Navigating the World with Your Aging Loved One

Today, we're going to explore a deeply personal and often challenging journey many of us face: supporting an aging parent after the loss of a spouse or partner. My guest today is Annalee Kruger, the founder of Care Right Inc. With over 28 years of experience navigating the complex terrain of family caregiving and dementia progression, Annalee brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and practical...

Recording this bonus episode with the amazing Carrie Aalberts (aka the Dementia Darling) was so much fun! We recorded it live from the 2023 Positive Approach to Care conference, which was led by Teepa Snow . Her Positive Approach to Care is tackling dementia collectively. Carrie is not only a dear friend of mine but also a valued colleague. She brings immense help, encouragement, and knowledge to...

How do we adequately prepare for the unexpected responsibilities that come with caring for an aging loved one? As life expectancy continues to increase, an overwhelming number of us find ourselves thrust into the caregiver role, often unequipped and unsure about the complexities ahead. To guide us, we're joined today by Star Bradbury, an esteemed Aging Life Care Specialist®, CEO of Senior Living S...

This podcast episode is a behind-the-scenes conversation about how dementia has personally touched our lives. We share our thoughts, impressions, and insights into Guide on Improving Dementia Experience, or GUIDE Model, a program created by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services with the goal to support individuals living with dementia and their families and allowing them to stay in thei...

Navigating the delicate balance of enhancing family and caregiver interactions within senior living communities is a multifaceted challenge. My guest today, Erin Thompson, is a passionate leader in the senior living industry, with over two decades of dedicated experience. Erin has led four dynamic teams within assisted living memory care communities, her commitment to changing lives within these c...

In 2020, George faced a profound loss when his mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman, passed away due to Parkinson's Disease. Determined to honor her memory and make a meaningful impact, George, along with his family, founded TogetherForSharon®. This initiative is not just a tribute to his mother but a robust platform dedicated to spreading Parkinson's awareness and fostering hope for a cure. Throughout ou...

How does one transform life's toughest challenges into a journey of self-discovery and empowerment? My guest today, Debbie Weiss, embodies the answer to this profound question. Debbie is a best-selling author, coach, speaker and podcaster. She authored  the anticipated memoir "On Second Thought...Maybe I Can!", Debbie's words uplift and motivate as she shares her transformational story of overcomi...

Have you ever experienced the often unspoken journey of anticipatory grief, the emotional rollercoaster that caregivers go through even before a loss occurs? Today, my guest is Dr. Julie Norstrand, who offers knowledge and experience in aging, mental health, and caregiving. Dr. Norstrand, with her rich educational background in social work, clinical psychology, and a Ph. D. focusing on age-friendl...

Sasha Dawn and Jack York share with us the heartwarming and inspiring lessons learned from transforming challenges into opportunities for connection and joy, through the innovative use of technology and storytelling. Amid the global isolation of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Sasha faced a personal crisis: her father, a once vibrant Vietnam war hero, fell and had to be placed in a skilled nursing com...

How often do you find yourself putting others' needs above your own, especially when it comes to caregiving? My guest today is Susanne White, the founder of Caregiver Warrior . Life took Susanne on a unique journey when she became the caregiver for her parents. That role in her life inspired her to chronicle her experiences and wisdom on caregiverwarrior.com, offering support to others on a simila...

Imagine, for a moment, your world is turned upside down—how do you find the light? In 2017, the life of Diana Shulla Cose and that of her family took an unforeseen turn when her husband was diagnosed with younger-onset dementia. The roles within their house transformed rapidly; her young sons, just 11 and 14 at the time, became caregivers, and Diana, balancing being a primary care partner and the...

Faced with the challenge of finding suitable activities for his grandfather living with Alzheimer's, my guest Ben Atkinson-Wallis set out on a mission: to improve the well-being of individuals living with dementia and, in doing so, enhance their quality of life. Today, he is the CEO of Relish, an online retailer that offers dementia-friendly products and serves as a vital source of information and...

Have you found yourself overwhelmed by the Medicare plans and choices, wondering which path to take for yourself or a loved one? Today we are diving into the world of Medicare with our expert guest Dr. Ara Sayabalian, who not only brings his Harvard Medical School background but also spearheads programs in the senior living industry. In today's episode, we're here to help you navigate all the info...

Music has the power to evoke emotions and memories. It can be used to improve our mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance communication. As we care for our loved ones, we are always in search of tools and resources that foster meaningful connections. Today, my guest is Alexis Baker. Alexis is the founder, owner, and board-certified music therapist for Bridgetown Music Therapy . She has a profound love f...

Research suggests one in every two dementia cases can be prevented.     Today, my guest is Mitchell Clionsky PhD, a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist with 45 years of experience evaluating and treating patients with MCI, dementia, ADHD, and brain injury. In their book, "Dementia Prevention: Using Your Head to Save Your Brain" , Emily Clionsky MD and Mitchell Clionsky PhD, renowned "braind...

Do you know that simple changes in our understanding of sleep and addressing incontinence can drastically improve the quality of life for both caregivers and their loved ones? Today, we're diving into the intricate dance between sleep, incontinence, and how it impacts the quality of life for both caregivers and those they care for.   My guest today is Deanna Vigliotta, with a vast 30-year backgrou...

Have you ever felt the transformative power of a familiar melody transporting you back to a cherished memory? My guest today is Stephen Hunt, he is the CEO and co-founder of Music Health, a company that brilliantly interweaves technology with music. Stephen shares how music can be a beacon of hope and connection, especially for those living with dementia. Stephen's journey into this mission began...

Have you considered the silent strain and emotional journey that family caregivers of older adults navigate daily, especially when it comes to mental health and anxiety? Today, I'm honored to have Carrie Aalberts, known as the " Dementia Darling ," join our conversation. With a Master of Science in Gerontology and a decade immersed in senior care, Carrie created 'Dementia Darling' to offer a sanct...

How do we engage with our older adults in ways that bring genuine connection, joy, and therapeutic benefits? Co-founders of Mandy Shoemaker and Michala Gibson have been on a mission to answer that question. Through the establishment of group homes for people living with dementia, to the publication of their book "Now is Found" in 2021, they have consistently sought to foster community, connection,...

How does having an understanding of childhood adversity and trauma shape the way we care for and support our older adults today? My guest today is Jean Hartnett. Jean Hartnett is a visionary healthcare leader with over 25 years of executive experience serving the older adult population. She has not only worked hands-on with older adults but also collaborated extensively with professionals in the f...

How can we combat the growing challenge of social isolation and loneliness among older adults? Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing two individuals from  GetSetUp . Lawrence Kosick is the president and co-founder of GetSetUp, a pioneering initiative designed to empower those over 55 to learn new skills, foster connections, and delve into expanding life experiences. Their unique approach? Off...

How can we reimagine the way we celebrate the end of life?  SendOff is pioneering a shift, granting us the freedom to reimagine how we celebrate the end of life and funeral traditions. My guest today is Kelly Roberts, the founder of SendOff: Funerals Reimagined. This new and unique memorial brand is curating highly personalized events within hospitality venues throughout the Twin Cities and beyond...

Caregiving can be a balancing act. How can we support our own health as caregivers, find respite, and also provide support for our aging loved ones? My guest today is Dr. Lakelyn Eichenberger. She is a gerontologist and a caregiving advocate for Home Instead and Honor , the world's largest provider of home care.    Lakelyn plays a crucial role in educating professionals, families, and communities...