Navigating the World with Your Aging Loved One

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

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Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

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 can we promote independence, maximize safety, and improve the quality of life for older adults and caregivers? My guests today are two individuals dedicated to improving the lives of seniors and those who care for them. Benjamin Surmi, a social gerontologist and Director of Education and Culture at Koelsch Communities, and Lindsay DeLong, the founder of EquipMeOT, an EOT wellness company. Lindsay is an occupational therapist with 10 years of experience, focusing on the adult population in home health equipment. EquipMeOT is a content creation platform and product development company that specializes in modifications and adaptations to maximize safety and quality of life throughout the lifespan.

Together, Benjamin and Lindsay have a passion for sharing information with older adults and their family caregivers. Today, we will explore tips and tools to help seniors and caregivers navigate daily life with ease and comfort. We will discuss common mobility challenges faced by older adults and how to overcome them. We talk about practical tips for family caregivers to ensure the safety of their loved ones living at home and in senior living communities. We address the delicate balance between promoting independence and ensuring their safety, while also providing support.

We also discuss effective communication strategies for discussing fall prevention, and how senior living communities can play a role in providing resources and support for older adults and families in the community. We talk about the misconception that a change in mobility status is not always permanent. Benjamin and Lindsay share insights on how to bring attention to adaptive tools and modifications in a non-intimidating manner, ensuring that individuals and their families are aware of the possibilities that can improve mobility and overall quality of life. Benjamin and Lindsay share strategies for preventing caregiver burnout when caring for loved ones with mobility challenges. Their insights and expertise are making a positive impact in the lives of many people. I am delighted to have them here, and you won't want to miss this interview. Thank you, Benjamin and Lindsay, for the informative and fun conversation!

Learn more at https://koelschseniorcommunities.com/ & https://equipmeot.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 the 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.

Resilience, hope, and transformation.  For almost a year, Natalie Elliott Handy's husband, Jason, had been experiencing swollen lymph nodes in his neck, and after numerous doctor visits and biopsies, he was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma P16+.

Natalie shares how the caregiving journey changed her relationship with her husband and how she transitioned from a wife to a caregiver. She learned that being a caregiver is not just about performing tasks, but rather comprised of almost 40 different roles. She shares how the journey also pushed her to reprioritize her life.

We explore the importance of being present and an advocate during caregiving, including the need for continuity of care and updates to loved ones. We also discuss the often overlooked side effect of caregiving - how it changes relationships and leads to complicated emotions and grief. Natalie shares her experience of transitioning from being a wife to a caregiver and taking on different roles. This experience led her and her sisters to create a podcast based on their caregiving journey.

Thank you, Natalie, for sharing so honestly your story of resilience and hope - encouraging us to embrace the journey, find the good moments in every day, and live a joy-filled life.

Learn more at www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.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.

There is a common misconception that older adults are no longer interested in or capable of having sex. Studies show that more than 50% of men and 30% of women among 1000 adults surveyed aged 65-80 are sexually active. The vast majority of older adults in a relationship report being satisfied with their sexual life. Research also indicates that older adults want to discuss their sexual health and how to optimize their sexual functioning.

My guest today is Dr. Regina Koepp, a board-certified clinical psychologist and founder of the Center for Mental Health & Aging. She is also the creator and host of the Psychology of Aging podcast and a contributing writer at Psychology Today and Psychotherapy Networker. She has been featured in various news outlets, NY Times, Chicago Tribune, Katie Couric Media, News Nation, and many other news outlets. Currently, she holds the role of lead medical psychologist at the University of Vermont Medical Center. She is also the creator of the only dementia and sexual health certification program in the United States.

As we address these common misconceptions and the negative impact the stereotypes could have on the sexual health of older adults, we are providing accurate information about the sexual health of older adults and promoting healthy sexuality to improve the quality of life for all people. In our conversation, we talk about the frequency of sexual activity among older adults, the benefits of sex later in life, coping strategies for new disabilities or chronic illnesses, how we can be empowered in our sexual expression, and the importance of talking about sexually transmitted infections among older adults. We also discuss dementia and sexuality and how we can improve education and awareness around this topic. We look at how healthcare providers and families can better address the sexual health needs of their older adults and loved ones in their life. Thank you, Dr. Koepp, for the important conversation. I'm so thankful for your work and advocacy for sexual health.

Learn more at Center for Mental Health and Aging at www.mentalhealthandaging.com

New course on aging and sexual health is available on Friday 5/5. Sign up now HERE.

Dementia and Sexual Health Basics Course:

https://courses.mentalhealthandaging.com/p/dementia-sexual-health-basics-ceu-on-demand

Dementia and Sexual Health Certification Course: https://courses.mentalhealthandaging.com/p/dementia-sexual-health-certification-waitlist

*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.

“She sits in front of the man who raised her, served as her role model and supported her throughout life’s most challenging moments. And she misses him. She touches his face, holds his hands, searches his empty eyes. But still, she misses him.”  These are the words spoken by Karla Hult, founder of So Many Goodbyes and award-winning journalist. In her own words, Karla started a marathon called Alzheimer’s with her father and experienced all the challenges, grief, decisions, and moments of joy with her family during the nine-year journey. This became her motivation to create So Many Goodbyes.

As a public speaker, Karla provides workshops for families, caregivers, older adults, and senior living communities, offering mentorship to families currently in the throes of Alzheimer's to bridge the gap of communication between families and caregivers. During our interview, Karla shared her story, how her father's diagnosis changed her family, the truth about Alzheimer's, staggering numbers, and all the goodbyes that families experience when they walk through this with their loved ones. Karla sees the pressing need for support, and her family's story has opened doors for others to do the same.

She is hopeful about the movement of awareness around Alzheimer's and the initiatives she's seen in the space. Karla has an amazing support network that she pulls education and information from. Her message is simple: "We're in this together, and you are not alone." I am honored to have interviewed Karla and to highlight the wonderful work she is doing, not only nationally but also in my community. Thank you, Karla, for sharing your story and supporting others so beautifully. I'm so grateful for you!

Learn more at www.somanygoodbyes.com

Karla Hult is an Emmy, Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite award-winning journalist who's worked in eight different newsrooms throughout the country. Her favorite stories include those touching on international, political and cultural issues and, of course, stories shared from the heart, including her award-winning work on her family’s own Alzheimer’s journey.

*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.

"One thing is for sure: no one plans on being a dementia caregiver when they grow up," said Kitty Norton, a filmmaker and director of "Wine, Women, and Dementia". Her first feature film, a documentary reveals the profound burden that family caregivers shoulder as they care for their loved ones with dementia. This burden includes isolation, financial strain, and physical and emotional exhaustion that affect both the caregiver and the care recipient.

Kitty Norton, a former family caregiver to her mom, decided to embark on a cross-country RV journey to visit five other caregivers who she had formed a close bond with through their shared experiences. Despite having only interacted online, their in-person meeting allowed them to share deeply personal and humorous stories about their lives as caregivers. Through their stories, the documentary "Wine, Women, and Dementia" provides a raw and honest portrayal of the realities of caring for someone with dementia, including both the challenges and moments of beauty. Ultimately, the film celebrates the themes of perseverance, devotion, and the importance of finding joy in the difficult journey of caring for a loved one with dementia.

In an interview, Kitty and I talk about her inspiration behind the film, what motivated her to create a space for caregivers to feel acknowledged, how we can come together through our common experiences and emotions as caregivers, and how storytelling helps caregivers feel connected to each other and build a sense of community. We also discuss the challenges and barriers that caregivers can face when they seek support, how caregivers can be encouraged to live out loud and share their stories and experiences with others, and how it benefits our caregiver community. We look at how the film industry can better represent the experiences of caregivers, and all the details about filming, including what it was like meeting everybody for the first time and where the journey took them.

This film is a true representation of what an estimated 16 million unpaid dementia family caregivers go through. Kitty says it has been a "road trip connecting a disconnected community because until there's a cure, there's community". Thank you, Kitty, for making this film, for your honesty, your humor and for persevering to see this vision come to life!

Learn more at https://www.winewomenanddementia.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

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Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

The majority of older adults over the age of 65 are taking 15 to 18 medications annually, which can lead to an increase in hospitalization and also has a cost of nearly $21 billion annually. My guest today is Dr. DeLon Canterbury, founder and CEO of GeriatRx, a telehealth concierge consulting service that focuses on helping overwhelmed caregivers and clinicians prevent their loved ones from being overmedicated. Dr. Canterbury advocates for genetic drug screening, deprescribing, and health cost savings strategies. During the interview, Dr. Canterbury discusses one of his personal challenges - watching his grandmother decline due to medication-related issues. This experience motivated him to create GeriatRx in order to prevent older adults and families from experiencing similar struggles.

We talk about his story and his advocacy in pharmacology, the important changes that need to happen in our healthcare industry, and the concerns with geriatric pharmacology at the moment. We also discuss how we can support family caregivers, what overmedication means, what important questions to ask our healthcare providers, and what we should look for to understand the root cause of some of these issues, as well as where we should start in deprescribing.

He is hopeful as he shares what he has seen in the growing improvement in the space, and how he supports professionals, families, and older adults with his holistic and evidence-based approach. I've had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know Dr. DeLon in person. What a joy it is to have him as a colleague. Thank you for your important work, Dr. DeLon!

Learn more at www.geriatrx.org

*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.

A cancer diagnosis can bring forth a myriad of emotions not only for the patient but also for their caregivers and partners. Cancer can also deeply impact our relationships. My guest today is Cynthia Hayes, author of "The Big Ordeal: Understanding and Managing the Psychological Turmoil of Cancer". Cynthia based her work on interviews with hundreds of cancer patients and experts, including oncologists, psychologists, exercise physiologists, and neuroscientists. Through their insights and stories, Cynthia takes us through the chronological progression of emotional turmoil typically experienced during cancer.

You will find that you are not alone, Cynthia shares the wisdom of those who have gone before us. We look at what caregivers should understand about the emotional experience of cancer, why emotional health is not a mainstream concern among oncology practitioners, and how these emotions affect the patient, how as a caregiver we can balance our own emotions and needs with those of the patient, how we can support our loved ones in recovery. We dive into the science behind how our brains and bodies process all of this information coming at us, and how cancer can change our relationships with friends and loved ones, including our physically intimate relationships.

This conversation is a valuable resource for patients and caregivers who are dealing with the emotional challenges of cancer. Cynthia, thank you for sharing your story and work with us! I have already recommended your book to many others, as it has become my go-to resource for supporting those with cancer and providing clarity in difficult circumstances.

Learn more at thebigordeal.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

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Having a conversation about finances with our aging parents can be challenging, but it doesn’t always have to be. However, it’s important that we have these conversations, ensuring that they have financial security and peace of mind.

My guest today is Cameron Huddleston. She is an author, speaker, and award-winning journalist with more than 20 years of experience writing about personal finance. At the age of 35, Cameron stepped into the caregiving role for her mom who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. This inspired her to write the book "Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk: How to Have Essential Conversations with Your Parents About Their Finances". She realized how important it was to have money talks with our loved ones before an emergency or health issue arises. She helps families break the taboo of talking about money, and she brings all of her knowledge as the role of Director of Education and Content for Carefull, the financial safety service, to help protect aging adults' daily finances.

Today, we talk about why this conversation is so intimidating, how many people avoid having this conversation, and understanding why our parents and loved ones are reluctant to go there to talk about finances. We also discuss the cost if we wait and don’t plan ahead, how we can get our siblings involved, how we can be set up for success and prepared for these important dialogues, what not to say, how we can initiate conversation in a positive way, plan for the future cost of long-term care, and how we want an agent in place and what documents are important to put in place. We also discuss what we can do if Mom or Dad can’t pay for care or medical bills and what resources are available to us to help our parents age well. Lastly, we talk about how we can pay it forward and start talking to our kids. This is the greatest gift we can give our loved ones - to have all of our financial and legal documents in place. Thank you, Cameron, for the insightful conversation!

Learn more at cameronhuddleston.com &  www.getcarefull.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.

These sisters have captivated my attention, and I believe they will captivate yours too. They are the ultimate hype women for a journey that none of us expected to be in. Natalie Elliott Handy, J.J. Elliott Hill, and Emilie Elliott are the founders of the Sisterhood of Care, an organization offering caregivers a safe place to relate, learn, be inspired, find help, and obtain the critical resources needed to support their loved ones while also maintaining their sense of self. They share all the good, challenging, hard, humorous, and confessional moments on their podcast, Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver.

The sisters are caregivers for their mother, who has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. They have experienced a roller coaster of emotions, and their lives have been turned upside down. They stepped in to support their mom during a medical crisis and knew it was time to make a change. In this episode, we talk about their story, why they started the podcast, how they knew it was time to move their mom, the unique challenges and rewards of caregiving with siblings, the impact caregiving has on the family, how to be a powerful advocate for your loved ones, how we show up in caregiving when we are long-distance, and the many ways we can take our story and see change and be a powerful force for good. You don't want to miss this episode. The sisters have become very dear to me, and I believe in the power of community when we can all come together and support each other. Thank you, Natalie and J.J.!

Learn more at confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

About Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

"Offering a candid, unfiltered space to confess the good, the bad, and the ugly of being a caregiver, the sisters harness the power of relationships and technology to relate, educate, inspire, and provide resources to individuals of all ages. Through storytelling, guest interviews and information sharing, JJ, Natalie, and Emilie, along with their guests, discuss their shared experiences. Viewers and listeners alike will relate to our reluctance, be affirmed in their ability to be a caregiver themselves, and gain the courage to step out of the shadows to confidently express their own needs. Caregivers are sure to laugh, cry, and everything in between but in the end, all will leave feeling better for the journey and part of the sisterhood of care."

*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

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As we age, where we live matters, but more importantly, we need to ask ourselves a question: What can I put in place that gives me independence, quality of life, dignity, wellness, and allows me to do what I love?

As families and older adults, we face decisions, and at times need to contemplate our next move. The emotional struggles and stigmas around a potential move to a community or setting up more support at home weigh on our minds.

My guest today is Catherine Owens, Owner of CLO Consulting & Author of Be Your Own Hero: Senior Living Decisions Simplified, Senior Living Industry expert, and Aging Well authority.

In her book and in our conversation today, we look at making proactive and educated decisions, rather than making decisions in crisis, and understanding the difference between aging in place and putting in place tools to age well. Catherine urges us as families and older adults to have difficult but necessary conversations so we can understand the decision process and how it can benefit families and the senior living communities that they’re considering. We look at how we define independence and quality of life, changing the idea and redefining what successful aging looks like by putting in place what we need to continue aging well.

It’s important that we ask those important questions: What environment will support the quality of life that I want to have? I loved this conversation with Catherine as she’s bringing together the two worlds of senior living and aging in place. This is an important conversation as she calls us to be our own heroes, be proactive, and educate ourselves on all that’s available so we can have a life full of purpose, joy, and meaning. Thank you, Catherine!

Learn more at CatherinelOwens.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.

There are many ways in which caregiving transforms our lives. We are always in a balancing act, whether it’s balancing our careers,  managing our families, or caring for loved ones that are older.

Today, my guest is Liz O’Donnell. She is the founder of Working Daughter, a community for women who are balancing elder care, career, and more. She is an award-winning writer, and her book, "Working Daughter: A Guide for Caring for Your Aging Parents While Earning a Living," was named one of the best books of the year by Library Journal. Liz is a former family caregiver and is often recognized as an expert on working while caregiving. She has written on the topic for many different outlets, including The Atlantic and Harvard Business Review, and she has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Oprah Magazine, and more. Liz also serves on the Executive Board for Fast Company.

Today, Liz and I talk about Working Daughter and the honesty in those real emotions that we feel when we’re caring for others. We discussed how to juggle work and care, knowing that we need support, how we go from victim to boss, what is the caregivers gain, and what we experience in this complicated world of relationships and family dynamics. We also talk about how to redefine those relationships as they change, planning our time, determining what needs come first and where to invest our energy, where we can find support, and how employers can offer support to women in the workforce.

We had a really good conversation today talking about all of these things, and what really resonated for me in her book. Thank you, Liz, for the great information!

Liz O'Donnell shares about:

• How Liz's experience with caring for her parents and managing work and family inspired her to write her book
• The ways we can move to acceptance in our caregiving
• How do we go from victim to boss and define the "caregivers gain"
• How we determine what needs come first and where  we invest our time
• What is taking place in the workplace and how we can advocate for support
• The impact caregiving has on the workforce
• The implicit bias that occurs in caregiving
• How we can be involved in making change for working caregivers
• All about Working Daughters Day

Learn more at WorkingDaughter.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.