The Later in Life Planning Show

Are you relying on power of attorney to handle Social Security for a parent with dementia? You might be in for a surprise.When managing the care of a loved one with dementia, having power of attorney feels like it should cover everything. But when it comes to the Social Security Administration, that powerful document doesn't hold much weight. This episode unpacks what really works—and why federal agencies play by their own rules.Whether you're a daughter supporting your mom or a son trying to protect your dad from financial missteps, this episode gives you the clear path forward.In this episode, you'll learn:Why the Social Security Administration refuses to accept your power of attorneyThe exact steps to become a Representative Payee—including paperwork, appointments, and documentationHow to manage Social Security income legally and responsibly, from bank accounts to reimbursements and annual reportingGet the clarity you need to truly support your loved one—listen now and take control of the process the right way.To visit Patrick's website: https://keystoneelderlaw.com/

Why is managing your parent's finances so hard even when you have a valid power of attorney?If you're a caregiver for a parent with dementia, you may have discovered that a legally valid power of attorney often isn't enough—especially when dealing with banks, investment firms, and bureaucratic barriers. This episode dives into the emotional and legal frustrations families face when financial institutions refuse to honor the law.You'll hear a real story of a daughter trying to care for her father, only to be blocked by systems that are supposed to help. And if you're preparing for future care or already navigating it, this episode is a must-listen.What you'll learn:Why financial institutions routinely ignore valid powers of attorney—and how it impacts dementia caregivers.What legal protections should exist for caregivers and how institutions sidestep them.How to recognize when you're being unlawfully blocked—and what alternative options may be available.Listen now to protect your loved one's finances and advocate with confidence.For more, visit: keystoneelderlaw.com

Is it ever okay to make gifts from a parent with dementia?That question isn't just emotional—it's legal. And making the wrong decision could land you in court or delay Medicaid coverage for long-term care.As a caregiver, you're likely trying to do the right thing. But what is the right thing when you're managing someone else's money, memories, and future? This episode walks you through the vital legal and ethical considerations around gifting for a loved one living with dementia.In this episode, you'll learn:The exact questions to ask before gifting from a parent's account—including what legal documents you must review.How to avoid violating your fiduciary duty (and why that matters more than good intentions).How gifting can impact Medicaid eligibility—and why the 5-year lookback could come back to haunt your family.

What does self care really look like when you're drowning in dementia caregiving?If you've ever been told to “just take care of yourself” while managing your parent's medical needs, your job, and your kids' soccer schedule... you've probably wondered: How?When? And what does that even mean anymore?In this episode of Dementia Empowered, we're diving deep into what self-care actually looks like in the messy, chaotic, real-life world of dementia caregiving. You'll hear from Jenn Gruber, a coach who's walked this road herself, and who now helps caregivers stop spiraling and start feeling in control—even when life feels anything but.Here's what you'll take away from this conversation:1) A practical framework to understand your emotions, redirect your focus, and make confident choices—without guilt.2) The #1 mindset shift that makes room for grace, even when you're exhausted, frustrated, or overwhelmed.3) How to prioritize the relationship with your loved one and protect your other relationships without trying to do everything alone.

Do you have the legal authority to make medical decisions for a loved one with dementia but still feel completely unprepared to use it in a crisis?Having the right paperwork like a healthcare power of attorney or living will is important but it's not enough. When the ER doctor is asking what to do next, will you know what your loved one would have wanted? In this episode, you'll discover how to go beyond the documents and prepare for the real decisions dementia caregivers face long before the end of life stage.In this episode, you will:1) Learn how to anticipate the specific medical decisions you're likely to face as a dementia care giver and how to prepare for them.2) Discover why your loved one's paperwork might be legally valid but practically useless in the emergency room and what to do about it.3) Get clear on how to define and communicate a “goal of care” so doctors truly respect and follow your loved one's wishes.Press play now to learn how to turn legal documents into real-life decisions you can make with confidence before the next medical crisis hits.

What happens when dementia care meets poor planning? Imagine discovering too late that you have no legal authority to protect your loved one's assets or even make critical healthcare decisions.Without proper estate planning, families can face financial devastation, legal battles, and heart breaking decisions. This episode dives into a real-life case where a lack of planning left a family scrambling to cover $14,000 a month in nursing home costs without any way to access assets or make decisions.In this episode, you will:1) Discover the essential legal documents that protect your loved one's care and assets.2) Learn why it's never too late to create an estate plan, even after a dementia diagnosis.3) Understand how Medicaid planning can preserve financial security while ensuring quality care.Don't wait until it's too late, press play now and take the first step toward securing your family's future.

Have you ever thought, “I thought I had more time”—only to find yourself overwhelmed as your loved one with dementia nears the end of life?When the end of the dementia journey approaches, emotions run high and communication becomes more difficult—right when clarity, compassion, and confident decision-making are needed most.If you're a caregiver feeling unprepared or unsure about what to expect, this episode will empower you to navigate those critical final stages with dignity and confidence.In this episode, you will:1) Discover how to recognize silent pain signals in a loved one who can no longer speak for themselves.2) Learn how to advocate effectively—not just for your loved one's comfort and dignity, but also for your own emotional well-being.3) Get practical strategies for managing family dynamics, difficult decisions, and the emotional toll of end-of-life caregiving.Press play now to gain expert end-of-life insight from a seasoned hospice nurse and walk away feeling less alone, more prepared, and deeply empowered in your caregiving role.

How do you provide care for a loved one with dementia when you're hundreds or even thousands of miles away? What if you had to manage their finances, medical appointments, and emotional well-being—all from a distance?Long-distance caregiving presents unique challenges, from coordinating medical care and handling legal documents to managing financial burdens and maintaining family communication. Many caregivers struggle with feelings of helplessness, uncertainty, and burnout. If you're navigating this journey, you're not alone—and there are ways to make it work.In this episode, you will:1) Discover practical strategies for managing the logistical and financial challenges of long-distance caregiving.2) Learn how to build a strong care team, including local support, healthcare providers, and legal resources.3) Gain insights from someone who has successfully cared for loved ones from afar while balancing work and family responsibilities.Tune in now to hear first hand how our guest, a financial expert and former long-distance dementia caregiver, overcame these obstacles and found a way to provide meaningful care—no matter the distance.If you can't imagine the financial mess that would happen if you needed long-term care, contact Frank and start planning: Frank@PalmWealthPartners.com

To learn more about improving cognitive function and brain health, go toAMindForAllSeasons.com/JoinTo contact the show host Patrick CawleyContact Patrick What if dementia wasn't inevitable? What if there were steps you could take today to reduce your risk—or even improve cognitive function for a loved one already diagnosed?Many caregivers worry that dementia is a one-way street with no hope for improvement. But emerging research suggests otherwise.In this episode, Patrick Cawley sits down with Eric Collett, CEO of A Mind for All Seasons, to discuss a ground breaking, science-backed approach to dementia care. They uncover how cognitive decline isn't just about age or genetics—it's about metabolic function, lifestyle factors, and hidden biological triggers.By tuning in, you'll discover:✅ The key lifestyle and metabolic factors that influence brain health—and how to optimize them.✅ How personalized interventions (including nutrition, sleep, and hormone balance) can dramatically improve cognitive function.✅ Real-life case studies showing how people with dementia have regained clarity, sleep, and quality of life through targeted strategies.Press play now to learn how you can take control of your brain health and support your loved one's cognitive function with evidence-based interventions.

Are you prioritizing the right thing in your loved one's dementia care—treatment or care? Finding the right balance can make all the difference in their well-being.Many caregivers struggle with navigating the healthcare system's emphasis on treatment while their loved one simply needs compassionate care.In this episode, we explore why a care-first approach can often lead to a better quality of life for people living with dementia.In this episode, you will:1) Discover the key differences between treatment and care—and why one is often more beneficial in dementia care.2) Learn how to address emotional needs instead of just treating symptoms like agitation and sundowning.3) Gain practical strategies to build trust, reduce stress, and create a thriving environment for your loved one.Tune in now to learn how shifting your focus from treatment to care can transform your approach to dementia caregiving!

You're in the hospital with your loved one who has dementia. Are you truly prepared to make critical medical decisions that align with their wishes?Making life-and-death decisions for a family member with dementia can be overwhelming. Without clear guidance, families often struggle with uncertainty, guilt, and navigating a complex healthcare system. This episode will help you understand how to ensure your loved one's medical care aligns with their true wishes—before it's too late.In this episode, you will:1) Learn how to create a solid medical decision-making plan that respects your loved one's values and quality of life.2) Discover the legal documents, medical orders, and conversations that are essential for reducing uncertainty.3) Find out how video technology can be a game-changer in documenting and communicating a dementia patient's medical preferences.Listen now to gain the clarity and confidence you need to make informed medical decisions for your loved one with dementia—before a crisis hits.To learn more about MIDEO and how it can enhance medical decision making, visit:https://mideohealth.com/

Are you feeling emotionally and financially overwhelmed caring for a parent with dementia—wondering if there's a way to get the support and recognition you deserve?Family caregiving is a full-time job, yet most caregivers receive no compensation. What if you could legally be paid for your caregiving work while also protecting your loved one's financial future? This episode explores why a formal caregiver agreement is not just beneficial but crucial for securing both your peace of mind and their assets.In this episode, you will:1) Understand why getting paid as a caregiver can reduce stress, prevent burnout, and provide financial relief.2) Learn how a written caregiver agreement protects family harmony and prevents future disputes.3) Discover how proper documentation can safeguard assets and help with Medicaid eligibility.Press play now to learn how you can get paid for your caregiving work while ensuring financial security for your loved one and peace of mind for yourself.

Are you drowning in a sea of receipts, medical records, and appointment notes while caring for an aging parent? What if there was a way to organize everything seamlessly and avoid legal or financial pitfalls?Caring for a loved one isn't just about compassion—it's also about management. Many family caregivers struggle to keep track of expenses, legal documents, and caregiving activities, leading to stress and potential legal issues. In this episode, attorney Nancy Meyers introduces AdvoCord, a powerful tool designed to help caregivers streamline their responsibilities and maintain accurate records with ease.In this episode, you will:1) Learn why keeping organized records is crucial for protecting yourself legally and financially as a caregiver.2) Discover how AdvoCord simplifies tracking time, expenses, and important documents—all in one secure place.3) Find out how better organization can reduce family conflicts and provide much-needed peace of mind.Don't let paperwork chaos add to your caregiving stress—listen now to discover how AdvoCord can bring order and relief to your caregiving journey!Find relief from the chaos of information at Advocord.com

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caregiving—managing finances, navigating legal documents, and understanding the complexities of dementia—all at once?If you're a family caregiver, you're likely facing a steep learning curve with little guidance. While there are resources for individual aspects of caregiving, very few bring everything together in a way that truly empowers you. This episode marks a transformation—a shift in focus to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to navigate dementia care with confidence.In this episode, you'll discover:✔️ Why the show has evolved to focus on empowering family caregivers dealing with dementia.✔️ How legal, financial, and healthcare challenges intersect with caregiving—and what you can do about them.✔️ Practical dementia care skills that can reduce stress and help you feel more in control.Don't navigate this journey alone—tune in now to gain the skills and support you need to become Dementia Empowered!

Are you overwhelmed trying to figure out how to afford long-term care for an aging parent without draining their savings or your own?Balancing work, kids, and caregiving is already stressful enough. But when you realize your loved one doesn't have long-term care insurance, financial worries can make things even harder. What if there were smart financial strategies that could turn existing assets into long-term care coverage—without massive tax penalties?In this episode, you will:1) Discover how to exchange a standard retirement annuity for one that covers long-term care—without triggering taxes.2) Learn how to turn an inherited IRA into a reliable source of long-term care funding for your future.3) Find out how parents and grandparents can set up long-term care coverage as a gift to younger generations.Don't let financial stress dictate your family's future—press play now and learn how to make long-term care planning easier and more affordable!If you want to implement one of these clever strategies, set up a call with Suzanne Scheer: https://tinyurl.com/5fdkwrpb

Why is Dad suddenly obsessed with withdrawing cash and hiding it around the house?Is he handing out money to strangers, forgetting where he put it, or putting himself at financial risk?If you're caring for a parent with dementia, you've likely faced frustrating and confusing financial behaviors. The repeated trips to the bank, the stacks of cash in odd places—these aren't just quirks.They're signs of deeper cognitive changes that can lead to financial vulnerability. But how do you step in without causing conflict?In this episode, you will:1) Discover why dementia leads to irrational financial decisions and the real reason behind your loved one's behavior.2) Learn practical legal steps to safeguard their money, from power of attorney to bank account strategies.3) Explore a compassionate care-based approach that can stop the problem without stripping away their dignity.Listen now to understand how to protect your loved one's finances and peace of mind—without unnecessary legal battles or family stress!

Are you struggling to navigate the complicated process of filing a long-term care insurance claim for a loved one with dementia? Feeling lost in the fine print while trying to secure the care they desperately need?Trying to access insurance benefits can be overwhelming—especially when you're juggling work, family, and caregiving responsibilities.Long-term care insurance policies are complex legal contracts, and one mistake in the claims process can mean a costly denial. But understanding how to build a strong case can ensure that your loved one gets the care they deserve.In this episode, you will:1) Discover the critical details hidden in long-term care insurance policies that determine eligibility and coverage.2) Learn how to properly document your loved one's care needs to meet insurance company requirements and avoid frustrating claim denials.3) Understand the elimination period, why it's the #1 reason for delayed claims, and how to navigate it efficiently.Don't let fine print stand in the way of your loved one's care—hit play now and learn how to successfully file a long-term care insurance claim without the stress and confusion!CONTACT DETAILS“For help with filing a long-term care insurance claim, contact Patrick at info@KeystoneElderLaw.com. If you are interested in buying long-term care insurance, find Bill Comfort at https://www.comfortltc.com/

What if technology could make caring for your aging family member safer, more affordable, and even enhance human connection?In today's episode, we explore how cutting-edge tools, from wearable tech to non-invasive sensors, are transforming elder care. Whether you're juggling caregiving, work, and family, or looking for ways to ease the burden, this conversation offers real-world solutions to common challenges.In this episode, you will:1) Discover non-invasive technologies that protect privacy while ensuring safety, such as radar-based fall detection and sensor monitors.2) Learn how wearables and robotics can predict and prevent medical issues, improving quality of care and reducing costs.3) Understand how technology fosters deeper, more meaningful connections between caregivers and loved ones by automating routine tasks.Tune in now to learn how to integrate age tech into your care plan and unlock a new level of support and connection for your loved one.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, trapped between caregiving for an aging parent and managing the demands of your career and family?If you're struggling with the emotional weight of caregiving, feeling like your life is on hold, or wondering how to find purpose in this unexpected journey, this episode offers hope and guidance.Learn how to embrace the caregiving experience as an opportunity for personal growth while maintaining your sanity.In this episode, you will:1) Discover how caregiving can transform your perspective and uncover hidden strengths.2) Learn practical ways to manage stress, track progress, and find meaning in your caregiving role.3) Hear from Dr. Barry Jacobs, a clinical psychologist and caregiver expert, on strategies for navigating the emotional and logistical challenges of caregiving.Don't miss this chance to turn caregiving challenges into opportunities for growth—press play now and start gaining the tools you need to thrive!

Are you overwhelmed trying to juggle caregiving for an aging parent, work responsibilities, and your own family's needs, all while navigating unexpected healthcare crises?This episode dives into the hidden struggles of caregiving, particularly the challenges of unplanned trips to the emergency room with aging family members. You'll discover why relying on ER visits for elder care can create financial and emotional turmoil and how proactive planning can save your sanity and your budget.In this episode, you'll learn:The inside story of what really happens in the emergency department when caregiving plans fall apart.How to create a proactive care strategy that reduces stress, minimizes costs, and keeps your loved ones safe.Actionable tips for building a caregiving support team that includes legal, financial, and clinical experts to avoid future crises.Listen now to uncover lifesaving elder care insights that can help you avoid chaos and build a sustainable care plan for your loved ones.

Are family dynamics, financial stress, and caregiving challenges turning your holiday season into chaos?The holidays often bring families together, but they can also highlight unresolved issues with aging parents, dementia care, and financial struggles. In this episode, we'll help you navigate these overwhelming challenges with practical solutions, a touch of humor, and expert advice.In this episode, you will:Learn how to find laughter in the chaos while tackling family stress head-on.Discover actionable strategies to plan ahead and avoid crisis caregiving situations.Understand the importance of elder law tools, such as trusts and powers of attorney, to protect your loved ones and their financial future.Press play to uncover how to make this holiday season less stressful, more manageable, and even a little fun—while gaining the tools to create lasting solutions for your family's future.

All across America, busy working adults are balancing pressures at work, raising children, maintaining a home and marriage, and saving for retirement. The balancing act fails when an aging parent's health declines. In Episode 100, we look at one family's experience with Parkinson's and dementia. Their story reveals the lessons on how legal planning matters and how a specific skills can make a world of difference when a loved one experiences dementia.

"Everybody's thinking about it. They have it on their minds. But they don't want to talk about it."Brian Kennedy is a financial advisor who runs clients through various life scenarios and asks "What if...?" If the scenario is your spouse having a car accident and needing extensive long-term care, he has provided a model of what that does to your finances and it's not pretty. It's not even just the cost. There's a real emotional difference between having your Mom live in the same home with your child and having to drive thirty minutes to see Mom in a nursing home where three nurse's assistants are assigned to fifteen residents. If you never think it through, your plan is to go broke in institutional care, and there's a legal solution for you. Running the scenarios and the strategies, however, you may be able to have all family members under one roof with financial reserves and insurance covering the costs.Don't just have it on your mind that your health or your parent's health will decline. Develop a strategy. Build a shield.

If you're over the age of 65 and you are discharged from the hospital, there is a 1 in 5 chance that you will be back in the hospital in the next 30 days. Going to the hospital is an intense experience. Older adults are especially vulnerable to problems that arise from hospitalization. They see more health care providers, have more complicated chronic health conditions, take more medications, and are more likely to experience cognitive decline. Hospitals navigate many obstacles to make successful discharges and transition each patient's care to the next provider. It helps to understand those obstacles within the healthcare system, but also to know how you can be an effective advocate for yourself or your family member.Dr. Nicole Osevala, the Chief of Geriatric Medicine at the Penn State College of Medicine and the Hershey Medical Center, explains in this episode the elements of a safe care transition from the hospital.

Whether it's your banking, your shopping, your calendar, or how many steps you took today, so much personal information depends on a device and the internet. Keeping up to date with rapidly evolving technology can be perplexing!You not only need to know how to use the device, but you also need to know how to keep your personal information secure. When the device needs to be replaced, what do you do with the old one? If you plan appropriately for incapacity, how can your family access your information on the device without knowing all your passwords? Even how you interact with technology is changing from typing to voice commands.In this episode, Barry Gordon from Senior Tech Tutor goes through challenges and solutions that people need to know when it comes to personal technology.

Do women have different planning considerations than men? Absolutely. Women generally live longer than men by over five years. Women are more likely to experience dementia and other chronic illnesses than men. While most people need long-term care and support during their lifetimes, women need that care and support for longer periods of time than men do.But there's more, and it's worth noting demographic trends and cultural trends. The current crisis in our institutional resources for older adults means that more family members will be called on to be caregivers. And guess who historically has borne that responsibility of caregiving? Women! What does that mean for a woman's ability to further her own career? What about the woman's savings for her own retirement? What effect will family caregiving have on her future Social Security or pension?

What does it mean to be a good ancestor? We have a clearer idea of what it is to be a good parent or grandparent. Seeing the impact of your decisions over generations requires a long-term vision.People may answer this question by describing money saved. They call it "generational wealth." But studies have showed how massive family wealth is lost by the third generation. What lasts hundreds of years are the personal habits that become culture. What was once a tradition of the village or the tribe becomes the norm for the family in your neighborhood. Anyone can become a good ancestor by being intentional about their lifestyle or emotional habits. Your response to conflict may dictate the divorce rates in future generations. Your food choices may affect the longevity of your great-grandchildren. How to be a good ancestor may start with writing the story of your life. It begins with really challenging yourself to understand what is most important to a good life for you. Doing so will allow you to change your present-day behavior for long-term positive effects.

There is a dizzying array of taxes standing between people and their goals to make life better for the next generation. We work hard to make a living, but we have to play defense when it comes to taxes. When people make estate plans, the two most common tax issues involve inheritance tax and capital gains tax. Trying to avoid one of them may cause a mistake with the other. The best strategy for one person may not be the best strategy for another. Different family makeups and different intentions for property mean that each person has to weigh options. There are tradeoffs and risks to these decisions. This episode explores the tax questions -- and questionable public policy -- that should be considered when estate planning.

A grandchild sits with rapt attention listening to his grandfather describe the feeling of World War II anti-aircraft fire hitting the grandfather's plane. A grandmother describes what living during Prohibition was like. Family traditions, where a person lives, and talents the person has make much more sense as the person learns from older family members about the people who came before and what they did with their lives.Meanwhile, the grandchild adds to the safety, functional abilities, and general wellbeing of the grandparent. We are all interdependent. This often takes the form of multigenerational households or family caregiving. This episode examines the factors that will make that interdependence go well and what might derail peaceful coexistence under the same roof.

While estate planning is the safety net when a person's health declines, there are emergencies that require immediate attention. Making sure that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are functioning is good preventative planning. But when the alarm sounds, there are steps you can take to make it easier for first responders to help. Fires, floods, and falls happen. In this episode, Jerry Ozog from the Hampden Township Volunteer Fire Company shares the kinds of calls his department goes out on and he offers tips to keep your home safe.

William is having difficulty finding common words when he speaks. His friends have noticed that he cannot follow a conversation. He can't remember people he's known for decades.William's friends and family all want to support William. What if William resists their efforts? Maybe William even resents them for being in cahoots to take over his life.This resistance to help often happens with older adults who lose physical mobility or cognitive function. The problem is even worse when dementia is involved, as the person may be unaware of the impairments that are so obvious to other people.This episode explores the challenges and solutions that go with helping an older adult who does not want help.

Compared to a generation ago, information and strategies to maximize health and longevity are widely available. Is your primary care physician working those strategies with you?Most primary care practices are driven by accountants and insurance companies for efficiency. But determining the unique needs of each patient really requires more time. Prevention of illness may require tools that are not covered by insurance.The concierge model of primary care aims to build a partnership between the patient and the physician. Dr. Theresa Burick of the Burick Center for Health and Wellness explains how her concierge practice identifies priorities for patients and uses a wider range of tools to achieve greater health and wellness. The health care industry has changed over time. Concierge medicine is growing to get people out of the Sick Care System and into the Health Care System.

How you plan for decision-making if you get sick, how your life savings is distributed, how much tax you pay, and how you protect assets are all issues fixed by law.Elected officials gather information and make decisions that impact your life. Understanding who they are as people and how they think about their responsibilities is important to planning in the later years of life. In this episode, the Democratic candidate for Attorney General of Pennsylvania, Eugene DePasquale, explains who he is as a person, what he achieved and learned as a state representative and as Auditor General, and why he is running for Attorney General.

This is your whole life. It's improving the lives of family members with your hard-earned savings. It's managing incapacity if you get sick.There are many moving parts to protecting what is yours and having a seamless transition for decision-making if you get sick. At Keystone Elder Law, we break it all down into plain English so that people can make better plans. During weekly webinars and seminars, we teach the concepts and answer questions. People show up eager to learn, and they ask great questions. In this episode, we share some commonly asked questions and demystify the language of estate planning.

Imagine owning a business and wanting to retire, but you can't. You're stuck, without a buyer in sight. This is a failure of planning.Later in life planning starts before you're old, and an exit plan for your business starts as soon as you start it. Whether it's training your successor, ensuring that revenue does not depend on you, or modernizing your operations to increase the profit margin, these are all aspects of planning that must be done for a valuable asset -- your business. In this episode, Mark Sussman (StrategicBizGroup.com) discusses how he helps business owners make the most of their family business or other closely held business. Voluntarily or otherwise, 100% of business owners will exit the place where they spent a lot of time, money, and energy. How that goes depends on how well you plan.

While any illness in the later years of life can cause emotional turmoil for family members, none seems to cause as much anguish as dementia. Relationships are never the same. The loss of memory and rational thinking skills disrupts the person's ability to socialize in the same way, to reminisce or plan for the future, and even to recognize spouses and children. The focus on these lost competencies, however, ignores the skills that are retained. These retained abilities offer opportunities for connection and fulfillment. The way we communicate with a person living with the brain changes of dementia must change for it to be successful. Social interactions and enjoying beauty in the world are not only possible, but a necessary component of dementia care.This episode looks at five broad categories of understanding that will empower both the person with dementia and the people who provide support and care. The skills of dementia caregiving are not obvious. They require learning and practice. But a better, if different, life with dementia is worth putting in the effort to acquire the skills.

A 100 year old woman is given some supplies and general directions. She creates art that brings forth a cherished memory of picking mushrooms with her grandmother in Poland.As a lesson on overcoming limitations, a group of older adults take a page from bed-bound Henri Matisse, who satisfied his drive to create by using a six-foot bamboo rod with charcoal in the tip to draw on his walls. The older people come up with an idea, pick up their bamboo rods, and get to work. Some have poor eyesight and others have limited mobility, but Matisse's example shows that there are few limitations on creativity. Funded by grants from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, there are teaching artists like Cheryl Kugler challenging older adults to express memories, make social connections, and reveal their unique experiences in art. Creating art in the later years of life is meditative and reduces stress while maintaining fine motor skills. Pushing through occasional frustrations in the process, the older adults develop a sense of self-empowerment and accomplishment.In this episode, Cheryl Kugler paints a picture of the value of artistic expression for aging people.

Mount Athos is a mountain on the Athos peninsula in northeastern Greece where monastic communities have existed for a thousand years. The inhabitants live long and healthy lives. Their secret?According to Dr. Pete Patitsas, there is science to explain why religious traditions and wisdom have allowed the inhabitants of Mount Athos to live into their 80s, 90s, and 100s with little or none of the chronic diseases that plague Americans. Dr. Pete wrote The Athos Diet (TheAthosDiet.com) to give people a very low cost pathway to longer and healthier lives. The diet involves three pillars: intermittent fasting, a plant-based diet, and walking. As an emergency room physician, Dr. Pete says that 74-80% of diseases come down to diet and lifestyle that could be adjusted. Americans spend $70 billion every year on countless diets, but we lose our loved ones to diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, and strokes. We are a nation of snackers engaged in constant consumption, and it is killing us prematurely.This episode explores the Athos Diet, a simple solution that will add healthy years to your life.

Every professional working with older adults is a social worker at least part of the time. We ask questions about family dynamics. We ask "What if..." and find solutions and resources for people. We educate people about our health care system and the legal planning necessary to navigate that system. Having an experienced guide is the best way to spot potential problems down the road and to solve the problems that arise. In this episode, you'll hear stories from an experienced guide. Brittany Klinger is the Care Coordinator at Keystone Elder Law (KeystoneElderLaw.com). She draws on many years of experience working in personal care communities. Brittany has always been a professional problem solver with all the compassion you would want your family members to receive.

You may have a parent or a neighbor who has been sidelined by a stroke, a fall, or a surgery. You know that person has travelled the world, read lots of books, or has a passion for music. Now what?Our library system has evolved to provide much more than books. They offer classes and music and movies and direction to resources. What happens when a person who wants to experience the world can no longer leave his or her house? Across the country, there are programs to bring the library's resources to the homebound person. The reasons for this are important. A person's physical health depends on their mental well-being. Isolation is a public health hazard. Bringing books, music, and movies to that person will improve the person's outlook on life. In this episode, we hear from Christa Bassett and Sandi Koehler from the Cumberland County Library System. They bring not only the stories and music of the world to homebound people, but it's done in a way that includes companionship. This program not only improves the lives of homebound older adults. It provides purpose and meaning to the volunteers.

Certain decisions get made for you. How much control do you want over your life? If you know who you want to receive property from you when you pass away, you could make a choice and draft a will. If there are potential challenges that stand between you and achieving that goal, you can make different planning choices, probably involving a trust.People are walking around without making these choices for themselves. So the government makes decisions for them.Even for those who make decisions for themselves, the government still makes decisions that affect your future. A state budget was just passed that makes decisions about the resources that will be available if your health fails. Bottom line: know the system you are aging into, and know what decisions you can make for your family's circumstances.

When a former colleague called me from her nursing home bed, it was out of the blue. We hadn't spoken in years. The conversation covered a maze of legal issues. Here was a smart person being pressured by a non-attorney "Medicaid company" to sign an agreement for Medicaid planning. The Medicaid planning seemed to overlook important issues like my colleague's real estate and her goals for her estate. There are nursing facilities that partner with these "Medicaid companies" or directly tell residents that the residents do not need to hire an attorney. My colleague, and many like her, needed an attorney.Other aging adults need an advocate. What if a relative is using the power of attorney to steal money from your loved one? Should the relative with the power of attorney inherit any money when your loved one dies? If our long-term care system leaves you with no income and no money in savings, what should be the amount you get to keep for personal needs? These are legal issues that our state legislature has considered, but not resolved.Getting older is a walk through a legal maze while wearing a blindfold. Only a guide who knows that maze from beginning to end will be able to get you through it.

The 2024 Presidential debate and the commentary that followed was discouraging for many reasons. One of the more disturbing aspects of the experience was how casually and heartlessly people lobbed the words "dementia" and "elder abuse" as insults at political opponents. A person living with dementia is undergoing brain changes. Skills are lost, but their humanity is not. When famous people have experienced dementia in the past, a more productive and educational conversation followed. That's what this episode is all about: knowing more about the experience of dementia and how to support a person whose brain is changing. Dementia is simply brain change; it is not an insult.

When a co-worker announces that she will be taking maternity leave, there's a celebration. Of course her job is safe and there's a plan to cover for her while she's out. What happens when your Dad has a stroke and needs you for support and care?Employees are choosing in record numbers to retire early, pass up promotions, or find part-time work so that they can care for aging parents or spouses. Others cannot afford to stop working, so they burn the candle at both ends while juggling work and caregiving. While unpaid leave may be available at large companies, employers will have to get more creative with accommodating family caregiving responsibilities if they want to retain talent. This changing need of the workforce is growing against the backdrop of care facilities under great strain. This episode focuses on those who are still working while caring for an older family member.

Going to the hospital is relatively common in the later years of life. If you have fall and break a hip, you may have surgery and be admitted for a few days. What happens next? Can you recuperate at home, or do you need skilled rehab? Will you need home health or a home care agency to help you in your home? Just because a physician prescribes a medication or orders follow-up care does not mean that your insurance will automatically pay for it. There are many questions that arise about the next step for you after your hospital stay. Fortunately, you don't have to anticipate challenges or find the solutions yourself. Social workers and care managers in the hospital will guide you along the way. In this episode, Andy Cruzan of the Penn State Hershey Medical Center explains how social workers plan the next steps for patients who will be discharged from the hospital. They navigate challenges relating to the patient's health status, less-than-ideal support network, and a larger health care system under strain. Social workers are the bridge from your acute care to your full recovery.

Your feet can send signals about a larger problem in the body. They can be the entryway for germs and infections. With good maintenance, your feet can keep you independent. In this episode, Dr. Jason Sweeley of Silver Spring Foot and Ankle discusses how to take good care of your feet in the later years of life.

Adult Child: "Dad, you're not safe to drive. We're taking away the car keys."Dad: "Like hell you are! I'm fine to drive!"Aging often comes with changes in eyesight, hearing, reaction time, memory, and the ability to multi-task. Certain conditions, such as diabetes or heart issues, can lead to sudden loss of consciousness. Adult children want to protect the safety and health of aging parents, and driving is a big concern. But driving is also a crucial part of a person's independence, dignity, and autonomy. Having the conversation with an aging parent about the parent's ability to safely operate a vehicle should be handled carefully. Maintaining empathy and mutual trust should be a high priority. There are legal issues and a health care professional may need to be involved. This episode explores the issue of driving in the later years of life.

Adults are busy every day working, paying bills, planning for retirement, thinking about how their children are doing, and maintaining a relationship with their spouse or significant other. How many plan for the commitment of time, energy, and money to support an aging parent?If you ask your friends, the chances are good that some of them have had to help a parent to manage medications and doctor appointments, pay bills, and even to bathe and use the bathroom. Parentcare is so seldom discussed or considered until adults are in the thick of it. By then, it can be overwhelming.So many adult children are spread thin while addressing the parent's needs. The adult child neglects his own health, relationships, and employment just to keep up with Mom or Dad's needs. Like anything else in life, having a plan for parentcare turns out far better than winging it. This episode examines the mindset that will be important for the child to have, some challenges to expect, and how to start the journey of parentcare in a way that gives the parent the best life possible without compromising the sanity and health of the adult child.

There comes a point for many older adults when maintaining a property is a burden they would prefer not to have. Maybe a person is concerned about safety when using stairs is necessary every day. Loneliness is reason enough for some people to make a transition to living in a community. With all of these good reasons for downsizing to a community setting, what holds people back? Stuff! Their personal belongings, furniture, holiday decorations, and all the other stuff in the house seem so overwhelming. People don't know where to start. It helps to know that there are people who manage these transitions all the time. They know the most efficient way to re-home your belongings, often through charitable organizations looking for donations. They arrange the movers, measure your new space, and help you plan what belongings will go to your new home.

The actor Bradley Cooper is producing a documentary called "Caregiving." He shares the lifelong admiration that he had for his father. When his father was dying from cancer, Bradley was a caregiver, even bathing his own father. Many adult children can identify with this stage of life. Some adult children will be unable to provide care for aging parents because of geographical distance, family or job responsibilities, or the extensive needs of the parent. While there are levels of care and support available in a facility setting, policy makers in the government are placing great stress on an already fragile system. Grossly irresponsible policies will likely mean that more adult children will have to find a way to provide care in the home as Bradley Cooper did.

Mom lives alone in her home. After Dad died, Mom is lonely, getting confused, and prone to falls. Dad managed the bills and household finances, and Mom is at a loss. For those of us who serve older adults, the red flags are piling up.The adult children may also be concerned, but they have no idea where to start with resources or living arrangements to support Mom. In this episode, Angela Merkel of Country Meadows Retirement Communities discusses the risks of living alone in the later years of life, the benefits of senior living options, and some ways to think about objections to a move.