The Homestretch - 101+ tips for navigating assisted living & nursing homes

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Intended for adults born 1955-1975, who have elder parents. Learn the questions to ask from the professionals, researchers and the institutions to make an informed decision for your loved ones. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.


    • Nov 17, 2019 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 18m AVG DURATION
    • 55 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Homestretch - 101+ tips for navigating assisted living & nursing homes

    Working Together to Address the Silver Tsunami

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2019 7:44


    This Homestretch101 snippet is from an interview with a team managing a small Assisted Living Community specializing in memory care. The full interview talks about how one community delivers care to a dementia resident. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    The Importance of Social Programming & Fellowship

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2019 3:50


    This Homestretch101 snippet is from an interview with a small team operating a Residential Assisted Living Community. The full interview shares trip hazards you didn't know about. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    Reducing Your Out of Pocket Expenses for Professional Care

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2019 7:36


    This Homestretch101 snippet is from an interview with Raymond Baylor, an Executive Director for an Assisted Living Community. The full interview talks about the difference between Hospitality and Palliative Care models for seniors. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    National Average Costs for Senior Care

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2019 3:43


    This Homestretch101 snippet is from an interview with Cyndi Hutchins, a Financial Gerontologist for Bank of America and Merrill Lynch. The full interview talks about the cost of senior care. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    What is Hospice?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2019 4:36


    This Homestretch101 snippet is from an interview with Erica Tanksley, an Administrator for a Hospice company in Houston, TX. The full interview talks about redefining Hospice, who it is for and questions to ask a provider. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    4 DNR Mistakes to Avoid

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2019 4:48


    This Homestretch101 snippet is from an interview with Heather Gaff Mewis, a EMS Coordinator for RC Health Services. The full interview talks about a do not resuscitate (DNR), how that paperwork impacts both a family and the EMT on scene. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    Body's Response to Pneumonia

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2019 6:13


    This Homestretch101 snippet is from an interview with Dr. Lavannya Pandit, a specialist in Pulmonary Critical Care & Sleep Medicine for Baylor College of Medicine. The full interview talks about Pneumonia and defining the disease. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    Affording Senior Care with VA Pension

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2019 3:36


    This Homestretch101 snippet is from an interview with Suzette Graham, CEO of Patriot Angels. The full interview talks about affording senior care with a government pension for Veteran's and widows of a Veteran. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    Identity Theft Against Seniors

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2019 4:41


    This Homestretch101 snippet is from an interview with Michael Bruemmer, VP of Consumer Protection and Global Data Breach for Experian. The full interview talks about Elder Abuse, Scams and Identity Theft against seniors. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    Early Detection of Dementia

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2019 3:14


    This Homestretch101 snippet is from an interview with Kathy Spetter, a Care Consultant for Alzheimer's Association Houston Chapter. The full interview talks about memory loss and its effect on daily life and the family. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    Advocate vs Adversary

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2019 5:12


    This Homestretch101 snippet is from an interview with Betsy Wilking a Senior Living Consultant. The full interview talk about transitioning to professional care. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    9 ?'s to convince dad to give up driving

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2019 3:32


    This Homestretch101 snippet is from an interview with Sergeant Stephen Woodard of Texas Department of Public Safety. The full interview shares things to look for to know when its time for your loved one to stop driving. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    Diagnosing Alzheimer's

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2019 5:42


    This Homestretch101 snippet is from an interview with Dr. Maryam Beigi, a Clinical Trial Physician for Alzheimer's Disease Research at UCLA. The full interview talk about the direction Alzheimer's research is going. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    The Power of Pattern

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2019 6:09


    This Homestretch101 snippet is from an interview with a team managing a small Assisted Living Community specializing in memory care. The full interview talks about how one community delivers care to a dementia resident. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    Engineering Safety

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2019 3:08


    This Homestretch101 snippet is from an interview with a small team operating a Residential Assisted Living Community. The full interview shares trip hazards you didn't know about. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    What Elders want in an Assisted Living Facility to Feel Satisfied

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2019 3:26


    This Homestretch101 snippet is from an interview with Lisa Boss, PhD of University of Texas. The full interview talks about her research with elders living in an Assisted Living Community and how elders are dealing with loneliness & drepression. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    Living Alone - Is Dad Masking His Independence?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2019 39:48


    Angela Catic, joins us on her second appearance to share the impact on elders who live alone, the impact of TV on the brain, pets influence on elders, functional limitations and much more. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    In Home Nursing - An Economic Outlook Report from Bloomberg

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2019 16:31


    Alex Tanzi, a managing editor from Bloomberg, talks about his article "Fastest Growing Jobs that pay $24,000 annually." Alex shares the growth outlook over the next decade, some tips to prevent elder abuse, a movement in local jurisdictions and one option to help fund care. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more

    Downsizing - Bringing Purpose Through Items for Those with Dementia

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2019 29:07


    In Betsy Wilking's second appearance she shares how to prioritize what to keep, minimizing agitation & anxiety and the difference between downsizing items vs downsizing memories. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    XXX Rated: 25 Questions an Assisted Living Operation Doesn't Expect or Want You to Ask

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2019 30:00


    Keep dollars in your pocket by asking these questions of operators or sales managers during your visit to a facility. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    Natural Disasters - 1 Question Houstonians Should Consider

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2019 2:38


    Visit www.homestretch101.com to discover what options are available after cross-referencing: (1) licenses issued according to Texas Health & Human Services Commission, (2) the addresses of facilities with licenses and (3) the flood maps for the counties in the Houston metropolitan area.

    Caregiver Support - How A Spouse or Close Friend Can Support a Caregiver

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2019 19:12


    In Leah Stanley's second appearance on the podcast, we welcome her husband to provide a different perspective as a person who lives with a caregiver day to day. Chris shares stories and 5 tips on how to support a caregiver. For more, visit www.homestretch101.com

    Geriatrics - Managing Behavioral Issues (continued)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2019 17:27


    Dr. Angela Catic of Baylor College of Medicine continues our conversation on Managing Behavioral Issues. She shares how to communicate with a person diagnosed with Dementia, the importance of a daily routine, some physical consequences and keeping the mind active. For more, visit www.homestretch101.com.

    Geriatrics - Getting a Proper Diagnosis

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2019 38:50


    In Part 1 of our conversation with Dr. Angela Catic of Baylor College of Medicine, Angela shares the misconception of cognitive decline, the process of testing for diagnosis & how to influence an elder who is resistant. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    Elder Abuse - Telemarketing Scams

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2019 2:54


    After a discussion with a former telecommunications executive, I'm told the word that triggers theft and how to avoid being swindled. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more

    CPAP - How Sleep Effects Cognitive Functioning

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2019 20:15


    Sit down with Baylor College of Medicine's Dr. Philip Alapat, a Pulmonologist specializing in Sleep Medicine. He shares what a CPAP is and who it is for, how Sleep effects daytime functioning and the discussion you should have with your care providers. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    Memory - How Yoga Improves Cognitive Functioning

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2019 15:41


    Dr. Helen Lavretsky, a Geriatric Psychiatrist and researcher at UCLA shares the how caregivers & elders can reduce stress, anxiety & depression using tai chi, yoga and meditation. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    Economy Contraction - The Prediction That Will Effect the Assisted Living Industry

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2019 8:24


    What is going to happen to Assisted Living Facilities and homes once the economy contracts? Discover my prediction and the solution we're developing. Also, learn about 2 free self published e-books just released and how to get them. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    Upcoming topics - UTI's, Feet & Gait, Gerentologist and CPAP's

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2019 6:17


    Have some specific questions for some specialists? Visit www.homestretch101.com and tell us what you're interested in learning about during the upcoming episodes.

    Elder Care - How Much Does Senior Care Cost?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2019 22:52


    Sit down with Cyndi Hutchins of Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, as she shares statistics, costs for care and how to finance that care. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more

    Caregiving - Being Thrust Into a Role You Didn't Plan For

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2019 29:05


    Leah Stanley, author of “Goodnight, Sweet: A Caregiver's Long Goodbye,” shares her journey through caregiving, what a caregiver unknowingly signs up for & how to navigate relationships with family members who don't play nice. For more, visit www.homestretch101.com

    Diabetes & Holistic Nutrition - Does it Really Matter for an 80 Yr Old?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2019 29:30


    Robyn Roknipour, an Integrative Health Coach shares what a holistic approach means, poisons that we eat every day, how to alleviate pain and how to influence your loved one to make better decisions. For more, visit www.homestretch101.com

    Funeral & Memorial Services - How to NOT GET SOLD

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2019 14:13


    Amit, my friend in Southern CA, talks with me about an episode suggestion. This talk prompts me to discover the fair costs of Memorial and Funeral services. Join this conversation with Bob from Titan Casket as he shares how you can be a better educated consumer and not get taken advantage of by Funeral Directors when having to arrange for the services of your loved one who has moved on to their next life. For more, visit www.homestretch101.com

    DNR - Dangers of Resuscitation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2019 36:50


    Heather Gaff Mewis, EMS Program Coordinator for RC Health Services in Texas, discusses how a do not resuscitate (DNR) impacts an EMT, the different types of DNR's and injury's that can leave your loved one in a worse condition. Visit https://www.americanmedical-id.com/dnr for the laws in your state relating to a DNR. For more, visit www.homestretch101.com

    Pneumonia - Defining The Disease

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2019 33:27


    Sit down with Dr. Lavannya Pandit, a Pulmonologist, Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine and full time physician at Michael DeBakey VA Medical Center, while she talks about the different types of pneumonia, whether air filters can prevent infection, chronic vs. acute pneumonia and navigating the conversation of care. For more, visit www.homestretch101.com

    Hospice - Redefining What it Means & Who It's For

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2019 31:06


    This discussion with Erica Tanksley, an administrator for a hospice company in Houston, reveals what a hospice nurse monitors, what happens if medication is abused, who qualifies for hospice and the questions you should be asking before selecting a provider. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    Elder Abuse - Scams, Theft, Using the ID of Deceased & Preventative Measures

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2019 29:18


    Sit down with Michael Bruemmer from Experian and discover the scams targeted at the elder population, different forms of Identity Theft, Synthetic ID's, the preventative steps you can take and how to resolve a breach of your information. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    Gov. Benefit - Can Veteran's & Widows of a Veteran Get Financial Support for Senior Care?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2019 27:57


    Suzette Graham, CEO of Patriot Angels shares a government aid that is available to Veteran and the Widow's of a Veteran, how long it has been available, a scam that put many providing this service out of business (and why it was a scam) and how Suzette found her purpose. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    Memory Loss - A Disruption to Daily Life or Part of Aging?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2019 36:52


    A representative from the Alzheimer's Association, Kathy Spetter shares 2 of 10 common early signs of Alzheimer's Disease, important components for caregivers and how to manage the continual grief and daily losses to make it through. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    Transitioning to Professional Care - How to Start the Conversation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2019 38:27


    Betsy Wilking a Sales & Marketing Manager in the Senior Living Community industry shares the importance of body language positioning, building trust and open ended questions to influence your loved one into the care of a professional. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    Safety - Should Dad Continue Driving?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2019 31:33


    Sergeant Stephen Woodard of the Texas Department of Public Safety in the Houston area shares some signs to look for when driving skills diminish and how to approach the conversation of taking away your loved one's drivers license. For more information, visit www.homestretch101.com

    Alzheimer's vs Dementia

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2019 36:07


    Dr. Maryam Beigi, a Clinical Trial Physician & Principal Investigator | Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer's Disease Research at UCLA tells us what the difference between Alzheimer's and Dementia is and shares what direction Alzheimer's Research is headed. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    Victory Over Grief

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2019 17:04


    Hear the response from a Lakewood Church pastor on how to “come out victoriously through grief.” Visit www.homestretch101.com for more Scripture references: Hebrews 4:15,16 2 Thessalonians 2:16 1 Thessalonians 4:13b/14 2 Corinthians 1:3,4 Matthew 5:4 Isaiah 61:3 Luke 4:18

    Affection - The Impact of a Companion

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2019 36:45


    Lisa Boss, PhD, RN &Coordinator of the Masters program | Cizik School of Nursing at UT Health summarizes her surprising research after visiting an Assisted Living Facility. For more, visit www.homestretch101.com

    Elder Abuse - Houston Photographer shares what his mothers nurse stole

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2019 11:02


    No matter how thorough of an interview process and investigation you do prior to hiring someone or an institution, keep an eye out for this..... Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    Living with a person who has Alzheimer's

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2019 32:22


    Brenda Young, a nurse in Houston has to make a decision on whether her mom, who lives in Florida, should live with her in Houston. For more, go to www.homestretch101.com.

    Sibling convinces mom to sign blank checks

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2019 5:57


    Hindsight is 20/20 and unless you've been through the process 4 times you may not have the perspective and insight. What if you were blind and depended on someone. Obviously you are relying that this is a person you can trust, but what if it's your family? Does that automatically mean you can trust them? Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    UNCENSORED: What placement agencies don't tell you

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2019 14:54


    If you haven't gone through placement of a loved one 5 times, like most, you're totally lost with where to start and are forced to find a solution oftentimes quickly because you haven't been educated or prepared for this emergency that demands to attention and problem solving skills and resourcefulness. Discover the secret 3rd party placement agencies don't tell you about that exasperate the emotional stress that you're already battling. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

    Dealing with a loved one who is Stubborn

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2019 11:02


    Nicole writes in to ask about how to go about communicating with her Aunt who is resistant and stubborn. For more, visit www.homestretch101.com.

    How light effects behavior

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2019 38:07


    In this episode we sit down with a memory care community. They share their beliefs on how light contributes to behavior and the power of pattern. Fore more, visit www.homestretch101.com.

    Trip Hazards you didn't know

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2019 34:41


    Sit down with a personal care home as they share what hazards to look for, the spectrum of care available and the importance of a personalized touch. Visit www.homestretch101.com for more.

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