Outsmarting the Cost of Long-Term Care

What happens when you’re the only one in the family who shows up to care for Mom or Dad? In this heartfelt episode, Certified Dementia Practitioner and long-term care expert Charisse Hurst explores the emotional and financial toll of being “the responsible one.” You’ll hear the story of Linda — a daughter who gave up her retirement to care for her mother with dementia — and learn how love, guilt,...

The holidays can be overwhelming — especially when you’re caring for someone with dementia. In this heartfelt episode, Certified Dementia Practitioner and long-term care expert Charisse Hurst shares practical, compassionate tips for creating a dementia-friendly holiday, handling repetitive questions with grace, and finding peace even when family support falls short. You’ll walk away with strategie...

Open Enrollment is here—and the wrong Medicare move can cost you for years. Charisse breaks down the most common mistakes: missing the right enrollment window, racking up Part B and D penalties, assuming your plan didn’t change, overlooking prior authorization rules, and confusing home health with custodial care. She also clears up a big misconception: many Medicare Advantage plans have $0 premium...

In this episode I break down what really changes for Medicare Part D in 2026—how the three coverage phases work now, what the new annual cap means at the pharmacy, how the “smoothing” monthly payment option works, and what to know about Medicare’s first negotiated drug prices (MFPs). I keep it plain-English and action-focused so you can make confident choices during AEP. What you’ll learn The 3 co...

John and Barbara thought the hardest part was behind them after John’s stroke and rehab stay. But when he came home, the challenges — and the bills — only grew. Doctor visits, therapy sessions, medications, and unexpected cognitive decline turned into an exhausting routine that pushed Barbara to her breaking point. This episode uncovers what Medicare Part B really means for retirees: How 20% coins...

Episode 2: The Medicare Piece — Part A: The Hospital Piece (and How It Really Handles Long-Term Care) Most retirees assume Medicare Part A will take care of their hospital bills and rehab costs. But as John and Barbara’s story reveals, the fine print can turn a health crisis into a financial crisis. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why an “observation stay” isn’t the same as an inpatient admission T...

Medicare is one of the most misunderstood parts of retirement planning. In this kickoff episode of The Medicare Piece , Charisse Hurst, CIMP, CDP, LTCCP, breaks down the truth about what Medicare really pays for—and just as importantly, what it doesn’t. You’ll learn: The real differences between Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D Common misconceptions that cost retirees thousands What Medicare actually...

Charisse Hurst exposes the hidden toll caregiving takes on families — long before the money runs out. Learn how the emotional, physical, and career costs of caregiving can spiral — and what financially smart families are doing now to stay in control. If you want to learn mor about us, visit us at echofc.com

Charisse walks you through how long-term care can quietly erase a retirement — and what proactive families are doing now to prepare. You'll hear real financial examples and a fresh way to think about protecting your retirement accounts. You can find us at echofc.com

In this kickoff episode, Charisse shares real stories of families financially blindsided by dementia and introduces the idea of taking action while you're still healthy. You'll learn what hybrid LTC annuities are and why they're becoming the go-to plan for families with a history of Alzheimer's.

When care is needed and no plan is in place, someone you love will step in — not because they’re ready, but because they love you. But that often means emotional burnout, financial sacrifice, and strained relationships. In this episode, Charisse Hurst, founder of Echo Consulting, shares powerful real-life stories about families navigating dementia care — and how with the right planning, you can pr...

Hospice care isn’t just for the final days — especially for dementia. In this powerful episode, Charisse explains what hospice really means under Medicare rules, how to know when it's time, and why hospice can be a support for months — not just days. Families deserve compassionate care without fear — this episode will give you the answers. 🎁 Access your free dementia care guide: www.echofc.c...

Home health aides can bring vital support to dementia families — but navigating when and how to bring in help can be confusing. This week, Charisse shares what home health aides really do, how Medicare coverage works, what questions to ask agencies, and signs it's time to bring in extra help. 🎁 Download your free guide to dementia care planning here: www.echofc.com/outsmart

Adult daycare programs can be a powerful tool for families caring for a loved one with dementia — but many families don't know they exist.  In this episode, Charisse breaks down what adult daycare really offers, how to know when it's time to explore one, what to expect, and what Medicare may or may not cover. 🎁 Don’t forget to grab your free dementia care planning guide: www.echofc.com/...

When you're caring for someone with dementia, knowing the difference between respite care and palliative care can change everything.  In this episode, Charisse explains what each service really means, how they work, what Medicare covers, and when your family might need to consider them.  Clear answers. Practical tips. Real support. 🎁 Download your free guide:  www.echofc.com/outsmart

You cannot pour from an empty cup — and caregiver burnout is real.  Today, Charisse shares the early warning signs of burnout, how to recognize when it’s time to ask for help, and simple ways to start building your support system without guilt.  Caring for yourself is caring for them, too. Download your free dementia care resourceOutsmarting the Cost of Care:  www.echofc.com/outsmart

Creating a safer, calmer home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this episode, we walk through simple, practical steps to reduce fall risks, ease confusion, and give your loved one a space that feels secure. Start small — even little changes can protect dignity and bring more peace to your home. Access your free guide "Outsmarting the Cost of Care": www.echofc.com/outsmart

Series: Staying Calm, Connected, and In Control: Dementia Care Tips That Work When dementia affects language, communication becomes about more than just words — it’s about connection. Today, we’ll explore how tone, body language, and warmth become your most important tools, plus easy techniques to reduce frustration and create more peaceful moments. Small changes can make a big difference for both...

Series: Staying Calm, Connected, and In Control: Dementia Care Tips That Work Dementia caregiving is unlike any other experience — because you’re caring for someone who won’t get better. In this episode, we talk about the emotional rollercoaster caregivers ride every day: anticipatory grief, sadness, anger, and guilt. You'll learn simple, compassionate tips to manage these emotions and give y...

Series: Staying Calm, Connected, and In Control: Dementia Care Tips That Work Caring for someone with dementia can feel overwhelming—but understanding what to expect can make all the difference. In this first episode, Charisse Hurst, Certified Dementia Planner and founder of Echo Consulting, walks you through the 7 stages of dementia —from early warning signs to the later stages of care. Whether y...

Guys for the next few weeks we will be breaking down long term care insurance and how it works! We will talk about all of the parts in detail as well as some unknown long term care stratagies and tax advantages. I'll catch you on this weeks episode!

During todays episode we will discuss how to know when it is time for a loved one to receive long-term care, and how to decide where that care should be received.

During todays episode we will discuss how to know when it is time for a loved one to receive long-term care, and how to decide where that care should be received.

Today marks the month long series on where will you or your loved one receive care if long term care services are needed. We will start with the place that most people want to receive care, The HOME. We will talk about the cost, where to start, services available and so much more

Long-Term Care. What is it? How much does it cost, and who pays for it? During our bite sized episode today, we will begin the discussion on the Long-Term Care crisis. Over the next few weeks, we will dive deep into LTC, when its needed, and strategies used to pay for it.