Spotlight - Shining a light on senior-centered services—educating, empowering, and enhancing lives

Most families encounter skilled nursing for the first time during a crisis — a fall, a stroke, a sudden hospitalization. In that moment, they're expected to make major decisions about Medicare coverage, facility selection, and discharge planning with almost no preparation. This episode changes that.   Athena Quinones sits down with Camalin Jones, Managing Director at La Casa Via Transitional Care...

Every family will face the intersection of illness, aging, and grief — but almost no one prepares for the emotional weight that comes with it. In this episode of Spotlight, Athena Quinones sits down with Annie Brashem, LCSW, a board-certified palliative care social worker and private practice therapist who has spent over a decade walking alongside patients and families through some of life's most...

Who is caring for the person holding it all together? When a loved one receives a dementia diagnosis, the focus immediately shifts to their medical needs. But what about the emotional toll on the spouse, the child, or the sibling?  In this episode, Athena Quinones sits down with Alexandra Kaplan, Lead Caregiver Coach at the Institute on Aging (IOA), to discuss the "hidden" side of Dementia Care. F...

Are you facing the daunting task of downsizing a lifetime of memories, or is paperwork management causing a silent crisis in your home? In this episode, we reveal why organizing is less about "HGTV aesthetics" and more about protecting your family's mental health and safety during a senior living transition. In this episode of Spotlight , host Athena Quinones sits down with Jennise Mendoza , found...

In this episode of Spotlight, host Athena Quinones is joined by Cheri Sacks, a certified cannabis nurse and founder of Chronic Health Wisdom. With her background in neuroscience and diabetes education, Cheri explains why CBD health benefits the aging body in ways traditional pharmaceuticals often can't. We dive deep into the endocannabinoid system, the difference between hemp and marijuana, and wh...

In this episode of the Spotlight podcast about Senior Care, host Athena Quinones sits down with Francesca Vogel, partner at Hillendale Home Care. They move beyond "dollars and cents" to explore the holistic realities of the financial cost of aging parents.   From the "invisible" cost of lost career opportunities to the physical risks of falls at home, Francesca explains how family dynamics and men...

🚨 Elder Financial Abuse is Happening Right Now—Here's How to Protect Your Loved Ones Marina Ware, Licensed Professional Fiduciary, reveals the shocking truth about estate planning for seniors and why family members are often the biggest threat to your parent's financial security. In this must-watch interview, Marina shares a real case where a daughter stole $40,000 from her own mother's estate—an...

🎧 Understanding Senior Hearing Loss and Its Link to Cognitive Decline Did you know that untreated hearing loss significantly increases the risk of dementia in older adults? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Johnson, a leading audiologist specializing in senior care, reveals the critical connection between age-related hearing loss and cognitive decline—and what you can do about it. What You'll Lear...

How do seniors who can't drive get to the doctor or the grocery store? This non-profit organization offers FREE, door-to-door transportation for seniors (60+) and veterans of any age in Contra Costa County.   In this vital episode of Spotlight, Athena welcomes David Benet from Mobility Matters, a life-changing non-profit organization. David reveals how their volunteer services provide essential, f...

In this episode of Spotlight, Athena interviews Laura Welsh from Nuclear Care Partners to discuss the unique challenges and support available for atomic workers. They explore the history and mission of Nuclear Care Partners, the types of care provided, and the impact of this support on former atomic workers and their families. Takeaways Nuclear Care Partners was founded in 2009 to provide in-home...

In this conversation, Kim Falahadi, founder of Family Matters Moving, discusses the unique challenges and emotional toll of moving for seniors. She emphasizes the importance of compassionate support during the downsizing process, detailing the services her company offers to assist seniors in transitioning to new living spaces. Kim shares insights on customizing moving plans, the significance of hi...

This episode focuses on the critical importance of dental care for seniors, emphasizing preventative measures, the connection between oral health and systemic health, and the need for personalized care. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by seniors in accessing dental care and the innovative solutions being implemented, such as mobile dentistry and bacterial testing. The conversation c...

In this conversation, Claire Baffico from Mount Diablo Music Therapy discusses the profound impact of music therapy on seniors, emphasizing its emotional and cognitive benefits. She shares personal anecdotes and insights into how music therapy is tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals, particularly those with dementia or other cognitive challenges. Claire also highlights the importance o...

In this conversation, Suzanne Rocha discusses her extensive experience in real estate, particularly focusing on helping seniors navigate the complexities of transitioning to new living situations. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional and practical needs of seniors, the challenges posed by the current housing crisis, and the necessity of financial planning for retirement mov...

What if meal prep could be more than just nourishment, it became a lifeline for seniors? Athena Quinones welcomes Mike Filosa from Chefs for Seniors to Spotlight to explore how personalized, in-home chef services are transforming the way older adults eat, connect, and thrive. From tailored nutrition plans to meaningful conversations over the stove, Mike shares how their model supports both body an...

Athena Quinoes speaks with Melanie Henry, founder of the Driver Cognitive Assessment Center (DCAC). They discuss the importance of assessing driving safety for seniors, the innovative tools available to support safe driving, and the community's role in ensuring the well-being of older drivers. The conversation also highlights the sensitive nature of discussing driving capabilities with seniors and...

In this episode of Spotlight, Athena Quinones discusses the pressing issues surrounding senior care with expert Lorna Van Ackeren. They explore the dynamics of the aging population, the challenges faced in the healthcare system, and the vital role of geriatric care managers. The conversation emphasizes the importance of planning for aging, both health-wise and financially, and highlights various r...