Advice From Your Advocates

Dementia care is evolving, and understanding the brain is the key.

In this episode of Advice From Your Advocates, elder law attorney Bob Mannor sits down with Beth Nolan, PhD, Chief Public Health Officer for Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care, to explore a powerful new way to support people living with dementia.

The Positive Approach to Care (PAC) is a brain-based dementia care model developed by internationally recognized dementia educator Teepa Snow. Instead of focusing on behaviors or limitations, this method helps caregivers understand what the brain is experiencing and how to respond with empathy, validation, and skill.

Beth shares how caregivers, families, and professionals can transform everyday interactions with people living with dementia, reduce frustration, and create moments of connection and joy.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The core principles of Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care
• Why dementia does not mean the end of learning or living
• How brain science explains common dementia behaviors
• The difference between protective care vs empowering care
• Why communication must focus on verification and connection
• How environmental design can improve safety, dignity, and independence
• Why caregiver well-being is critical in dementia support

You’ll also hear practical insights on balancing risk, independence, and safety, including why the goal of “zero falls” may not always be realistic or beneficial in dementia care.

Whether you’re a family caregiver, healthcare professional, social worker, or dementia advocate, this conversation will give you tools to better understand the brain, meet human needs, and create more meaningful moments with those living with dementia.

Guest:
Beth Nolan, PhD
Chief Public Health Officer – Positive Approach to Care

Teepa Snow Official Website
https://teepasnow.com

Positive Approach to Care Training
https://teepasnow.com/positive-approach-to-care/

Teepa Snow YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/user/teepasnow

Connect with Beth
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethnolan

If you care for someone living with dementia, or support those who do, this episode will change the way you think about dementia care.

Host: Elder Law Attorney Bob Mannor

Executive Producer: Savannah Meksto

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ABOUT US:
Mannor Law Group helps clients in all matters of estate planning and elder law including special needs planning, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning, estate administration, and more. We offer guidance through all stages of life.

We also help families dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses that cause memory loss. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach, called Life Care Planning. LEARN MORE...

In this episode of Advice From Your Advocates, Elder Law Attorney Bob Mannor sits down with Lydia White, Co-Owner and Client Care Director of Comfort Keepers, to talk about what truly makes caregiving effective—especially when dementia is involved.

While many people think caregiving is simply about completing tasks, Lydia explains why care is fundamentally about relationships, connection, and communication. She shares insights from Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care, a nationally recognized dementia care philosophy that helps caregivers better understand how to connect with individuals living with cognitive decline.

Bob and Lydia also discuss the critical transition from hospital to home, why the first 72 hours after discharge can make or break recovery, and how trained caregivers can help families avoid common complications during that time.

The conversation dives into practical strategies caregivers can use every day—from communicating more effectively with someone living with dementia to creating a support system that prevents caregiver burnout.

Whether you are a family caregiver, healthcare professional, or simply planning ahead for aging, this episode offers valuable insights on how to provide care that protects dignity, builds trust, and improves quality of life.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why caregiving is about relationships—not just tasks
• The critical role of home care after a hospital discharge
• Communication strategies for connecting with dementia patients
• Insights from Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care
• How caregivers can elevate the care experience for both clients and families

Host: Elder Law Attorney Bob Mannor

Guest: Lydia White, Co-Owner of Comfort Keepers

Executive Producer: Savannah Meksto

Assistant Producers: Samantha Noah, Shalene Gaul

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ABOUT US:
Mannor Law Group helps clients in all matters of estate planning and elder law including special needs planning, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning, estate administration, and more. We offer guidance through all stages of life.

We also help families dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses that cause memory loss. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach, called Life Care Planning. LEARN MORE...

In this episode of Advice from Your Advocates, Elder Law Attorney Bob Mannor interviews Marilyn Jenkins, a digital marketing expert and founder of MJ Media Group, LLC, and Law Marketing Zone®. They discuss the importance of mentorship, delegation, and adapting to changes in the business landscape, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. Marilyn shares insights on optimizing Google Business Profiles, the significance of customer reviews, and strategies for reactivating past clients. They also explore the future of leadership in the age of AI and the importance of work-life balance. Key takeaways include the need for effective delegation, listening to your team, and focusing on business growth.

Episode Takeaways

• Understanding the journey and culture is crucial for leaders.
• Mentorship plays a significant role in leadership development.
• Delegation is essential for effective leadership.
• COVID-19 reinforced the effectiveness of remote work.
• Optimizing Google Business Profile is vital for local businesses.
• Customer reviews impact user experience and business reputation.
• Reactivating past clients can lead to significant business growth.
• AI will enhance efficiency but not replace human jobs.
• Defining what you want in life is key to work-life balance.
• Listening to your team is essential for successful leadership.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. 

Host: Elder Law Attorney Bob Mannor

Executive Producer: Savannah Meksto

Assistant Producers: Samantha Noah, Shalene Gaul

We'd love to hear from you!

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ABOUT US:
Mannor Law Group helps clients in all matters of estate planning and elder law including special needs planning, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning, estate administration, and more. We offer guidance through all stages of life.

We also help families dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses that cause memory loss. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach, called Life Care Planning. LEARN MORE...

In this episode of Advice From Your Advocates Podcast, elder law attorney Bob Mannor speaks with Vincent Tilford from the Hannan Center about advocacy for older adults, caregivers, and families navigating aging and dementia care.

They discuss how ageism impacts older adults—and their caregivers—along with the growing challenges families face when supporting loved ones with dementia, chronic illness, or increasing care needs. Vincent shares how community organizations like the Hannan Center help reduce isolation, promote independence, and provide meaningful support for both older adults and family caregivers.

The conversation also explores how art and creativity can improve health outcomes for older adults, including those living with cognitive decline, and why caregiver education, health care navigation, and advocacy are essential as dementia diagnoses rise nationwide.

This episode is especially valuable for caregivers, elder care professionals, and families seeking practical insight into dementia care, caregiver support, and building community-based solutions that honor dignity at every stage of aging.

Learn more about Detroit's Hannan Center: https://hannan.org/

Mannor Law Group: https://www.mannorlawgroup.com

Host: Elder Law Attorney Bob Mannor 

Guest: Vincent Tilford, Hannan Center

Executive Producer: Savannah Meksto

Assistant Producers: Samantha Noah, Shalene Gaul

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ABOUT US:
Mannor Law Group helps clients in all matters of estate planning and elder law including special needs planning, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning, estate administration, and more. We offer guidance through all stages of life.

We also help families dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses that cause memory loss. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach, called Life Care Planning. LEARN MORE...

In this episode, we explore vital elder care strategies focused on understanding dementia behaviors through the lens of personal history, trauma, and emotional support. Elder Law Attorney Bob Mannor interviews dementia care expert and author Tami Anastasia, MA to uncover how caregivers can use care planning that honors the individual beneath the diagnosis.

Instead of dismissing actions as "just dementia," we dive into roots such as family patterns, old roles, and early wounds that resurface as coping skills diminish. This insights-driven approach empowers caregivers with practical strategies—soothing language, anchoring routines, and environment adaptations—that reduce agitation and preserve dignity.

Tami shares insights from her book about creating a concise history profile for loved ones and how to incorporate it into effective care plans. We discuss the importance of reassurance and explore innovative dignity-first elder care models like the dementia village in Amsterdam, promoting purpose, freedom, and connection.

Caregiving doesn’t stop with those receiving care. This episode also supports the caregiver journey by unpacking family dynamics, boundary-setting, and managing guilt. Whether providing close or distance care, listeners gain concrete tips for validation, redirection, creating safer spaces, and developing daily rhythms that foster calm and belonging.

Subscribe and share this episode to empower caregivers with tools that heal and sustain. Your story and theirs matter deeply.

Host: Attorney Bob Mannor, CELA, CDP

Guest: Tami Anastasia, MA

Executive Producer: Savannah Meksto

Assistant Producers: Samantha Noah, Shalene Gaul

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ABOUT US:
Mannor Law Group helps clients in all matters of estate planning and elder law including special needs planning, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning, estate administration, and more. We offer guidance through all stages of life.

We also help families dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses that cause memory loss. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach, called Life Care Planning. LEARN MORE...

In this insightful episode of Advice From Your Advocates Podcast, host Bob Mannor, nationally recognized elder law attorney and dementia advocate, speaks with Josh Klein, founder and CEO of Emerest, Royal Care, and U@Perks, leaders in home healthcare and elder care strategies. This episode explores the critical role of caregivers in effective care planning and elder care, highlighting how their continuous interaction with patients brings valuable insights often missed by traditional healthcare providers. 

Listeners will discover why caregivers are fundamental to delivering personalized, patient-centered care and how their observations improve healthcare evaluations and outcomes. Josh and Bob discuss the limitations of physician-only assessments and the transformative power of caregiver collaboration in elder care. Whether you're a family member, healthcare professional, or advocate involved in caregiving, this episode offers essential perspectives on integrating caregiver knowledge into care planning.

Listen to understand why caregivers are the backbone of elder care and how their contributions are vital for long-term care success.

Brought to you by Mannor Law Group, Excellence in Estate Planning & Elder Care

Host: Elder Law Attorney Bob Mannor

Executive Producer: Savannah Meksto, CDP

Assistant Producers: Samantha Noah, Shalene Gaul

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ABOUT US:
Mannor Law Group helps clients in all matters of estate planning and elder law including special needs planning, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning, estate administration, and more. We offer guidance through all stages of life.

We also help families dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses that cause memory loss. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach, called Life Care Planning. LEARN MORE...

In this episode of Advice From Your Advocates, Elder Law Attorney Bob Mannor sits down with Jessica Downing of Ascension Living PACE to unpack the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, better known as PACE.

Together, they explore how PACE supports senior independence, provides comprehensive healthcare services, and removes some of the biggest barriers aging adults face, including transportation, access to Medicare/Medicaid–covered care, and reliable support for those living with dementia.

Jessica explains how PACE’s wraparound model, featuring 11 healthcare disciplines, helps older adults stay safely in their homes and communities. They also clear up common misconceptions, especially the fear of losing independence, and spotlight the critical role PACE plays in reducing caregiver burnout.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• What PACE is and who qualifies
• How transportation empowers seniors to stay active and connected
• Why PACE is a lifeline for families caring for loved ones with dementia
• How Medicare/Medicaid interact with PACE services
• What makes the wraparound care model unique
• How PACE supports caregivers and promotes healthy aging

If you support aging loved ones or work in elder care, this is a must-listen episode.

Host: Attorney Bob Mannor, CELA, CDP

Guest: Jessica Downing, Ascencion Living PACE Michigan

Executive Producer: Savannah Meksto

Assistant Producers: Samantha Noah, Shalena Gaul, Alecia Campbell

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ABOUT US:
Mannor Law Group helps clients in all matters of estate planning and elder law including special needs planning, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning, estate administration, and more. We offer guidance through all stages of life.

We also help families dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses that cause memory loss. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach, called Life Care Planning. LEARN MORE...

Thanksgiving and other holidays can be especially challenging for caregivers and families managing dementia and elder care. In this episode of Advice From Your Advocates, Board-Certified Elder Law Attorney Bob Mannor joins Executive Director Savannah Meksto, Certified Dementia Practitioner, to discuss caregiving during the holidays with practical elder care strategies and care planning advice.

They explore how caregivers can reduce overwhelm, manage emotional overload, and create meaningful connections even as traditions evolve. Topics include handling dementia-related changes in family gatherings, dealing with sundowning and overstimulation, coordinating caregiving shifts, and simplifying meal planning during the holidays.

Long-term care planning, Medicaid options, and protecting assets are also covered to help families find peace of mind in uncertain times. This episode is a comforting and informative resource for caregivers, family members, and elder care professionals navigating the complexities of caregiving during the holiday season.

Need help with dementia care or long-term care planning? Visit mannorlawgroup.com or call 800-990-6030 for trusted support.

We'd love to hear from you!

Support the show

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ABOUT US:
Mannor Law Group helps clients in all matters of estate planning and elder law including special needs planning, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning, estate administration, and more. We offer guidance through all stages of life.

We also help families dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses that cause memory loss. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach, called Life Care Planning. LEARN MORE...

In this enlightening episode of Advice From Your Advocates, Attorney Bob Mannor sits down with Dr. Fred Moss, a psychiatrist who’s redefining what mental health care can look like—especially for older adults. Together, they explore how genuine communication and human connection often achieve more than medication ever could.

Dr. Moss shares his decades-long journey through psychiatry, from witnessing the over-medication of elderly patients to discovering that true healing begins when people are treated as humans, not diagnoses. This conversation challenges traditional ideas about dementia, mental illness, and medication management, offering a fresh, compassionate perspective on what it means to care for the mind and spirit in later life.

You’ll learn:

• Why communication is the foundation of all healing
• How holistic approaches can improve outcomes in dementia and elder care
• The surprising ways medication can sometimes worsen mental health
• Why “there may be nothing wrong with you at all” might be the start of healing
• How connection—not correction—leads to better quality of life for seniors

Whether you’re a caregiver, elder care professional, or simply someone passionate about mental health, this episode will leave you rethinking what it truly means to heal.

Learn more about Dr. Fred here: https://welcometohumanity.net/

Host: Attorney Bob Mannor, CELA, CDP

Guest: Dr. Fred Moss

Executive Producer: Savannah Meksto, CDP

Assistant Producers: Samantha Noah, Shalene Gaul

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Support the show

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ABOUT US:
Mannor Law Group helps clients in all matters of estate planning and elder law including special needs planning, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning, estate administration, and more. We offer guidance through all stages of life.

We also help families dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses that cause memory loss. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach, called Life Care Planning. LEARN MORE...

 In this episode of 'Advice from Your Advocates', Attorney Bob Mannor speaks with Shari Ross, author of 'Senior Living Made Simple'. They discuss the complexities of senior living, the emotional challenges families face, particularly guilt, and the importance of socialization for seniors. Shari introduces her SIMPLE method for navigating senior care, emphasizing preparation and support. The conversation also touches on dementia care, the sandwich generation, and the need for caregivers to seek help and build support systems. 

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts - full video available on YouTube.

Host: Attorney Bob Mannor

Guest: Shari Ross

Executive Producer: Savannah Meksto

Assistant Producers: Samantha Noah, Shalene Gaul

We'd love to hear from you!

Support the show

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ABOUT US:
Mannor Law Group helps clients in all matters of estate planning and elder law including special needs planning, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning, estate administration, and more. We offer guidance through all stages of life.

We also help families dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses that cause memory loss. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach, called Life Care Planning. LEARN MORE...