Empowered Elder Podcast

Planning for care isn't only about finding the right support—it's also about understanding the resources that can make that care possible. In Part 2, Philip Sutton shares practical guidance on long-term care insurance, Medicaid, VA benefits, preparing for a hospital discharge, and why even a few hours of home care can help seniors stay safe, independent, and connected. Whether you're c...

Planning for later life isn't just about preparing for emergencies—it's about creating more choices while they're still available. In this episode, Philip Sutton, President of Assisting Hands Broomfield, joins Tasha Beckman and Nicole Robilotto to explore what in-home care really provides, how families can navigate care after a hospitalization, and why conversations about aging shouldn...

Downsizing is rarely about the stuff. More often, it's about the memories attached to it, the life it represents, and the uncertainty that can come with change. In Part 2 of our conversation, Beth Blacker explores the emotional realities of downsizing, the importance of starting before a crisis occurs, and how families can approach these transitions with greater patience and understanding. She...

What happens when a lifetime of memories fills every shelf, closet, and drawer? In this thoughtful conversation, Beth Blacker, Chief of Chaos To Calm / It's Just Stuff, shares why downsizing can feel so much bigger than simply sorting through belongings. For many older adults, possessions represent stories, relationships, accomplishments, and identity. Together, we explore how clutter can affe...

What does it really mean to age with dignity and independence? In this episode, Audrey Krebs, founder of Aging Services Consultants, shares what she's learned from years of helping older adults and their families navigate the realities of aging. From recognizing early warning signs to understanding available support services, Audrey offers practical guidance that can help families make informe...

Preparing for the future isn't always easy. Conversations about aging, finances, health changes, and asking for help can feel deeply personal—and sometimes uncomfortable. In Part 2 of this discussion, physical therapist Larissa Ellis and financial planner Annie Garland explore why proactive planning can make all the difference. From understanding future care needs to organizing financial infor...

Falls are the leading cause of injury for adults 65 and older... and one in four will experience one this year. But what most families don't see coming is how quickly a single fall can unravel everything: health, housing, finances, and plans that took years to build. In this episode, Tasha and Nicole are joined by financial planner Annie Garland and physical therapist Larissa Ellis, PT, DPT fo...

What matters most to an older adult during an emergency room visit? In Part 2 of this conversation, Dr. Holly Buschhorn (she/her) shares how age-friendly healthcare systems are changing the way emergency care supports older adults and caregivers through the “4 Ms” framework: What Matters Medication Mentation Mobility We also talk about caregiver advocacy, medication concerns, dementia and delirium...

Have you ever stopped to think about what it actually feels like for an older adult inside an emergency room? The noise is relentless. The lights are harsh. The wait feels endless. And for someone already managing memory changes, mobility challenges, or the quiet exhaustion of being cared for — it can be genuinely disorienting and scary. Most traditional ERs weren't designed with older adults...

What if one decision about Medicare could affect your healthcare — and your finances — for the rest of your life? In Part 2 of this episode, we continue our conversation with Hank McClellan, a Medicare broker with Medicare Mentors LLC, to unpack the details that many people overlook when choosing a plan. We explore the differences between Medicare Advantage and Medigap, how timing impacts your opt...

Medicare decisions often arrive at a time when life already feels full —retirement planning, health concerns, and caring for loved ones. It’s no surprise so many people feel unsure where to begin. In this episode, Hank McClellan offers a steady, easy-to-understand guide through the essentials of Medicare. He explains why plan choices are deeply personal, how different options work, and what to be...

What if preserving a loved one’s story didn’t have to feel overwhelming—but simply intentional? In Part 2, Lisa Mares shares practical, approachable ways to begin capturing family stories through video. This conversation focuses on making the process manageable, especially for families navigating memory changes or caregiving responsibilities. From short recording sessions to simple equipment tips,...

What stories in your family haven’t been told yet? In this episode, Lisa Mars shares how video can become a meaningful way to preserve not just memories, but presence — the voice, personality, and essence of the people we love. For families navigating aging or life transitions, this can be a powerful way to hold onto what matters most. You’ll hear simple ways to begin, even if a loved one feels he...

What does it really look like to support someone you love… without taking away their independence? In Part 2 of this conversation, we explore the balance between care and autonomy — and why advocacy should feel like partnership, not control. This episode helps families better understand how to make thoughtful, informed decisions while still honoring the person at the center of it all. From clarify...

How do you know if you can trust the people helping your family make elder care decisions? In this episode, Certified Senior Advisor Kelly O'Connor breaks down what families should be paying attention to when choosing professional support—from credentials and ethical standards to real-world experience. It’s a conversation that brings clarity to a system that can often feel overwhelming and fra...

Supporting someone with Parkinson’s goes beyond managing symptoms — it involves the entire family. In Episode 16 – Part 2 , Polly Dawkins of the Davis Phinney Foundation continues the conversation with a focus on caregiving, communication, and the importance of building support early. This episode highlights how Parkinson’s often includes symptoms that aren’t immediately visible, and why understan...

A Parkinson’s diagnosis can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t mean life stops. In Episode 16 – Part 1 , Polly Dawkins, Executive Director of the Davis Phinney Foundation, joins The Empowered Elder Podcast to talk about the foundation’s guiding message: live well today. Rather than focusing only on symptoms or waiting for future treatments, Polly explains how daily habits can support people living...

What happens when technology becomes a barrier to independence? For many older adults, everyday tasks now involve navigating devices, apps, and online systems. When technology doesn’t cooperate, it can lead to frustration, embarrassment, and sometimes avoiding important tasks altogether. In this episode of The Empowered Elder Podcast , hosts Tasha Beckman and Nicole Robilotto speak with Steven Cle...

Downsizing and estate cleanouts are rarely just logistical. They’re layered with memory, responsibility, and often grief. In this episode, Marc Agins, President of Grasons of Southwest Denver, joins Tasha Beckman and Nicole Robilotto to talk honestly about what families experience during estate liquidation. From common misconceptions about value to emotional overwhelm, this conversation brings bot...

What really happens after someone dies — beyond the funeral? For many families, the days and months after a loss also bring confusion, paperwork, unanswered questions, and unexpected responsibility. In this episode, we talk with Kylee Bandy, founder of Afterloss Advisors, about what families actually face after someone dies — and why organization is one of the most loving gifts we can leave behind...

When is the right time to start talking about downsizing or relocating? Most families don’t plan to downsize in the middle of a crisis — but many do. In this episode, we talk with Alex Vaughn of Caring Transitions of North Aurora about what really happens when families wait too long to address relocation, estate cleanouts, or right-sizing decisions. From emotional attachment to physical safety con...

What does it truly mean to thrive later in life—and why does community play such a powerful role? In this episode, hosts Tasha Beckman and Nicole Robilotto are joined by Melissa Clifford and Amy Benedict of iPlace Seniors for a thoughtful conversation about aging with intention, connection, and choice. Together, they explore why waiting for a crisis often limits options and how proactive planning...

Grief is a universal experience — yet it’s often misunderstood, avoided, or carried in isolation. In this episode of the Empowered Elder Podcast, Jennifer Flaum, Executive Director of the HeartLight Center, joins the conversation to reframe how we understand grief, especially as it relates to aging, caregiving, and major life transitions. Jennifer explains why grief isn’t limited to death, how ant...

Dementia doesn’t erase humanity — and connection is still possible. In Episode 9 of the Empowered Elder Podcast , we welcome Cody Kohlhagen , a dementia care professional with over 17 years of experience supporting individuals and families through every stage of dementia. Cody’s journey began in companion care while studying psychology, and evolved into a lifelong calling focused on understanding...

Why Most Families Wait Too Long to Plan for Senior Care? In Episode 8 of The Empowered Elder Podcast , hosts Tasha Beckman and Nicole Robilotto welcome Stacy Hathaway, founder of Family Connection Senior Consulting and Placement. Stacy shares her transition from corporate life into senior care advocacy, inspired by a personal family experience. This episode explores why planning ahead is essential...