Aging Together

Send us a text Summary In this conversation, Leslie Frank shares her extensive experience as a caregiver for her husband, mother, and sister-in-law, highlighting the emotional and logistical challenges of navigating long-term care. She discusses the importance of finding the right care setting, the complexities of grief, and the necessity of self-care for caregivers. Leslie emphasizes the value of support systems, patient advocacy, and the need for ongoing communication with care providers. Her insights provide a roadmap for others facing similar situations, encouraging them to focus on what truly matters for their loved ones while managing their own emotional well-being. Takeaways About the Guest Leslie Frank is a serial entrepreneur and has a successful track record of developing customized, sustainable business solutions to drive growth. Her diverse background includes design, merchandising, manufacturing, business development, and licensing. But that’s not why she’s here today. Through the various stages of her successful career, Leslie has spent the majority of her life being a caregiver–first for her mom and sister-in-law, and now for her husband. While navigating grief, Leslie has also had to navigate long-term care needs. Today, she’s joining us to share her story and some words of wisdom on how to find the right fit for your loved one. S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. The Aging Together Caregiver Hub is a FREE community for family caregivers of older adults. Join us today to find a peer network and access our learning studio with simple, bite-sized content, resources, and a support group. S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. Support the show

Send us a text Summary In this episode of the Aging Together podcast, Dr. Pooja A. Patel interviews Alfred Poor, a health tech futurist, about the intersection of health technology and aging. They discuss the evolution of health tech, the importance of wearable devices, and the challenges faced by caregivers. Alfred shares his personal experiences with technology in caring for his elderly mother and emphasizes the need for tailored solutions that respect the dignity and independence of aging adults. The conversation also highlights the role of employers in supporting caregivers and the necessity of bridging the digital divide to ensure access to technology for seniors. Takeaways HealthTech Insider About the Guest Alfred Poor, The Health Tech Futurist, is a dynamic speaker and virtual event expert with an international reputation in technology fields. He was the editor of HealthTech Insider, a website that covered wearable and mobile devices for health and medical applications. A graduate of Harvard College, he is the author or co-author of 15 books and is widely quoted in major media outlets. He brings energy and humor to his presentations and tailors his programs to match the technical levels and interests of his audience. https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfredpoor/https://alfredpoor.comS4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. The Aging Together Caregiver Hub is a FREE community for family caregivers of older adults. Join us today to find a peer network and access our learning studio with simple, bite-sized content, resources, and a support group. S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. Support the show

Send us a text Summary In this conversation, Vijay Sairam shares his transformative journey as a caregiver for his aging parents and how it shaped his mission to democratize access to remote jobs through his startup, Remote Job Central. He discusses the importance of flexibility in work for caregivers, cultural perspectives on caregiving, and the need for a supportive work environment that prioritizes family. Vijay emphasizes that caregiving is an expression of love and duty, and he advocates for remote work as a lifeline for those balancing personal and professional responsibilities. He encourages caregivers to stand up for their needs and highlights the mission of Remote Job Central to make remote jobs accessible to skilled talent worldwide. Takeaways About the Guest Vijay Sairam, a former caregiver for both of his parents, is now the Founder and Educator at Remote Jobs Central, a mission-driven startup dedicated to democratizing access to remote jobs for talented people worldwide and helping them work from anywhere, without any geographic restrictions. Vijay has been working remotely for over a decade and is widely recognized as a remote jobs expert and remote work advocate, especially for those who need it most. S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. The Aging Together Caregiver Hub is a FREE community for family caregivers of older adults. Join us today to find a peer network and access our learning studio with simple, bite-sized content, resources, and a support group. S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. Support the show

Send us a text Summary In this episode of the Aging Together podcast, Dr. Pooja A. Patel interviews Jaylen Vickery, a certified financial therapist, about the intersection of financial wellness and emotional health. They discuss the seven dimensions of wellness, the importance of building a relationship with one's future self, and the challenges faced by caregivers. Jaylen shares her Five Reps to Wealth approach, emphasizing the need for compassionate accountability and the significance of preventative care in achieving a balanced life. The conversation highlights the emotional burdens caregivers carry and offers insights into navigating these challenges while promoting holistic health and wellness. Takeaways About the Guest WebsiteLinkedInInstagramFacebookBook a Financial Therapy ConsultationS4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. The Aging Together Caregiver Hub is a FREE community for family caregivers of older adults. Join us today to find a peer network and access our learning studio with simple, bite-sized content, resources, and a support group. S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. Support the show

Send us a text Summary In this conversation, Allison Schrier shares her profound journey as a caregiver for her husband, diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, while raising two children. She discusses the emotional turmoil of navigating grief, the challenges of parenting through loss, and the importance of maintaining family dynamics. Allison reflects on her transformation from caregiver to dementia educator, emphasizing the need for resources and support for families dealing with similar situations. The conversation highlights resilience, the complexities of caregiving, and the creation of Zinnia TV, a resource aimed at helping caregivers and individuals with dementia. Takeaways About the Guest Allyson Schrier, co-founder and President of ZinniaTV, was a caregiver for her husband with dementia, who turned that experience into a career focused on helping both people with dementia and those who care for them. As a dementia educator, Allyson taught both family and professional caregivers best practices around supporting people with dementia. As Program Manager at the University of Washington Memory and Brain Wellness Center, she helped launch, and then facilitated a program aimed at helping primary and allied healthcare providers better diagnose and support patients living with dementia. Allyson was honored to be a recipient of a 2020 Maude’s Awards for Innovation in Alzheimer’s Care, and was named Visionary Caregiver of 2020 by caregiving.com. She sits on the Health and Medical subcommittee of the Washington State Dementia Action Collaborative, facilitates support groups for spouses of people with dementia, and lectures on topics about dementia caregiving. S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. The Aging Together Caregiver Hub is a FREE community for family caregivers of older adults. Join us today to find a peer network and access our learning studio with simple, bite-sized content, resources, and a support group. S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. Support the show

Send us a text Summary: In this episode of the Aging Together podcast, Dr. Pooja A. Patel interviews Dawn Marie Johnson, a seasoned professional in the senior living industry. They discuss the evolution of supportive living options, the importance of family involvement, and the challenges faced by caregivers. Dawn shares her personal journey into the industry, emphasizing the significance of holistic well-being and the role of technology in enhancing the quality of life for seniors. The conversation also touches on the future of senior living communities, the need for affordability, and the importance of starting the search for senior living early. Takeaways: About the Guest: Dawn joined Wingate Living in 2016 and serves as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing. She is responsible for overseeing sales and marketing functions, including developing and implementing a cohesive marketing plan to increase brand awareness, sales strategies, occupancy growth, and market analysis to identify areas of growth. Dawn brings to this position over 20 years of experience in the senior living industry, including roles in dementia training, sales leadership, and mentoring. Prior to her role as Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Wingate, she served as Regional Sales and Marketing Director, Senior Sales Director, and Area Director of Community Relations. Dawn is driven by her desire to coach, mentor, and lead her teams with a compassionate approach. Her background, experience, and double major in Marketing and Sociology from Southern Connecticut University help her work closely to understand the needs of families searching for senior living options. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-marie-johnson-56ab2710/ S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. The Aging Together Caregiver Hub is a FREE community for family caregivers of older adults. Join us today to find a peer network and access our learning studio with simple, bite-sized content, resources, and a support group. S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. Support the show

Send us a text Summary In this conversation, Amy Martin Quinn shares her experiences as a communications executive turned patient advocate, navigating the complexities of the sandwich generation. She discusses her personal health challenges, the impact of caregiving for her parents while raising her daughters, and the importance of community support. Amy emphasizes the concept of radical acceptance, the necessity of setting boundaries, and the cultural dynamics that influence caregiving roles. Through her journey, she highlights the significance of allowing others to help and the emotional toll of caregiving, especially during times of grief. Takeaways About the Guest Amy Martin Quinn is a seasoned communications executive and Board Certified Patient Advocate who brings empathy, strategy, and clarity to both corporate and healthcare environments. With more than 25 years of experience in communications, Amy has built a career around helping people understand complex systems and make informed decisions. Her pivot into patient advocacy was inspired by personal experience: navigating breast cancer, supporting her daughter’s mental health journey, guiding her father through Parkinson’s disease, and helping her mother manage heart disease. These experiences deepened her passion for helping others through the emotional and logistical challenges of the healthcare system. Amy now uses her communication expertise to empower patients and families—translating medical jargon, streamlining insurance and billing issues, and ensuring people feel confident and heard in their healthcare decisions. Her work centers on making care more accessible, less overwhelming, and deeply human. S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. The Aging Together Caregiver Hub is a FREE community for family caregivers of older adults. Join us today to find a peer network and access our learning studio with simple, bite-sized content, resources, and a support group. S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. Support the show

Send us a text Summary In this episode of the Aging Together podcast, Dr. Pooja A. Patel speaks with Reverend Lorna J. Hines, a licensed clinical social worker and caregiver, about her extensive experience in caregiving and the emotional toll it takes. They discuss the systemic barriers caregivers face, the importance of seeking help, and the impact of trauma on both caregivers and their loved ones. Reverend Hines shares her personal journey, including the challenges of caring for her parents and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation emphasizes the need for proactive health management and planning for caregiving needs. Takeaways About the Guest Lorna J Hines is a renowned Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Medium, Intuitive Counselor, and Behavioral Health Expert. She is also an ordained Minister and Author of Straight Talk From A Wise Woman: Tears, Trauma, and A Healing Path. She was the caregiver for her parents and in-laws. S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. The Aging Together Caregiver Hub is a FREE community for family caregivers of older adults. Join us today to find a peer network and access our learning studio with simple, bite-sized content, resources, and a support group. S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. Support the show

Send us a text Summary Deborah Pocalas shares her harrowing experience of elder exploitation involving her father, revealing the complexities of family dynamics, betrayal, and the emotional toll of caregiving. She discusses the discovery of theft by a sibling, the impact of medical misdiagnosis, and the challenges of navigating guardianship. Throughout the conversation, Deborah emphasizes the importance of documentation, recognizing red flags, and finding support during difficult times. Her story serves as a cautionary tale for caregivers and families dealing with similar situations. --- Takeaways --- About the Guest Debora Pokallus is a loving daughter with no medical background who was thrust into an unimaginable situation and tried her best to help her father survive and thrive. She is on a mission to share her story of elder exploitation to help other families navigate various dynamics. S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. The Aging Together Caregiver Hub is a FREE community for family caregivers of older adults. Join us today to find a peer network and access our learning studio with simple, bite-sized content, resources, and a support group. S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. Support the show

Send us a text Summary In this episode of the Aging Together podcast, Dr. Joy Poskozim discusses the critical importance of oral health for older adults, particularly those in nursing homes and receiving home care. She highlights the connection between oral health and overall health, emphasizing how poor dental care can lead to serious health issues. Dr. Poskozim shares her experiences advocating for better oral care practices and the challenges faced by caregivers in ensuring proper dental hygiene. She also provides practical tips for caregivers and discusses the need for systemic changes in dental care education and advocacy. Takeaways About the Guest Dr. Joy Poskozim is the dental director for several nursing care facilities, educating staff as well as providing care to nursing home residents. She also makes house calls in and around the Chicagoland area. Dr. Poskozim has been in private practice for 26 years, practicing integrative health general dentistry at her office on the northwest side of Chicago, and has been performing dental procedures on the home-bound for over 16 years. In 2017, she earned her Dentistry in Long-Term Care Certificate from the University of the Pacific Dental School, her Fellowship with the Special Care Dental Association Geriatric Council in 2018, and is certified as a Dementia Practitioner as of 2021. In 2025, Dr. Joy became an adjunct professor at UIC dental school. Dr. Joy is a 1990 graduate of Marquette University and a 1994 graduate of New York University College of Dentistry. She completed a GPR from Woodhull Medical Center in 2000, where she was awarded Resident of the Year. https://joyposkozimdds.com/joyfuldentalcare.comhttps://www.linkedinS4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. The Aging Together Caregiver Hub is a FREE community for family caregivers of older adults. Join us today to find a peer network and access our learning studio with simple, bite-sized content, resources, and a support group. S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. Caregiver Health Tracking Journal How do you keep track of all the appointments and medications and more?? Check out Carefolio! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show

Send us a text Summary Rick Henkin shares his personal journey as a caregiver for his wife Sonia, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. He discusses the challenges of obtaining a diagnosis, the emotional toll on caregivers, and the importance of acceptance and mindfulness. Rick created the Caregiver Mastery System to help others navigate the complexities of caregiving while maintaining their own mental health. He emphasizes the need for caregivers to prioritize their well-being and offers practical advice for managing stress and guilt. Takeaways About the Guest Rick Henkin is a husband, father, grandfather to 6 girls, and a caregiver for his wife. He became a caregiver when his wife, Sonia, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in Jan. 2020 at the age of 65. Based on his experiences, Rick is the creator of the Caregiver Mastery System. CaregiverMasterySystem.comhttps://forfamilycaregivers.com/facebook.com/groups/forfamilycaregivershttps://www.youtube.com/@ForFamilyCaregivershttps://www.instagram.com/forfamilycaregivers/https://www.linkedin.com/in/forfamilycaregivers/S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. The Aging Together Caregiver Hub is a FREE community for family caregivers of older adults. Join us today to find a peer network and access our learning studio with simple, bite-sized content, resources, and a support group. S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. Support the show

Send us a text Summary In this episode of the Aging Together podcast, Dr. Pooja A. Patel and Dr. Mary Alice Mina discuss the importance of skin health as we age. They explore the concept of pro-aging versus anti-aging, emphasizing the need for prevention and protection for younger skin, as well as the management of chronic skin conditions in older adults. Dr. Mina shares her journey into dermatology, the significance of a holistic approach to skin health, and the role of dermatologists in guiding patients. The conversation also touches on the misconceptions surrounding Botox, wound care in the elderly, and the challenges of insurance coverage for dermatological treatments. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to embrace aging and prioritize their overall health for better skin longevity. Takeaways About the Guest Dr. Mary Alice Mina is a Harvard-trained dermatologist, international speaker, author, and host of The Skin Real, a podcast ranked in the top 2.5% globally. As a co-owner of Baucom & Mina Derm Surgery in Atlanta, Georgia, she is a leading expert in procedural dermatology, skin health, and skincare. With nearly two decades of clinical experience, Dr. Mina is celebrated for her artistic eye, surgical precision, and ability to help patients feel radiant at every stage of life. A sought-after speaker, Dr. Mina's insights have been featured in major media outlets, including People Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Glamour, and Huffington Post. Passionate about empowering others, she combines her expertise with practical advice to inspire audiences to embrace their unique beauty and live confidently in their skin. S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. The Aging Together Caregiver Hub is a FREE community for family caregivers of older adults. Join us today to find a peer network and access our learning studio with simple, bite-sized content, resources, and a support group. S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. Support the show

Send us a text Summary In this episode of the Aging Together podcast, host Dr. Patel speaks with elder law attorney H. Frances Reeves about her journey as a caregiver for her parents, the challenges of navigating the medical industrial complex, and her new book, 'Boomers Booming: How to Thrive After 65 and Have Good Sex.' Frances shares her insights on aging, the importance of proactive planning, and her ten commandments for thriving in later life. The conversation emphasizes the need to challenge stereotypes about aging and the significance of mindset in preparing for the future. Takeaways About the Guest Frances is the author of Boomers Booming: How to Thrive After Sixty-Five and Have Good Sex, inspired by caring for her parents, Hal and Charlotte, in their final years. Witnessing the “senior industrial complex” overlook them, she became an advocate for elders, while celebrating their zest for life, like skydiving on her mother’s 80th birthday. Born in Belem, Brazil, Frances grew up across Libya, the Philippines, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, and Singapore before earning her degree from Texas Christian University. Her career began as Director of International Marketing for the Louisiana World Exposition, followed by a law degree from the University of Miami. Fluent in Spanish and conversant in Portuguese, she has interviewed world leaders including Margaret Thatcher, Madeleine Albright, and Gloria Steinem, and is in the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame. Today, Frances is Managing Attorney of her Elder Law Firm, specializing in estate planning, Medicaid planning, and advocacy against elder exploitation. She writes bi-monthly columns for Miami Community News and The Islander News, hosts a monthly elder-focused video blog, and has interviewed notable figures from Emmy-winning journalists to world champions. Her work continues to empower older adults and their families with knowledge, dignity, and voice. www.parentyourparents.comS4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. The Aging Together Caregiver Hub is a FREE community for family caregivers of older adults. Join us today to find a peer network and access our learning studio with simple, bite-sized content, resources, and a support group. S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. Support the show

Send us a text Summary In this episode of the Aging Together podcast, Dr. Pooja A. Patel interviews Allison Penna, a grief resilience coach, who shares her personal journey of caregiving and navigating grief after the loss of her husband. Allison discusses the challenges of caregiving, the importance of setting boundaries, and the need for self-care. She emphasizes the significance of building new networks and reconnecting with oneself after loss. The conversation highlights the often misunderstood nature of grief and the essential role of love and support in the caregiving process. Takeaways About the Guest Alison Pena aka Bad Widow is a NYC-based grief resilience coach, speaker and bestselling author of The Bad Widow Guide to Life After Loss: Moving Through Grief to Live and Love Again. She became a primary caregiver during her husband's battle with cancer and a widow, when David died in 2016. He left her his mother, Joyce, to care for, since he was an only child. Alison has been her primary caregiver for the last 9 years, keeping her safe and loved at home until just before her 102nd birthday. Each phase of Joyce's increasing health issues brought new challenges they faced together. Everyone grieves someone or something. That makes grief resilience a life skill. Alison developed Life After Grief Blueprint coaching for her bereaved clients with time-tested ways from her own experience to reconnect with themselves, re-engage in the world, reinvent their identities, rebuild their networks and reset their paths forward. https://BadWidow.comwww.linkedin.com/in/alisonpenahttps://www.facebook.com/alison.penaS4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. The Aging Together Caregiver Hub is a FREE community for family caregivers of older adults. Join us today to find a peer network and access our learning studio with simple, bite-sized content, resources, and a support group. S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. Support the show

Send us a text Summary In this conversation, Dr. Kim Harms, an end-of-life expert, shares her personal journey through grief and the importance of legacy planning. She discusses the concept of emotional insurance, the significance of building emotional legacies, and practical steps individuals can take to prepare for their end of life. The conversation also touches on navigating difficult conversations about death, overcoming procrastination, and the impact of cultural attitudes and spirituality on the end-of-life experience. Dr. Harms emphasizes the need for open discussions about death and encourages listeners to take proactive steps in legacy building. Takeaways About the Guest: Dr. Kimberly Harms has been around the block in life. She has served as a Commissioned Officer in the United States Public Health Service, a dental school professor, a grief counselor, a death doula, a civil mediator, a clinical dentist with her late husband Jim in Farmington MN, a school board Chair, President of an international women’s organization, the first woman President of the Minnesota Dental Association, a National Spokesperson for the American Dental Association (21 years), Coach for Widows, an award-winning, best selling author and international speaker on the topics of grief, conflict and legacy planning and the cohost of the RethinkingDeath.Life Podcast. She has also suffered many personal losses, including the deaths by suicide of her mother and son and the death by broken heart of her husband after their son’s death. These days, she enjoys her most important role yet: mom to two remarkable kids and grandma to six delightful grandkids, splitting her time between Kansas City and Minneapolis to soak up every precious moment. S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. The Aging Together Caregiver Hub is a FREE community for family caregivers of older adults. Join us today to find a peer network and access our learning studio with simple, bite-sized content, resources, and a support group. S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. Caregiver Health Tracking Journal How do you keep track of all the appointments and medications and more?? Check out Carefolio! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show

Send us a text Summary In this episode of the Aging Together podcast, Dr. Pooja A. Patel and Arvette M. Reid discuss the critical intersection of healthcare and financial planning for aging adults. Arvette shares her personal journey into elder care, emphasizing the importance of family conversations, the role of care managers, and the unique challenges faced by solo agers. They highlight the need for systemic changes in elder care policies, particularly regarding dementia care, and stress the importance of education and planning for families navigating these complex issues. Takeaways About the Guest Arvette M. Reid, AIF, is a Healthcare Planning Strategist in the Virginia office of Signature Estate & Investment Advisors (SEIA), and she works in the practice’s Lifecare Affordability Plan® service. She joined SEIA in 2017 after working for 15 years as a marketing professional in the senior housing and healthcare industry, where her tenure spanned a range of independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing care, and hospice care. Her ability to bring the financial and healthcare worlds together truly makes a powerful impact on how families, who are going through trying times, are holistically served. Arvette’s deep commitment to civic engagement and local issues was established as a youth while visiting residents at Goodwin Living in her hometown of Alexandria, Virginia. Arvette most recently served on the boards of the Insight Memory Care Center and Senior Services of Alexandria, and is an active member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Arvette earned a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Virginia in 1992. In addition, she holds a Series 65 securities license, a Life & Health Insurance license, and she is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) professional. Contact S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. The Aging Together Caregiver Hub is a FREE community for family caregivers of older adults. Join us today to find a peer network and access our learning studio with simple, bite-sized content, resources, and a support group. S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. Support the show

Send us a text Summary In this episode of the Aging Together podcast, host Pooja Patel speaks with Amy Friesen, a bestselling author and expert in the senior living industry. They discuss the challenges and similarities in caregiving across borders, the importance of early planning, and the emotional toll on caregivers. Amy shares insights from her book 'Breadcrumbs' and emphasizes the need for support and resources for families navigating elder care. The conversation highlights the cultural expectations surrounding caregiving and the systemic changes needed to improve care for older adults. Takeaways About the Author: Amy has been recognized by the House of Commons for her 2018 Businesswoman of the Year Award as well as being a 2019 Forty Under 40 recipient. Links: www.facebook.com/teaandtoastinc/www.instagram.com/teaandtoastottawa/www.linkedin.com/company/tea-and-toast/www.youtube.com/@teaandtoastottawaChapters S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. The Aging Together Caregiver Hub is a FREE community for family caregivers of older adults. Join us today to find a peer network and access our learning studio with simple, bite-sized content, resources, and a support group. S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. Caregiver Health Tracking Journal How do you keep track of all the appointments and medications and more?? Check out Carefolio! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show

Send us a text Summary In this episode of the Aging Together podcast, Dr. Pooja A. Patel speaks with Carol L. Stokes, JD, a caregiver coach and advocate. They discuss the challenges faced by caregivers, particularly women, and the importance of self-care, communication, and planning in caregiving. Carol shares her personal journey and insights on how caregivers can reclaim their sense of self and find support. The conversation emphasizes the need for systemic changes to support caregivers and the importance of education and resources in navigating caregiving responsibilities. Takeaways About the Author Carol L. Stokes is a caregiver coach, advocate, and writer passionate about supporting women and families through the tough, beautiful, and often overwhelming realities of caregiving. Drawing on her many years as Power of Attorney and daily advocate for a loved one facing mental illness and aging challenges, Carol crafts practical tools rooted in compassion and lived experience—not theory. She is the creator of the PEACE Plan, a simple, actionable framework that helps caregivers move from chaos and burnout to clarity, confidence, empowerment, and peace of mind. Through her story, her writing, and her one-on-one coaching, Carol’s mission is to help caregivers reclaim their sense of self, restore relationships, and rediscover hope—even in the hardest seasons. She believes that no caregiver should ever feel invisible, alone, or powerless. Links https://www.CarolLStokes.comwww.linkedin.com/in/carol-l-stokes-9271b6a1https://substack.com/@carolstokes2https://carollstokes.kit.com/thebalanceblueprintChapters S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. The Aging Together Caregiver Hub is a FREE community for family caregivers of older adults. Join us today to find a peer network and access our learning studio with simple, bite-sized content, resources, and a support group. S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. Support the show

Send us a text Summary In this conversation, Pooja & Annie explore the Montessori approach & its application in dementia care, particularly in intergenerational settings. Annie shares her extensive experience in working with both children & elders, emphasizing the importance of purposeful engagement & creating supportive environments. They discuss various activities that can benefit both age groups, the challenges faced in intergenerational care, & the significance of respite care for caregivers. The conversation also touches on the role of technology & resources available for families, as well as navigating regulations in intergenerational care settings. Ultimately, the discussion highlights the holistic benefits of integrating Montessori principles into daily routines for individuals of all ages. Takeaways About the Author Annie Kulik, MPH, CDP, CMDP is the founder of MonteBloom. She holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology, a Masters degree in Public Health, & is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, with over a decade of experience in the dementia care field. Her career has ranged from a Certified Nursing Assistant & Activities Assistant to leadership positions as a Director & Clinical Quality Care Manager. Her work has spanned in-home care, respite care, acute care, & long-term care settings. MonteBloom was born from the desire to fill the gap in resources available to caregivers who are caring for a loved one at home, providing them with the guidance & strategies they need to improve the quality of life for their loved ones & themselves. Links @montebloom.momentswww.montebloom.com@MonteBloomS4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. The Aging Together Caregiver Hub is a FREE community for family caregivers of older adults. Join us today to find a peer network and access our learning studio with simple, bite-sized content, resources, and a support group. S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. Dementia-Friendly Activities Looking for activities for someone with dementia? Find puzzles, games, & more at Assistex. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show

Send us a text Summary: In this conversation, Dr. Pooja A. Patel speaks with Kerry Flickner, vice president at Hartmobility, about the innovative SafetyGrip grab bar designed for individuals with compromised grip strength. They discuss the evolution of grab bars, the inspiration behind SafetyGrip, and the collaboration with KITE Rehab Research Institute. The conversation highlights the importance of aesthetics in product design, early adoption feedback, partnerships for community engagement, and future research on the product's effectiveness. Flickner emphasizes the need for better solutions for aging populations and the importance of educating caregivers and users about innovative safety products. Takeaways: Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Season Four and Safety Grip 03:28 The Evolution of Grab Bars and User Needs 09:03 Designing for Real People: The Safety Grip Story 15:13 Understanding Grip Strength and Its Importance 20:37 Aesthetics vs. Functionality in Home Safety Products 25:55 Early Adoption and Feedback on Safety Grip 28:55 Integrating Home Modifications for Safety 34:31 Collaborations with Educational Institutions 37:25 The Future of Grab Bar Technology 42:34 Choosing the Right Grab Bar 46:08 Resources for Home Modifications 50:00 The Growing Need for Safety Solutions We’re grateful to Hartmobility for supporting this season of our podcast and the journey of aging with dignity. To learn how SafetyGrip is making a difference in real lives, visit hartmobility.com. S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. The Aging Together Caregiver Hub is a FREE community for family caregivers of older adults. Join us today to find a peer network and access our learning studio with simple, bite-sized content, resources, and a support group. S4 Sponsor: SafetyGrip, by Hartmobility Patented anti-slip grip technology for all your home safety needs. Support the show