The Impact of Hearing Loss and Thoughtful Gift Ideas

Join Wendy and Kristen Hinderliter, AU.D., in the latest episode of Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging, where they tackle the age-old question: “What? Do I have hearing loss?” Get ready for a lively discussion as they uncover the subtle signs of hearing loss in its connection to word understanding. Curious about when to get your hearing evaluated? We've got the scoop and trust us it's earlier than you think! Dive into the fascinating world of earwax, tinnitus, vertigo, and that pesky plugged-up feeling and how it’s all tied to hearing loss. But wait, there's more! Explore the latest technological advances in hearing aids and discover how you can customize them to fit seamlessly into your life. Wendy and Kristen spill the beans on the numerous benefits of having your ears checked, including a potential boost to your happiness and social life. Don't miss out on this enlightening and informative conversation about your ears and hearing loss. Have questions about this episode? Do you have topics you want us to cover in an upcoming episode? Contact us: www.NextSteps4Seniors.com 248.651.5010 hello@nextsteps4seniors.com Facebook/Instagram: Conversations on Aging

In this episode of Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging, Wendy is joined by Charles Dunn, CEO of Optalis Health and Rehabilitation Centers, and Corinna Denhart, Director of Nursing. Together, they delve into the crucial topic of “Staying Safe: Aging in Place.” Discover the primary challenges of aging and how to take proactive measures to prevent and plan for them. Gain insights into training your body for a consistent bathroom schedule. Identify the signs of dehydration while understanding the impact on the body dehydration presents. Wendy, Charles, and Corinna share valuable tips on creating a safe environment, the impact of dehydration, and the purpose of rehabilitation centers. They even will give you a history lesson on the evolution of skilled care for senior citizens. Join this enlightening conversation with three seasoned experts dedicated to helping seniors age gracefully and safely. Have questions about this episode? Do you have topics you want us to cover in an upcoming episode? Contact us: www.NextSteps4Seniors.com 248.651.5010 hello@nextsteps4seniors.com Facebook/Instagram: Conversations on Aging

As we step into the year 2024, emotions may vary - some find it exhilarating, while others might feel a sense of apprehension. Have the recent holidays brought noticeable changes in your loved ones, prompting consideration for their safety? In this episode, Wendy addresses the crucial topic of “Next Steps 4 You” providing insights into available options to ensure the well-being of your aging loved ones. Wendy and her experienced team at Next Steps 4 Seniors have collectively amassed over 100 years of knowledge, forming the foundation of an organization dedicated to facilitating graceful aging. During this episode, Wendy delves into various choices for your loved ones, such as living at home, home care companies, independent living facilities, assisted living facilities, memory care facilities, and adult foster care. Each option, however, comes with its associated costs and the right choice depends on your unique situation. To aid those in need of guidance and expert advice, Wendy encourages reaching out to Next Steps 4 Seniors at 248.651.5010. Sharing a poignant moment Wendy reads a touching prayer by Caroline Haynali, emphasizing the emotional aspect of caring for aging individuals. (www.alzheimers.net/poem-alzheimers-patients-prayer) Recognized as a leader in the senior living industry, Next Steps 4 Seniors invites you to make the call, promising education, attentive listening, and guidance tailored to align with the desires of both you and your loved ones. The organization’s well-established process, coupled with a team of dedicated placement specialists and a database full of vetted partners ensures a personalized approach. Take the first step towards informed decisions and compassionate care by contacting Next Steps 4 Seniors today. Have questions about this episode? Do you have topics you want us to cover in an upcoming episode? Contact us: www.NextSteps4Seniors.com 248.651.5010 hello@nextsteps4seniors.com Facebook/Instagram: Conversations on Aging www.NextSteps4SeniorsFoundation.org past episodes mentioned which you can find on your favorite podcast platforms: Hearing Health and Heartfelt Gifts Impact of Aging on Driving Medicare & You

Discover the crucial insights into evaluating your loved ones driving capabilities in this week's episode of Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging. Host Wendy Jones is joined by Bill Cataldo, former Chief Trial attorney of Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, along with Traffic Accident Reconstruction expert and Crash Investigator, Tim Brown. Together, they delve into the vital question: when should a loved one stop driving? In this compelling conversation, Wendy, Bill, and Tim dissect the imperative reasons for assessing driving abilities as individuals age. They explore real-life scenarios of common crashes and accidents involving seniors, shedding light on potential civil and criminal infractions. Gain valuable knowledge as they discuss the nuances between crashes and accidents, unravel the most frequent violations, and share practical examples from extensive experiences. As the episode unfolds, Wendy reveals actionable insights on addressing the challenge of convincing senior loved ones to cease driving. With Wendy’s empathetic approach and Tim and Bill’s firsthand expertise, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide to keeping everyone safe on the road. Tune in now for an engaging discussion that combines compassion, expertise, and practical advice. Don't miss out on this crucial information shared in this episode of Next Steps4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging. Have questions about this episode? Have topics you want us to cover in an upcoming episode? Contact us: www.NextSteps4Seniors.com 248.651.5010 hello@nextsteps4seniors.com Facebook/Instagram: Conversations on Aging www.tdbassociates.net Tim Brown and Associates: 586.225.7600 info@tdbassociates.net

This week on Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging, Wendy is sharing a unique episode to bring the awareness of food insecurity within the senior population to light. Wendy invited Dr. Phil Knight from the Food Bank Council of Michigan to a previously recorded show in September of this year. Wendy shares the first segment of that program here. You will have the opportunity to listen to that show in its entirety by clicking on the link below. Then Wendy was a guest on Dr. Phil Knight’s radio show on WJR AM radio a few weeks ago. They touch on subjects on food insecurity in our senior population, how Next Steps 4 Seniors and Next Steps 4 Seniors Foundation are navigating all the calls they are getting for food requests. Further into the program, Wendy will share what her business and the foundation; a completely separate entity, do to help bridge the gap for this “forgotten middle”. Dr. Knight and Wendy will wrap up the show on resources and how to equip our partners and our community to help out. Grab a cup of tea, sit back, and listen to an enlightening episode about an extreme gap we are seeing in food insecurity within our senior population. Have questions about this episode? Have topics you want us to cover in an upcoming episode? Contact us: www.NextSteps4Seniors.com 248.651.5010 hello@nextsteps4seniors.com Facebook/Instagram: Conversations on Aging Standing in the Gap: Next Steps 4 Seniors | WDTK The Patriot - Detroit, MI (patriotdetroit.com) TO DONATE: Next Steps 4 Seniors Foundation | Kindful www.nextsteps4seniorsfoundation.org https://www.fbcmich.org/ 800-552-4483 Facebook: Dr. Phil Knight – Food Council of Michigan Food First Podcast (on all your favorite podcast platforms)

Join Wendy as she sits down with the knowledgeable and delightful Bob Mannor from the Mannor Law Group, PLLC in the latest Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging episode. Bob, an Estate and Elder Law Attorney brings a calming knowledge to the show as he and Wendy dive deep into the world of being prepared as you age with grace and peace of mind. In this insightful conversation, Wendy and Bob explore the ins and outs of navigating the golden years and all the documents you need to prepare. Ever wondered when to enlist the help of an estate attorney? Or perhaps, what sets an Elder Law attorney apart from an estate attorney? Fear not, as Wendy and Bob shed light on these questions, guiding you through the process of seeking professional advice. Grab your favorite pen and notepad because this dynamic duo delves into the must-have documents for a worry-free aging journey. Wendy and Bob will discuss the power of attorneys, wills, and trusts to prenuptial agreements and care contracts. They touch on the veteran’s benefit aid and attendance and even share some Medicaid strategies. Stay until the end to learn about a Lady Bird Deed, adding another intriguing layer to the mix. Remember, the time to bring these superheroes of law into your life is when you are healthy. Get comfy, relax, and soak in the wealth of information. Your future self will thank you for the peace of mind you are about to cultivate for yourself and your loved ones. Next Steps 4 Seniors www.NextSteps4Seniors.com 248.651.5010 hello@nextsteps4seniors.com Follow us on Facebook @Conversations on Aging Mannor Law Group, PLLC www.mannorlawgroup.com 800.990.6030 podcast: Advice from your Advocate

This week on Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging, Wendy invites Alissa Agnoli of Caring Transitions to dive into the art of simplifying your life. Tune in as Wendy and Alissa chat about the importance of planning for a clutter-free future while everyone is in a calm and peaceful state of mind and health. Discover how taking this proactive step can help alleviate anxiety and provide an opportunity for everyone to reflect on their cherished possessions. Get the inside scoop on how Caring Transitions gracefully guides families through the entire process. The first consultation creates a game plan to declutter, and mark wanted items, host estate sales, space planning for “rightsizing” and even the nitty gritty of packing, moving, and unpacking. Caring Transitions is your trusted companion every step of the way. Wendy and Alissa touch on the top 6 areas of clutter in our homes that deserve our constant decluttering attention. Plus, they share insights on why estate sales are best left in the capable hands of professionals. Join in on the laughter, insights, and practical tips for simplifying your life. Have questions about this episode? Have topics you want us to cover in an upcoming episode? Contact us: www.NextSteps4Seniors.com 248.651.5010 hello@nextsteps4seniors.com Facebook/Instagram: Conversations on Aging www.caringtransitions.com Caring Transitions Oakland Macomb 248.783.6284 aagnoli@caringtransitions.com Facebook: Caring Transitions Oakland Macomb

In this week’s episode of Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging, join Wendy as she delves into two topics close to her heart with a perfect blend of expertise and sincerity. The first half of the episode focuses on the crucial connection between hearing and its relationship with brain health. Wendy intricately explores the detection of hearing loss, emphasizing how it often becomes apparent to others before self-realization. She provides comprehensive guides on when, where, how, and why annual hearing check-ups are paramount, concluding with a compelling argument for the importance of auditory health. Wendy smoothly transitions into the second segment of the show, where she shares invaluable insights into thoughtful and practical gifts for the holiday season. As we navigate the challenge of finding the perfect gifts for our elder family members and friends, Wendy’s suggestions center around items that foster independence and prioritize safety. Instead of defaulting to the belief that they “have everything,” consider gifts that contribute to their well-being. Wendy curates a list of excellent gift ideas that not only make holiday shopping easier but also serve to enhance the lives of senior family members and friends. These thoughtful presents support independent living and contribute to the overall happiness of seniors while offering peace of mind to both families and caregivers. Explore our curated list on our Facebook page: Conversations on Aging or send us an email at Hello@nextsteps4seniors and we will send you “The List” with links on where to purchase! Gift ideas include safety and monitoring devices, technology, including smartwatches and apps, activity boxes, and meal delivery sites. We want to share the products we like! www.NextSteps4Seniors.com 248.651.5010 hello@nextsteps4seniors.com

Welcome to the latest episode of Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging. Wendy invites her esteemed colleague, Kim Russell, as they reflect on a recent event addressing the prevalent issue of fraud and scams in the senior population. Wendy and Kim will delve into the intricacies of types of common frauds and scams and ways to fraud protection. Wendy and Kim articulate the most common warning signs, offer insights on identifying callers and scammers, highlight free resources for those who have fallen victim, and impart essential advice on self-protection. This is an episode for everyone out there! Free Resource mentioned in this episode: Reporting Fraud: Experian: 888-397-3742 TransUnion: 888-909-8872 or 800-6890-7289 Equifax: 800-525-6285 FTC: 877-ID-THEFT or 877-438-4338 or www.ftc.gov/idtheft USPS: www.usps.com/postalinspectors The Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue Service (SS or IRS) will always notify you by mail. Free Credit Report: 877-322-8228 or www.annualcreditreport.com Questions? 248.651.5010 or hello@nextsteps4seniors.com

In episode #5 of Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging, host Wendy Jones really focuses on medication with Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital pharmacist Cristina Blazer. Wendy, previously in the pharmacy field, and Cristina cover the medication topic in great detail in this episode which is properly named “All About Meds.” Wendy and Cristina discuss the most common medications seniors are taking, when and how to take medications, how incorrect dosing can lead to hospitalization, the difference between an open-door and closed-door pharmacy, how to discard medications, how and when to get a pharmacist involved and so much more. This is definitely an episode you will want to save and share with anyone who is currently taking medication or is helping someone at home take medications. Find us: Next Steps 4 Seniors www.nextsteps4seniors.com 248.651.5010 hello@nextsteps4seniors.com FaceBook: conversations on aging (make sure to follow our page for daily information) All your favorite podcast platforms: NextSteps4Seniors Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital healthcare.ascension.org 248.650.2155