Advice From Your Advocates

In this episode of Advice From Your Advocates, Attorney Bob Mannor and Lance A. Slatton, known as “The Senior Care Influencer," discuss the challenges and experiences in the long-term care industry, particularly focusing on home care services. Lance shares his personal journey that led him to start a home care company after facing his father's health difficulties. They explore the impact of COVID-19 on home care, the importance of social media and podcasting for outreach, and the various needs of clients, including those with cognitive degenerative diseases. The discussion emphasizes the importance of family support, adapting to caregiving challenges, and planning for the future.

Episode Takeaways:

• Lance's personal experience led to the creation of a home care company.
• COVID-19 did not significantly disrupt their services due to prior preparedness.
• Social media and podcasts can effectively reach and support families in need.
• Home care services are not just for the elderly; they also assist younger individuals with disabilities.
• Families often feel isolated in their caregiving journey, but resources are available.
• Adaptation is key in caregiving situations to meet changing needs.
• Understanding a loved one's wishes is crucial for future planning.
• There are many resources available for families, even if they feel they can't afford them.
• Communication with friends and family is essential to avoid feelings of isolation.
• The importance of advanced directives and legal planning in caregiving.

More about Lance A. Slatton: 

Lance is a writer, author, and Healthcare professional with over 20 years in the healthcare industry.

 Lance A. Slatton is the host of the Award-Winning podcast & YouTube show All Home Care Matters. He is also a senior case manager at Enriched Life Home Care Services in Livonia, MI. Lance was also named a 50 under 50 for 2023 and received the distinction as the Top Influencer for Healthcare and Advocacy for 2024.

Lance is also a columnist for multiple healthcare and news websites and print.
Official Website: https://www.lanceaslatton.com

Host: Attorney Bob Mannor
Guest: Lance A. Slatton
Executive Producer: Savannah Meksto
Assistant Producer: Samantha Noah

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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 the Advice From Your Advocates podcast, host Attorney Bob Mannor has a conversation with Morgan Donoghue, a speech pathologist specializing in neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Alzheimer's. Together, they discuss the critical role of a speech pathologist in managing communication, and swallowing difficulties, the importance of caregiver education and support, and practical tips for communicating with individuals with dementia. Morgan also introduces her business, Memorable Minds, and shares valuable resources from her website and Instagram page to help caregivers navigate the challenges of dementia care.

Episode Takeaways: 

• Caregivers often lack education on dementia.
• Maintaining communication is crucial for quality of life.
• Nonverbal communication plays a significant role.
• It's important to validate feelings rather than correct them.
• Activities should reflect the person's interests pre-diagnosis.
• Social media can provide support and community for caregivers.
• Caregivers should not feel guilty for what they don't know.
• Nutrition is vital; consider appealing food options.
• Body language can influence interactions significantly.
• Finding the right communication strategy is essential for each individual.

Morgan's website: https://www.memorablemindsconsulting.com
Learn more about Mannor Law Group: www.mannorlawgroup.com 

Host: Elder Law Attorney Bob Mannor
Executive Producer: Savannah Meksto
Assistant Producer: Samantha Noah

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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 conversation, Elder Law Attorney Bob Mannor and Carrie Aalberts, founder of DementiaDarling.com, discuss tips and strategies for supporting individuals with dementia and their caregivers. They emphasize the importance of supporting independence and understanding the changes happening in the brain of someone with dementia.

Bob and Carrie discuss the challenges faced by family caregivers and the need for dementia-focused care. They both highlight the importance of effective communication and understanding the emotions of individuals with dementia.

Carrie shares her personal experience with her grandmother's dementia and her journey in the field of gerontology. They also discuss the concept of dementia villages, such as Hagevik in the Netherlands, where individuals with dementia can live independently with the support of professional caregivers.

They also discuss the challenges of making decisions for a loved one with dementia and offer suggestions for addressing these challenges. They highlight the need for education, resources, and support for caregivers and individuals with dementia. The conversation concludes with a reminder to meet individuals with dementia where they are and to practice self-care as a caregiver.

Episode Highlights 

• Dementia caregivers often feel isolated and need a safe place for support and resources.
• Effective communication with individuals with dementia involves using concise and clear language and focusing on emotions.
• Preparing for the last stage of life, including dementia care, is essential but often overlooked.
• Dementia villages, like Hagevik in the Netherlands, provide a community for individuals with dementia to live independently with professional caregiver support. Supporting independence is crucial for individuals with dementia.
• Understanding the changes happening in the brain of someone with dementia can help caregivers provide better care.
• Accessing education, resources, and support is essential for both caregivers and individuals with dementia.
• Meeting individuals with dementia where they are and practicing self-care are important aspects of caregiving.

Host: Attorney Bob Mannor
Guest: Carrie Aalberts
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...

A Departure from the Norm: A Caregiver's Story

Typically, we bring you expert insights from the elder care industry on Advice From Your Advocates. But today, we're taking a different approach. Join us as we delve into the heart of the caregiving experience with Sarah Cart, author of “On My Way Back to You.”

In this conversation with Attorney Bob Mannor, Sarah shares her raw and honest journey of caring for her husband, Ben, through a severe autoimmune disease culminating in a heart transplant. From navigating the complexities of the healthcare system during a pandemic to the overwhelming challenges of daily care, Sarah's story is a testament to the strength and resilience of caregivers.

Discover practical tips, emotional coping mechanisms, and the vital role of community in overcoming caregiving challenges. We'll explore the importance of self-care, the complexities of home healthcare, and the broader impact of organ donation.

Whether you're a seasoned caregiver or a healthcare professional, this episode offers invaluable insights and a fresh perspective on the realities of caregiving.

Learn more about Sarah's book: HERE
Learn more about Mannor Law Group: HERE

Host: Attorney Bob Mannor
Guest: Sarah Cart, Author of "On My Way Back to You" 
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 episode 47 of Advice From Your Advocates Podcast, Host Attorney Bob Mannor interviews Holly Burgess from the Swartz Creek Senior Center and Greg Matheson from the Flushing Senior Center. They discuss the importance of senior centers in the community and how they connect seniors to services and resources. They also talk about the role of senior centers in enhancing the lives of retired individuals and seniors with memory loss. The conversation highlights upcoming events and programs at the senior centers and emphasizes the need for support and awareness of the Genesee County Senior Millage.

Episode Takeaways

* Senior centers play a critical role in the community by connecting seniors to services and resources.

* Senior centers enhance the lives of retired individuals and seniors by providing opportunities for physical and mental well-being.

* Senior centers offer a variety of programs and events, including exercise classes, educational seminars, and social activities.

* Senior centers can support individuals with memory loss through support groups, educational programs, and collaboration with community partners.

* The Genesee County Senior Millage provides funding for senior centers and a wide range of services and support mechanisms for seniors.

Watch the full episode here or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Find more episodes on our website: www.mannorlawgroup.com/podcast
Swartz Creek Senior Center: https://myscasc.org/

Flushing Senior Center: https://www.flushingseniorcenter.com/

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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...

On this episode of Advice From Your Advocates,  Attorney Bob Mannor sits down with Senior Care Advisor and Advocate, Bill Cohen. Bill shares his own, personal journey as a caregiver for his mother who had Alzheimer's disease. He became her advocate and primary caregiver, handling her financial, legal, and care issues for 10 years. After her passing, he became a caregiving support consultant and advocate, turning his personal loss into his passion.

Both Bob and Bill emphasize the importance of a holistic approach to caregiving, bringing together different entities and professionals to provide comprehensive care. They discuss common advice, support, resources, and referrals, and discuss how Bill helps families manage the care of their loved ones with dementia. Bill also highlights the impact of choices and environment on the development of dementia. 

The conversation focused on the importance of lifestyle, exercise, and exposure to chemicals in reducing the risk of dementia. It emphasized that dementia is not an inevitable part of aging and that there are ways to lessen the likelihood of experiencing it. For example, lack of sleep and stress are significant factors that can negatively impact caregivers' health. 

The conversation also highlighted the need for comprehensive legal planning, including advanced directives and additional language in legal documents for dementia cases. Bill's role in and the importance of elder mediation was discussed as a way to help families come to agreements and avoid court battles. The importance of self-care for caregivers was emphasized, including support groups and holistic care teams. If you are a caregiver of a loved one or a patient with dementia, you do not want to miss this episode of Advice From Your Advocates. 

Host: Attorney Bob Mannor
 https://www.mannorlawgroup.com/staff-profiles/bob-mannor-cela/

Guest: Bill Cohen CSA
https://cohencaregivingsupport.com/services

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...

How can we better support individuals with brain-related conditions across all age groups? 

Join us as we welcome Nate Gardin, Chief Operating Officer of Life Skills Village, to explore the transformative world of neurorehabilitation and mental health services. Nate offers a detailed look at Life Skills Village’s unique, team-based approach that includes neuropsychiatrists, neuropsychologists, social workers, and therapists, all striving towards one goal: community reintegration and independence for their patients. From children with brain injuries to elderly patients grappling with dementia, discover how this multidisciplinary team is making a difference.

The conversation dives into the specific therapies Life Skills Village offers for children, teens, and adults facing neurological challenges. Nate shares eye-opening insights into how modern technology and social media are intensifying traditional teenage struggles and the innovative ways their therapists are stepping in to help. For adults, we discuss the comprehensive rehabilitation programs tailored for developmental disorders like autism and neurodegenerative diseases like dementia, including critical aspects like career transitioning and vocational training. Learn why obtaining precise diagnoses through neuropsychological evaluations is essential for planning legal, financial, and care needs.

Finally, Bob and Nate highlight the importance of early intervention and timely access to mental health services. Nate elaborates on Life Skills Village’s efficient intake process that connects individuals with the right resources quickly, including the significant advantage of self-referral. We also challenge misconceptions about modern therapies, explaining how they can enhance independence and dignity for patients with dementia, rather than prolonging suffering. Please tune in to hear how Life Skills Village is dedicated to improving the quality of life for patients and reducing the emotional and financial burdens on their families.

Host: Attorney Bob Mannor
Guest: Nate Gardin, Life Skills Village
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 conversation, Bob Mannor, an elder law attorney, interviews Tami Anastasia, a counselor with a dementia-focused counseling practice. They discuss the challenges faced by families dealing with dementia and how to navigate them.

Tami emphasizes the importance of educating families about dementia and its effects on the brain. She helps families understand that the behaviors exhibited by their loved ones with dementia are not intentional but a result of the disease. Tami also highlights the significance of identifying triggers for negative behaviors and finding ways to minimize them. Additionally, they discuss the difficulty of making decisions for parents with dementia and the need to involve them in the decision-making process.

The conversation focuses on the challenges faced by families dealing with dementia and the importance of effective communication and planning. The principal themes include decision-making, involving authority figures, understanding benefits, managing family dynamics, and the importance of self-care for caregivers. They also highlight the book 'Essential Strategies for the Dementia Caregiver: Learning to Pace Yourself' authored by guest, Tami Anastasia.

• Identifying triggers for negative behaviors can help families preemptively plan and minimize those behaviors.
• When making decisions for parents with dementia, it's important to involve them in the process and find ways to make them feel included and valued.
• Supporting caregivers and providing emotional guidance and care strategies are essential in helping them navigate the challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia. 
• Understanding and accessing benefits, such as veterans benefits, is an important part of legal planning for individuals with dementia.
• Family dynamics can become more pronounced when dealing with dementia. It is important to navigate these dynamics and focus on the best interests of the person with dementia.
• Caregivers should prioritize self-care and seek support to avoid burnout and maintain their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

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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...

"Who's going to watch over my child and make sure that things are being done properly, that they have everything they need?"

In this conversation, Bob Mannor, a certified elder law attorney, interviews Michele Fuller, a nationally recognized top special needs attorney, about special needs planning. 

Bob and Michele discuss the importance of collaboration and the need for a comprehensive approach to planning for families with loved ones with special needs. They highlight the role of a special needs trust and the importance of choosing the right trustee. They also emphasize the need for ongoing planning and the involvement of professionals with expertise in government benefits and financial management. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights into the key considerations and resources for special needs planning.

They also offer advice for professionals working with families in this situation and highlight the importance of engaging the thinking brain and testing processes. The conversation concludes with information and additional resources.

Takeaways

• Special needs planning requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach
• Ongoing planning is necessary to address changing circumstances and laws
• Leaving funds for a special needs child through a standalone trust can protect them from potential disruptions in social security benefits and ensure that the funds are used appropriately.
• Proper planning is crucial to avoid common mistakes, such as disinheriting the special needs child or leaving funds to someone else without proper safeguards.
• Creating a memo of intent that outlines the family's values, wishes, and instructions for care is essential for effective planning.
• Professionals working with families in special needs planning should meet them where they're at, help clarify their struggles, and provide resources and guidance tailored to their specific needs.
• Every family with a disabled or special needs child should consult with a special needs attorney to develop a plan that addresses their specific needs and concerns.

Host: Attorney Bob Mannor
Guest: Attorney Michele Fuller
Executive Producer: Savannah Meksto

Learn more about our guest: www.michiganlawcenter.com

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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...

Mercedes Fernandez, from Mouvement Geriatric Physiotherapy, joins Elder Law Attorney Bob Mannor to discuss the importance of movement and exercise for seniors. Mercedes shares her personal and professional journey in geriatric kinesiology and how she transitioned to working with older adults online. She explains the benefits of remote training, including the ability to record sessions and provide personalized exercises for clients to practice at home. Mercedes emphasizes the importance of movement for seniors, highlighting how it can improve circulation, prevent stiffness and pain, and enhance overall health. She also discusses the role of movement in dementia care and shares personal experiences with her grandmothers. Mercedes concludes by providing information on how to contact her and access her resources.

Takeaways

• Movement and exercise are crucial for seniors to maintain their health and well-being.
• Remote training allows for personalized exercises and the ability to record sessions for clients to practice at home.
• Regular movement can improve circulation, prevent stiffness and pain, and enhance overall health.
• Individuals with memory loss or dementia can especially benefit from movement and outdoor experiences.
• It is important to prioritize health to ensure a better quality of life as we age.

 So, tune in, and let's support our aging population together, one step at a time.

Host: Attorney Bob Mannor
Guest: Mercedes Fernandez of Mouvement Geriatric Physiotherapy
Executive Producer: Savannah Meksto

Learn more about Mannor Law Group

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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...