Navigating the World with Your Aging Loved One

How can apparel and fashion empower our loved ones and restore their dignity, even in the face of physical or cognitive challenges? My guest today is Jimmy Zollo, the co-founder and CEO of  Joe & Bella . They are on a mission to revolutionize the world of adaptive apparel for seniors. I'm so happy to have Jimmy back on our podcast, it's been so fun to see the evolution and growth of Joe & Bella fr...

How do we make it easy for patients and caregivers to stay connected to the people who love them in meaningful ways? Joining us today is Beverly Klau, founder and CEO of Verbina , a care tech app designed to support patients, caregivers, and those that love them.   In this conversation, we talk about the crucial role of community and examine the profound effects of battling isolation and lonelines...

Nature is medicine. How do we harness the power of nature and our environment for our older adults and family caregivers? Joining us today is Dr. Michelle Olson, the founder of a charitable organization called Evergreen Minds , which aims to eradicate ageism and ableism. She reconnects communities through intergenerational and dementia-inclusive experiences and nature in expressive arts. Dr. Miche...

How can older adults and families ensure they have the resources and support they need while safeguarding everything they've worked for their entire lives?   Today, we talk about the critical topic of asset protection, addressing the challenges faced when planning for care in the later stages of life.   I'm honored to have John K. Ross as our guest. John is the founder of Ross & Shoalmire, P.L.L.C...

Moving our loved ones into a senior living community can be one of the most challenging experiences that we go through. We are trying to figure out how to manage not only the move itself but also selling our house, organizing, downsizing, discarding, and possibly donating all that we have acquired in our lifetime. This process can take an emotional toll on us as adult children and our loved ones a...

How can speech therapy techniques revolutionize the way we approach dementia care? Today my guest Adria Thompson, a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with extensive experience in dementia care, will reveal the power of communication strategies and environmental modifications that can significantly improve the lives of individuals with dementia. Join us as we delve into the "how" behind Adria's...

We will be taking our annual summer break, and as we temporarily say goodbye, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and dedicated listenership. It's been an incredible journey so far, and we couldn't have achieved such milestones without your continuous enthusiasm and encouragement.   Today, we proudly stand among the top 15% of podcasts shared globally on Spotify,...

My guests today are Jason Wei and Trisha Norton, founders of Discover Live . They are pioneers and experts in live, virtual world travel. They have been virtually transporting people to amazing destinations and events around the world. They have worked with top Fortune 1000 companies, educators, senior living communities, as well as families of older adults and private customers in their homes.  ...

As the longevity revolution continues, an increasing number of individuals will find themselves in the role of solo agers. This population is expanding due to a multitude of factors, including enhanced longevity, shifting family dynamics, and evolving demographics.   My guest today is Joy Loverde . She is the author of two books, one of which focuses on family caregivers. The first book is titled...

Allyson Schrier's life took an unexpected turn when her husband was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. At the time, he was 47 years old, and their kids were 12 and 15. Like many families, they faced the challenges of caring for their loved one and have a deep desire to help families thrive beyond the diagnosis.   My guest today is Allyson Schrier, CEO and co-founder of Zinnia . Allyson is als...

How can we promote independence, maximize safety, and improve the quality of life for older adults and caregivers? My guests today are two individuals dedicated to improving the lives of seniors and those who care for them. Benjamin Surmi, a social gerontologist and Director of Education and Culture at Koelsch Communities , and Lindsay DeLong, the founder of EquipMeOT , an EOT wellness company. Li...

How do we manage stress, avoid burnout, and find balance when caring for our loved ones? It's important that we find support for our mental health and ways to improve our own personal well-being. My guest today is Stephanie Muskat. She is an award-winning registered clinical social worker and psychotherapist. She is the founder of Compassion in Caregiving , a private therapy practice and mental he...

When a loved one is seriously ill, we can feel powerless. We want them to be well-cared for, but we are not always sure of the questions we should be asking or the decisions we should be making.   My guest today is Erin Gaylean, a published author and professional speaker. Erin is the author of the book 'Badass Advocate: Becoming the Champion Your Loved One Deserves. ' This book is full of informa...

Resilience, hope, and transformation.   For almost a year, Natalie Elliott Handy's husband, Jason, had been experiencing swollen lymph nodes in his neck, and after numerous doctor visits and biopsies, he was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma P16+.   Natalie shares how the caregiving journey changed her relationship with her husband and how she transitioned from a wife to a caregiver. She lear...

There is a common misconception that older adults are no longer interested in or capable of having sex. Studies show that more than 50% of men and 30% of women among 1000 adults surveyed aged 65-80 are sexually active. The vast majority of older adults in a relationship report being satisfied with their sexual life. Research also indicates that older adults want to discuss their sexual health and...

"She sits in front of the man who raised her, served as her role model and supported her throughout life's most challenging moments. And she misses him. She touches his face, holds his hands, searches his empty eyes. But still, she misses him."   These are the words spoken by Karla Hult, founder of So Many Goodbyes and award-winning journalist. In her own words, Karla started a marathon called Alz...

"One thing is for sure: no one plans on being a dementia caregiver when they grow up," said Kitty Norton, a filmmaker and director of "Wine, Women, and Dementia". Her first feature film, a documentary reveals the profound burden that family caregivers shoulder as they care for their loved ones with dementia. This burden includes isolation, financial strain, and physical and emotional exhaustion th...

The majority of older adults over the age of 65 are taking 15 to 18 medications annually, which can lead to an increase in hospitalization and also has a cost of nearly $21 billion annually. My guest today is Dr. DeLon Canterbury, founder and CEO of GeriatRx , a telehealth concierge consulting service that focuses on helping overwhelmed caregivers and clinicians prevent their loved ones from being...

A cancer diagnosis can bring forth a myriad of emotions not only for the patient but also for their caregivers and partners. Cancer can also deeply impact our relationships. My guest today is Cynthia Hayes, author of " The Big Ordeal: Understanding and Managing the Psychological Turmoil of Cancer". Cynthia based her work on interviews with hundreds of cancer patients and experts, including oncolog...

Having a conversation about finances with our aging parents can be challenging, but it doesn't always have to be. However, it's important that we have these conversations, ensuring that they have financial security and peace of mind.   My guest today is Cameron Huddleston. She is an author, speaker, and award-winning journalist with more than 20 years of experience writing about personal finance....

These sisters have captivated my attention, and I believe they will captivate yours too. They are the ultimate hype women for a journey that none of us expected to be in. Natalie Elliott Handy, J.J. Elliott Hill, and Emilie Elliott are the founders of the  Sisterhood of Care , an organization offering caregivers a safe place to relate, learn, be inspired, find help, and obtain the critical resourc...

As we age, where we live matters, but more importantly, we need to ask ourselves a question: What can I put in place that gives me independence, quality of life, dignity, wellness, and allows me to do what I love?   As families and older adults, we face decisions, and at times need to contemplate our next move. The emotional struggles and stigmas around a potential move to a community or setting u...

There are many ways in which caregiving transforms our lives. We are always in a balancing act, whether it's balancing our careers,   managing our families, or caring for loved ones that are older.   Today, my guest is Liz O'Donnell. She is the founder of Working Daughter , a community for women who are balancing elder care, career, and more. She is an award-winning writer, and her book, "Working...

How do we avoid miscommunication and medication errors during transitions of care? Implementation of clear communication practices and medication reconciliation processes can significantly reduce the risk of errors, lower the rate of rehospitalization, and improve overall patient outcomes. Today, my guest is Dr. Nancy Taylor, the Founder and CEO of Taylormade Senior Advocacy and Consulting. She is...

There are over 15 million wartime veterans and their spouses who are potentially eligible for veteran benefits. Unfortunately, only about 2% of these veterans are actually collecting their benefits and many of them do not know all that they are eligible for today.   My guest this week is Suzette Graham, Owner and CEO of Patriot Angels. They help families and veterans navigate the overwhelming and...