Life Happens

Medicare Enrollment Myths: "This annual enrollment period is really applicable to people on Medicare Advantage and people on Part D prescription drug plans." Bob CallahanWelcome to another episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood! In today’s episode, Kim sits down with Bob Callahan to demystify the Medicare open enrollment period—a critical time for seniors and caregivers. Together, they break dow...

"Whenever I showed the art to someone, their first reaction was always, I had no idea. And the art effortlessly sidestepped people's fear and reluctance to talk about it and opened their eyes to maybe the fact that somebody living with dementia was still there." ~ Marilyn RaichleWelcome to another episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood. Today, Kim sits down with Marilyn Raichle, whose personal c...

How to Tackle Caregiver Overwhelm: "Don't— there's a gajillion problems caregivers are having to deal with regularly, and we can't try to solve them all at once. So we'd pick something, one thing or one group of things." ~ Jeanette YatesWelcome to another enlightening episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood. Today, Kim welcomes Jeanette Yates, founder of The Self-Caregiver, for an important discu...

"And I tell people, get that paperwork in place before your elderly, elderly loved ones become compromised, because no attorney in their right mind is going to sign off on POAs, powers of attorney, and medical directives and things like that if they believe that the person signing it is compromised mentally." ~ Gene ThomasWelcome to another insightful episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood. Toda...

Disability Inclusion in the Workplace: "I refuse to allow this segment to sit at home for the rest of their lives watching TV or on their iPad. There is absolutely something they can do." ~ Ingrid MonroyWelcome to another enlightening episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood. Today, Kim Hegwood is joined by returning guest Ingrid Monroy to guide listeners from confusion to clarity as they unravel...

For some people, the thought of someone coming into their home and helping them can feel like the loss of that independence. When really it's kind of the opposite." ~ Leo WalkerWelcome to Life Happens with Kim Hegwood. In today’s episode, Kim sits down with Leo Walker of Home Helpers to discuss the five key reasons why home care can empower seniors to live independently for longer. From maintainin...

Spotting Red and Green Flags When Touring Facilities: "A high turnover rate would be kind of a red flag to me. Does the staff seem happy, you know, with where they're at? It would be another kind of green or red flag depending on, you know, if they're happy or unhappy." ~Jeremy MooreWelcome to Life Happens with Kim Hegwood. In today’s episode, Kim sits down with Jeremy Moore of Assisted Living Loc...

The Overlooked Needs of Aging Couples "But what no one thought about was his wife, his caregiver, who was also 76 or so with rheumatoid arthritis." ~ Judith JosephWelcome to this episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood. The conversation focused on the role of occupational therapy in helping Texans thrive at every age. Special attention was given to supporting both older adults navigating cognitiv...

"Fixing it the right way, the first way, can eliminate so many problems and really have people in the best place possible for aging in place, maintaining their safety, their functionality, and their independence for their complete future” ~ Dr. Paige DennyTitle: Safe at Home: How to Age in Place with ConfidenceIn this episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood, the conversation focused on how to age...

The Superpower of People with Dementia: "I think it's a superpower of people who live with dementia is that they're really good at reading your body language and letting us know if we come across as frustrated or angry."Title: Finding Steady Ground: Dr. Jeannine Forrest on Calming the Chaos of Dementia Care”Welcome back to *Life Happens with Kim Hegwood*! In today’s episode, Kim Hegwood sits down...

"Because as your child with a disability, ages, your needs are changing and you need to learn about different types of services." ~ Ingrid MonroyTitle: Why Ingrid Built Mikey’s Guide: A Lifeline for Disability Resources in TexasWelcome to another episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood, where we help Texans protect their legacy and navigate life’s complex transitions. Today, Kim Hegwood sits down...

"What we've been trying to do more and more is say, okay, what is it that makes some caregivers thrive quite well and others have a harder time? ~ Dr. Christopher FagundesWelcome to another episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood, the show where Texans learn how to protect their legacy and navigate the unique challenges of the second half of life. In this week’s episode, Kim is joined by Dr. Chri...

Why We Hold On To Old Things: "The silliest thing that they absolutely love and will not get rid of are the things that hold meaning to them. And it usually has nothing to do with value." Joy LoverdeTitle: Who Will Care for Me and What Happens to My Stuff? Planning, Downsizing, and Letting GoWelcome back to Life Happens with Kim Hegwood! In this episode, Kim Hegwood is joined once again by bestsel...

Family Secrets & End-of-Life Planning: "He's chosen me. We've done all of our documentation, but I'm his second wife, and I realize his two adult children don't know that he chose me as his agent, and that could cause World War 3 and all he needs to do. They'd be perfectly fine if they knew about it ahead of time."Title: Who Speaks for Me? How to Choose the Right Medical Power of Attorney AgentWel...

Organize Early: Don’t wait to have the difficult conversations about end-of-life wishes and funeral planning. Making decisions together ahead of time eases the burden later and helps avoid costly, emotional spending. Natalie ShippTitle: Before and After: A Couple’s Guide to Preparing for Loss with Natalie ShippWelcome to another episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood! Today, Kim Hegwood is joine...

Organize Early: Don’t wait to have the difficult conversations about end-of-life wishes and funeral planning. Making decisions together ahead of time eases the burden later and helps avoid costly, emotional spending. Natalie ShippTitle: Before and After: A Couple’s Guide to Preparing for Loss with Natalie ShippWelcome to another episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood! Today, Kim Hegwood is joine...

Spiritual and emotional support matters: True hospice care respects and aligns with your family’s unique faith and beliefs. The best providers offer a “ministry of presence”—supporting families with empathy and understanding, not just medical care. Luke SanchezWelcome back to another episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood! In this insightful continuation, Kim Hegwood welcomes Luke Sanchez of Con...

"We're aiming for people who are right in the middle, who clearly have Alzheimer's. And we'd like to see if we can turn it back to the point where, yes, they not only can drive and remember their name, but they can go back to work. That's our goal. We'll see." ~ Dr. Micheal FosselTitle: Telomeres and the Future of Dementia Care with Dr. Michael FosselWelcome to another episode of Life Happens with...

Why Early Planning Matters"If you can take care of some of those practical legal pieces ahead of time, things like having a power of attorney, getting that early, I mean, that was a game changer." ~ Sandy Steed- Author Peace Out PlanningTitle: Planning for Peace: How a Life-Change Concierge Supports Families Through Aging TransitionsAre you facing life transitions like caring for aging parents or...

The Inclusive Pageant is a must-see: young women with cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome & more shine onstage—talent, stories, and tissues everywhere! Over 1,000 people attended, proof that communities crave these moments of authentic celebration Title: Energizing Communities: How the Dash Gordon Foundation Champions Special Needs, Disabled & At Risk FamiliesWelcome to another inspiring episode...

The Hidden Costs of Elder Care: "The hardest journey for most of, of the folks that I've talked to is not knowing where to turn. You know, not knowing. An example would be not knowing that Medicare doesn't cover assisted living. Expenses, not knowing that Medicare doesn't cover, you know, memory care. Right. And that the cost for those types of facilities and care is a lot. And so, they're just so...

"Hospice is designed to be that piece, be the guide and help you be able to just spend time with your family, spend time with your loved one, remove the chaos, spend time with your loved one, make sure that the rest of their life is the best of their life." ~Luke SanchezWelcome to another episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood, where we help Texans navigate the challenges of protecting their leg...

The #1 issue? LONELINESS. Seniors are often left behind as life gets busier for their kids & grandkids. “Loneliness is the number one problem,” said Sharon Powell. That isolation? It literally shaves years off lives. Welcome to another episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood, where we explore the challenges and opportunities that come with aging and caring for our loved ones. In today’s episode,...

The Importance of Planning for Elder Care: "Because what I mostly see when I work with people is that they didn't have a plan, just like me, and they think Medicare is going to cover everything, and it doesn't." ~ Dianna MoinotWelcome to another episode of "Life Happens with Kim Hegwood," where we empower Texans to protect their legacy and prepare for the second half of life. In today’s episode, K...

Estate Planning Paralysis: "I can't tell you how many people have come to me and said, I don't know who to name. I don't have anybody." ~ Dr. Dara Zeff GeberWelcome to another episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood, where we explore the unique challenges faced by Texans as they prepare for the second half of life. Today, Kim is joined by Dr. Sara Zeff Gerber to tackle an increasingly urgent issu...