Unlocking Senior Resources Presented By: Leave the Key

In today’s episode, I sit down with Jason Hrzich, a Senior Solutions Consultant with American Senior Benefits who specializes in helping seniors navigate the confusing world of Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap (Supplement) plans, drug plans, penalties, enrollment periods, and more. Jason brings a calm, educational approach to a system that overwhelms many people turning 65 or retiring. Throug...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Harold Bollaci, a seasoned trust and estates attorney with over 24 years of experience helping families navigate one of life’s most sensitive topics: planning for the future. Harold shares his journey from real estate law into estate planning and explains how patience, compassion, and understanding are critical when working with seniors and their families. Throu...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Barbara Feldman, the founder of A Nu Start New York and an A+ member of the National Association of Senior Move Managers. Barbara has spent the last 18 years helping seniors and their families navigate the overwhelming process of downsizing, relocating, and transitioning to new living arrangements with care and compassion. Throughout our conversation, Barbara sh...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Anne Recht, a Senior Placement Advisor at Care Connect Solutions. With more than 25 years of experience in aging services, Anne has worn many hats, from founding and leading a care management company to becoming a trusted advisor who helps families navigate the often overwhelming choices of senior living. Throughout our conversation, Anne shares her wealth of kn...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Michelle Smith, of Touching Hearts at Home on Long Island. Michelle describes her company as offering a “concierge approach to home care,” providing flexible, personalized services that help seniors remain connected to their communities while staying safe and supported at home. Throughout our conversation, Michelle shares her personal journey into caregiving, he...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Peter Janowsky, a financial advisor and accredited investment fiduciary who runs his own independent practice. With nearly three decades of experience, Peter has helped countless families navigate the complexities of retirement, estate planning, and financial security - always with a focus on independence and client-centered care. Throughout our conversation, Pe...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Olivier Laurent, founder of Home Care 7twenty6, an agency dedicated to helping people transition out of nursing homes and back into the community. His work focuses on empowering individuals to regain independence by teaching practical skills - everything from budgeting and managing mail to cooking, cleaning, and even learning how to safely cross the street again...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Peg Callaghan, Admissions Liaison at Smithtown Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Care. Peg works closely with hospitals, families, and social workers to guide seniors through the transition into rehabilitation or long-term care, ensuring they feel supported and welcomed from the very first conversation. Peg shares her path into senior care, inspired by her g...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Samantha Lawson, President of YHP Cares, a New York State service coordination agency. Samantha and her team help individuals who qualify for nursing-level care remain at home through Medicaid’s waiver program, ensuring they receive the support they need while staying connected to family and community. Throughout the conversation, Samantha shares her personal jo...

In this episode of Unlocking Senior Resources presented by Leave the Key , I sit down with Andrea Martone from Moves for Seniors to talk about something we all eventually face - moving. But this isn’t your typical relocation chat. Andrea brings heart, humor, and hands-on experience to the challenges seniors and their families encounter during transitions to assisted living, independent housing, or...

In this episode of Unlocking Senior Resources, I sit down with Stuart Almer, president and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System, to discuss the evolving landscape of senior care and how Gurwin has grown from a single nursing home into a comprehensive, mission-driven organization. Stuart shares the story of how Gurwin’s Life Plan Community, Fountaingate Gardens, came to life - and why it's reshaping the...

In this episode of Unlocking Senior Resources , I sit down with Natalie Zolotareva, founder of Mind Your Wellness and a board-certified nurse coach, to explore the powerful intersection of mindfulness, health, and disease prevention. Drawing from over two decades in ICU nursing and a deep passion for holistic healing, Natalie shares how simple lifestyle changes—especially around nutrition and mind...

Welcome the Unlocking Senior Resources podcast! I’m Larry Wagner, and today I sit down with Rebecca and Dana from Livewell Care Management for an eye-opening conversation about individualized concierge care for seniors. We unpack how care managers can help families navigate the overwhelming complexities of aging, from crisis moments to proactive planning — and everything in between. Have you ever...

In this insightful episode of Unlocking Senior Resources , I chat with Melanie Stephen from Allegiant Homecare—a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in the senior care industry. Melanie shares the essentials of navigating the complex world of home care in New York, offering clarity on everything from choosing the right type of agency to understanding payment options like Medicai...

In this episode of Unlocking Senior Resources , I chat with Amy O’Connor, a licensed social worker and seasoned geriatric care manager from Long Island. Amy brings decades of wisdom, wit, and practical know-how to the table. Whether she’s helping families navigate a sudden hospitalization, guiding someone through the Medicaid maze, or learning to troubleshoot a senior’s printer or car—Amy’s role i...

In this heartwarming and eye-opening episode, I’m joined by Adam Flattau of Senior Care Authority, a trusted guide for families navigating senior living options. Adam shares his deeply personal story of transitioning from a high-powered corporate career to dedicating his life to helping seniors and their families find the right care environment. We discuss the emotional and logistical complexities...

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, I sit down with Charlene Loglisci, Director of Sales and Marketing at Brandywine Living at Huntington Terrace, to explore what makes this senior living community so special. We discuss the challenges families face when transitioning loved ones into senior living, how to recognize when it’s time, and what sets Brandywine apart—from its welcoming culture to...

In this episode of Unlocking Senior Resources , I’m joined by Michele Targovnik, a Senior Real Estate Specialist with Daniel Gale Sotheby’s, who brings both expertise and empathy to the home buying and selling process for seniors. With a background rooted in corporate leadership and personal experience supporting aging family members, Michele’s approach to real estate is all about connection, trus...

In this episode of Unlocking Senior Resources , I sit down with Joel Bragen from Caring Transitions to talk about one of the most emotionally complex and logistically challenging experiences many families face: helping a senior loved one downsize or relocate. Joel shares how his personal experience moving his mother during the pandemic opened his eyes to how overwhelming this process can be—and wh...

In this episode of Unlocking Senior Resources , I sat down with Alyssa Ramirez, Business Development Manager at Silver Lining Homecare, and we dove deep into the often confusing world of senior care. From understanding the difference between Medicare and Medicaid services to helping families navigate long-term care insurance and homecare eligibility, Alyssa brought clarity to an area that affects...

In this episode of Unlocking Senior Resources , I sit down with Shelly Samuels, the Director of Marketing at Affinity Skilled Living and Rehabilitation Center. Shelly shares her journey into the senior care industry and offers an inside look at what makes Affinity stand out in a competitive field. We discuss the differences between rehabilitation and long-term care, the specialized services Affini...

In this episode of Unlocking Senior Resources , I sit down with Nina Dobris, a dedicated care manager with Northwell Health’s Circle of Care program. With over 30 years of experience as a social worker specializing in geriatrics, Nina provides invaluable support to seniors and younger individuals facing challenges in independent living. From navigating medical care and Medicaid applications to adv...

In this episode of Unlocking Senior Resources , we welcome Michele Barraco, a registered nurse and co-founder of Compassionate Healthcare Management & Advocacy. With over 35 years of experience in the medical field, Michele shares her expertise on how seniors and their families can navigate the complex world of healthcare. She breaks down the importance of healthcare advocacy, medication manag...

In this episode of Unlocking Senior Resources , I sit down with Shari Sugarman, the founder of Sugarman Law, to explore her journey into estate planning and her expertise in guiding families through complex legal matters. Shari shares how her passion for law developed early on and how her career evolved into establishing her own firm, where she specializes in estate planning, real estate, and elde...

In this heartfelt episode of Unlocking Senior Resources , host Larry Wagner sits down with Angel Ortiz from Senior Care Companions to explore the deeply personal and professional world of senior care. Angel shares his inspiring journey from a teacher to a senior care advocate, revealing how his compassion and community connections have shaped his mission to improve the lives of seniors. From navig...