Seniors and the People Who Love Them

In this heartfelt episode of Seniors and the People Who Love Them, hosts Cookie and Wendy are joined by special guest Brad Brown to explore the experiences of LGBTQIA+ seniors. Together, they discuss the unique challenges faced by older adults in the LGBTQIA+ community, from overcoming isolation and discrimination to ensuring access to affirming care and support. Brad shares his expertise and personal insights on how to create inclusive environments for LGBTQIA+ seniors, and how those who love and care for them can make a difference in their lives.Throughout the episode, the hosts and Brad highlight the importance of fostering understanding, compassion, and advocacy in order to ensure that seniors of all identities are seen, heard, and valued. Listeners will also learn about valuable resources for LGBTQIA+ seniors, including:The L.E.I. (LGBTQ+ Elder Initiative): https://thelei.org/The Goldsen Institute's National Health and Aging Study: https://goldseninstitute.org/health/nhas/The National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging: https://lgbtagingcenter.org/Tune in for an inspiring and enlightening conversation on how we can all work together to create a more inclusive and supportive world for seniors of every identity.

Welcome to Seniors and the People Who Love Them, the podcast where we dive into the issues that matter most to seniors and those who care for them. In today's episode, we're exploring a powerful force in American politics—the senior vote. With millions of seniors across the country heading to the polls, their voices have the potential to shape elections, influence policies, and advocate for the issues that directly impact their lives. Join the ladies today as we discuss the importance of the senior vote, how to get reliable information in this age of AI and social media and what to do to ensure your vote counts. Don't let November 5th go bye without having your vote counted!Here are some additional resources about voting:AARP:https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/government-elections/How to Vote in Maryland's 2024 Elections: https://states.aarp.org/maryland/election-voting-guideAmerican Bar Association: Making it Easier for Seniors to Register and Vote: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/senior_lawyers/resources/voice-of-experience/2024-february/making-it-easier-for-seniors-to-register-and-vote/Administration for Community Living puts out a great resource called Voting Resources for Older Adults and People with Disabilities. This resource covers all of the very important bills both Federal and by State that pertain to Seniors and people with Disabilities. https://acl.gov/news-and-events/announcements/voting-resources-older-americans-and-people-disabilities

Today, we're excited to welcome Fred Trenkle as our guest host. Fred is a dedicated volunteer with the Baltimore County Department of Aging's State Health Insurance Program, also known as SHIP. He's here to help us navigate the often confusing world of Medicare Advantage and break down its complexities.If you or a loved one is approaching Medicare age or has questions about Medicare and Medicare Advantage, reach out to your local SHIP agency. SHIP agencies are available nationwide to provide support. For those in Maryland, here's a list of where you can find assistance in your area.https://aging.maryland.gov/Pages/state-health-insurance-program.aspxCounselors Throughout MarylandCall for FREE and Confidential Assistance​Allegany County:301-783-1710Anne Arundel County:410-222-4077Baltimore City:410-396-2273Baltimore County:410-887-2059Calvert County:410-535-4606Caroline County:410-479-2535Carroll County:410-386-3800Cecil County:410-996-8174Charles County:301-934-9305Dorchester County:410-376-3662Frederick County:301-600-1234Garrett County:301-334-9431Harford County:410-638-3025Howard County:410-313-7392Kent County:410-778-2564Montgomery County:301-255-4250Prince George's County: 301-265-8471Queen Anne's County:410-758-0848 Option 3Somerset County:410-742-0505St. Mary's County:301-475-4200 ext. 1064Talbot County:410-822-2869 ext. 231Washington County:301-790-0275Wicomico County:410-742-0505Worcester County:410-742-0505

In this episode of "Seniors and the People Who Love Them," the ladies explore the fascinating world of virtual reality (VR) and its transformative impact on the lives of older adults. Join us as we dive into the innovative work of Thrive Pavilion, a pioneering community that leverages VR to create immersive social experiences for seniors. Discover how VR is breaking down barriers of isolation, fostering connections, and enhancing the well-being of seniors in surprising ways. Listen in as we are joined by Robert Signore from Thrive Pavilion. Thrive is a community for older adults located in the Metaverse that provides group-based activities and events designed to improve all aspects of wellness and overcome social isolation.Thrive is located in Horizon Worlds. You can find Thrive on your Oculus Quest using this link https://oculus.com/vr/4747479848684024/, or by searching for "Thrive" in Horizon WorldsPlease join this group and be part of their active community of older adults, and the people that care about them.Thrive has many activities every week that focuses on physical, social, spiritual, intellectual, and emotional wellness.

Today, the ladies are discussing brain health for seniors. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of cognitive well-being as we age. Get tips and stories aimed at helping seniors optimize their mental fitness and live their best lives. A couple of the resources we discuss: National Institute on aginghttps://www.nia.nih.gov/health/cognitive-health-and-older-adultsMaintaining a Healthy Mind as You Agehttps://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/maintaining-a-healthy-mind-as-you-age

This week, the ladies welcome very special guest Tracy Jacobs, Director of the Osher Institute at Towson University in Maryland. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Towson University provides learning opportunities to expand knowledge, gain insights into current events, and access social and cultural activities in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. There are no entrance requirements, just bring your curiosity and love of learning.If you or a Senior you love are interested in this program please see additional information here: https://www.towson.edu/campus/partnerships-research/osher/

Today, Cookie, Pinky and Wendy talk about hearing loss. About 1/3 of older adults will face hearing loss, a staggering number that is under discussed. For follow up please see these resources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20373072https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-and-hearing-loss/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adults#:~:text=About%20one%2Dthird%20of%20older,and%20hearing%20doorbells%20and%20alarms.https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/hearing-aids/hearing-loss-america/

Wendy, Pinky & Cookie have a repeat guest on this week. Alison Vogrin returns with guest Michael Grafton both with the Baltimore County Department of Aging in Maryland. They are here to discuss volunteerism within and for the Senior community. Please let us know what you think, For more information, please contact: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/volunteers/410-887-2715volunteers@baltimorecountymd.gov

Today, the ladies are joined by Erin Logan, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Regional Operations Director for a company based in Dallas, Texas and runs her own company as a mobile physical therapist. Dr. Logan gives us invaluable information about physical therapy, this is one you don't want to miss. Some additional resources about this important topic: https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/physical-therapy-benefits-for-seniorsThe Benefits of Physical Therapy for Older Adultshttps://ncoa.org/article/the-role-of-a-physical-therapist-in-healthy-agingNational council on agingYou can contact Dr. Logan for your mobile physical therapy needs in Maryland here: On Track Rehabilliation LLCDr. Erin Logan443-415-0004Elogan702@icloud.com

Today the ladies are joined by Jill Brooks, staff development and infectious disease coordinator preventionist. You can contact Jill at jem_brooks@yahoo.comYou can continue your research on this important topic here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3061471/Infection Control Issues in Older AdultsLona Mody, MD, MSchttps://www.cdc.gov/longtermcare/prevention/index.htmlInfection Prevention ToolsTop of FormBottom of FormNursing Homes and Assisted Living (Long-term Care Facilities [LTCFs])

Hope your Holidays and New Year were fantastic! The ladies are back with guest Jason Thomas from American Medical Equipment. If you are in need of equipment in the Maryland area please find all of thier contact information below: 733 Frederick RoadCatonsville, MD 21228Phone: 410-719-1222Fax: 410-719-6676https://amedeq.com/Here is a trusted source for further information on available equipment: http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/ssact/title18/1861.htmn

Happy Halloween! Today, the ladies have special guests from the company Moyer Move Management, Charna Kinneberg, Executive Vice President Business Development and Lisa Mark, RN, BSN, Sales and Account Coordinator. Charna and Lisa give invaluable information regarding a Senior relocation, space planning and design, downsizing and organizing, and professional moving and storage. If you are interested in utilizing their services, please contact them at the phone #s and website below: Baltimore 410-515-1199National 301-869-3896DC 703-740-9912Maryland 301-685-7900www.moyermovemanagement.com

Today, the ladies discuss the very important topic of mental health in seniors. Other mental health resources out there. Call 988 for Suicide and Crisis LifelineU.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Older Adults and Mental Health: /a Report of the Surgeon General 1999-http://www.sugeongeneral.gov/library/metalhealth/chapyer5seclhtml. January 2009Geriatric Mental Health Foundation-http://www.gmhfonline.org/gmhf/consumer/depression.htmlAmerican Psychological Association's Depression and Suicide in Older Adults ResourceGuide:http://www.apa.org/pi/aging/depression.html

This week the ladies tackle caregiver burnout, a very important topic. A few good resources for follow up on this topic: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/about/community-health/johns-hopkins-bayview/services/called-to-care/causes-symptoms-caregiver-burnouthttps://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/caregiver-stress/art-20044784

This week, the ladies are joined by Barry Rosenberg. Barry discusses the Widows or Widowers of Howard County (WOW) located in Ellicott City, Maryland. This group has tons of activities and support for people who have lost their partners. They also have traveled all over the world. Please tune in and if you are in the area you can become a part of this group by contacting Barry here. https://www.meetup.com/widow-or-widowers-of-howard-county/Email: bdrfromec@verizon.net

This episode brings information about a very current topic: Social Isolation in Seniors. Seniors are at risk for social isolation due to a myriad of factors but the pandemic only made this issue worsened. This is a great article on the topic to continue your research from the National Council on Aging. https://ncoa.org/article/covid-driven-isolation-can-be-dangerous-for-older-adults

An incredibly sensitive yet important topic is discussed today by Pinky, Wendy and Cookie this week. Elder Abuse. The ladies discuss the different types of abuse, where abuse can happen and who is typically the abuser, signs of abuse and what to do if you suspect a loved one is being abused. Just a few of the resources we found:The Maryland – Long-term Care Ombudsman program – through the Baltimore County Department of Aging – 410-887-4200 - If you are outside of Maryland please google the Ombudsman in your state.Safe Helpline – 410- 843-7571Senior Legal Services – 410 - 396-1322

Yes! Some doctors still make house calls. Dr. Elizabeth Akano of the Nova Family Clinic comes on this week to talk to Cookie, Pinky and Wendy. If you or a senior you love is in need of a provider who comes to your home in the Maryland area, please contact Dr. Akano. Nova Family Clinic6018 Harford RdBaltimore, MD 21214(phone) 443-985-6011(fax) 877-712-5810https://www.medstarfamilychoice.com/maryland-members/provider/elizabeth-c-akano

This week the ladies have a very special guest, Shannon Harris. Shannon has been in healthcare for over a decade. She is a Certified Medical Assistant in internal Medicine and previously served as a Certified Nursing Assistant and a Patient Care Assistant with Division of Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities. Shannon is also the Administrator for a very large support group on Facebook that serves as a support for Caregivers.  If you are interested in joining the group, here is the link:https://www.facebook.com/groups/103001490399094

Today is a fun one. The ladies bring in two very special guests to talk about hobbies for Seniors. We talk about lots of different hobbies from gardening, crocheting, hand dancing, and a favorite of yours and ours, podcasting. We extend a big thank you to Tina Wilkerson and Patel for coming on and sharing your pastimes with us.

We had an amazing guest join us this week. Take a listen to this next episode all about CPR and EMT impact on Seniors. This episode is full of knowledge and laughter as we are joined by Alex Balish, Owner and lead trainer at Care 1st Training Group, LLC; authorized provider of CPR, AED & First Aid Training Specialty in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. If you or your company is in need of this top notch training please visit: www.care1stcpr.com or call 908-443-1CPR.

Aira Bautista O'Donnell is back in the house to discuss Falls with the ladies. A fall can be devastating to a senior. Cookie, Pinky and Wendy discuss how to prevent one, risk factors for falls and what to do if there is a fall.

The ladies are joined today by Kimberly Scott, of MedStar Health Home Care. Kim shares her experience coordinating Home Care in the healthcare industry for 20 years. Thank you Kim and if anyone is interested in making a referral to Home Care you can get information here: https://www.medstarhealth.org/services/home-care1-800-862-2166

Keith Levitt, Senior Investment Consultant and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER with Baird Private Wealth Management joins the Podcast this week to discuss finances for Seniors with Cookie, Pinky & Wendy.If you are interested in contacting Keith for more information please contact him at:klevitt@rwbaird.comhttps://klevitt.bairdwealth.com/410-769-5200Thanks so much for being so generous with your time and wealth of knowledge Keith.

Join Pinky, Cookie & Wendy and their special guest host, Lynn McCamie of the Maryland Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. We discuss how the Ombudsman program can help seniors that reside in nursing facilities and how you can get involved in the program to help Seniors. If you want to get involved with the program, please check out https://aging.maryland.gov/Pages/state-long-term-care-ombudsman.aspx for Maryland Residents and for people in other states: https://ltcombudsman.org/

This episode we discuss Dementia and Alzheimer's diseases. Our guest speaker is Lisa Clerman, a Certified Dementia Care Practitioner and Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care Trainer. Thanks so much for joining us Lisa!

Today, Cookie, Pinky and Wendy bring you an episode full of information regarding Long Term Care. Some resources for you to continue your research is https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/?providerType=NursingHome&redirect=trueAlso take a look at the Covid Tracking Project which provides a lot of data about the impact that Covid has had on Long Term Care: https://covidtracking.com/

Join Pinky, Cookie & Wendy as they explore the topic of Hospice and debunk the myths of hospice.

This week we are joined by very special guest Alison Vogrin, The Director of Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) at Baltimore County Department of Aging. Alison brings a wealth of knowledge about volunteerism for seniors. If you are in the Maryland area, you can get information about this group on their website: www.volunteers.baltimorecountymd.gov or email at volunteers@baltimorecountmd.gov. Thank you again Alison.  

Today, we are joined by William Young, Executive Director of Shangri-la and Paradise Assted Living Facilities located in Maryland. We discuss all of the aspects of Assisted Living Care.

This holiday season give your loved ones the gift of having clear advanced directives and decision making set up BEFORE an emergency happens. It is a priceless gift.

Our 5th episode contains lots of helpful information regarding Sub Acute Care, also referred to as Skilled Nursing Care. Our good friend and previous colleague, Aira Bautista O'Donnell joins us for this episode. Aira brings to the podcast a lifetime of experience as a nurse and Director of Nursing.  

This week's episode is all about Acute Rehabilitation Care.

This week, we review all of the residential setting options for Seniors and the people who love them.

This episode is all about Aging in Place for Seniors.

An introduction to our brand new podcast all about topics related to Seniors from healthcare, caregiving, finances and relationships.