Podcast appearances and mentions of nicole will

In this heartwarming episode, we are joined by sunshine in the form of a person, Patti LaFleur! Patti shared the very personal and impactful mission of Lorenzo's House, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families navigating younger-onset dementia. Founded in 2021, Lorenzo's House is leading the way of support for families facing this challenging and often isolating journey.  The organization's core mission is powerful and personal: to shift the narrative from isolation to connection, from stigma to strength, and from darkness to light! Key highlights of Lorenzo's House include: - Holistic Support Model: Offering virtual and in-person youth initiatives, support groups, and healing spaces  - Community Building: Creating a national and global network of families united in their journey - Empowerment Focus: Providing free support to families, with a vision of expanding their reach Our conversation emphasized the importance of supporting entire families, recognizing the profound impact of younger-onset dementia on children, partners, and caregivers! Patti gives us advice on how to show up for our youth and how to be more mindful this holiday season.  Lorenzo's House stands as a beacon of hope, bringing light to families facing this challenging diagnosis and creating a supportive community where no one feels alone!  Share, support and donate to Lorenzo's House:  https://lorenzoshouse.org   We mentioned the incredible, Adria Thompson of Be Light Care Consulting, Remember Me podcast, Jacquelyn Revere of MomofMyMom  on social media and Think Tank created by Nicole Will and James Lee.    Patti LaFleur, Programs Lead Patti is the former carepartner to her mom, Linda, who had younger-onset dementia - and a former elementary educator of over 10 years. Patti designs and leads our youth programming with intentionality, knowledge and love. Her capacity to connect with family members through lived experience and profound generosity of spirit sets the tone for how Lorenzo's House shows up for families. Patti has a Masters Degree in Instructional Leadership and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, has spent countless hours volunteering with people living with neurocognitive disorders, and as a community educator for the Alzheimer's Association.

In this episode of "Gather Darlings," host Carrie, known as Dementia Darling, honors National Family Caregivers Month by shining a light on the incredible work of dementia caregivers! Carrie shares a comprehensive list of essential resources for dementia caregivers, including the Alzheimer's Association, Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care, and the Family Caregiver Alliance, among others. These organizations provide vital support, educational programs, and community connections that can make a significant difference in caregivers' lives. The episode also addresses mental health and self-care, encouraging caregivers to join support groups, seek professional help when needed, and practice mindfulness techniques. Carrie highlights the importance of respite care as a crucial support system, outlining various options such as in-home services and adult day centers that allow caregivers to recharge. Additionally, practical tips for daily caregiving are shared, including establishing routines and utilizing tools to enhance communication and quality of life.  Tune in to this episode to gather insights, resources, and encouragement as we celebrate the dedication of dementia caregivers everywhere.   Essential Resources for Dementia Caregivers   1. **Alzheimer's Association** - [alz.org](https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources): Offers a 24/7 helpline, support groups, and educational programs. 2. **Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care** - [teepasnow.com](https://www.teepasnow.com): Provides innovative dementia care training and resources. 3. **Be Light Care** - [belightcare.com](http://www.belightcare.com): Offers dementia care consulting and education. 4. **Roon Dementia** - [roon.com](http://www.roon.com): A platform that provides resources for dementia care. 5. **Family Caregiver Alliance** - [caregiver.org](https://www.caregiver.org): Provides comprehensive support and information for family caregivers. 6. **AARP Caregiving Resource Center** - [aarp.org/caregiving](https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/): Offers tools and information to help navigate the caregiving journey.   Mental Health and Self-Care Resources   1. **Zen Caregiving Project** - [zencaregiving.org](https://zencaregiving.org): Offers mindfulness-based support for caregivers. 2. **Steadii App** - [steadii.com](https://www.steadii.com/): A mobile app designed to help caregivers manage their responsibilities. 3. Leeza's Care Connection for support groups https://leezascareconnection.org/home   Respite Care Resources   1. **ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center** - [archrespite.org](https://archrespite.org): Provides resources to help find respite care options in your area. 2. Area Agencies on Aging in your local area (google this for your location) 3. HFC www.wearehfc.org for respite grants and support groups   Practical Tools and Engagement Resources   1. **Care Mobi App** - A mobile app for caregiver organization and reminders. 2. **Zinnia TV** - A platform for engagement activities tailored for seniors. 3. **Nana's Books, Mirador, SingFit, Music with Alexis**: Various resources for engaging activities with individuals living with dementia. Zinnia TV- www.zinniatv.com  Nana's Books- www.nanasbookseries.com  Mirador Magazine- www.miradormagazine.com  Singfit http://www.singfit.com Music with Alexis- www.musicwithalexis.com  CareMobi app https://nursing.nyu.edu/w/caremobi   Additional Support   **Navigating the World with Your Aging Loved One Podcast** - Hosted by Nicole Will, this podcast empowers older adults and caregivers with insights throughout the aging journey. More information can be found at [willgatherpodcast.com](http://www.willgatherpodcast.com).   We'd love for you to subscribe, rate and review!  Follow us on Instagram HERE and Join our Facebook Group HERE.    Come as you are!    We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.  

What are the ripple effects of caregiving that touch every corner of our lives, not just for those directly involved but for everyone around them? In today's episode, we talk about the layers of caregiving's impact—a journey of empathy, strength, and resilience that changes the caregivers, the cared-for, and everyone who supports them. Joining us is Todd “TJ” Keitz, the founder of My Care Friends, a platform born from his own caregiving journey that began at age nine and evolved through decades of supporting his loved ones through life-altering health battles. Todd's story, alongside the experiences of Katie Seymour and her husband (who is also named Todd), and our own Nicole Will and her mother, Jill, sheds light on the nuanced, deeply personal realities of caregiving. Todd's vision for My Care Friends was inspired by the profound need for connection and understanding among caregivers, who too often shoulder immense responsibilities alone. The mission is clear: create a supportive, safe community for caregivers and patient advocates to connect, educate, and advocate together. In this conversation, we'll explore how caregiving, whether for a child, partner, or aging parent, demands physical, emotional, and even financial resilience from multiple contributors. As Todd shares, caregiving is rarely a solo effort; it often requires an entire network of people contributing time, energy, and resources. My Care Friends embodies the strength of community and offers a place for these voices to connect, share, and learn. Today's episode unpacks the “ripple effect” of caregiving: from personal identity shifts and relationship dynamics to the impact on work, health, and mental well-being. We'll discuss why defining “caregiver” is so crucial, and how recognizing this role can bring essential support and validation. You'll hear the unique perspectives of long-distance and family caregivers, how self-forgiveness and setting boundaries play into the journey, and how we can help change the caregiving narrative for a brighter, more connected future.   Learn more at https://mycarefriends.com/   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please follow for updates, rate & review! For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com  

On this episode of Gather Darlings, Nicole Will, Carrie Aalberts, and Adria Thompson are sharing all about their European adventures! From diving into The Hogeweyk dementia village, to Adria's epic journey with Walk the Talk in Spain, we're sharing all the stories of care and connection. Oh, and did we mention Cannes? We hit the SilverEco conference hard—panels, awards, and jury duty! It's all here, and trust us, caregivers and healthcare pros, you don't want to miss this. Darlings, we're going global!   To watch the webinar with Viking Pure Solutions of our time at The Hogeweyk watch HERE: https://vikingpure.com/reimagining-dementia-care-hogeweyk/   To learn more about: Walk the Talk visit: https://www.walkingfordementia.org/     SilverEco visit: https://www.silvereco.org/festival/en/     We'd love for you to subscribe, rate and review!  Follow us on Instagram HERE and Join our Facebook Group HERE.    Come as you are!    We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.    

Carrie Aalberts, aka “Dementia Darling,” shares valuable insights on the science of dementia, how care partners can utilize resources and support, and how individuals and their loved ones can celebrate “silver linings” amid this challenging disease.  About Carrie Aalbets Carrie Aalberts, the Dementia Darling, holds a Master is Science focused in Gerontology and over a decade of experience in dementia care.  As Dementia Darling, Carrie has built a nurturing online community of over 50,000 followers, providing education, support, and a safe space for caregivers. Carrie's goal is to enhance quality of life, encourage joy, and challenge the tragedy narrative around dementia and aging. She offers a plethora of services as a full-time educator and advocate.  Connect with Carrie on social media @dementiadarling and listen to her new podcast Gather Darlings with co-host Nicole Will. Key Takeaways Dementia is an umbrella term, encompassing 120 different types of cognitive decline. Symptoms are severe enough to impede someone's daily life. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia. There is a misconception that dementia takes away peoples' ability to experience joy. Joy may look different than pre-diagnosis, but it is absolutely possible for both the individual and their care partners. Finding a community of support is essential for both individuals with dementia and their care partners. For care partners, make a list of the help you need. When a friend or family member offers to help, have a list of tasks ready to offer to take something off your plate.

Welcome to "Gather, Darlings" with Carrie Aalberts BS, MS aka Dementia Darling and Nicole Will aka willGather - the podcast where we kick back, let loose, and dive headfirst into the untamed, unfiltered world of caregiving. This isn't your grandma's tea party—unless your grandma likes to spill the tea with a glass of wine in one hand and unapologetic truths in the other. So listen while you're driving, doing the dishes, working, or if you got lucky in your favorite chair, whether it's a loveseat, or a rocking chair, and make yourself comfortable. It's always happy hour here, and we're serving up the real stories of caregiving with a side of unfiltered banter. Here, we talk about it all— the messy, the stressful, and the downright REAL parts of caring for someone else while trying to keep your own sanity intact. Think of us as your bestie support group, where nothing is off-limits. Struggling with your mental health? We've got you. Feeling like caregiving is a thankless job? We see you. Whether you're aging (which is ALL of us!), caregiving, loving a caregiver or working in aging services- Pour yourself a drink; let's vent and laugh, and talk all about it. And yes, we even talk about how sometimes you just need to lock yourself in the bathroom for five minutes of peace—or for a quick cry. "Gather, Darlings" isn't just a podcast; it's a movement. We're here to redefine caregiving, pushing boundaries and breaking stigmas with every episode. Join us as we explore the unexpected side of caregiving, making every hour the happiest hour as we will lift you up with resources, support, and community to feel confident in this unsteady journey. So, whether you're sipping chamomile tea or sneaking your third cookie—no judgment here—let's shake up the world of caregiving together. After all, if we can't laugh at the chaos, we'll just end up crying, right? Let's do this, caregivers, one episode at a time!

James Lee and Nicole Will are shaking up senior living! They're pushing innovation and change, in part through their collaborative, small group event, Think Tank. Think Tank is a unique opportunity to share ideas, insights, and experiences — and redefine the standards of excellence in the senior living industry. It's time to think outside the box, collaborate across disciplines, and work differently to create a brighter future. ---------- Find James on LinkedIn here. Find Nicole on LinkedIn here. Where to find Foresight: Subscribe LinkedIn Facebook Instagram X

Nicole Will cared for her grandma Betty and has dedicated her career to enhancing the well-being of older adults, their families, and healthcare professionals. Nicole's approach blends heartfelt advocacy with strategic innovation, making her a sought-after voice in the care economy. In this episode, we discuss how vulnerability instigates change in our lives and in the care economy, tips for those looking into senior living options, the hope that is being delivered from age tech initiatives, healthy grab-and-go meal replacements, and why living with your grandma as a teenager comes with mixed emotions. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod177 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities, contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

Nicole Will cared for her grandma Betty and has dedicated her career to enhancing the well-being of older adults, their families, and healthcare professionals. Nicole's approach blends heartfelt advocacy with strategic innovation, making her a sought-after voice in the care economy. In this episode we discuss how vulnerability instigates change in our lives and in the care economy, tips for those looking into senior living options, the hope that is being delivered from agetech initiatives, healthy grab and go meal replacements, and why living with your grandma as a teenager comes with mixed emotions. Show notes with product and resource links: https://bit.ly/HHCPod177 Receive the podcast in your email here: http://bit.ly/2G4qvBv Order a copy of Elizabeth's book Just for You: a Daily Self Care Journal: http://bit.ly/HHCjournal For podcast sponsorship opportunities contact Elizabeth: https://happyhealthycaregiver.com/contact-us/ The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is part of the Whole Care Network. Rate and Review the podcast: https://bit.ly/HHCPODREVIEW

What magic happens behind the scenes at one of the world's largest events, particularly those that shine a light on our aging population and the tech revolutionizing their lives? You're in the right spot! We're excited to take you with us as we re-cap the innovation, technology, and stories that are impacting the future of care. Carrie Aalberts and Nicole Will, are at the forefront of amplifying and exploring the people and companies that are transforming care through technology. Carrie, known to many as Dementia Darling, brings a decade of expertise in senior care and a passion for supporting dementia caregivers with resources and education. She's a beacon of hope for many navigating the dementia journey. Nicole Will, founder of willGather, a platform dedicated to enriching the lives of older adults and those who care for them. Nicole's multifaceted approach to advocacy and innovation, rooted in her personal and professional experiences, offers a fresh perspective on the care economy.  Together, they share their experiences at the AgeTech Collaborative From AARP at CES, share stories behind the missions, and highlight the inspirations that drive impactful work in the agetech space. So, sit back, relax, and join us as we share, laugh, cry and give you a personal and insightful journey into the world of aging, innovation, and the human stories that connect us all. Learn more at AARP & AARP AgeTech Collaborative.  To learn more about AgeTech Collaborative From AARP at CES and connect with many of the companies we mentioned, visit HERE To connect with Carrie Aalberts visit HERE. To connect with Nicole Will visit HERE.  To learn more about CES visit HERE.  We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please follow for updates, rate & review! For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com

Discover Anxiety, Health & Care Stress Reduction Techniques. Dementia caregiver burnout is as much as health issue as anxiety, heart disease or depression. In fact, caregiving can create many of those issues in caregivers. Looking into the fundamental needs of dementia caregivers you'll discover that they need most is understanding and support. Coping strategies for dementia involve a multifaceted approach, ranging from creating routines with your loved one to reaching out for information and support. The journey is challenging, but there are effective ways to decrease caregiver stress. To provide deeper insights, we discuss the importance of self-forgiveness when the desired results aren't achieved. Caregivers often set high expectations, and acknowledging that it's okay to fall short at times is essential. Rethinking daily accomplishments and keeping an open mind are powerful tools for maintaining mental well-being. We emphasize the significance of honoring moments of connection with your loved one and the therapeutic benefits of taking breaks. Additionally, we stress the importance of reaching out for information and support, emphasizing the value of caregiver support groups. Recognizing the need for social time, scheduling breaks, and accepting help when offered can make a significant impact on a caregiver's overall well-being. Join us in this episode as we explore practical strategies to prevent burnout and cultivate a healthier caregiving experience for both caregivers and their loved ones with dementia. Support groups greatly help with the anxiety of caregiving. Our guest is Nicole Will, a passionate advocate for our aging community. She helps equip older adults, family caregivers, and healthcare professionals with valuable information and resources. As the founder of willGather, she enlightens and expands people's awareness of leaders and initiatives in the care economy space through the willGather Podcast: Navigating the World with Your Aging Loved One. Nicole Will brings helpful resources, valuable information, and practical tools that will encourage and give hope to caregivers as they navigate the aging journey with their loved ones for a more meaningful and fulfilled life.

Discover Anxiety, Health & Care Stress Reduction Techniques. Dementia caregiver burnout is as much as health issue as anxiety, heart disease or depression. In fact, caregiving can create many of those issues in caregivers. Looking into the fundamental needs of dementia caregivers you'll discover that they need most is understanding and support. Coping strategies for dementia involve a multifaceted approach, ranging from creating routines with your loved one to reaching out for information and support. The journey is challenging, but there are effective ways to decrease caregiver stress. To provide deeper insights, we discuss the importance of self-forgiveness when the desired results aren't achieved. Caregivers often set high expectations, and acknowledging that it's okay to fall short at times is essential. Rethinking daily accomplishments and keeping an open mind are powerful tools for maintaining mental well-being. We emphasize the significance of honoring moments of connection with your loved one and the therapeutic benefits of taking breaks. Additionally, we stress the importance of reaching out for information and support, emphasizing the value of caregiver support groups. Recognizing the need for social time, scheduling breaks, and accepting help when offered can make a significant impact on a caregiver's overall well-being. Join us in this episode as we explore practical strategies to prevent burnout and cultivate a healthier caregiving experience for both caregivers and their loved ones with dementia. Support groups greatly help with the anxiety of caregiving. Our guest is Nicole Will, a passionate advocate for our aging community. She helps equip older adults, family caregivers, and healthcare professionals with valuable information and resources. As the founder of willGather, she enlightens and expands people's awareness of leaders and initiatives in the care economy space through the willGather Podcast: Navigating the World with Your Aging Loved One. Nicole Will brings helpful resources, valuable information, and practical tools that will encourage and give hope to caregivers as they navigate the aging journey with their loved ones for a more meaningful and fulfilled life. Find Nicole Here! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Related episodes: Caring for the Caregiver: Charlotte Bayla's Self-Care Revolution Caregiver Support: Personalized Text Message Connections ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Please help us keep our show going by supporting our sponsors. Thank you. Stop 100% of Unwanted Calls with imp. Did you know people with Alzheimer's can receive nearly 200 spam calls a week? You can put a stop to those now. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan Relevate from NeuroReserve With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Join Fading Memories On Social Media! If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links. Instagram Twitter LinkedIn  Facebook Contact Jen at hello@fadingmemoriespodcast.com or Visit us at www.FadingMemoriesPodcast.com

This podcast episode is a behind-the-scenes conversation about how dementia has personally touched our lives. We share our thoughts, impressions, and insights into Guide on Improving Dementia Experience, or GUIDE Model, a program created by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services with the goal to support individuals living with dementia and their families and allowing them to stay in their homes and communities for as long as possible. This podcast is a special conversation from Think Tank, a forum that brings like-minded change agents together to build leadership skills, create resources, and deepen relationships that will influence aging services and the senior living industry toward positive change. Through small-group collaborations, each attendee contributes toward deliverables such as white papers, infographics, mind maps, videos, documents, and other tangible works that are freely distributed to the aging services and senior living industry. Our small group put together a 18-min video that summarizes the Guide on Improving Dementia Experience, or GUIDE Model, a program created by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services with the goal to support individuals living with dementia and their families and allowing them to stay in their homes and communities for as long as possible. The video will discuss the program components, who is eligible to receive the services, who is providing the services, pitfalls to watch out for, and how to benefit from the services. See resource links below for further information including how to apply to participate as a Part B Medicare provider and how to access the program as a participant. Watch our video HERE. Please know that the information we are providing here is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  You should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.  The content is for information purposes only.  RESOURCE LINKS: FOR FAMILIES & CAREGIVERS: GUIDE Model Web Page GUIDE Model Press Release (7/31/2023) Guide Model Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Guide Model Fact Sheet Guide to Dementia Care Journey Getting Started: Administration for Community Living Executive Order on Increasing Access to High-Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers FOR PROVIDERS: Participant Incentives to Participate Factsheet Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience Request for Applications    Contributing Podcast Guests: James Lee, Co-founder and CEO of Bella Groves, Co-founder of Think Tank, and Creator of the Level Up Leadership Podcast Jonathan Bryant, Director of Business Development at Incite Strategic Partners, www.incitesp.com, and owner of The Elder Care Network on LinkedIn, providing resources to 72,000+ members serving seniors and caregivers worldwide. Dominique Kim, MPH, Managing Director, Health Tech Accelerator, Founder Institute & Proud daughter of Il Kim, MD (living bravely with Alzheimer's) Nicole Will, Founder of willGather, Co-founder of Think Tank, Host & Creator of the Navigating the World with Your Aging Loved One Podcast   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please follow for updates, rate & review! For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com  

This week, we go behind-the-mic with Nicole Will, host of the popular podcast Navigating the World With Your Aging Loved One.   Nicole shares what inspired her to leave senior living and start a company focused on enhancing older people's lives and well-being.   Spoiler alert: It has a lot to do with her grandmother — and what she learned as a young person during her family's caregiving journey. _____________________________ Where to find us: Website: https://www.seniorlivingforesight.net LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/seniorforesight/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeniorForesight Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seniorforesight/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SeniorForesight

Nature is medicine. How do we harness the power of nature and our environment for our older adults and family caregivers? Joining us today is Dr. Michelle Olson, the founder of a charitable organization called Evergreen Minds, which aims to eradicate ageism and ableism. She reconnects communities through intergenerational and dementia-inclusive experiences and nature in expressive arts. Dr. Michelle has dedicated over 25 years to closely working with older adults in various senior living settings. I'm so happy she is joining us today. Her credentials include being a social gerontologist, a licensed board-certified nature-based creative arts therapist, a certified Montessori dementia care professional, a certified activity consultant, and a certified forest therapy guide. In this conversation, we explore the healing power of nature and how we can better connect with our natural world. We also talk about the impact of being a family caregiver and how it shapes our views on aging. Michelle shares her experiences with American Society on Aging and the Art Against Ageism initiative. Together, we address misconceptions about aging in our society and discuss the benefits of nature and forest therapy for older adults and their caregivers. Michelle shares how to incorporate nature and outdoor spaces into senior living environments and homes to enhance health and wellness. We explore ways to create dementia-friendly environments and combat associated stigma. Providing support for family caregivers facing exhaustion and burnout is another critical topic. Michelle shares with us with her successful programs and initiatives that utilize nature to benefit older adults and caregivers. We also touch on promoting equitable access to nature, especially for low-income or marginalized communities. If you're looking to integrate nature into your daily life, we discuss where to begin. Thank you Michelle for sharing your light with us! I'm beyond excited to share your work with everyone.   *This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co. A boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now at www.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please follow for updates, rate & review! For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com  Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.  

How can older adults and families ensure they have the resources and support they need while safeguarding everything they've worked for their entire lives?   Today, we talk about the critical topic of asset protection, addressing the challenges faced when planning for care in the later stages of life.   I'm honored to have John K. Ross as our guest. John is the founder of Ross & Shoalmire, P.L.L.C., one of Texas's largest boutique estate planning and asset protection law firms. With a distinguished legal career spanning over 20 years, John is a nationally recognized expert in estate planning, asset protection, and taxation. He has assisted countless families in protecting their assets and maximizing their resources. John's insights have been featured in prestigious publications like the Wall Street Journal and Forbes Magazine, and he has spoken at national events on estate planning and asset protection issues. Join us as John shares his expertise and we gain valuable knowledge for securing a stable financial future.   From various types of senior living and home care costs to estate planning, we'll explore the often-overlooked aspects of preparing for the unexpected. We'll discuss how a health crisis can lead to a housing and financial crisis, and what legal steps can be taken to mitigate the financial impact.   Join us as we uncover three primary ways to finance long-term care. Discover the steps you can take to shield your assets and ensure they won't hinder your eligibility for government assistance programs like Medicaid, VA, and Medicare.   Throughout this podcast, John answers crucial questions about asset protection strategies, tax implications, the best time to start planning, and the legalities surrounding asset transfers.   We explore the eligibility requirements for government benefits, Medicaid planning strategies, and how trusts can be used to benefit both you and your heirs. We'll also address the importance of having proper estate planning documents in place to ensure your wishes are followed and your assets protected. If you're looking for sound advice and expert guidance, this podcast is a must-listen. Learn more at www.rossandshoalmire.com Listen to John's podcast: Big Picture Retirement HERE. *Disclaimer: We are not providing financial or legal advice. Please seek your own advisor to assist you with your financial and legal needs.    *This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co. A boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now at www.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please follow for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

Moving our loved ones into a senior living community can be one of the most challenging experiences that we go through. We are trying to figure out how to manage not only the move itself but also selling our house, organizing, downsizing, discarding, and possibly donating all that we have acquired in our lifetime. This process can take an emotional toll on us as adult children and our loved ones as well. We talk about how to approach this experience with compassion and empathy when having difficult conversations about this transition.   My guest today is Maureen Longoria, she is the co-founder of LivNow Relocation, a company with over 50 years of corporate relocation experience. They understand the complexity of this life transition and the various aspects that go into it. Maureen also recognizes how stressful and overwhelming it can be, especially for older adults.   During our conversation, we had the opportunity to discuss the common challenges faced during this relocation process and how to handle the emotional toll it can have on families and older adults. We explored why having a third party can be helpful while navigating this emotionally charged move.   Maureen shares advice for adult children who are going through this process for the first time and informs us on the entire process, starting from the initial consultation until the move-in day. We also touched upon how LivNow Relocation keeps up-to-date on the latest trends and practices in the industry and what the future of senior living relocation services might look like, along with the many ways their profit-for-purpose company supports families.   This interview with Maureen Longoria sheds light on the intricacies of moving our loved ones into senior living communities and provides valuable insights for anyone navigating this phase of life.   LivNow Relocation is honored and excited to be included in the Summer 2023 cohort for the AgeTech Collaborative™ from AARP!   Learn more at https://livnowrelocation.com/   *This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co. A boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now at www.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please follow for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

How can speech therapy techniques revolutionize the way we approach dementia care? Today my guest Adria Thompson, a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with extensive experience in dementia care, will reveal the power of communication strategies and environmental modifications that can significantly improve the lives of individuals with dementia. Join us as we delve into the "how" behind Adria's transformative approach to supporting families on their caregiving journey.   In today's episode, we'll delve into the world of speech therapy and its crucial role in dementia care. We'll explore the challenges individuals with dementia face in both speaking and comprehension. Adria will share her expertise on strategies that can help maintain communication and swallowing abilities, providing valuable advice for caregivers. We'll also address common misconceptions about dementia behaviors and discover the reasons behind certain behaviors like resisting showering.   Adria will guide us through the environmental modifications that can make the showering experience more enjoyable and less overwhelming for individuals with dementia. She'll also shed light on successful communication techniques that can assist caregivers in navigating this process with their loved ones.   We discuss the ways Adria encourages and supports families on their journey of caring for someone with dementia. We'll also explore the available resources that can aid in providing the best possible care.   And finally, Adria has an exciting announcement! She'll give us a sneak peek into her upcoming course, focusing on the art of showering someone living with dementia.   We unravel the immense value of speech therapy in dementia care, learn about the process of finding and receiving speech therapy services, and gain a deeper understanding of how these professionals can make a positive impact in the lives of those with dementia.   Thank you, Adria, for the incredible gift you are to all of us! I've learned so much from you and I know others will too.   Connect with Adria at www.belightcare.com.   *This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co. A boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now at www.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please follow for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

Nicole Will shares insights from 120+ willGather podcasts episodes about family caregiving, the care economy, and senior living. Learn about her mission to bring senior living out into the community and empower older adults and families. About Nicole Nicole Will is a passionate advocate for our aging community, equipping older adults, family caregivers, and eldercare professionals with valuable information and resources. As the founder of willGather, she enlightens and expands people's awareness of leaders and initiatives in the care economy space through the willGather Podcast: Navigating the World with Your Aging Loved One. Nicole Will brings helpful resources, valuable information, and practical tools that will encourage and give hope to caregivers as they navigate the aging journey with their loved ones for a more meaningful and fulfilled life. In honor of her grandma, she also founded Gigi Betty co. by willGather, a boutique gift shop raising funds and awareness for family caregivers. As a collective, we are a powerful force for good. A portion of all proceeds are donated to support caregivers. With over 20 years of experience in aging and senior living services, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services: Social Gerontology and is actively certified with NCCAP. She spent years as a Director at a well-respected senior living community overseeing the Therapeutic Recreation, Volunteer, and Spiritual Care departments. She also served on the MAPA board and as an adjuvant faculty member at the University of St. Catherine. Her hands-on approach and advocacy are inspired by her close relationship with her grandma, who came to live with her family giving her a deep understanding of family caregiver needs. Website and Links: www.willgather.com www.willgatherpodcast.com Podcast on Apple & Spotify www.gigibettyco.com Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/WillGather-1132074970266544 Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/willgather/ YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/user/myEventConnect Key Takeaways Family caregivers only look to senior living when there is an event or crisis. Senior living communities can provide education and support and serve as guides for adult children to understand the caregiver's journey. Senior living community should partner with companies that provide solutions for aging in place. For example, occupational therapists that provide support systems for the home. Senior living combats social isolation and at its best provides opportunities for lifelong learning, purpose and joy.

We will be taking our annual summer break, and as we temporarily say goodbye, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and dedicated listenership. It's been an incredible journey so far, and we couldn't have achieved such milestones without your continuous enthusiasm and encouragement.   Today, we proudly stand among the top 15% of podcasts shared globally on Spotify, and have graced the Apple charts in numerous countries. It's an achievement that fills me with immense pride and motivates me to continue delivering the best content possible. This means we are making an impact and fulfilling our mission of supporting older adults, family caregivers, and the care economy!   Out of three million podcasts, we are thrilled to announce that we currently rank in the top 10% according to Listen Score. This recognition is a testament to your unwavering support and the genuine connection we've established with our amazing audience.   While we may be taking a short break, rest assured that this is not the end of our podcasting journey. We are working tirelessly behind the scenes, preparing to return with fresh episodes that will captivate and engage you like never before.   During this hiatus, we encourage you to revisit our past episodes and share them with others who may be interested. You can find our entire catalog on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major platforms. If you haven't already, feel free to follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses into our podcasting adventures.   Your support means the world to us, and we eagerly look forward to reconnecting with you soon. Stay tuned, as we'll be back before you know it, armed with more compelling stories, intriguing interviews, and thought-provoking discussions.   Thank you once again for being a part of our incredible podcasting journey! We will see you soon!       *This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co. A boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now at www.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!   LISTEN NOW:  Apple Podcasts, Spotify & on your favorite podcast platform.   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please follow for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

My guests today are Jason Wei and Trisha Norton, founders of Discover Live. They are pioneers and experts in live, virtual world travel. They have been virtually transporting people to amazing destinations and events around the world. They have worked with top Fortune 1000 companies, educators, senior living communities, as well as families of older adults and private customers in their homes.   Today, we will talk about the transformative power of virtual and immersive travel, how travel experiences shape and impact our lives, how traveling enhances our understanding of different cultures and people, and the benefits of exposing ourselves to new experiences. When we step outside of our comfort zone and try something new, that's where the magic can happen and why we want to engage in travel and new experiences. We will learn how the remote travel experience offered by Discover Live benefits people who may be limited in their ability to physically travel and their caregivers. We will discuss how we can use this as a connection tool with our loved ones, reminisce about past experiences, and forge future conversations. We will also look at how travel can bridge the gap between people, connecting us from various backgrounds and cultures. We will explore how we become more empathetic and compassionate towards others. Lastly, we will talk all about how Discover Live works, where we can travel in the world, and what that experience is like through their certified and licensed tour guides. Thank you Jason and Tricia for sharing your love of immersive travel with all of us!   Learn more at https://www.discover.live/     *This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co. A boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now at www.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please follow for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

As the longevity revolution continues, an increasing number of individuals will find themselves in the role of solo agers. This population is expanding due to a multitude of factors, including enhanced longevity, shifting family dynamics, and evolving demographics.   My guest today is Joy Loverde. She is the author of two books, one of which focuses on family caregivers. The first book is titled "The Complete Elder Care Planner." Joy is also the author of "Who Will Take Care of Me When I'm Old?".   Joy's expertise lies in teaching us how to be curious, informed, critical thinkers, and resilient individuals who remain actively engaged and contribute to society. In addition to being an author, Joy is also a speaker who has been quoted in reputable publications such as the Wall Street Journal, TIME Magazine, New York Times, U.S. News & World Report, and Psychology Today , among many others. She has been interviewed on prominent shows like the Today Show, Good Morning America, and NPR. Critics describe her work as "illuminating, eye-opening, and essential reading for everyone over 40".   We talk about solo aging and the importance of planning ahead. She highlights the top three planning needs. She also emphasizes that true wellness encompasses intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and social aspects, not just physical health. We explore the unique aspects of solo aging compared to aging with a partner, highlighting the challenges that come with being a solo ager. She discusses successful interactions between solo agers and younger generations, emphasizing the importance of these connections. Joy also shares about the availability of public resources and the benefits of solo aging. She addresses the navigation of caregiver shortages, offers insights on developing resilience as one ages and how we stay engaged, and be givers.   Personally, I have had the pleasure of meeting Joy and seeing her speak live, and I can attest that she is just as wonderful in person. Joy has become a friend, and I am so happy to share her work with all of you.   Learn more at www.elderindustry.com   *This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co. A boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now at www.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please follow for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com. Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather. 

Allyson Schrier's life took an unexpected turn when her husband was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. At the time, he was 47 years old, and their kids were 12 and 15. Like many families, they faced the challenges of caring for their loved one and have a deep desire to help families thrive beyond the diagnosis.   My guest today is Allyson Schrier, CEO and co-founder of Zinnia. Allyson is also the recipient of the Maude Awards for innovation in Alzheimer's care and was named a visionary caregiver by caregiving.com. Zinnia was formed in 2019 in response to Allyson's experience as a dementia family caregiver. Allyson joined forces with the former designer of Apple's memory product, and together they created an app for connected TVs and a mobile app that delivers a library of videos functioning as a non-pharmacological tool to create connections, reduce stress, and provide soothing aids to help with daily living activities.   In our conversation today, Allyson vulnerably shares her experience as a spouse caregiving for her husband, as well as the factors we should be looking for. We talk about the specific challenges of frontotemporal dementia and the unique dynamics of spouse caregiving. We shed light on early detection, as the average age of diagnosis for this condition falls between 30 and 50 years, but confirmation can often take a long time. We discuss what we should be looking for and Allyson's personal journey in finding hope and managing caregiver burnout, while also covering available resources such as the invaluable expertise of Teepa Snow and the groundbreaking work at the University of Washington's Memory and Brain Wellness Center.   We also address the delicate issue of when a loved one wants to keep their condition a secret and discuss the gifts that come from sharing the diagnosis with friends, family, and coworkers. Together, we explore the power of finding community and the impact of research and prevention. Allyson shares about the innovative partnerships they've established, including the collaboration with Touchtown and their participation in the Techstars Future of Longevity Accelerator. This has been a transformative journey for Allyson, and she emphasizes the importance of supporting one another in driving to make a difference in the lives of those living with dementia. Their mission is to ensure that no one faces the challenges of memory loss alone, and Allyson's call, like the name and flower of Zinnia, is that we bloom even in the harshest conditions. Zinnia helps people flourish beyond their diagnosis. Thank you, Allyson, for your work in education and advocacy! Learn more at https://www.zinniatv.com/ *This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co. A boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now at www.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please follow for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

How do we manage stress, avoid burnout, and find balance when caring for our loved ones? It's important that we find support for our mental health and ways to improve our own personal well-being. My guest today is Stephanie Muskat. She is an award-winning registered clinical social worker and psychotherapist. She is the founder of Compassion in Caregiving, a private therapy practice and mental health community for all caregivers.   Stephanie has experience working with various diagnoses and prognoses, including dementia (Alzheimer's, frontal temporal, Lewy body, and vascular), traumatic brain injuries, mental health conditions, stroke, spinal cord injury, and more. She supports individuals navigating boundaries, self-care, personal identity, and stress. Compassion in Caregiving provides caregivers with a comprehensive platform to assist in the caregiving process, acknowledging that it's not easy and can be emotionally taxing.   In our conversation, we discuss common challenges faced by caregivers, strategies to overcome them, practical tips for managing stress and burnout, available resources, establishing clear boundaries through difficult conversations, leveraging technology and innovation to support family caregivers, the impact of Stephanie's experience as a young caregiver on her work, and how mental health and therapy can benefit caregivers. We also explore how families can prepare for the transition from caregiving to post-caregiving life, ensuring a smooth transition.   I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation with Stephanie and appreciate her unique perspective as a mental health professional and psychotherapist. Thank you, Stephanie!   Learn more at https://compassionincaregiving.com/   *This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co. A boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now at www.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please follow for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

When a loved one is seriously ill, we can feel powerless. We want them to be well-cared for, but we are not always sure of the questions we should be asking or the decisions we should be making.   My guest today is Erin Gaylean, a published author and professional speaker. Erin is the author of the book 'Badass Advocate: Becoming the Champion Your Loved One Deserves.' This book is full of information and provides action items to teach family caregivers how to lead the charge when dealing with a loved one's health crisis. Being an advocate for a loved one can be challenging, but it's an important role and we are not alone.   Erin and I talk about what it means to be a badass advocate. Erin shares her heartbreaking life events and the lessons that she learned that can make a difference in the lives of others. Erin shares strategies so that we can be powerful advocates, how families can come together when a loved one gets sick, how we can get the answers we truly need from healthcare professionals, how caregiving can be draining, and how we can put tools and resources together to avoid burnout. We also discuss techniques that can be used to help us caregivers practice self-care while caring for a loved one.   With Erin's book, journal, and website, she continues to share and educate families to feel empowered so that we can effectively advocate and care for our loved ones. Thank you, Erin, for sharing your story with us and empowering us to be "badass advocates"!   Learn more at www.badassadvocate.com.    *This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co. A boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now at www.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!   LISTEN NOW:  Apple Podcasts, Spotify & on your favorite podcast platform.   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please follow for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

All Home Care Matters was honored to welcome Nicole Will as a guest to the show. Nicole is helping to share and discuss the issues that matter to you and your loved ones. Nicole Will is a passionate advocate for our aging community, equipping older adults, family caregivers, and eldercare professionals with valuable information and resources. As the founder of willGather, she enlightens and expands people's awareness of leaders and initiatives in the care economy space through the willGather Podcast: Navigating the World with Your Aging Loved One. Nicole Will brings helpful resources, valuable information, and practical tools that will encourage and give hope to caregivers as they navigate the aging journey with their loved ones for a more meaningful and fulfilled life. In honor of her grandma, she also founded Gigi Betty co. by willGather, a boutique gift shop raising funds and awareness for family caregivers. As a collective, we are a powerful force for good. With over 20 years of experience in aging and senior living services, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services: Social Gerontology and is actively certified with NCCAP. She spent years as a Director at a well-respected senior living community overseeing the Therapeutic Recreation, Volunteer, and Spiritual Care departments. She also served on the MAPA board and as an adjuvant faculty member at the University of St. Catherine and continues her hands-on approach and advocacy with a deep understanding of family caregiver needs.

Send us a Text Message.Nicole Will was 15 years old when her grandma came to live with her family, which marked the beginning of many changes in her life. As her teenage years progressed, Nicole's mom was pulled in many directions between taking care of her children and her mother. Nicole had to work through complicated emotions as she experienced her mom's attention being divided between loved ones. These same emotions would resurface again when in 2006, as Nicole was pregnant with her first child, her aunt moved to Minnesota from California and needed care from her mother. To Nicole's surprise, her grandma and aunt both ended up in the senior living community where she worked. This gave her the unexpected gift of time with her mother as an adult. Despite the hardships, Nicole found compassion for her mother, who was trying to be there for everyone.In this episode, you will learn the following:1) How Nicole navigated the complexities of serving as both grandchild and teen caregiver for her grandmother as a 15-year-old.2) The effects of her grandmother moving in on Nicole's relationship with her mother.3) How Nicole's experience of caring for both her grandmother and aunt shaped her professional life and her relationship with her mother.About Nicole:Nicole Will is a passionate advocate dedicated to enhancing the well-being of the aging community. She collaborates and cheers on others, sharing their good work. As the founder of willGather, she provides valuable information and resources to older adults, family caregivers, and eldercare professionals. Additionally, Nicole hosts and produces the willGather Podcast: Navigating the World with Your Aging Loved One and in honor of her grandmother, founded Gigi Betty co. by willGather, a boutique gift shop raising money for family caregivers.Nicole has over 20 years of experience in aging and senior living services. Inspiration from her close relationship with her grandmother led her to obtain a degree in Human Services: Social Gerontology with NCCAP certification. She served as Director at a large senior living community while leading her team to success. Additionally, she was part of the MAPA board and an adjuvant faculty member at the University of St. Catherine. Her hands-on approach continues to foster an understanding of family caregiver needs through advocacy efforts.Connect with Nicole: Website InstagramFacebookLinkedInYoutubeSupport the Show.Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver Sisterhood of Care, LLC Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com Like us on Facebook! Tweet with us on Twitter! Follow us on Instagram! Watch us on Youtube! Pin us on Pinterest! Link us on LinkedIn!Tune in on Whole Care Network

Nicole Will was 15 years old when her grandma came to live with her family, which marked the beginning of many changes in her life. As her teenage years progressed, Nicole's mom was pulled in many directions between taking care of her children and her mother. Nicole had to work through complicated emotions as she experienced her mom's attention being divided between loved ones. These same emotions would resurface again when in 2006, as Nicole was pregnant with her first child, her aunt moved to Minnesota from California and needed care from her mother. To Nicole's surprise, her grandma and aunt both ended up in the senior living community where she worked. This gave her the unexpected gift of time with her mother as an adult. Despite the hardships, Nicole found compassion for her mother, who was trying to be there for everyone. In this episode, you will learn the following: 1) How Nicole navigated the complexities of serving as both grandchild and teen caregiver for her grandmother as a 15-year-old. 2) The effects of her grandmother moving in on Nicole's relationship with her mother. 3) How Nicole's experience of caring for both her grandmother and aunt shaped her professional life and her relationship with her mother. About Nicole: Nicole Will is a passionate advocate dedicated to enhancing the well-being of the aging community. She collaborates and cheers on others, sharing their good work. As the founder of willGather, she provides valuable information and resources to older adults, family caregivers, and eldercare professionals. Additionally, Nicole hosts and produces the willGather Podcast: Navigating the World with Your Aging Loved One and in honor of her grandmother, founded Gigi Betty co. by willGather, a boutique gift shop raising money for family caregivers. Nicole has over 20 years of experience in aging and senior living services. Inspiration from her close relationship with her grandmother led her to obtain a degree in Human Services: Social Gerontology with NCCAP certification. She served as Director at a large senior living community while leading her team to success. Additionally, she was part of the MAPA board and an adjuvant faculty member at the University of St. Catherine. Her hands-on approach continues to foster an understanding of family caregiver needs through advocacy efforts. Connect with Nicole:  Website  Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Youtube Podcast   Spotify Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver Sisterhood of Care, LLC Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com Like us on Facebook! Tweet with us on Twitter! Follow us on Instagram! Watch us on Youtube! Pin us on Pinterest! Link us on LinkedIn! Tune in on Whole Care Network

There can be a communication and engagement gap between the majority of the population and older adults, people with disabilities, and people living with dementia.  Mainstream technology is not always serving these demographics but with intentional design applied to the development of products and services, we can bridge this gap.   This is the mission of Sociavi,  a platform specifically designed for those who are aging, physically challenged, and cognitively impaired.  The platform promotes engagement and a meaningful one-on-one connection avoiding social isolation and loneliness. Their mission is to provide the simplest way for older adults to maintain communication and companionship even when they've lost the ability to actively reach out by themselves.   My guest today is Paula Muller, founder of Sociavi. She brings her lifelong passion for technology and the desire to bring older adults and their families together.  Thus SOCIAVI was born, meaning in Latin to “share” & “unite”, with the goal of keeping those aging in place and their families connected and closer together. Thank you, Paula, for sharing your heart with us and for your gentle spirit. I'm so thankful our paths crossed.     Paula shares about: Her professional and personal background and Sociavi's mission to support older adults and families How we can support persons living with dementia How mainstream technology is not serving our older adults and how Sociavi can help The ways in which Sociavi supports engagement and connection between older adults and families How could this change the life of a person living with dementia Sociavi Brain Fitness Programs are cognitive exercises and activities Paula's volunteering work with the Alzheimer's Association as Bilingual Community Educator and Bilingual Support Group Facilitator Where we can learn more about Sociavi     About Paula Muller & Sociavi   Paula Muller, Ph.D. is the Founder of Sociavi Co. She has a lifelong passion for technology applied to healthcare. She got her M.S. in Biomedical Engineering in Chile working with the blind, then in Switzerland, she analyzed EEGs to prevent epileptic seizures, followed by her Ph.D. and Post-doc work at Rutgers with Parkinson's patients, and later at Authentidate with Telehealth products and services. Paula is certified in Individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (iCST), a Dementia Sales Advisor (DSA-NC), a Dementia Care Certified (CDC), a Certified Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Care Training (CADDCT), and a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), and volunteers as a bilingual Community Educator and support group facilitator for the Alzheimer's Association.   The concept of Sociavi evolved from her professional background as well as her strong commitment to family relations and lifetime connections. Thus SOCIAVI was born, meaning in Latin to “share” & “unite”, with the goal of keeping those aging in place and their families connected and closer together.     At Sociavi Company, we design products specifically for those who are aging, physically challenged, and cognitively impaired including dementia & Alzheimer's. Our products promote engagement in 1:1 meaningful connections, avoiding social isolation, and loneliness by providing stimulating and soothing activities. Our mission is to provide the simplest way for aging adults to maintain communication and companionship even when they may have lost the ability to actively reach out by themselves due to dementia or normal aging, giving peace of mind to the ones who care for them.   Sociavi Website: https://www.sociavi.com LinkedIn Sociavi: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sociavi FB Sociavi: https://www.facebook.com/sociavic2m IM Sociavi: https://www.instagram.com/sociavi_to_share_and_unite TW Sociavi: https://twitter.com/sociavi1     We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please follow for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

Today I have the pleasure of diving into a few various topics with someone I respect. My guest is Michael Mann, Managing Director of Tachyon Insights. I always value his insights into what is happening in the world of caregiving. Along with his personal story, he is passionate about bringing tools and tech to older adults that are socially isolated.    Michael serves healthcare providers, homecare, payers, hospitals, and digital health startups. He has his pulse on what is happening in the world of technology that supports family caregivers and older adults. We talk about the challenges that caregivers are facing right now and what the landscape of care looks like. As a recent moderator at the HCT conference, he brings his insight into what businesses are coming together to provide leadership and address care concerns to support families. We look at the framework that is in place for socially minded businesses. We also talk about his perspective on big tech such as Amazon and Apple moving into the older adult care space and what the landscape of care looks like in the next few years.   Thank you, Michael, for sharing your story and educating us that we are not alone and our voice matters. Don't miss this conversation with Michael Mann.   Michael shares about: His personal caregiving story A look at the male perspective in the caregiving journey The challenges that caregivers face His insights from HCT (Health Care Tech Conference) into the care economy What businesses are coming together to provide leadership and are socially conscious His perspective on big tech such as Apple and Amazon in the older adult care space How he is hopeful as we move to support caregivers   Michael is the Managing Director of Tachyon Insights, a boutique healthcare consulting firm: strategy, market insights, market discovery, new markets, technology integration, growth, & operations. We leverage our partnerships & technology for our clients projects to offer the highest value and ROI. Areas of interest are SDOH, ESG, & Sustainable Business Initiatives. We serve healthcare & life sciences, providers, homecare, payers, hospitals, and digital health startups. Michael is entrepreneurial and leverages his 31K + LinkedIn followers to build community.  He has just recently launched Planetary Health First Mars Next: a catalyst & community that accelerates discussions concerning SDoH, health equity, disparities, ESG and sustainability with a newsletter, talent collective, & soon a podcast. Michael advises & mentors early-stage healthcare startups. He mentors at 757 Accelerate, and MedStartr Ventures. Michael owned a care management company which supported Medicare/Medicaid dual eligibles and Humana where he oversaw initiatives that reduced hospital readmission by 32% over a 6 month period, and 44% for chronic care members. He also served as Chief Commercial Officer at Sagely, a wellness platform that empowers older adults and connects their families, 46,000 residents, 15,000 families, and 500 communities.   Michael holds a Masters in Healthcare Administration from George Washington University Milken Institute of Public Health. He has a wife, daughter and 2 dogs, loves to surf, hike, and workout, and is a caregiver to his 89-year-old dad.   Planetary Health First Mars Next NewsLetter via Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/planet-margin-michael-mann-mha/?trackingId=2TbI4PZ8QIa69eU3VqcNsQ%3D%3D   Via Substack, please subscribe: https://michaelcmann.substack.com/p/be-first-to-join-the-planetary-health?r=1d5nzi&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web   Planetary Health First Mars Next Talent Collective: https://planetaryhealthfirstmarsnext.pallet.com/talent/welcome?referral=true&step=welcome&pallet=   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please follow for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

We've planned who will inherit the house, and who will be the keeper of our most precious treasures but we often overlook another form of our personal property- our digital assets. Families are placed in situations where they need to navigate and collect a variety of digital property after a loved one passes.   This week my guests are Aproova Chintala and Sree Chintala. They are founders and the CEO and CTO of Clocr. Clocr is an all-in-one legacy planning platform. Creating this platform is very personal to these founders as they share the family story of how they found themselves in the midst of understanding the wishes of a grandparent and wanted to have a better way to manage digital property. This is a tremendous help for families and eliminates frustration and confusion. Thank you, Aproova and Sree, for sharing your family story and providing guidance for us as we plan for the future.     Aproova and Sree share about:   After a personal loss- Clocr was created. The story of how it came to be Understanding digital assets What types of assets are often overlooked How do we pass along a digital legacy Choosing the "right" digital executor Storing and protecting our digital assets Understanding the world of social media and protecting our accounts The ways to protect and store our personal photos and videos How Clocr ensures the security of our assets- security is a top priority The ways in which Clocr supports older adults and senior care   About Clocr   Clocr provides an all-in-one legacy planning platform with three product lines: an estate planning tool for digital assets, a digital vault to store and share information, and a time-vault feature. You can set up your estate plan for digital assets in just 3 clicks. We also offer a patent-pending digital vault to consolidate all your important documents and information and share them with your guardians. Our unique digital time capsule feature allows you to pass on your memories, messages, and values to your friends and family. We recently launched Emergency Services allows the first responder to connect with the person in need's emergency contact through a quick scan of QR Code. Clocr Social Media Will helps you to decide how your social identity should live on after you pass away. Other than this we also offer features like Free Will, Funeral Planning, and Medical Directives.   The Backstory   The idea for Clocr came to Apoorva Chintala, Co-founder & CEO, a few years ago shortly after the passing of her grandfather. After he died, there was confusion surrounding his beneficiaries and how his assets were to be distributed. Apoorva's father was thrust into the role of ‘executor' and forced to try and determine what her grandfather's wishes had been and how to disburse his assets. All of these new responsibilities for her father, while important and urgent, seemed trivial in comparison to their loss. That's when it hit her – “what would I do if I was the one who had to figure all of this out?” The answer was: “I just don't know”. At that moment, Clocr was born. The primary aim of Clocr is to ease a family's burden at their greatest time of need, when they are facing the greatest uncertainty of life – its ending. Apoorva firmly believes that technology empowers society to creatively and effectively solve age old problems, and this is why Clocr exists, to eliminate the stress and confusion after the loss of a loved one.   For more information about Clocr visit www.clocr.com.   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please follow for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

How do we effectively and proactively communicate our loved ones needs and routines with their care partners and caregivers?   Mike Michel, the founder of the CareTrainr app, is my guest today. The CareTrainr app saves care partners time from repeating the same information to new caregivers and visiting relatives They are able to move forward as they are equipped with information and confidence as they have access to personalized walk-through videos, calendars, updated notes, and more.   This week we are also having a  bigger conversation about what motivated Mike to create CareTrainr, his experience with the home care industry, and working with care partners. Mike is full of life, energy, and knowledge. This was a motivating conversation and I'm so excited to see what Mike will do next. Thank you for the great conversation, Mike!   Mike shares about: Mike's story and reason for creating the CareTrainr app The current landscape of the homecare industry and a take on what the needs of family caregivers are What leads to high turnover and caregiver frustration How we can properly train caregivers and tools to grow confidence Advice for families on finding the "right" caregiver for their loved one What are the current challenges caregivers are facing at the moment How we can communicate effectively with our caregivers The importance of a plan of care and accountability How he is hopeful for the future     About Mike Michel & The CareTrainr App:   Mike Michel attained his B.S degree in Health Science at Florida A&M University. His previous work with geriatric patients and in-home healthcare included his education in health science and physical therapy. He noticed some inefficiencies in the organization and the quality of care families and loved ones endure. So, He decided to educate families on two things. First, Proactive care is always the best care. We don't have to wait until we need the care to set standards for how we care. Secondly, when caregivers change, care shouldn't.   Care Trainr is the modern solution for continuous caregiving. Built from the ground up by a dedicated team of care professionals, this app was designed to provide both families and professionals with a simple, easy-to-use, and convenient way to communicate and coordinate the highest quality care for their loved ones and patients.   For more information about the CareTrainr App visit www.caretrainr.com. Find Mike on social media at @thecaregiverguy   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please follow for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

Benjamin Kintisch began his work as a chaplain in a residential hospice community. One of the most meaningful parts of his work was walking through the "Life Review" with each of his patients.   In our conversation this week, Ben recalls telling his wife that the stories he was hearing needed to be songs. His wife replied, "Get writing".  He began writing and through partnerships and collaborations the Life Review: The Hospice Musical was born.   Through music, song, our shared mortality, humor, and commonalities - we have a space to learn and review in our own way. Thank you, Ben, for the fun and thought-provoking conversation.   Benjamin Kintisch is a Cantor, a chaplain, and a music teacher, in addition to his involvement with theater and songwriting. “Life Review” is the first musical he created.   About Life Review: The Hospice Musical "It's a Chorus Line meets Fiddler on the Roof."   Life Review: The Hospice Musical is a new musical celebrating life, love and loss through three seasons at a residential hospice. The story follows our young Rabbi David, the new chaplain at the facility. He arrives in autumn, eager and naive, caring but lonely. As he ministers to the patients, Rabbi David learns from his patients even as he cares for them. and their loved ones.   In Life Review: The Hospice Musical, each patient sings their story. We hear from a proud mother remembering snow, a brave but scared young man wondering what's to come, an older man looking for one last friend, and a man of God singing praises.   To learn more and book a virtual performance visit www.lifereviewmusical.com.   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please follow for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

This week my guest is Bill Cohen, a Certified Senior Advisor, and the owner of Cohen Caregiving Support Consultants. With every two out of three caregivers being female, the conversation around caregiving tends to be from the perspective of women. Bill shares with us his journey as a son, offers advice on managing care, finding support, and how seeking support can be different for men.   Bill is compassionate as he provides support for dementia caregivers. He's walked this road before and takes a holistic approach in sharing his perspective and support as he advises unpaid family caregivers. Thank you, Bill, for sharing your perspective, advice, and story with us today.   Bill shares about: Bill's story as a son What led to his concerns about his mom's symptoms Good tips for supporting our loved ones with dementia How caregivers can find time for self-care and reduce stress How we work through grief and the long goodbyes Why it's important for us to find support during our caregiving journey His perspective as a male caregiver and how seeking support can be different Bill shares about his volunteer work including support groups, fundraising, and advocacy   Cohen Caregiving Support Consultants   https://cohencaregivingsupport.com/   Bill's Online Support Community for Caregivers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/billcohensupportgroup/   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please follow for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

Having been a non-professional caregiver for family and loved ones for more than thirty-five years, Sue Ryan created The Caregiver's Journey to walk caregivers through the various phases of their caregiving journey. How do we successfully manage all of the changes and transitions that happen when we step into the role of caregiver?   Today I have with me, Sue Ryan, best-selling author of the book  Our Journey of Love, 5 Steps to Navigate Your Caregiving Journey. For the past 35 years, she has been supporting entrepreneurs and business leaders in successfully navigating transition. Sue's personal care for her loved ones brought her into the trenches of transition. When her caregiving journey began she frequently felt overwhelmed, frustrated, and faced with the unknown of not knowing what to do. Sue graciously shares with us all that she has learned and teaches family caregivers how to find balance and successfully navigate the many roles we carry as caregivers.  This can be an empowering time for us when we realize we can re-create who we are and be encouraged in our transitions. When we understand ourselves- we can care well for others.    Whether you'd like to have a conversation, read her international best-selling book Our Journey of Love, 5 Steps to Navigate Your Caregiving Journey, have her speak or conduct workshops for your organization, or take one of the offerings of her The Caregiver's Journey program, reach out to Sue HERE.   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please follow for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

How do we distinguish between a certain amount of normal stress and caregiver burnout? "I just can't do this anymore" or "This is too much for me to handle"- Have you spoken these words before?   This week we are talking about caregiver burnout. My guest is Debbie Compton, she became a full-time caregiver for three parents with three different forms of dementia. After many years of leading teams nationwide, she has used her problem-solving skills to develop new ways to make life more manageable for caregivers. This conversation is full of humor, transparency, and compassion as we talk all about caregiver burnout, how to recognize these emotions, and what we can do to take action and move towards healing. Debbie shares how we can find support and community. Debbie is the founder of The Purple Vine. She is a caregiver, has authored several books, and is an active community educator for the Alzheimer's Association. I'm so happy she is with us today and sharing her story of hope.    Visit www.thePurpleVine.com/blog for helpful articles for caregivers as well as some free resources.   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please follow for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our guests, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

How do we empower older adults to live happier, healthier, and more independent lives at home?   My guest this week is Dor Skuler, he is the CEO and Co-Founder of Intuition Robotics. ElliQ is a proactive care companion for older adults. ElliQ is a voice-operated device that is empathetic, offers companionship, wellness support, and much more that we'll talk about today.    This is a bigger conversation about addressing loneliness, social isolation, and social determinants of health that many older adults experience. After many years of research, with and for older adults, we have a look at how ElliQ offers encouragement and support while strengthening the relationship with our loved ones. ElliQ allows families to focus on those uniquely human connections and interactions while providing proactive care. Thank you, Dor, for your passion in creating a product with high social impact.   In fighting the loneliness epidemic, ElliQ is partnering with the state of New York and New York State Office for the Aging to equip older adults with robot companions. Read more about this exciting partnership HERE.   ElliQ and Intuition Robotics were featured guests on The Today Show, awarded AARP Innovation Champion Award, Fast Company Brands That Matter 2021, and much more.   We talk about: The story of ElliQ The landscape of loneliness and isolation, the extensive research to tackle the challenges of aging How ElliQ supports social connections with our loved ones & brings people together  The unique features that make ElliQ feel like a real companion and it's ease of use ElliQ's empathetic nature and proactive focus Who ElliQ is the perfect fit for The importance of privacy and consent What exciting partnerships are taking place with ElliQ The investment opportunities and challenges for AgeTech  ElliQ users' success story     Intuition Robotics is on a mission to empower older adults to live happier, healthier and more independent lives at home. The company's award winning product, ElliQ®, is a proactive care companion for older adults. ElliQ, which has spent more than 35,000 days in the homes of older adults, helps keep users healthy, engaged, and informed, while alleviating the effects of loneliness and social isolation. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Tel Aviv with offices in San Francisco and Athens. Intuition Robotics' investors include: Toyota Ventures, Samsung NEXT, iRobot, and Venture Capital firms from California, Israel, Japan, and China.   To learn more, please visit ElliQ.com. Connect with ElliQ & Intuition Robotics on social media at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please follow for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

What does life look like during and after caregiving for a loved one? What does life look like after retirement? What is my purpose? One thing is certain- there is always change in our lives.   This can bring up many big questions- What is my purpose? How has this changed for me throughout the years? What questions can I ask myself to find my purpose? What does my support system look like? How do I overcome the various losses that life brings?   My guest this week is Vicki Thomas. Vicki is the co-founder of My Future Purpose, they are a multi-faceted membership organization committed to growing the purpose movement. They help individuals and professional organizations harness the power of purpose. Vicki has always pursued her passion and purpose in life and she is now helping others to develop their own. It is my pleasure to introduce to you, Vicki Thomas.   Visit myfuturepurpose.com for more information and to connect with Vicki.   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please follow for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our guests, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

How will we know what's possible as we age if we do not have a relationship with older adults? When we truly listen- we become more compassionate and realize the rich blessings of those relationships.  My guest this week is Isabel Tom, author of The Value of Wrinkles: A Young Perspective on How Loving the Old will Change Your Life. Isabel has been a featured guest sharing her story of what it is like growing up in a multi-generational home while caring for her grandparents who lived to the age of 98 and 102. Professionally, Isabel has worked in the senior living and hospice care field for many years.  Contentment, gratitude, and reflection. All words that come to mind when thinking of this conversation and the book. I enjoyed my time with Isabel so much. Thank you, Isabel, for sharing your story, heart, and encouragement with us!    To learn more about Isabel and her work find her at isabeltom.com.   To sign up for the Prepare Care Course HERE.  Listen to The Value of Wrinkles Podcast HERE.  Connect with Isabel Tom at: Facebook  Instagram  YouTube   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please follow for updates, rate & review! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com  Instagram: @willgather  Facebook: WillGather  Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

What do we do after we experience the loss of a loved one? There is immense grief and then there are the logistical tasks that need to be walked through. Where do we begin? How do we know what to do?   My guest this week is Ron Gura, he is the CEO and Co-Founder of Empathy. Empathy supports families through loss and provides both emotional and logistical support when they need it most. The Empathy app streamlines all of the end-of-life bureaucracy.  Families are also supported by a dedicated care team and are given access to grief support 24/7.   Empathy was awarded Google Play's 2021 "Best App for Good", CB Insights' "Top Digital Health Companies of 2021" and one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies of 2022.    Ron shares about: The importance of bringing this conversation to light and having an open discussion about loss and bereavement Breaking the barrier and providing support to families that is accessible What families experience after the loss of a loved one Navigating the impact of bereavement after loss The high cost of loss- the financial, emotional and logistical toll How insurance companies are elevating their benefits to support bereaved families The many ways Empathy supports families during loss with emotional and practical tools How Ron is hopeful to change the narrative around loss and bereavement and bring it to light   To access the Cost of Dying report mentioned in the podcast visit HERE. Visit Empathy.com & Find Empathy at: https://twitter.com/empathy https://www.instagram.com/empathy_com/ https://www.facebook.com/empathyforfamilies/   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please follow for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our  guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

This week my guest is Traci Lamb, CEO of Smart Caregiving. Traci has spent the last 20 years in the healthcare industry with over 14 of those years working in hospice. She is the primary caregiver for both of her parents who are in their 80s - this led our conversation today as well as her personal experience working in hospice care.   Families have many questions- what is hospice care? How is it different than palliative care? What is comfort care? Why would we choose hospice? What are the benefits? How do we have these important conversations? We look at the value of grief support and how everyone experiences grief differently.   For more info about Smart Caregiving visit https://smart-caregiving.com/   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please follow for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our podcast, guest & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

What holds us back from choosing the life that we want? Over the last few years my guest, Anna Marie Frank, has worked with caregivers and older adults about the power of re-wiring our brains and shifting our mindset to live a happy and whole life. What we think and how we speak greatly impacts our health.   Anna Marie Frank, Doctor of Traditional Naturopathy, is my guest this week. She has spent 20 years in the wellness industry. Her focus on how we can be proactive vs. reactive in our health guided our conversation.  Understanding the caregiver's needs and mental health state gives her a framework for helping others find support and happiness. It was a pleasure to talk with Anna Marie- this is a fun conversation that will encourage anyone who listens! Thank you, Anna Marie! We talk all about Traditional Naturopathy, how we as caregivers, care partners, and older adults can re-wire our brain and mindset- mindset is everything, how we can take control and live the life we want, looking at the big picture and how we can make change, how we can find cost-effective options in supporting our health, and how there is hope in choosing the life that we want.   Anna Marie has spent over 20 years in the wellness industry and is a doctor of Traditional Naturopathy, certified brain health practitioner, and worksite wellness specialist. She is also the founder of Happy Whole You, formulator of three brain nutraceuticals, published author, life guide coach, mother of two, and holistic health advocate! Anna Marie has found a way to combine high tech therapies with old school holistic health practices that improve one's brain function while simultaneously decreasing one's body inflammation. She started her company and practice after healing her own brain and body naturally. You can work with Anna Marie virtually or in person at her wellness location. Connect with Anna Marie @HappyWholeYou on social media and visit her website at www.HappyWholeYou.com   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please follow for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

Each of us comes with a life story, preferences, hobbies, interests, and unique family dynamics. All of our individual qualities come together to make us who we are. How do we share that story effectively when other people are caring for us?  CareStory's platform "is designed to help families capture the essence of their loved ones, telling their stories and advocating for the care that they deserve."   Nicole Shute is my guest this week. She leads the Client Success at CareStory. CareStory is a nonmedical digital solution that provides holistic person-centered care for caregivers and families- all through the use of your smart device.  Today, Nicole and I talk all about why your loved ones' personal story matters, why empathy matters and how we bring that into our care with others. Thank you, Nicole, for sharing your story with us!   CareStory is dedicated to putting empathy back into long-term care. By providing caregivers with the right tools from the start, CareStory ensures that care staff are as familiar with loved ones as their families are; ensuring continuity of care. CareStory's platform is designed to help families capture the essence of their loved ones, telling their stories and advocating for the care that they deserve. For more information about CareStory visit www.carestory.ca.   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please follow for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

How do we support our loved ones with brain changes in a positive and respectful way? Teepa's  mission is "to change the culture of dementia care to be more inclusive, more knowledgeable, and more skillful in order to truly support all brains and people in our community." Teepa and her team are doing just that.   Teepa Snow is my guest this week. She is one of the world's leaders in dementia education and advocacy. Teepa founded Positive Approach to Care and its reach includes 30 countries worldwide. Teepa's ability to connect with others, provide practical tools for families and support for others has been life-giving to many including myself. There is a wealth of knowledge that you need to explore at teepasnow.com to continue learning more about her incredible work.   We talk all about care partnership, common misconceptions, the call to destigmatize dementia, common questions caregivers have, and how Teepa fills her cup as she gives to so many.    About Teepa Snow & Positive Approach to Care Teepa Snow is one of the world's leading advocates and educators for anyone living with dementia or other forms of brain change.   Teepa is an Occupational Therapist with over forty years of rich and varied clinical and academic experience. Her philosophy is reflective of her education, work experience, medical research, and first-hand caregiving experiences. Her advocacy efforts led her to the development of the GEMS® State Model for understanding the progression of dementia and changes in abilities. She also created the Positive  Approach to Care® training strategies, which are effective techniques for anyone seeking to optimize care and support for those living with brain change. As the Education Director of Eastern  North Carolina's Alzheimer's Association, she also helped to create the nation's award-winning DVD  entitled Accepting the Challenge: Providing the Best Care for People with Dementia. Her user friendly approaches provide guidance and leadership to national efforts to promote best practices in care.   Teepa's company, Positive Approach to Care (PAC), was founded in 2006 and is now collaborating to improve dementia care in over thirty countries worldwide. PAC provides online and in-person services, training, and products to professionals, family members, the lay public, and people living with brain change.   Please visit www.teepasnow.com for educational video clips, DVDs, books,  information on individual certifications, online support groups, virtual and onsite trainings, or to subscribe to a free monthly newsletter.   Teepa presents with extraordinary expertise and humor to audiences large and small throughout the world. Please join in her mission to improve the culture of dementia care, one mind at a time.   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please follow for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

Do you have a parent or a loved one nearing the most fragile years of life?  We know that eventually our parents will be entering this final stage and we are often not prepared for the challenges that it brings.   Aging expert Amy Cameron O'Rourke, author of The Fragile Years and founder O'Rourke & Associates is a dedicated care manager with 40 years of experience. She has a passion for helping people and their loved ones find peace and joy as they age. The book The Fragile Years is written for the millions of unpaid caregivers and adult children of aging parents entering those final years of life.   Amy's work has been celebrated by NPR, TEDx,  U.S . News & World Report, Forbes, and many others.  While these years can be challenging they also provide as Amy would say "A beautiful opportunity for connection, meaning, and joy".  "One day, we will all reach the final stages of our lives — our most fragile years, and we will want to know that someone is looking out for us."   Amy shares about: What prompted Amy to write the book Her passion and care throughout the years Common mistakes we make as caregivers What are the “fragile years”? Exercising professional courage Who makes a good “quarterback”? What does over-treatment rob us of? How does the transactional approach of healthcare impact us and our elders? How families can effectively work together and manage care for their loved one What three key areas to focus on in making preparations for our parents Working through complicated relationships What questions to ask when receiving care and making a move Options for care and payment   Visit www.agingexpert.com for more information.   Purchase The Fragile Years: Proven Strategies for the Care of Aging Loved Ones HERE.    We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please follow for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

With our growing longevity economy and older adult demographic, we have seen a massive rise in agetech. How do we make sure that older adults can live a full life in a digital world and include them in each aspect of creation and use?  We are in a unique time to be able to solve problems, create solutions and address the universal challenges of aging.   Keren shares about: How she came to start The Gerontechnologist and write The AgeTech Revolution Why we are in a pivotal time in our world and the changing aging landscape- a worldwide look The challenges of aging, lack of caregiver support, and how agetech addresses those concerns What are the barriers to agetech adoption What to consider when designing agetech The attributes of agetech companies that validate the problems and solutions What successful agetech companies do well Overcoming fear of change and embracing agetech The future of agetech   Keren Etkin is the best-selling author of The AgeTech Revolution - a book about the intersection of technology and aging, founder of TheGerontechnologist.com, a media platform that covers the global agetech ecosystem and offers online courses through the AgeTech Academy, and the founder/director of AgeLabIL at Shenkar college in Israel, an interdisciplinary R&D center focusing on agetech. Named one of the most influential people in aging, Etkin is a sought-after public speaker and advisor for agetech startups, investors in the longevity economy, care providers and organizations who work on innovation in aging.   In The AgeTech Revolution, Keren Etkin takes you on a journey to explore what the intersection of tech and aging looks like today.    Visit www.thegerontechnologist.com for more information.   Purchase The AgeTech Revolution HERE.   Social media for Keren Etkin Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Spotify   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please follow for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

While I've been gifted the opportunity to bring out the best in my guests and their message- this person, right here, brings out the best in me. My best friend of 28 years, Katie McDonald, interviews me today. The message of listening when ideas find us and taking steps forward each day towards our dreams weaves its way through our conversation. If anything, Katie has taught me to show up with curiosity, find the joy, celebrate the magic, and always lead with kindness.   Nicole shares about: What led her to start the podcast Her mission in each episode How she finds and connects to her guests The podcast process Overcoming fear to pursue your dreams How we can be open to receiving goodness and amplifying our message to do good What's next for Nicole   Nicole Will is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of our aging community by equipping older adults, their family members, and eldercare professionals with valuable information and resources. Nicole is the creator, host, and producer of the willGather Podcast: Navigating the World with Your Aging Loved One.   Nicole has over 20 years of experience in the field of aging and eldercare services. Growing up, Nicole's grandma came to live with her family and became one of her closest friends. Inspired by this special relationship and passion, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services: Social Gerontology. Nicole is actively certified as an Activity Director with NCCAP. She spent many years working as a Director at a well-respected and large senior living community overseeing the Therapeutic Recreation, Volunteer, and Spiritual Care departments while successfully leading her sizeable team to a zero-deficiency tenure and improved resident engagement success. She served on the MAPA board and as an adjuvant faculty member at the University of St. Catherine. She continues her hands-on approach as a private older adult care companion with a deep understanding of family caregiver needs. Nicole is currently the founder of willGather, LLC.   Katie McDonald is a successful business owner of Alchemy Designs that includes being a hairstylist, life coach, medium, and master-level reiki. Her gifts bring healing, joy and awakening to anyone she encounters. She resides in Denver and is the best mom to two amazing kids.   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please follow for updates, rate & review! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of people across the world. While there is no cure at the moment there are ways we can improve cognition and reinforce routine habits.   Matt Golden is the CEO and Co-Founder of MapHabit. Having experienced the personal loss of loved ones from Alzheimer's Disease, he is passionate about creating tools to support caregivers and improve the quality of life for our older adults.   MapHabit is an interactive care management, dementia training, and cognitive engagement platform that promotes independence and enhances the quality of life for individuals that need additional cognitive support and their support partners. This award-winning technology, using evidence-based research is driving change to reduce caregiver stress, support care teams, and reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs.   Matt Golden shares about: How we preserve the independence and dignity of our loved ones The extensive research and science to support the value of visual cues and maintaining habits How the National Institue of Aging (NIH) funding helped build credibility & enable MapHabit to rapidly grow How we can focus on what our loved ones still can do- what is maintained throughout the disease process The personalized cognitive support offered by MapHabit How visual cues support our loved one's independence The dementia education and engagement platform offered Why healthcare providers and caregivers need to be supported MapHabit's extensive team and educators   Learn more about MapHabit at www.maphabit.com Instagram @maphabitatl and Facebook @MapHabit   Matt is a seasoned business leader and passionate advocate for assistive technologies to improve quality of life. Matt's uncle and grandmother both passed away from Alzheimer's Disease. His extensive custom application development, project management skills and change management expertise enable him to effectively implement change in industries that require modernization. MapHabit combines both his personal motivations and professional drive to build solutions to transform the lives of others with few options.   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please follow for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our guests, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

In this episode, I have the opportunity to talk to Nicole Will who is the founder of willGather which is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of the aging community by equipping older adults, their family members, and eldercare professionals with valuable information and resources. With this, today, she will share about everything to do with how to support a caregiver, or if you're going to be a caregiver, or you're presented with that challenge and some resources. Tune in to this episode to learn more about these topics!   “If you do not have the support, the tools, the health and the physical ability to mentally and physically care for your loved one, you can't do it. It can be overwhelming and stressful so you need to focus on yourself first to be able to care for others”    Where does someone start when they are trying to find care for their aging parent? Identifying the pillars of support How important having a plan is

How do we become prepared as a caregiver and not wait until everything is falling down around us? Judy Burkle is the perfect person to talk with us today about how we juggle all of the caregiving responsibilities and manage our emotions. Judy is a master-level social worker and an aging parent coach with extensive experience working with older adults and one on one therapy sessions.  Every caregiver's situation and story is unique.   We talk about how being informed can help you feel like you've got a sense of control over what feels unpredictable. We're often living in a state of the unknown or not quite sure what that journey looks like for a loved one. We want to make sure that we're doing the right decisions and asking the right questions. Judy provides a great framework to easily look at your situation and know where to begin in providing great care for your loved one.   Judy became passionate about "working with adults and aging parents after spending a career seeing how difficult it is for adult children to manage their care as their parent's health declines."  Judy wants to impart to adult children the skills to feel confident as they care for their aging parents.     Judy Burkle is a clinically trained social worker, Therapist and  Certified Clini-Coach® with over 25 years of experience in working with adults with aging parents.  She has consolidated all of her years of experience and knowledge to help as many people as possible by developing The PACT Academy.  The PACT Academy is a membership program that includes over 30 modules (and growing), weekly group coaching, worksheets, checklists, scripts, and so much more to help adults with aging parents feel more peace, acceptance, confidence, and have more time in their life.  The PACT Academy launches on 3/02/2022. For more information and to contact Judy, please visit www.coachjudyburkle.com We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please follow for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

In 2003, Dr. Heather McKay had just begun working in occupational therapy when her beloved grandmother was diagnosed with vascular dementia. The family's challenge merged Heather's work and personal life—inspiring her career and fueling a larger mission to improve life for people living with dementia and their myriad caregivers. Over a decade of caregiving, her family gathered knowledge of dementia, learned new skills, and adapted together through every stage of the disease—a collaborative and transformative experience that Heather credits for her success as much as any formal training. Through it all, Heather emerged as an international thought leader in dementia care and caregiver education and one of the industry's most sought-after trainer/speakers. As manager of Partnerships for Health, Heather provides training for professional and family caregivers and consultation with organizations on topics related to dementia care.  In 2009, Heather collaborated with the National Association of State Veterans Homes and other Veterans' associations to produce the caregiver training video series, Dementia Care for America's Heroes.  The film series received the national Caregiver Friendly Award and is available online at www.pfhnc.com. Heather is featured in other caregiver education produced by Stanford University, Maine Employers' Mutual Insurance Company, ComForCare, and At Your Side Home Care across the US and Canada.  In 2016, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America named Heather “Dementia Care Professional of the Year” for her dedication and devotion to serving individuals living with dementia, their families, professionals, and her community. She's also been awarded by her occupational therapy peers for “humanitarian values, knowledge, and visionary leadership.” In her characteristically down-to-earth, fun and informative style (and signature southern Appalachian accent) Heather helps caregivers understand dementia's impact on communication, why communication breakdowns happen, and how to improve our interactions with people living with the disease—making life better for everyone involved!   Dr. Heather McKay shares about: Basic dementia-related knowledge—what every caregiver needs to know! Specific brain changes affecting communication Real-world stories of communication challenges that will resonate with you whether you are a professional, family caregiver, or someone living with dementia Practical, ready-to-use communication strategies to make doing things together easier, social visits more enjoyable, and dealing with distress safer and more effective. Valuable lessons learned from her practice and research with dementia caregivers nationwide.   For more information visit https://pfhnc.com/   Dr. Heather McKay is an occupational therapist, dementia care specialist, and international trainer/speaker.  She provides training for professional and family caregivers and consultation with organizations on topics related to dementia care.    For more information about Dr. Heather McKay, our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please follow for updates, rate & review!   Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

Moving your loved one into a senior living community can bring up many mixed emotions- how can we ensure our loved one has a smooth transition into their new home?  Is my loved one meeting new friends? Are they happy? Who are all these new people that we are interacting with each day? Families experience many emotions when moving their loved one into a new community- guilt, relief, fear, happiness- for each family there are a unique set of circumstances that have led them to this place. We are talking about this today with Corey Hermans -Webster, she has a unique background working in different senior living communities, earning two master's degrees, and is a certified dementia practitioner. Corrie is passionate about accessibility, inclusivity, and making those around her feel happy and fulfilled in their lives. Corrie is on the product team Eversound which is an advanced listening system that is designed to use in senior living communities to enhance your loved ones' ability to hear and feel a part of the community.  Corrie shares about:  *How families and senior living communities can support smooth transitions for our loved ones  *We talk about the roles various departments play in a community and how we can effectively communicate our loved one's needs *How the Life Enrichment and Activity Departments can aid in fostering relationships and community *We discuss the many mixed emotions that we face as we move our loved ones into their next home  *Tips on overcoming impairments that can make connections challenging  *How we overcome possible Covid restrictions and safely engage and communicate with our loved ones For more information visit https://eversoundhq.com/  AD: Visit Joe & Bella: One stop shopping for the older adult in your life. Use the promo code GATHER to receive 10% off your first purchase at Joe & Bella.  We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please follow for updates, rate & review! For more information about our guests, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com  Instagram: @willgather  Facebook: WillGather  Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather. 

Dr. David Bernstein is a highly respected physician who is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Geriatrics. He has 40 years of experience providing him with many opportunities to serve and empathize with thousands of adults as they age. Throughout this time in his career, he has learned and walked through many life journeys with the older adults that he served. This led him to continue his great work through writing and speaking about his observations. This is a dynamic conversation as we look at longevity, healthy aging, and actionable steps to live a happy, healthy lifespan- or as Dr. Bernstein would say "a happy health-span".  Dr. David Bernstein shares about:  -What is a geriatrician?  -What he has learned from taking care of adults as they age -The Power of 5: Five attributes that lead to a happy, healthy, and longer life -The leading cause of illness and disability and what they have in common -How talking about sex drives important conversation around life and intimacy  -What are the challenges that baby boomers and caregivers face with their aging parents and care recipients and how we can overcome them  For more information visit davidbernsteinmd.com  We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please follow for updates, rate & review! For more information about our guests, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com  Instagram: @willgather  Facebook: WillGather  Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather. 

In 2006, Loretta Veney's mom was diagnosed with dementia. She immediately began learning everything she could about the disease and becoming an advocate for her mom in the process. Loretta is the author of Being My Mom's Mom, Refreshment for the Caregiver's Spirit, and Colors Flowing from My Mind. Loretta and her Mom have been featured in articles in the Wall Street Journal, Psychology Today, The Washington Post, The NY Times, AARP Caregiver Stories, as well as a PBS special. In 2019, Loretta was selected as Trailblazer of the Year by Johns Hopkins Medicine. Loretta and her Mom have been selected as one of Robin Roberts Thriver Thursdays profiles for 2021. She shares her positivity with us, her humor, and what she has learned along the Alzheimer's journey. Her personal story and perspective are encouraging as we learn more about dementia and talk about her impactful work with Lego bricks and caregivers. Loretta Veney shares about:  *Alzheimer's and the various dementia terms *Loretta's story and what to expect along the Alzheimer's journey *How families can be set up for success and look at various stages of care *Her important work with Lego bricks- how they create connection and meaningful conversation *Her encouragement and positivity moves caregivers to action and confidence    For more information visit: https://lorettaveney.com/    We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates, rate & review! For more information about our guests, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com  Instagram: @willgather  Facebook: WillGather  Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather. 

At times we overlook practical tools that make our life easier. They're simple yet impactful. Families want simple tips to help ease their burden and fight caregiver burnout.  I came across a lot of questions around incontinence and bedding in the different caregiver groups that I'm a part of- this piqued my interest in talking about incontinence and products that can make life a little bit easier. Lessening the caregiver load is something we all need as were caring for a loved one. Most people over 65 will have some obstacles when it comes to incontinence. In fact, in the year 2030, there will be roughly around 58 million caregivers. Most people want to age in their home and a common driver for a loved one moving into a senior living community is needing support with incontinence. Simple products can ease the caregivers' burden and offer opportunities to remain aging in the home.  Realizing how valuable a conversation and product around incontinence and bedding is led me to my conversation with Maxwell Cohen. He is the founder and CEO of Peel Away Labs, a new alternative to traditional bedding.  Peel Aways Labs has an international presence and was named 2021 Caregiver Friendly Product of the Year by Caregiver.com, Peelaways increases Dignity and Confidence when caring for a loved one. The idea for waterproof disposable sheets came to him when he was in college then grew when he came home for a visit with his Grandma. Her need for support and maintained dignity after surgery led Maxwell to expand his product and reach our older adult population.  For more information visit https://peelaways.com/ We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates, rate & review! For more information about our guests, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com  Instagram: @willgather  Facebook: WillGather  Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather. 

In this episode, we interview Cathy Braxton creator of Improv for Caregivers. We see many families have questions- what is sundowning? Why do we use that term? How does it affect my loved one?  We talk about the role that sleep plays in our older adults' lives and why it's important to decipher between sleep deprivation and sundowning. Cathy shares ways that we can be set up for success when managing symptoms, how we can create more ease in our day with our loved ones, and why it's important to not take these challenging times personally.  Cathy Braxton is the Founder of Improv for Caregivers. She has worked in the aging industry for over 20 years managing memory care units, directing activity programs, case management, support group facilitation, and in-home care. Cathy has completed all of her coursework for her Masters degree in Health Psychology and Gerontology Studies and is a published author and blogger for The Chicago Tribune.  Visit www.improvforcaregivers.com In this episode we reference a previous podcast- more information can be found here. For more information about our podcast, guests & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe to our podcast so you don't miss an episode and email hello@willgather.com for any listener questions. Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

We live in a world where youth is envied and we are told to age gracefully.  We are sold wrinkle creams and injections but in fact, aging is something we are doing every day. The act of growing old and everything with it is one of our most treasured experiences as human beings. How do we shift our minds that around this? How can we go deep and find out exactly who we are and embrace the process of getting older? My guest today is a thought leader and expert in age philosophy, Kathleen O'Brien. She is the author of Reclaim Your Right to Grow Old. She has researched aging for over 13 years and has taught classes about growing older through the University of Denver. You can find her work at growoldbehappy.com. Join us as we look at shedding constraints society puts on us as we age.  For more information about our podcast, guests & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com  We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.  Please subscribe to our podcast so you don't miss an episode and email hello@willgather.com for any listener questions. Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

What started with a few simple questions in her grandma's kitchen led Sky Bergman on a meaningful pursuit to capture the life history and wisdom of our older adults. This film has now become a catalyst to connect the generations.   In a world where we are often focused on youth, Lives Well Lived is a refreshing look at the life experiences of 40 older adults between the ages of 75 and 100 years old. Gathering over 3000 years of collective life history- taking their personal accounts of life and history and bringing them to life.   I knew that I wanted to share this film and story with all of you.  I had tears in my eyes at some points, I laughed and had some a-ha moments. What is a Life Well Lived? What can we learn from our older adults? What is the inspiration for the film?   So many people have poured into our lives and our history- we cannot take these stories or their wisdom for granted. Sky, you are a delight. Your film is impactful. Thank you for your hard work and passion for this project. Don't miss this film, my friends. "Beginning with its premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Lives Well Lived has screened in more than 200 cities. The film has won eight awards, and the theatrical run garnered enthusiastic reviews and a 100% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Organizations like Aging 2.0, AARP's Movies for Grownups, Encore.org, and Leading Age have screened Lives Well Lived. Now the film is available on PBS!"   Sky Bergman is an accomplished, award-winning photographer. Lives Well Lived is Sky's directorial debut. Sky Bergman currently is a Professor of Photography and Video at Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, CA.   To learn more about the Lives Well Lived PBS broadcast visit: https://www.pbs.org/show/lives-well-lived/   The Lives Well Lived website is: https://www.lives-well-lived.com     To share your story visit: https://www.lives-well-lived.com/shared-stories   For resources and film discussion guide visit: https://www.lives-well-lived.com/resources     We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please subscribe for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Instagram: @willgather   Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.   Available wherever you find your podcasts!

I just wanted to say Thank You so much. We've had an incredible year together with many wonderful guests with so much knowledge, information and great conversation. We are going to take a little break as we move through the summer. We have really exciting guests lined up for the fall and we'll be back with more interesting conversations and interviews. I hope you have a great rest of your summer and we'll see you this fall of 2021.  For more information about our podcast, past episodes and guest information visit www.willgatherpodcast.com  Nicole Will is the host and founder of willGather, LLC. 

Essentially, we are living two lives as a caregiver- one of our own and the other of the person we are caring for, how exhausting is that? How do we keep up that pace? We don't. Not without really caring for ourselves. Today, I interview Jo Bregnard. She is a cancer survivor and caregiver. She is a certified Yoga teacher as well as trained in Thai bodywork, Reiki, Yoga 4 Cancer, and Yin Yoga. She brings her caregiving journey and experiences into our conversation today and we talk all about how she can help caregivers support themselves with yoga and everyday self-care practices. Jo and I talk about: How our stories lead us to purpose Family caregiver needs and challenges The importance of not forgetting different pieces of yourself What is self-care and why we need it Simple ways to add self-care into caregiver's day How we can incorporate self-care with our loved one What can we do with our loved ones to incorporate self-care Encouragement to caregivers FREE Self-Care Mini-Retreat To connect with Jo, please visit https://www.jobregnard.com/    We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please subscribe for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our guests, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

Each person has different emotional needs and preferences. How do we meet those needs? How do we measure the emotional well-being of older adults in real-time? How do we quantify emotions?   Roy Tal is the CEO and founder of SOLO, a well-being virtual assistant that utilizes artificial intelligence to scan an older adult's face using a responsive algorithm to offer a personalized experience to improve the emotional well-being of the older adult in your community. Roy brings humanity to technology by marrying advanced facial recognition with value-driven data to improve care and overall health of older adults.   "SOLO is an interactive, contactless app to ensure the mental and emotional health of your community residents, all without relying on the physical presence of staff or family members. Using Facial Recognition, SOLO gives each resident personalised interaction, has the power to improve mood, is highly adaptable to the emotional needs of each resident, and is available any time of day or night!"   Roy shares about: The story of SOLO Some of the challenges that senior living communities and families face in trying to meet the emotional needs of the older adults in their care The benefits of using SOLO for older adults As emotions can be hard to identify and measure - how does tech like SOLO measure emotional well-being How AI identifies emotions better than humans How family members can successfully facilitate SOLO for loved ones How data can be leveraged and deployed to improve elder care Varying loneliness and caregiving concerns in Israel vs. Japan vs. the USA Today, SOLO provides services to more than 30 Communities throughout the World including Israel, Japan, USA and more.   For more information about SOLO, please visit https://www.imsolo.ai/   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please subscribe for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our guests, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

The world of real estate for older adults and family caregivers can be overwhelming- but it doesn't have to be. As you are managing your loved ones' home or property, the help of professionals with valuable insight can help with questions and offer advice on being proactive thinking outside the box on what to consider if you are in a time of transition.  So many times there are emotions involved- there is loss, change, grief, as well as relief. Jennifer Greene, CEO of Property Haus, has always been in the business of helping people. She began her career in anti-human trafficking and sexual violence work and transitioned to real estate in 2017. While that may seem like a big leap, she has always kept her focus on helping people first. Property Haus is the "go-to" for assisted living facilities, older adults, and caregivers when it comes to helping in the transition for families. They create a holistic solution and network referral program for their seniors. They believe in looking at the family as a whole and asking what they can do to help in that transition. With their large network of working with attorneys, they are able to assist families with real estate questions and needs. They create helpful solutions to assist older adults and family caregivers in need. Jennifer and I talk about: What to look at as your living situation needs change? How can real estate professionals provide holistic solutions? How can families manage homes and properties even if they are out of state and long-distance caregiving? An overview of the process of probate and inherited real estate An understanding of the proactive decisions with assets acquired We talk about those personal stories that connect us The importance of community and building relationships early on in the process of life transitions How do we start having hard conversations with our loved ones How we re-frame questions to move hard conversation forward? Steps family caregivers can take to manage real estate concerns To learn more about Property Haus visit https://www.propertyhauspartners.com/  & find Property Haus on Facebook for their resources and education as well.   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please subscribe for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.   Available wherever you find your podcasts!

When families and caregivers are searching for the "right" community for their loved ones, the activity and life engagement program is one of the most important factors in that search. How will mom or dad be able to live out their joys and interests? Are they building community and fostering growth in relationships wherever they live? How is the community building relationships to better engage residents and provide care? In the last year we've seen how imperative a vibrant life enrichment program is, but most importantly how vital connection, community and relationships are. These two women are deeply passionate, have extensive experience, and carry the belief that engagement matters for our older adults.  Sara and Kelly offer insight into: How can families determine their loved ones life enrichment needs? Why is that important? What should families look for in a valuable life enrichment/engagement program when choosing a senior living community? What does a great life engagement program look like? If they have their loved one in a community and they want to see change in the program, how would you suggest they go about that? Where has the profession been and where is it going? What role should executives and other departments play in a life engagement? Where can life enrichment professionals go to find helpful information? What language have we used to describe life enrichment and what do you recommend we use now? What encouragement can you give families, Life enrichment professionals and the senior community on the future landscape of life engagement for older adults?   They offer customized mentorship and consulting for life engagement professionals, senior living communities, and businesses. LE3 provides resources, tools, and content for all things life engagement! "At LE3 Solutions we bring a combined 25 years of experience in the resident engagement and well-being space. Our combined history has focused on programming philosophy creation, program design and implementation, identification of metrics connected to organizational objectives to measure within resident engagement to quantify success and financial asks, significant focus around physical wellness offerings, and collaboration with marketing, dining, and nursing. The value proposition we provide a community or a system of communities is an outside, forward thinking perspective. We break down what residents want, staff abilities and resources, and the current marketing message to create a step-by-step process to take your resident engagement program to the next level. Interested in increasing physical offerings to keep residents more mobile and independent? Wondering how to capture resident interests effectively and then actually apply them? Not sure if a resident portal platform is the right investment for your community? LE3 Solutions can help every step of the way to ensure residents are highly engaged and staff loves coming to work each day.  At LE3 Solutions we aim to link arms and be partner alongside each of our clients." You may visit https://www.le3solutions.com/what-we-do to get to know the partnership of LE3 Solutions better.    We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates, rate & review! For more information about our guests, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.   Available wherever you find your podcasts!

How do we avoid burnout and find healing in our role as a family caregiver? Our worlds of caring for our children and also for our older adults are colliding. Oftentimes we are "sandwiched" between two generations we deeply love and care for. Today, I interview Patricia Sheveland, best-selling author and certified life coach. She is living proof that you can find freedom, balance and flexibility in the multi-generational approach. This book gives us a new perspective of care and partnership. This book was full of practical tools to move forward in our caregiving journey. Thank you Pat for your unique story and the caring compassion in sharing it with all of us. "Her newest book Living Life in the Middle: The Caregiver's Guide to Healing, Hope and Harmony Through Multigenerational Living provides the steps and tools to help caregivers create a life that provides freedom and flexibility to pursue their dreams while still supporting their family."   Pat and I talk about: Pat has created B.A.L.A.N.C.E that walks people through their story to find healing. What BALANCE means? How we go from feeling sandwiched to having deep gratitude in our situation? What are those early challenges Pat had when her mom first came to live with her and how did she move through those? So often I hear from caregivers that the wounds from childhood relationship with their parents show up in their caregiving and they have to work through that as well. What advice do you have for them on where to start the healing?  What are those rich blessings from living in a multigenerational home?  And if someone is thinking about this- where should they start? For more information visit https://www.healingfamilygrief.com/ We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates, rate & review! For more information about our guests, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

Today, we interview Anke Versteeg and Nicole Will from the library of Delft University of Technology to learn more about the topic of open science. We learn what we can do to contribute to open science, and learn how open science is much more than open access publishing, as well as where researchers can learn more about open science (for example the open science MOOC). Data management is key here!Besides the concepts of open science, we also learn how librarians support researchers in their efforts to make their science more open. We also learn from the experience of Nicole and Anke who have worked with many researchers to get their best advice in moving towards open science, as well as their general recommendations for PhD researchers.References A first introduction to open science Five answers to questions about FAIR DATA Five recommendations for FAIR Software Three perspectives on Open Science in research assessmentTU Delft library websiteOpen science MOOCTU Delft library resources for studentsTU Delft library resources for researchers Strategic Plan Open Science TU Delft 2020 - 2024 Open Science community Delft: This is an international initiative; any university research community can become a member).Some of the open science MOOC material is available here Copyright clearance center Selecting the right creative commons licenseDifferences in right retention in open access publishing Sherpa/Romeo for checking rights in open access publishingTU Delft library architectureTU Delft aula architecture

Once you've received your loved one's diagnosis- where do families begin to look for help and support? There is an adjustment period needed to be present and understanding of the new diagnosis. Today we talk about what are the dynamics of empathy, what does an empathic family member look like, and how can they be trained and supported for that. P.K. Beville also shares with us: How do we change the perception of aging? What is Virtual Dementia Tour? Receiving a loved one's diagnosis for the first time can feel really scary and overwhelming- where is a good place for families to start learning about dementia and finding support? How can they set up a successful support system? What is our society's perception is of aging and caring for a loved one with dementia is today?   P.K. Beville founded Second Wind Dreams®, an internationally-known nonprofit organization created to change the perception of aging through fulfilling elders' dreams and offering educational programs to help caregivers understand the physical and mental challenges facing those with dementia. Established in 1997, Second Wind Dreams is the first organization to focus on granting dreams for elders living in long-term care in the United States.   Beville created the internationally-acclaimed Virtual Dementia Tour® (VDT®). Experienced by three million people in 20 countries, the Virtual Dementia Tour® is a scientifically-proven training method designed to build sensitivity and awareness in individuals caring for those with dementia. "Second Wind Dreams® award-winning Dreams Program sheds light on the positive aspects of aging. It is a powerful way to connect society to a forgotten truth about seniors: the truth that age does not erase hopes and dreams. Our program has fulfilled tens of thousands of dreams since our organization's inception in 1997. As each Dream comes true, we witness a ripple effect as the impact of the dream spreads from the elder to everyone who helped make it a reality. The second way we change the perception of aging is by offering educational tools like our patented sensitivity training, the Virtual Dementia Tour. We want to educate and spread awareness about dementia to help caregivers and elder care professionals understand what elders are experiencing. We believe this can lead to better person-centered care." We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please subscribe for updates, rate & review! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.   Available wherever you find your podcasts!

In this episode of Off Your Rocker: A SeniorVu Podcast host Valissa Smith talks with Nicole Will of willGather, and Creator and Host of the willGather: Navigating the World with Your Aging Loved One Podcast. Nicole has a gerontology degree, worked in senior living several years right out of college and is now using that knowledge, education and experience to connect and work with families who are on the journey to find care for their loved ones. 

Thinking of creating safe environments at home for our loved ones is top of mind- how do we create safe spaces successfully? If we find that our loved one needs to move into a senior living community what questions should we ask? How do we determine the "right" place for our loved ones? Today, we welcome Ellen Belk, she is the Founder of Keep In Mind, Inc. She is an innovative influencer in the aging space for nearly 20 years. She has a leadership role in the senior living industry working with executives and frontline staff. Ellen answers our questions based on her own experience with her family and also her extensive career tenure in the senior living community. We talk all about: What should we look for in the home? How do we help our parents age in place well? Unfortunately, many of us are making decisions under stressful situations. How can we make these decisions with a sound mind and what can we think about beforehand so that this transition can be as smooth as possible? How do we have successful conversations with our parents about transition? If needed, what should families look for when they are choosing a senior community for their loved one? How can families voice their needs and what's the best way for families to communicate their needs to senior communities? For more information visit https://keepinmindinc.com/   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please subscribe for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our guests, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com   Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.   Available wherever you find your podcasts!

How do we build trust, rapport and a valuable partnership between families and care teams? Communication. When families and care teams can be in partnership and work collaboratively our older adults are provided with "purpose" centered care-- the purposeful engagement between everyone involved in our senior's life. Serenity Engage is a HIPAA-compliant private group messaging application for senior care, bringing families and care teams together in collaborative communication. Katherine Wells is the Founder and CEO of Serenity Engage. Coming from the tech world where teams have solved the problem of talking to each other, she shares her personal story and experience to bring Serenity Engage to the senior living industry. Each time Katherine and I have a conversation, I'm always encouraged and supported by her vision to make the world a better place for our care teams, families and older adults. Truly making change, evoking powerful conversation and challenging "the Status quo of Aging". Thank you, Katherine! We talk all about: What are some of those emotions families face when they are considering moving their loved one into a community along with the moving process? How communication is the foundation to building trust The communication process of senior living communities and the desire of families The many ways we can lift morale and create staff retention by active communication We look at senior living communities need to build community and improve process efficiencies Those "moments and memories" that we don't need to miss out on any more For more information visit https://serenityapp.com/ Book mentioned: Upstream by Dan Heath    We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please subscribe for updates, rate & review!   For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

There is a huge mental load that we carry as caregivers and it is thinking about all of those supplies and managing that shopping experience for our loved ones. This is an ongoing and never-ending task.   Today we talk with Jimmy Zollo, he is the co-founder of Joe & Bella. This is a new service that provides older adults with a full array of products they need to make their lives easier. He has a deep personal and professional connection to residence and care communities, their families, and caregivers. Jimmy is also the co-founder of Collaborata. This background of working with companies such as AARP and his personal experience with his grandparents led to the creation of Joe & Bella and we get to talk with him today and I am so so happy to be able to introduce to you, Jimmy Zollo.   We talk about the creation of Joe & Bella, why we need to elevate and improve the shopping experience for families, caregivers, and senior living communities. Jimmy shares with us how they curated all of the shopping options and the professional insight provided by a trusted group of advisors.   In our conversation, Jimmy talks about the good work others are doing. He highlights a few companies Joe & Bella offers such as Friendly Shoes and Slick Chicks.   Jimmy Zollo is the Co-Founder of Joe & Bella, a new service that provides older adults with a full array of products they need, to make their lives just a little bit easier. He has a deep personal and professional connection to residents of care communities, their families, and caregivers.  Jimmy also co-founded Collaborata, a research organization that launches innovative large-scale projects by bringing brands together to share costs. Jimmy developed his passion for innovation while driving initial growth at GrubHub, where he helped to develop their industry-leading restaurant network by launching new markets.   Joe & Bella are generously offering our listeners 10% off their first purchase with the coupon code "GATHER", head to Joe & Bella to shop now!   For more information visit Joe & Bella.   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.   Please subscribe for updates, rate & review Nicole Will is the founder and host of willGather Podcast

Having his father diagnosed with Alzheimer's, Matthew John Zuraw and his mother started to make RememBars for him. They are delicious and full of nutrient-dense ingredients that were good for his brain. They've since perfected the recipe with advice from nutritionists, dietitians, and food scientists. They are now available for everyone. We talked about their family's caregiving journey, how they navigated his father's Alzheimers diagnosis, how impactful food and nutrition are to our brains, and what research is being done. We look at how we can present products with dignity and fight against those stigmas. Tips on what's going well and how do we lean into those things and create hope.    For more information about RememBars visit: https://remembarbrainfood.com/ @remembarbrainfood   For more information about our podcast, guest information, resources mentioned & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe to our podcast so you don't miss an episode and email hello@willgather.com for any listener questions.   Episode Socials: @willgather willGather  Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

I had the privilege of talking with Nigel Mould, CEO of StackCare. Nigel is an innovative Executive with a passion for making a difference in caregivers lives by preserving the independence and dignity of their loved ones. StackCare is an innovative passive monitoring system for older adults and vulnerable people. This technology allows seniors to age place using discrete infrared motion sensors and AI data science to analyze and highlight unusual patterns that may indicate health issues or a fall by sending notifications directly to families on their mobile devices. It's StackCare's mission to make a difference every day in the lives of families.   We talk about how they can truly make a difference in the lives of our older adults, what led to the creation of StackCare and its growth. How do we support aging in place and using technology to support older adults and families especially with the rise of baby boom retirement? We talk about how we provide care and react to situations with the ability to dive into building relationships and letting the data give valuable information and allowing families to focus on emotional care. We discuss how technology can raise that standard of care while addressing potential shifts in staffing models. Smart technology can enable us to feel secure in our environments and offer peace of mind.     StackCare is a state of the art passive monitoring system for seniors aging in place and uses discreet infrared motion sensors and AI/Data Science to analyze and highlight unusual patterns that may indicate health issues or a fall, sending notifications directly to family/caregiver's mobile devices. They get to see at a glance, simply and easily, if their loved one is sleeping ok, is visiting the bathroom too often, his/her activity patterns have changed, and whether they might have fallen and need help. StackCare runs on its own, in the background, unnoticeable, 24/7, and allows for maximal awareness with minimal interference. The older adult is never completely "alone" which is reassuring for the senior and provides peace of mind to families and caregivers.   It is StackCare's mission to make a difference every day in multigenerational families' lives by helping their elderly loved ones preserve their wellbeing and independence. Part of that mission is to alleviate the growing caregiver crisis by offering an innovative, discreet, and cost-efficient remote monitoring system to help support the continuing care of older adults.   To learn more about StackCare, please visit https://stack.care   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe to our podcast so you don't miss an episode and email hello@willgather.com for any listener questions. For more information about our podcast, guests & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Episode Socials: @willgather Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

I want to connect with Grandma on Zoom but she doesn't know how to use it? How can I protect my data and passwords? Abbie Richie, founder of Senior Savvy, leads with kindness, simplicity, and helpful information when teaching older adults and their families technology. Senior Savvy offers zoom classes, workshops, and tech support for older adults, their families, and senior living communities. We talk about how we can fight loneliness, find connection, stay engaged, feel alive and vital through technology. What are our older adults main concerns as they stay up to date with what's going on in the world of tech? We look at what care technology can be helpful for families and her recommendations on tech that caters to our older adults to set them up for success. Abbie's story and her heart for giving our older adults the confidence to learn and try out their new skills is why I wanted her to speak with us today. www.seniorsavvy.net Resources mentioned in our episode: Telikin computer:  http://www.telikin.com/ Jitterbug Smart 2 by GreatCall https://www.greatcall.com/phones/jitterbug-smart-smartphone-for-seniors About Abbie & Senior Savvy: Abbie Richie is an entrepreneur, mother of two school-aged children, wife of 16 years and devoted daughter. She is the founder of Senior Savvy, which provides Zoom workshops and technical support at senior living communities throughout the US. Senior Savvy is the marriage of two things Abbie loves - helping older people and technology. After helping many friends parents and her in-laws, she realized there was a huge need for personable and patient tech support for older folks. In 2018, Abbie started Senior Savvy, though she will tell you that Senior Savvy started in her a long, long time ago. Growing up in Los Angeles, she spent a lot of time with her grandparents. Nana and Papa fostered a deep respect and admiration through their commitment to her family and their community. After college in Boston, she moved to the SF Bay Area for grad school, right before the “dot com boom” and received an in-depth education on all things tech. Since then, she has continued to learn everything about technology while patiently teaching seniors the skills they need. In April of 2020, her workshop students began requesting she transition to teaching on Zoom. The pivot allowed her to expand Senior Savvy tech support to senior communities around the US. We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates so you don't miss an episode and email hello@willgather.com for any listener questions. For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Krystal L. Culler, DBH, M.A., Founder of the Virtual Brain Health Center. She brings her knowledge of scientific research combined with care and compassion. Dr. Krystal Culler translates all of the lasted research about brain health into actionable steps that people can take into their lives. We talk about practical ways people can add brain health to their health and wellbeing. A great discussion about how cognitive engagement, personal-wellbeing, social connections, physical activity all come together to complete our brain health picture. We discuss what brain health looks like in memory care and for the caregivers. We address the fear that we can have about our own brain health as we care for others and how our health can be at risk as caregivers, and steps we can do to encourages and prioritize self-care. Don't miss this great interview! Dr. Krystal L. Culler, DBH, M.A. is the Founder of the Virtual Brain Health Center. She is a Doctor of Behavioral Health, a social gerontologist, and a Senior Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health with Global Brain Health Institute at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, where she completed her residency training on dementia prevention and social determinants of brain health. Krystal has spent nearly 5 years in Executive-level positions with health non-profit organizations and has 15 years of experience working with individuals with brain health concerns, their families, and advocacy organizations. More information can be found at: https://www.virtualbrainhealthcenter.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkrystalculler/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/your-brain-health-matters Twitter: @DrKrystalCuller @VirtualBrainCtr Instagram: @drkrystalculler @virtualbrainhealthcenter Facebook: @virtualbrainhealthcenter We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

We are joined today by Jill Sauber, managing attorney at Sauber Legal Services. They offer holistic legal representation and comprehensive estate and elder law services. The focus on making those life transitions easier and her ability to offer great council, provide support, and helpful resources led us to our conversation today. We discuss what to consider when moving a loved one into senior housing at this time, what should they consider when signing agreements, rental and care contracts. Understanding what all of those agreements are and who should sign them. We talk about questions for those families that already have a loved one in a facility what rights do they have to see or spend time with their loved one? Under what circumstances are these visits allowable? Jill Sauber answers very important questions and helps us navigate this process successfully. Jill Sauber helps clients navigate estate planning (as they focus on asset growth) to long-term care planning (where the focus shifts to asset preservation and care). After a death occurs, she helps resolve contested Will or Trust issues (litigation), counsels on Medical Assistance claims, and guides families through the probate process. Jill obtained her law degree from the University of St. Thomas School of Law and earned Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Minnesota in Biology, Physiology, and Mortuary Science. Her background and experience as a licensed mortician provides her with a unique perspective in both estate planning and elder law. She enjoys a broad-based Estate and Elder Law practice, with emphasis on long-term care planning, asset protection, government benefits, estate planning, estate administration (probate), trusts, litigation, and mortuary law. The diversity of her practice – both planning and litigation – affords her insight to ensuring that her clients' wishes are carried out in their final estate planning documents.  Her litigation experience includes successfully litigating long-term care insurance disputes, probate and trust disputes, and prosecuting financial exploitation cases. Jill focuses on special needs planning, which is unique planning for disabled individuals receiving government benefits, designed to ensure continued eligibility for those benefits.  She works closely with many attorneys to properly set up and fund Special Needs Trusts and advises on proper distributions out of those trusts to ensure compliance.  It is typical that such Special Needs Trusts are established following a large personal injury award, worker's compensation award, other settlement or inheritance. You may find Jill volunteering with the Wills for Heroes Program, the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MAC-V), or other community groups.  She is also a participant in the Minnesota Elder Justice Center, a Dementia Champion through the ACT on Alzheimer's Initiative, and a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA).  She is acting Treasurer of the Elder Law Governing Council of the Elder Law Section of the Minnesota State Bar Association, incoming President of the Minnesota NAELA Chapter, and an active member in American Bar Association Senior Lawyers Division committees. She is a frequent speaker and lecturer on topics related to elder law, financial exploitation, Medical Assistance (Minnesota Medicaid) benefits, capacity/cognitive issues, estate planning, and several other related topics. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, yoga, silversmithing, spending time at the dog park with her dog Zoey and hanging out with her husband Jamie at his restaurant brewpub in South Minneapolis. https://sauberlaw.com/ This has been prepared for general information purposes only. This information is not legal advice. Legal advice is dependent upon the specific circumstances of each situation and your family dynamics.  The information contained in this presentation or materials should not replace the advice of competent legal counsel licensed in your state. Also, see this episode: https://www.willgatherpodcast.com/post/financial-considerations-with-attorney-jill-sauber We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

Loved ones frequently are asking the question, “should I move my loved one into my home?”, during this time of Covid. We know this is a delicate topic and Liz Cloete, Occupational Therapist and owner of “Think Different” Dementia,  walks us through what practical steps to consider when making this decision. Her unique perspective of developing her OT practice in South Africa has shaped her lens and creativity for her practice here in the US. We talk about what to consider as a family, can hospice be utilized, how to make those transitions easier, and how families can navigate this conversation with their senior living community and their loved ones to set them up for success. Lizette Cloete is graduated from the University of Pretoria, South Africa in 1992 as an Occupational Therapist. She is the owner of “Think Different” Dementia, a company she established to teach people to think differently about dementia, emphasizing education about dementia, how to care for loved ones with dementia in the home while also understanding common behaviors in dementia. The goal is to promote aging in place and allowing people to “live life to the fullest”, despite dementia. As a diplomat's daughter, she has lived in 4 different countries and in 11 different States, giving her a unique perspective on life and living (and she has her “own” accent!). She currently calls Greenwood, SC home where she lives with her husband and daughter. They have 4 cats, 1 dog, and 11 chickens. She frequently tries to feature her chickens in her videos. To contact Lizette for more information visit, thinkdifferentdementia@gmail.com We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

In this episode, we interview Cathy Braxton creator of Improv for Caregivers. We talk about challenging out-of-date communication patterns by actively submerging in the pillars of empathy and then utilizing the newly gained listening abilities with the rules of improv for a new gold standard in communication. We dive into advice for a new caregiver and how to incorporate the whole family in caregiving. We talk about the difference between patient-centered care and relationship-centered care. What is compassionate communication and how we can support those that we partner in caring with and how to always show up with curiosity. We look at what is Improv for Caregivers and explore it's stripping and exposing technique that creates space for new ideas and concepts to take hold and become a more sound and compassionate foundation for the purpose of connecting to others. Cathy Braxton is the Founder of Improv for Caregivers. She has worked in the aging industry for over 20 years managing memory care units, directing activity programs, case management, support group facilitation, and in-home care. Cathy has completed all of her coursework for her Masters degree in Health Psychology and Gerontology Studies and is a published author and blogger for The Chicago Tribune. November 2014 Recipient of the Dr. Richard and Gertrude P. Zalar "Gentle Touch Award" in recognition of Outstanding Professional Caregiving for those with Alzheimer's and Dementia. Recipient of the Leading Age Illinois Honor of Excellence Award on March 3, 2015 International speaker September 2015 at the international dementia conference, Toronto Canada. Invited as 2016 international speaker and moderator at the international vascular dementia conference located in Spain, July 2016 Computerized, digitized and mechanical devices are flooding the market, promising to be the one. The only. The solution. What is lost in all of this is connection through CURIOSITY. The unique, priceless gift that fills our souls, lightens our hearts, and moves us ever forward in the quest for giving and receiving care. It is curiosity that drives you. It is curiosity that motivates you. It is curiosity that keeps you human. For more information, contact https://improv4caregivers.com/ We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

In this episode, we are shining a light on gerontology, ageism, and the need for diversity, and aging information for people of color and our younger generation. Our country offers the gift of a wonderfully diverse culture and it needs to be represented- Christina encourages our millennials and caregivers by providing a valuable resource for them as they are searching for answers on aging. Health disparities do exist- let's talk about it.   We talk about the impact of ageism and how the language we use impacts our view of aging. Don't miss this masterclass on following your passion and carving out your way in the world. We are grateful that all things work together for good. Christina Peoples is a native of North Carolina. Her passion is working with older adults and her desire is to educate people about the world of Gerontology. She holds a Master of Science degree in Gerontology with a concentration in aging and business, which was obtained from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. However, Christina credits her foundation in the field of Gerontology to the Historically Black College/University, Winston-Salem State University. Gero-what?!'s purpose is to dispel/eliminate the many myths and stereotypes that are directed towards aging, to provide resources, and to exemplify that life doesn't end just because we turn another year older.  For more information, visit https://www.gerowhat.com/ We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

We talk with Gerontologist, Renee Skoglund about losing independence. When do I know when to start making decisions for my aging loved one? Is it ok to let them “struggle”? Are there any guidelines to follow when deciding to make those transitions? When is the right time to have this conversation? How can we make decisions together? We answer all these questions and more.  Renee Skoglund received her Bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Gerontology from Drake University and a Masters in Gerontology, from the University of Northern Colorado. She was awarded the Colorado Graduate Fellow and received the Graduate Deans Citation for Excellence. She has worked in the Gerontology field for over 30 years, focusing on creating, implementing, updating, managing, and improving programs for people over 50.  Programs included the creation of a hospital-based adult day program, a hospital-based membership program, starting her own company to maximize activity, engagement, and happiness, which result in a better quality of life. Several of the programs received national awards. She is the Executive Director at the Sanctuary in St. Cloud, MN. We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

We are joined today by Jill Sauber, managing attorney at Sauber Legal Services. They offer holistic legal representation with comprehensive Estate and Elder Law services. The focus on making those life transitions easier and her ability to offer great council, provide support, and helpful resources led us to our conversation today. We talk about the best way to financially prepare for caring for a loved one in your home, can you charge rent, how to manage those living expenses, what process to follow when making financial decisions, what tax implications do we need to consider, and is there a handbook that guides families through this process. We answer those listener questions and give practical insights. For more information and to contact Jill Sauber, please visit https://sauberlaw.com/ This has been prepared for general information purposes only. This information is not legal advice. Legal advice is dependent upon the specific circumstances of each situation and your family dynamics.  The information contained in this presentation or materials should not replace the advice of competent legal counsel licensed in your state. Jill Sauber helps clients navigate estate planning (as they focus on asset growth) to long-term care planning (where the focus shifts to asset preservation and care). After a death occurs, she helps resolve contested Will or Trust issues (litigation), counsels on Medical Assistance claims, and guides families through the probate process. Jill obtained her law degree from the University of St. Thomas School of Law and earned Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Minnesota in Biology, Physiology, and Mortuary Science. Her background and experience as a licensed mortician provides her with a unique perspective in both estate planning and elder law. She enjoys a broad-based Estate and Elder Law practice, with emphasis on long-term care planning, asset protection, government benefits, estate planning, estate administration (probate), trusts, litigation, and mortuary law. The diversity of her practice – both planning and litigation – affords her insight into ensuring that her clients' wishes are carried out in their final estate planning documents.  Her litigation experience includes successfully litigating long-term care insurance disputes, probate and trust disputes, and prosecuting financial exploitation cases. Jill focuses on special needs planning, which is unique planning for disabled individuals receiving government benefits, designed to ensure continued eligibility for those benefits.  She works closely with many attorneys to properly set up and fund Special Needs Trusts and advises on proper distributions out of those trusts to ensure compliance.  It is typical that such Special Needs Trusts are established following a large personal injury award, worker's compensation award, other settlement or inheritance. You may find Jill volunteering with the Wills for Heroes Program, the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MAC-V), or other community groups.  She is also a participant in the Minnesota Elder Justice Center, a Dementia Champion through the ACT on Alzheimer's Initiative, and a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA).  She is acting Treasurer of the Elder Law Governing Council of the Elder Law Section of the Minnesota State Bar Association, incoming President of the Minnesota NAELA Chapter, and an active member in American Bar Association Senior Lawyers Division committees. She is a frequent speaker and lecturer on topics related to elder law, financial exploitation, Medical Assistance (Minnesota Medicaid) benefits, capacity/cognitive issues, estate planning, and several other related topics. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, yoga, silversmithing, spending time at the dog park with her dog Zoey and hanging out with her husband Jamie at his restaurant brewpub in South Minneapolis. We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.  

How can we find connection? How can we engage with our loved ones during this time? Angela Burton, founder of Feet to the Fire Writers' Workshops® brings us through how to create purposeful experiences with our families and also ourselves. We also talk about the journey of Feet to the Fire Writers' Workshops®, the benefits of writing, and the powerful ways that writing and sharing our lives brings us together. Angela Burton is the Founder & Chief Writing Motivator of Feet to the Fire Writers' Workshops®, a creative program that inspires older adults to challenge themselves through expressive writing. Started in Louisville, KY in 2014, Feet to the Fire has expanded to develop a licensed train-the-facilitator program for senior living communities and wellness organizations. The program currently operates in seven U.S. states; in 2020, amidst the COVID pandemic, Feet to the Fire pivoted to launch a consumer version – writer's kits and virtual groups for those who are socially isolated by the pandemic, a needed way for people to fill up their days, writing the stories of their lives, finding purpose along the way.  She landed a spot in 2018 Louisville's WILD Accelerator for Female Founders program and has gained national attention since. Feet to the Fire was recognized as Next Avenue's Editor's Picks for 2018 and has been featured in McKnight's Senior Living (2019), MarketWatch, Forbes, and other publications. When COVID19 restricted senior living communities from having even small-group activities, Burton decided to keep their voices alive by starting a podcast, Feet to the Fire Writers' Workshops® OUTLOUD, featuring interviews with and stories read by the writers themselves. Currently, the podcast is being listened to in the U.S. and abroad – from Canada to the UK to Ireland and India! Burton was recently named a Next Avenue Influencer in Aging, sharing the spotlight with such greats as Dr. Vivek Murthy and Michael J. Fox, among others. Burton says, “We are driven by our social mission - to provide a meaningful way for people to express themselves through writing. The research tells us that writing is a useful tool for improving social/emotional and cognitive wellbeing. With the tragedy of a global pandemic, we know that people need resources such as ours to help them feel connected and heard, to bring them self-awareness and purpose, and to support their mental wellbeing as they age. We simply could not give up, rather move forward at a time when what we do is sorely needed.” Burton holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts and a B.A. in English from the University of Louisville. We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

In this episode, we talk with Wendy Adlerstein, Executive Director and Co-Owner of FirstLight Home Care. She brings to us her insight into how she is seeing the perspective shift in aging, especially in a home care setting. The secret sauce that makes up a great caregiver, what to look for when you hire a home care agency, encouraging a younger generation to look at caregiving as a great way to spend their time and foster meaningful relationships.   Wendy Adlerstein, LSW, who has more than 20 years of experience in working with seniors. She holds a B.A. in Psychology with a concentration in Sociology and Human Services. In addition to her Massachusetts License in Social Work, Wendy holds a Certificate in Gerontology from the Worcester Consortium Gerontology Program. She is a member of the Aging Life Care Association (ALCA), formerly the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.  Finally, Wendy is a Certified Dementia Practitioner in good standing from the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. Currently, she is Executive Director and Co-Owner of FirstLight Home Care of West Suburban Boston and FirstLight Home Care of Boston - Back Bay.  www.firstlighthomecare.com www.BostonBB.firstlighthomecare.com   We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

We all need those bright spots in our day. We talk with Jill Mahoney, she has been visiting senior living facilities prior to Covid-19 and has now used her time to bring joy and fight loneliness by making phone calls and connecting to seniors in their home. We discuss how those calls bring joy to each of us, encouraging others to reach out and do the same.  We talk about those reasons behind those calls, what we learn from them, how meaningful it is to families when the community reaches out, and the human desire to do something good in the world.  We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

With Gerontologist, Renee Skoglund, we explore the power of human touch, how intimacy and sexuality play a powerful role in our lives regardless of age. Covid-19 has highlighted what we have always previously taken for granted- a simple touch, a hug, or a kiss.  A look back through the generations to see where we've been and how it's shaped our perceptions today. Is there a rise in STD's for our senior population and what role, if any, do our senior living communities have in education and discussion? Renee Skoglund received her Bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Gerontology from Drake University and a Masters in Gerontology, from the University of Northern Colorado. She was awarded the Colorado Graduate Fellow and received the Graduate Deans Citation for Excellence. She has worked in the Gerontology field for over 30 years, focusing on creating, implementing, updating, managing, and improving programs for people over 50.  Programs included the creation of a hospital-based adult day program, a hospital-based membership program, starting her own company to maximize activity, engagement, and happiness, which result in a better quality of life. Several of the programs received national awards. She is the Executive Director at the Sanctuary in St. Cloud, MN. We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

Dr. Cameron Camp is the Director of Research and Development at the Center for Applied Research in Dementia. Dr. Camp is the creator of Montessori-Based Dementia Programming, an innovative approach to activities programming and daily life interactions that combines rehabilitation principles and educational techniques using the physical and cognitive abilities available to individuals. This method has proven very successful in engaging persons with dementia, as well as utilizing the person-centered care approach.  It was a privilege to interview Dr. Camp and learn about his background, how the Center for Applied Research and Dementia supports those with dementia and their loved ones, we learn about the founding principles of Maria Montessori and how those principles are integrated in care for a loved one. We look at shifting our focus from negative outcomes to what positive effects this method is producing and the great work that is being implemented through Dr. Camp and his team. We talk about how creating a community that offers choice fosters the best outcomes and creates a living environment we all strive for in person-centered care. For those looking for more information and for ways to have meaningful engagement with their loved one, especially during this time of isolation with Covid-19, please contact the Center for Applied Research in Dementia at https://www.cen4ard.com/    We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

Episode 57 of the Senior Care Industry Netcast is LIVE!https://www.asnmarketingplan.com/senior-care-industry-netcast-nicole-will/We were fortunate enough to have Nicole Will, https://willgather.com/, on the show, and she offered some great insight and #advice for other #seniorcare and #healthcare providers.Find all episodes here: https://www.asnmarketingplan.com/connect-listen-watch/Be a guest on our show: https://www.seniorcareindustrynetcast.com/netcast

We had the pleasure of interviewing Rachelle Morgan, Founder of Soundscaping Source. Soundscaping Source “helps older adults, caregivers and eldercare professionals find joy and connection in music.” We hear about how this business was created and how the universal power of music brings us together. We learn all about music therapy, the healthcare and clinical practice of music therapy, those benefits, and how caregivers can implement it- especially during a time of isolation using virtual tools. We talk about how caregivers can have meaningful experiences together and the powerful stories of music therapy at work. Rachelle Morgan, MA, MT-BC believes everyone deserves access to meaningful music experiences with their loved ones, no matter what cognitive or physical limitations may be getting in the way. She has been in music therapy clinical practice since 2004 and is the founder of Soundscaping Source, a private practice in Kansas City, where her team primarily serves older adults. They are also now providing music therapy and related services by telehealth across the country. Rachelle is on the faculty of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and is in high demand as a speaker and consultant on topics related to ethics, business, and music in eldercare. To learn more about how we can support you, visit soundscapingsource.com   For her free video series for caregivers on Finding Joy and Release Through Music, visit soundscapingsource.com/joy   Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather. More information can be found at www.willgatherpodcast.com    We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates!

We talk with Gerontologist, Renee Skoglund, about a topic that many family members and loved ones are faced with- Is my loved one safe to continue driving? What are those age-related changes that affect driving, how do we spot those warning signs that may affect driving, what can be put in place to remain safe, who makes the decision to take away the keys, how do we empower our loved one to make safe, independent decisions, and all things aging and driving. We give helpful tips on how to help your loved one transition and thrive if they are no longer able to drive. Renee's wisdom and insight into this topic, which is challenging for many, is not to be missed. Renee Skoglund received her Bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Gerontology from Drake University and a Masters in Gerontology, from the University of Northern Colorado. She was awarded the Colorado Graduate Fellow and received the Graduate Deans Citation for Excellence. She has worked in the Gerontology field for over 30 years, focusing on creating, implementing, updating, managing, and improving programs for people over 50.  Programs included the creation of a hospital-based adult day program, a hospital-based membership program, starting her own company to maximize activity, engagement, and happiness, which result in a better quality of life. Several of the programs received national awards. She is now the Executive Director of a senior living building. We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather. Born into a family of story-tellers she felt called to ask the questions and tell the stories. At her core, she is a collaborator and cheerleader for others by sharing the good work that they are doing in the world, and all for her favorite group of people- our elders.  Our hope is to create a sense of community, inspiring a vision of life-long learning and engagement. Growing up, Nicole's grandma was able to live with her family and became one of her closest friends. Inspired by this special relationship and passion, she went on to earn a Bachelors of Science degree in Human Services: Social Gerontology and became Activity Director Certified with NCCAP, working many years as a Director in a senior living facility overseeing their Therapeutic Recreation, Volunteer and Spiritual Care Departments and as a private elderly care companion. She is the founder of www.willGather.com which is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of our aging community by connecting Activity Directors and Therapeutic Recreation Professionals with vendors, venues, and others in the senior living industry.  

In this episode we interview, Shaun Mitra, the Founder and CEO of Briocare, which was recognized by AARP Innovation Labs. We discuss how AI Voice Technology helps seniors age in place, what is AI and how our elderly can benefit from it. We talk about how social engagement can be integrated and how family members can find peace of mind using a program like Briocare.  For more information visit www.briocare.us  Briocare uses voice AI technology to provide selfcare, companionship, support and communication for older adults to live happily and age gracefully/peacefully. We are very passionate about healthcare and technology, which is why we are at the forefront of improving quality of life for seniors and their caregivers.  At Briocare, we pride ourselves at helping older adults lead an independent life.  With your care and our technology, more people can enjoy happier and healthier lives even in their own homes.  Shaun Mitra, BE, MBA, is the Founder and CEO of Briocare. He is an Engineering graduate from Nat'l Institute of Technology, India and a magna cum laude MBA graduate from Scott School of Business in Indiana. Shaun has deep understanding of digital technologies including sensor based devices. His passion is to use voice technology to empower seniors for an active, healthy & purposeful life. He actively works with various senior associations and regional chapters to promote use of technology for Aging in Place. He is also a volunteer at the local Meals on Wheels chapter. We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather. Born into a family of story-tellers, as Nicole's dad is a documentary filmmaker, she felt called to ask the questions and tell the stories. She's most happy in the role of cheerleading for others and sharing the good work that they are doing in the world, and all for her favorite group of people-our elders. When Nicole was younger, their grandma came to live with her family and became one of her closest friends- seeing what life looked like as you age and what changes can take place. It was a gift to be able to have a front-row seat on having a loved one live out their final chapter and leave a legacy. Nicole found that the one unifying outlook that we all need is hope: the joy of something to look forward to, whether it's a visit from a loved one or friend, a party, a game, or a show. Our hope is to create a sense of community, inspiring a vision of life-long learning and engagement. Inspired by this passion, she went on to earn a Bachelors of Science degree in Human Services: Social Gerontology and became Activity Director Certified with NCCAP, working for many years as a Director in a senior living facility overseeing their Therapeutic Recreation, Volunteer and Spiritual Care Departments and as a private elderly care companion. She is the founder of www.willGather.com which is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of our aging community by connecting Activity Directors and Therapeutic Recreation Professionals with vendors, venues, and others in the senior living industry. 

In this episode, we talk with Jen Tindall, owner of Art Your Service, about what inspired her to create the Cultivating Gratitude program, what are the scientific benefits in practicing gratitude, those success stories, and how senior living facilities and family members can implement those programs.  Based in Whitby, Ontario Canada Jen Tindall is the owner of Art Your Service which creates and delivers meaningful activities and events for seniors. Her best-selling program in-a-box, Cultivating Gratitude, has been sold to hundreds of retirement and long term care homes across North America. She believes seniors haven't “lived” interesting lives but are still living them. Art Your Service makes sure all their events are people-centred and age-appropriate so that every senior can continue to live their best lives. Coming Soon: Daily virtual classes and socials for seniors. Find out more at www.artyourservice.org. We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather. Born into a family of story-tellers, as Nicole's dad is a documentary filmmaker, she felt called to ask the questions and tell the stories. She's most comfortable being a cheerleader for others and sharing the good work that they are doing in the world, and all for her favorite group of people- our elders.  When Nicole was younger, their grandma came to live with her family and became one of her closest friends- seeing what life looked like as you age and what changes can take place. It was a gift to be able to have a front-row seat on having a loved one live out their final chapter and leave a legacy. Nicole found that the one unifying outlook that we all need is hope: the joy of something to look forward to, whether it's a visit from a loved one or friend, a party, a game, or a show. Our hope is to create a sense of community, inspiring a vision of life-long learning and engagement. Inspired by this passion, she went on to earn a Bachelors of Science degree in Human Services: Social Gerontology and became Activity Director Certified with NCCAP, working many years as a Director in a senior living facility overseeing their Therapeutic Recreation, Volunteer and Spiritual Care Departments and as a private elderly care companion. She is the founder of www.willGather.com which is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of our aging community by connecting Activity Directors and Therapeutic Recreation Professionals with vendors, venues, and others in the senior living industry.

Turning the tables today! Join us as Jennifer Greene interviews our host, Nicole Will, for an in-depth discussion and question and answer session on keeping our elderly and seniors engaged during this time of isolation. Do you have a loved one at an assisted living facility, group home, or isolated at home during the Covid-19 pandemic? Learn how to keep your loved ones engaged in this time of isolation and social distancing, whether they remain at home or in a senior living facility, as well as how to take care of yourself.  Jennifer Greene is a powerhouse in the real estate investing world. She is the owner of Property Haus Partners, LLC. Property Haus is able to help when a loved one is transitioning out of their home. They can offer support and resources for family members and loved ones. They are a locally owned, family-operated company that has a vested interest to improve communities in Minnesota one house at a time. Property Haus Partners is a business whose brand is recognized for being competent, sincere, and compassionate to all those we encounter. We create solutions for people who need to sell their houses fast to create unity and cohesion in our local communities. More information can be found at https://www.propertyhauspartners.com/ Nicole Will is the founder of willGather (www.willGather.com) and holds a B.S. degree in Human Services: Social Gerontology and an ADC Certification with NCCAP. We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates!

In this quick call, we check in with Nicole Will, the tour operator behind Asheville Wellness Tours in North Carolina to learn how she is coping with the COVID-19 lockdown and how she plans to come back stronger. Nicole shares with us why she thinks it is ok to pause and get back to basics with your tour business. We also talk about how motivating it is to see our tour industry pulling together.

willGather is here to come alongside older adults, family members, and professionals in the senior living community as we explore the world of aging and eldercare. Nicole Will brings approachable conversations and insightful interviews to our listeners. She gathers helpful resources, valuable information, and practical tools that will encourage and give hope to caregivers as they navigate the aging journey with their loved ones for a more meaningful and fulfilled life. We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. For more information about our podcast and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather, LLC. 

Nicole Will and Sue Ann Fisher, owners of Asheville Wellness Tours, have created a network of local health and wellness practitioners and craft experiences to encourage connection with ourselves, others and nature. Discover what led them to Asheville and the creation of Asheville Wellness Tours and why they've chosen this niche market of wellness tourism. Nicole and Sue Ann share some great wellness travel tips and explore Asheville's wellness history from the past to the present. Find out how their network of health and wellness experts are carefully curated to include the best of the best so you are guaranteed the most memorable experience.

Nicole Will sat down with Tourpreneur Podcast Host Shane Whaley and shared why she decided to start her own tour business having worked as a tour guide for many years. We also discuss some of the challenges she has faced since launching her Asheville Wellness tours business which includes working with 50+ partners. Nicole also reveals why she picked Xola as her booking software partner and we learn more about her marketing and OTA strategy.

After being gone for several weeks as Jimmy and Will have dealt with the busyness that comes with summer, we’re back for a couple of months before Jimmy heads off for his much deserved six-month sabbatical (more on this coming up). In this episode of Keto Talk, Jimmy and Dr. Will Cole answer your questions about Keto For Type 1.5 Diabetes, Myasthenia Gravis, Keto For Cancer Support, Period Carb Cravings, Female Balancing Testosterone While Keto, and more! “It’s not always the goal to produce higher and higher ketones, you should be at a therapeutic level for you.” Dr. Will Cole Why do we have to be “at war” over our food choices?  Welcome to the 2020 diet wars HOT TOPICS: Why do I have pain in my kidneys when I am in the midst of doing intermittent fasting? Why are my blood ketones low when I am intermittent fasting, but then go higher when I eat dietary fat? Are there any concerns about having much higher blood ketone levels in the 5-8 range while extended fasting? Is it worse on the body to do a 2000-calorie OMAD vs. spreading out the food over a couple of meals in a feeding window? Why do I get major diarrhea whenever I take any dosage level of magnesium in supplement form? Paid advertisement “My goal would to have a blood ketone level of zero, but all the benefits of nutritional ketosis. I want to use up all of the ketones I make.” Jimmy Moore HEALTH HEADLINES: PBFA and Upton’s Naturals challenge Mississippi law restricting plant-based and cell-cultured ‘meat’ labeling Carbs: How low can we go? Comparisons to Soda Reveal Unexpected Consequences of Drinking Fruit Juice A cancer researcher who’s been keto for 6 years thinks our modern diets are an ‘axis of illness’ — here’s what he eats instead Pompe disease STUDY: Low-carb diets like keto ‘reduce diabetes and stroke risk even without weight loss’ Paid advertisement Your Questions: – Is engaging in fasting or a low-carb/keto diet a prudent nutritional strategy for someone with Type 1.5 diabetes? Hey guys, My question is about my mom who is in her 60s and was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes a few years ago. Her diabetic nurse jokes she is a Type 1.5 because her pancreas is not producing much insulin. She eats a low-carb diet but still has trouble controlling her blood sugar. It’s not out of control but higher than ideal. She says there doesn’t seem to be any discernible pattern to it.  Her diabetic nurse has her on a consistent low dose of insulin daily. At her last check-up she was spilling a little protein into her urine. I encourage her to try eating less veggies to lower carb count because she eats tons of them. But she does eat lots of eggs, cheese, and nuts. I think those are her main staples apart from the veggies. She eats healthy fats but maybe not enough of them and some berries as well.  I know she’s not a big fan of eating meat—no pork or chicken. She used to drink a glass of wine at night but I think she’s cut back on that. She tried fasting but it didn’t agree with her. I’m now wondering if she’s fat-adapted. She says sometimes she is lightheaded in the morning which makes me think her blood sugar or blood pressure is low at that time. Or maybe she needs more electrolytes like salt. I’m wondering if because her pancreas doesn’t work well whether fasting or low-carb/keto are still a good treatment protocol.  Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated as she gets frustrated and scared and I don’t know what else to suggest. Thanks for taking the time to read this!   Nicole – Will eating a ketogenic diet cause the condition Myasthenia Gravis to become worse? Hey Keto Talk dudes, My ears perked up when I heard Jimmy mention that his mom suffers with Myasthenia Gravis (MG) in a recent episode. I have been searching for MG and keto information, but there doesn’t seem to be much connection with them. I had been low-carb off and on for years, but this past January decided to try a more strict keto plan to “clean up” after an indulgent holiday season. Within a week I woke up with an odd drooping eyelid and a few days later started suffering from intermittent but terrible double vision. After several visits to the eye doctor and a neuroopthalmologist that included an expensive MRI and inconclusive blood tests plus other weird symptoms of intermittent but profound weakness in my legs and neck, he thought I had MG. Of course, he blamed keto for bringing it on. But now he’s got me wondering if keto is doing more harm than good with this condition. I’m willing to take any supplements or do other strategies to help with this so I can stay on my keto diet. Thanks for helping me with this,   Louise – Where can you turn to find quality information and professional support for treating cancer with a ketogenic approach? Hey Jimmy and Dr. Cole, I have been doing a ketogenic/LCHF diet for three years on my own after reading Keto Clarity and listening to your podcast. Now my mother has been diagnosed with lung cancer and her functional medicine doctor is encouraging her to begin keto. I know there is a difference between what I am doing and what is necessary for therapeutic levels of ketosis for something like cancer. My question is where can we find information on or get guidance from someone who can guide her through starting this diet correctly? Every cancer center has dieticians available, but none of them know anything about keto or fasting or anything remotely useful other than “drink Ensure” “don’t lose weight” “eat plenty of calories” etc. Where do you find someone with real knowledge? Lee – How can I control the major carb cravings that overcome me during my time of the month? Hi Jimmy and Will,  I started listening to your podcast in the Fall and began seeing a Naturopath which has changed my life! I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and started taking supplements to balance my hormones and heavy painful periods. I began taking desiccated thyroid about a month ago and it has made a huge difference to my energy and mood levels. I have not eaten sugar in over 6 weeks which I have found to be very helpful in balancing my hormones and moods. My periods are not as heavy but still very heavy and I struggle with major carbohydrate cravings right before my period starts. I usually end up caving in and eating pizza or something very carby then feeling terrible the next day. Any helpful suggestions for managing this? Do I need to up my fat or protein intake around this time of the month?  Thank you very much,    Christine  KETO TALK MAILBOX: – How can I effectively balance my testosterone levels as a woman without resorting to a hysterectomy or oral contraceptives? Hi Jimmy & Will, I could use some ideas from you about balancing testosterone. I am 36 years old, have been keto for almost a year, and dropped 35 pounds effortlessly. I have PCOS and stopped taking oral contraceptives after 20 years of use. I cannot tell you how much better I feel off of them. However, my testosterone levels are now quite high. I have used the at home Everlywell hormone testing and it measured at 159ng/dl (normal 16-55). The hair on top of my head is very thin, my cycles are unpredictable with a lot of mid-cycle spotting, and I have painful large zits on my face, neck, and chest. I found an article on PubMed referencing licorice root as an aid to lower testosterone in women. So I started taking a conservative dose to start (1g, recommended was 3.5g). What else can I do to help this? When I went to my OBGYN with my concerns, his options were to have a total hysterectomy so I don’t have to deal with periods, get back on oral contraceptives, or an IUD. The only lab work he wanted to run was a CBC to make sure I wasn’t anemic from all the bleeding.  I have made so much progress with keto so far eliminating pain from the cysts and getting my blood sugar and weight under control that I refuse to believe I have to take hormones to make this better. The only other lab markers that were off was my end of day cortisol at 3.4ng/ml (n=0.4-1.0), and my progesterone:estradiol ratio at 49 (n=100-500). My estrogen was previously low so I started supplementing with a phytoestrogen. I think stopping that will bring this ratio back down. I am reluctant to spend my time going to another MD if those are my options. Thanks,   Nicole

Nicole Will, an art adviser in New York (Will Art Advisory) brings Ally and Steve to three different shows in lower Manhattan to meet artists and discuss their work. Caris Reid, walks them through her show "Sub Rosa" at the Denny Gallery. Jess Johnson shows at the Jack Hanley gallery (where Ally experiences a trippy virtual reality experience). Lastly, they visit a showing of Karl Wirsum's work at the Derek Eller gallery.

It's the concluding part of Rob's mysterious chapter. Will Natalia engage in watersports with Rebecca as instructed to do so by Nicole? Will she go through with her darstadly plot to kill Daniel? More importantly - What on earth is Faye's secret!? All will be revealed this week and you won't be dissapointed!