Navigating the World with Your Aging Loved One

Allison Breininger became a caregiver for her husband, Sean, during his battle with a rare genetic disease. Through her experiences and the founding of The Negative Space, she has become a voice for those who often go unheard, providing a platform to discuss, support, and empower caregivers. Today, we talk about the unique challenges spousal caregivers face, the importance of community support, an...

What does it look like to bring generations together under one roof? Today, we are having a conversation around family, care, and compassion intertwining in the most unique way. We're exploring the concept of multi-generational living – a solution that's gaining traction in a world where the traditional boundaries of home and care are constantly evolving. It's not just about sharing a space; it's...

On Saturday, April 6, 2024, caregivers gathered at ActivAge Sarasota and The Tribute at the Glen in Virgina for a supportive event, the Caregiving Forum. The forum offered a valuable opportunity for caregivers to connect, learn, and be encouraged. We podcasted LIVE from this event and my guests share about the work they are doing to uplift caregivers. This is a great episode highlighting all of th...

Have you stopped to think about what the later years of your life will look like? Today, we're diving into a conversation that touches each of us, directly or indirectly. Aging is a journey we all go on, but how often do we pause to really understand what it entails, not just for ourselves but also for those we love? This conversation aims to peel back the layers of aging, bringing not just insigh...

What is it like living with a condition that affects both your mind and body, yet remains relatively unknown to many? Today, we are shedding light on Lewy Body Dementia, a complex condition that challenges individuals and families in unique ways. We're thrilled to have Julia Wood, a dedicated occupational therapist who specializes in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson's and related...

Today, we're going to explore how we communicate and interact with older adults and how cultural diversity shapes their experiences and quality of life. My guest today is Dr. Rose Joudi, who brings over 15 years of expertise as an Aging and Ethnic Diversity Consultant. She is currently the Research Lead on an ethnocultural elder abuse awareness project with Carya (Calgary, AB) , she brings a rich...

How can we transform care into a holistic journey that not only addresses practical needs but also integrates well-being, resilience, and comprehensive support systems to empower caregivers and enhance the quality of aging life? Today, my guest is Mary Jo Saavedra, a nationally recognized gerontologist, author, and Aging Life Care Professional. With over a decade of experience in the aging and hea...

How does the rapid evolution of technology affects the lives of older adults? In a world where a new gadget appears every day, how do our seniors keep up, and why is it crucial that they do and have support? My guest for this fascinating and vital topic is Vida Roozen, Chief Operating Officer at The Smarter Service . With over two decades of experience in consumer technology and a personal journey...

Today, we're exploring a topic close to our hearts: the indispensable role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare, with a special focus on language access and community empowerment. We are looking at the heart of healthcare, not just through the lens of medicine, but through the vital perspective of connection and understanding. My guest today is Mauricio Montes de Oca , a remarkable in...

How does the experience of aging and caregiving differ across cultures and continents? How does creativity play into the aging process, and what can we learn from the wisdom and experiences of our elders? Today we talk all about the world of caregiving, creative aging, and the transformative power of participatory arts and wellness programs. Today my guest Ryan Reid, Founder of Bream. Ryan's journ...

What if I told you that there's a way to 'live long, die short'? What inspires someone to undertake this mission, and how does it transform the aging process? My guest today is Charles De Vilmorin, co-founder of Linked Senior , an organization dedicated to changing the experience of aging. Linked Senior supports person-centered care through life enrichment and dementia engagement, using technology...

What steps have you taken to ensure your healthcare wishes are honored, especially in times when you might not be able to express them? This question often pushed to the back of our minds, is crucial for our peace of mind and for those we love. We're honored to have Rachel Schromen with us today, an accomplished estate planning and elder law attorney, and the owner of Schromen Law, LLC. Recognized...

The most heartwarming connections can lead to impactful movements. Today is all about serendipity, strength, and solidarity. Joining me today is Maria Kent Beers, the co-founder of Remember Me and the Remember Me podcast, along with Rachel Martinez. These two incredible women's paths crossed in the most extraordinary way: Rachel, from Los Angeles, a trained marriage and family therapist, and Maria...

What magic happens behind the scenes at one of the world's largest events, particularly those that shine a light on our aging population and the tech revolutionizing their lives? You're in the right spot! We're excited to take you with us as we re-cap the innovation, technology, and stories that are impacting the future of care. Carrie Aalberts and Nicole Will, are at the forefront of amplifying a...

What does it mean to live a good life when the very essence of your memory and autonomy begins to fade? In a world where aging is inevitable, the challenges of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's pose profound questions about identity, care, and dignity. Today, I'm honored to have a conversation with Dr. Jason Karlawish . He is the author of The Problem of Alzheimer's: How Science, Culture...

How do we harness modern technology to truly touch lives, especially when addressing the silent epidemic of social isolation in our aging population? Today, I am privileged to introduce to you my colleague and friend, Kyle Rand. He is the CEO of Rendever , a visionary who took personal inspiration from his grandparents' experiences and turned them into a revolutionary solution. Drawing from his ex...

Have you considered the profound impact that medication can have on our well-being as we age? Over one-third of older adults take five or more medications, and at least one of them may be completely unnecessary. As a result, approximately 2 million adverse drug events requiring hospitalization occur every year. My guest today is Dr. Donna Bartlett, a board-certified geriatric pharmacist with over...

Love and loss can lead us to become champions for a cause we never expected to face. My guest today is Mary Lou Falcone, an internationally renowned classical music publicist and strategist, who has spent five decades shaping the careers of prominent artists and institutions. However, it's her personal story that brings an added layer of depth to her illustrious career. Faced with her partner's di...

At the 2023 Positive Approach to Care conference, I had the opportunity to interview Carolyn Barnes, with Scrunch Cloth . Have you wondered how a simple change in our daily routine items can significantly enhance the quality of life for many? Today we explore an innovation that makes the seemingly mundane tasks of daily living safer, easier, and more inclusive. We're diving into a product that's r...

There is a critical aspect of Alzheimer's that often goes under-discussed: the financial implications. What should families know about the economic burden of this disease and how can they prepare for it? Today's guests share all about Alzheimer's care, advocacy, and awareness, a journey both heart-wrenching and hopeful. We're peeling back the layers of this complex issue to uncover the impact, cha...

The choices we make each day shape our overall well-being and our brain health as we age. Today my guest is Rob Liebreich, President and CEO of Goodwin Living, a name synonymous with excellence in senior living and healthcare. Rob is a dynamic leader with over two decades of experience in aging services. Today, Rob shares the initiatives that drive Goodwin Living, the significant challenges and op...

At the 2023 Positive Approach to Care conference, I had the opportunity to interview Nikki Jardin and Tave Fasce, Founders of Mirador Magazine. Today we explore how a simple act, like reading a magazine, can become a cherished lifeline. A few years ago, Nikki's life took a poignant turn when her aunt was diagnosed with Young-Onset Alzheimer's at 63. Stepping up as her primary guardian, Nikki navig...

Ever felt like you're adrift in the overwhelming rapids of caregiving? My guest today is Theresa Wilbanks, a beacon of hope and wisdom for those caring for a loved one. Theresa is an accomplished author, a passionate speaker, and the compassionate host of the Self-Caregiving Strategies Podcast. She founded Sustainable Caregiving after experiencing firsthand the turbulent emotions of looking after...

Have you thought about the intricate connection between hearing loss, dementia, and the various challenges that older adults face in their journey with audiology? Today, we have a special guest who is uniquely positioned to answer all these questions and more. Dr. Rachel Allgor, a Minnesota-based audiologist, started her venture, Journey Audiology and Hearing Care, with the mission to make quality...

At the 2023 Positive Approach to Care conference, I had the opportunity to interview Allyson Schrier, co-founder of Zinnia Technologies. This company was established in 2019, inspired by Allyson's experiences as a dementia family caregiver. Addressing the lack of engaging and digestible TV programming for people living with dementia, Allyson collaborated with a former Apple designer, known for the...