us at fami...

Rehab Stays, Medicaid, and Losing Your Apartment - Ep 100 15.05.2023

21 days, 12 days, 42 days… zero days. These are just some of the states and how long they’ll hold your mom or dad’s apartment while they’re in the hospital on vacation or in a skilled nursing facility. Listen in to Sarah's story and find out what her options were! CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES Follow us on INSTAGRAM for more doable tips! Need help with your situation? BEC...

How to Choose the Right Senior Living Community - Ep 99 08.05.2023

It's true....assisted living, memory care and even independent living is all designed to help your aging loved one. It's also true that these are BUSINESSES and your tour guide... is a sales position. So how can you be sure you're choosing the right community for your loved one and not just because you like the person showing you around? I've got some tips to help you do just that. CLICK HERE for...

Social Isolation in Seniors - Ep 98 01.05.2023

Saying the words I’m lonely or sad or depressed are not the usual conversation starters especially since mom or dad don’t want to be a burden. You’re more likely to hear them say they’re fine…they like being alone. So today we’re going to outline some of the signs your aging loved one might be isolating, possible objections to getting out of the house and social opportunities. CLICK HERE for our D...

Caregiving and Technology with Ryan Herd - Ep 97 24.04.2023

I'm excited to welcome back, Ryan Herd. You may have seen his TEDx talk about his innovative technology that helps you be a fly on the wall for your aging loved one. (Check out last week's episode to learn more about this amazing tech!) This week, Ryan is sharing his inspiration…The story about his father’s battle with cancer and how Ryan’s concern and his dad’s fight for independence led to the c...

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