Aging in Style with Lori Williams

Topics discussed:

Takeaways from this episode:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Dementia is not just an individual’s disease. In fact, it’s estimated that it requires two-and-a-half loved ones to care for someone with dementia. And caregiving is a 24/7 job.

Unfortunately, caregivers often neglect their own needs to care for a loved one with dementia. They will delay their own appointments and engagements while enduring the mental, emotional and physical toll of caregiving – which can even leave them in a worse state than those with dementia!

Strategies to manage stress are pivotal. Megan Rowe, Senior Program Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Dallas and Northeast Chapter, joins Senior Living Expert Lori Williams to discuss the 10 symptoms of caregiver stress. Not only that, she’ll discuss ways to alleviate stress and prevent caregiver burnout.

Too much stress can be harmful to both a person with dementia and the caregiver. Often at the beginning, caregivers experience denial about the disease and the impact it’s having on them and their loved one. This leads to them putting off the help their loved one needs as dementia progresses.

Also, caregivers often wonder how they’ll handle it all and experience anxiety as a result. This may be paired with depression, which is often demonstrated through apathy, or giving up due to the burnout and stress. Irritability is also common as a sign someone is exhausted and overwhelmed.

It’s important to get connected with dementia-friendly services in the community to provide support for the caregiver and provide meaningful engagement for the one with dementia. It’s also helpful to prepare for the future, before the situation gets worse. Self-care every step of the way is critical.

Topics discussed:

- Dementia caregiving

- 10 signs of caregiver stress

- Dementia and Alzheimer’s

- Caregiver burnout

- Dementia / caregiver support groups

- Self-care techniques

- Preparing for memory care

Takeaways from this episode:

- Visit caregiver support groups or connect with the Alzheimer’s Association for crisis intervention and helpful resources.

- If your loved one’s behavior is deviating from the norm – maybe they always went to church and now they don’t – that’s a big sign of dementia.

- If you’re over 40 and care for someone over 65, you may qualify for support services, and potentially respite vouchers.

- Churches and other faith-based organizations may offer adult day stay programs to use for a few hours or all day so caregivers can get much-needed time back in their day.

- Use your breaks however you need. If you want a bubble bath, take one! Self-care and recharging is important, and you have permission to do what you love and enjoy.

- Try breathing and meditation apps and YouTube videos to use for as little as 15 seconds, as well as physical activity to help reduce stress and help overall wellbeing. (Even better if you can get your loved one to join!)

-There’s a lot to do to prepare for memory care, including paperwork, so don’t wait until an emergency strikes to research memory care assistance.

- Keep your doctors’ appointments in addition to your loved ones’. Maintaining your health is best for everyone involved.

Resources discussed:

Contact the Alzheimer’s Association free 24/7 helpline:

(800) 272-3900

Learn more about caregiving resources at:

https://www.alz.org/care

For Texas residents:

Contact the Department of Aging and Disability Services in Texas to ask about getting compensated for caregiving:

https://ctadvrc.org/blog/projects/texas-department-of-aging-and-disability-services/

Calm app to help you meditate:

https://www.calm.com/

Contact someone in senior services like Lori to learn about community resources and to plan in advance for memory care options (there may be a waiting list):

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/

087. How every community can be Dementia Friendly

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/4e5ff26c/087-how-every-community-can-be-dementia-friendly

039. Getting Organized! Creating a Binder Of Essential Documents for Aging Parents

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/7907ae1f/039-getting-organized-creating-a-binder-of-essential-documents-for-aging-parents

Takeaways from this episode:

Topics discussed:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Meals on Wheels has been more important than ever the past couple years as seniors became more isolated during the pandemic. But what is Meals on Wheels, and how does it work? And how do you or your loved ones qualify?

Michelle McMahon is the executive director of Meals on Wheels in Denton County, Texas, and she’s joined by Senior Nutrition Program Manager Kristine Herrera to discuss all the ins and outs of Meals on Wheels.

You’ll learn:

1. How it’s funded

- How seniors qualify

- How often meals are delivered

- What’s included

- How the volunteer program works

And more.

It’s a labor of love that does more than deliver meals. Thanks to generous donations and grants, seniors not only receive a nutritious, warm meal – they receive friendly check-ins from members of the community. This provides relief to family members of seniors who may not get to see their loved ones as often as they’d like.

Topics discussed:

- Meals on Wheels

- Congregate meals

- Funding / donating to Meals on Wheels

- Volunteer work

- Senior community

- Senior socialization

Takeaways from this episode:

- Meals on Wheels is free for seniors and mainly funded through the federal government’s Older Americans Act. But to serve more people, they rely on supplemented donations and grants.

- Seniors qualify for delivery when they’re over age 60, live alone, and are homebound. Social workers also do a candidate assessment when they receive a senior referral.

- Senior living facilities sometimes host congregate Meals on Wheels, which offers an enriching experience providing socialization to a population that’s often lonely.

- Meals and Wheels gives peace of mind to distant family members because sometimes the delivery is the only contact seniors have.

- Senior Paws is a donation-based program that partners with Meals on Wheels of Denton County to deliver dog and cat food to home bound seniors with pets.

To find out more about volunteering with Meals on Wheels in Denton County, call:

940-382-2224

Visit the website to learn more or donate:

www.mowdc.org

Senior Paws:

http://mowdc.org/senior-paws-for-pets/

Episode 14: Finding purpose as we age:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/78a00db4/014-finding-your-purpose-at-any-age

To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast, please email [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

One out of every 3 seniors over the age of 65 falls in their home, with most falls occurring in the bathroom. If your family member is falling or having trouble getting around at home, but wishes to remain independent, it's critical to make the home safe for them. However, it’s hard to know which products they’ll need, who can install them and how to install them.

Inspired by her experience with her own father, Founder and CEO Sydney Hughes began Senior Proof Inc. to address this gap in the market and alleviate these stresses for caregivers. The business helps with anything that makes independent seniors safer and more comfortable within their home. The team helps install grab bars, wheelchair ramps, walk-in showers, motion sensor lighting around the home, and more measures to enhance overall safety.

In this episode, she shares ideas to make your home safe on a budget. These cost-effective tips are imperative to keeping your loved ones safe and giving family members peace of mind.

Topics discussed:

- Senior safety at home

- Making your home fall-proof

- Grab bars for seniors

- Wheelchair ramps

- Motion-sensor lights

- Home safety on a budget

- Products for senior safety

Takeaways from this episode:

- Senior Proof Inc. offers the guidance of aging-in-place specialists that evaluate the property based on ADA guidelines.

- Not only are walk-in showers safer, but it’s even better to create a slip-resistant surface for added protection.

- One helpful device is a toilet safety rail with armrests on each side and nonslip handles. There are affordable options online.

- In your foyer, dining room area or dark hallways, try motion-lighting sensors to illuminate walking paths. Try battery-operated ones for a less costly alternative.

- Many clients install motion-sensor lights in bathrooms because that’s where falls are common, as well as around the bed frame and on the wall on the way to the bathroom.

- Invest in a rail to help you get out of bed. Remember you get what you pay for with bed rails and will need something sturdy.

- For any rails in the home, do your research on weight limits and make sure it’s the right height.

- Threshold ramps in doorways help with smoother wheelchair entry over a doorway.

- “If you don’t use it, you lose it” - stay active even if it’s just walking around your house a few times a day.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Senior Proof Inc:

www.seniorproofinc.com

How to senior proof a home, on a budget:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/2541015a/077-want-to-senior-proof-a-home-on-a-budget-on-a-weekend-follow-these-steps

Rust-Oleum Anti-slip spray coat:

https://thd.co/3vLokIQ

Carex toilet safety rail:

https://www.amazon.com/Carex-Support-Adjustable-Assistance-Standing/dp/B00354B818

Motion Sensor Lights:

https://amzn.to/3d7a2Mc

Fall prevention episode with expert Jaque Archer:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/792ce4fd/020-a-conversation-about-fall-prevention-with-expert-jacque-archer

Adjustable bed rail:

https://stander.com/product/ez-adjust-bed-rail/

Texas Ramp Project:

https://www.texasramps.org/

For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter, please visit:

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

When Bill Cohen was caring for his mother with Alzheimer’s in the mid-2000s, 1 out of every 5 caregivers were men. Now, it’s closer to 1 in 3, and more and more men are stepping into that role.

Bill learned many valuable tips and tricks while caregiving, and today he gives back as a caregiver support leader and owner of Cohen Caregiving Support Consultants. He’s also a speaker and volunteer with the Alzheimer's Association.

He joins Senior Living Expert Lori Williams to discuss his story and provide the perspective of a male caregiver. His mother lost her home during Hurricane Katrina, which revealed much of her cognitive state at the time – and shook him out of his denial. While caring for her, he learned the importance of self-care, seeking a supportive ear, and being unafraid to ask for help. These learnings guide his work today, as he encourages men to do the same and be unafraid to show vulnerability.

Drawing from his experience, he also discusses common pitfalls he sees, particularly with men, and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. He stresses it's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and once it happens, learning how to effectively manage the situation (especially in times of emotional crisis). It’s also important to note that support can take many forms: Asking for a cup of coffee, delegating yard work, or speaking with a professional are just a few.

Topics discussed:

- Dementia / Alzheimer’s disease

- Caregiving and Alzheimer’s

- Caregiving support tips

- The importance of self-care

- Male caregivers

- Dementia prevention

- Healthy lifestyle

Takeaways from this episode:

- Signs that something may be amiss with your loved one: mood swings, agitation, confusion, paranoia, not taking care of the house, not taking care of finances, and no longer having competence where they once did (e.g. cooking or taking care of finances).

- Symptoms often begin much earlier, making early recognition vital.

- Trauma can exacerbate Alzheimer’s. This is what happened with Bill’s mother after Hurricane Katrina.

- Male caregivers often fall into the trap of thinking it’s their task, their role - and they tend to not seek help, believing, “I can handle all of this.”

- Men may find value in support groups. They’re open to all ages and all genders, and can provide empathy and understanding.

- For caregivers over age 70, roughly two-thirds pass away before the person they’re caring for. That’s why it’s critical to make self-care a priority.

- Evidence shows your environment, as well as behavioral and lifestyle choices, can increase Alzheimer’s risk. The earlier we practice these or get in a safer, healthier environment, the better.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Contact Bill Cohen, CSA, read his blog and resources:

https://cohencaregivingsupport.com/

For more resources on Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia, please watch:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DL8p4S4vGHU&list=PLVZbhdaCRjAa7sVwLWuZcyP36GxbpDAjH

To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast, please email [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

When women turn 60, they often feel invisible. But this shouldn’t be the case. More and more, women are unafraid to start new businesses, change careers, and make empowering decisions about their lives. One way women can feel more empowered is to dress in styles that reflect their taste and help them feel confident. There’s never an age where you’re “too old” to enjoy fashion!

Susan Bauermeister owns Mainstream Boutique in Flower Mound, Texas, along with her daughter. Together they curate pieces that appeal to multiple generations. Their goal is to help all women who enter the store to look and feel beautiful. They believe trends are for anyone of any age, and that self-imposed “rules” are meant to be broken.

She joins Senior Services Expert Lori Williams and shares her experiences at the boutique, including:

-Common misconceptions and myths around fashion

-Insecurities women face as they age

-Wardrobe essentials and fashion tips that help women look and feel their best

-And more

Too often women believe because they’re older, they have no right to wear trends or fun clothing. They worry what others think and gravitate toward styles that may not always be flattering, such as skirts that go below the knees, capris instead of shorts, and billowy clothes that they hide in. However, when you wear clothes that fit your body and hit the right places, it can make you feel better. Trying on different styles is key - you never know until you put them on!

Plus, trying different types of clothes can help you feel and look younger. Age is just a number, and if you enjoy what you’re wearing, it translates to radiance and confidence. No one can judge you for that.

Topics discussed:

Women’s fashion

Fashion trends

Trendy at any age

Styles for seniors

Youth as a mindset

Popular fashion

Wardrobe essentials

Flattering styles

Takeaways from this episode:

- Women often believe they’re too old to wear cute clothes and worry someone is judging. No one is judging. In fact, fashion-forward styles and a good fit are flattering and can help you look younger.

- If you’re truly uncomfortable with certain styles such as tank tops, there are alternatives. There are short flutter-sleeves or ruffled sleeves that are cool for summer.

- Though they may be comfortable, oversized clothes that drown you can be frumpy. There’s also shapewear that can smooth out your silhouette.

- Try on the clothes you like – it may surprise you how good they look!

- You don’t have to sacrifice style to be comfortable. Many shoe brands, for instance, offer comfy support without being chunky orthopedic sneakers.

- Shorter styles may accentuate your figure better than maxi dresses or capris (which can cut you off in the wrong spot). If you’re insecure about your legs, try boots and tights. No pantyhose!

- People notice how put together and amazing you look, not scrutinize for spider veins or flabby arms.

- Boutiques are often easier to shop than department stores: less overwhelming, more color coordination.

Resources discussed:

Shop at Mainstream Boutique in Flower Mound:

5801 Long Prairie Road, Suite 810

Shop online:

https://mainstreamboutique.com/pages/flowermound

(Shipping and local delivery are available)

Watch the weekly fashion show:

Thursdays at 7 p.m. CT on the Mainstream Boutique Flower Mound Facebook

To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast, please email [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

Two years have flown by! Senior Services Expert Lori Williams reflects on the past 100 episodes of Aging in Style with her producer, Ana Xavier. Born from a passion for helping others, this podcast has shared important information for people of all ages in Dallas, Texas and beyond about senior housing and resources. They’ll pull back the curtain and give you a behind-the-scenes peek at making this podcast a reality.

Along the way, there has been no shortage of inspirational seniors doing exciting work in their golden years. It just goes to show you’re never too old to try something new, and never too old to make a difference. Mindset is everything!

Lori and Ana also share fascinating statistics on seniors and podcasting, as well as the perks of listening to a podcast. If you’re unsure about using a particular service and they have a podcast, it helps build a relationship early on, even from afar. Podcasts may also offer quick insight with actionable tips to put you at ease when you're dealing with various situations.

Whether you’d like to start a podcast of your own or you’re a senior wanting to embark on a new journey, keep in mind: progress over perfection. Give yourself grace and patience, and find enjoyment and purpose in the journey.

Topics discussed:

Podcasting

Milestones

Starting a podcast

Podcast stats

Senior living / senior services

Inspirational seniors

Lifelong learning

Takeaways from this episode:

- Over the past 2 years and 100 episodes, Aging in Style has maintained its purpose of educating its listeners while celebrating cool seniors.

- The age 55+ community is listening to podcasts more and more. On average, people listen to 8 episodes a week.

- Studies continue to show that seniors are actually happier than younger generations – and that increases with age. People in their 70s are happier than in their 60s.

- There are 2 million podcasts, but only 200,000 are active. 90% of podcasters don’t make it past episode 10. It’s a long-term investment that can have great payoff.

- Consistency and content matters above all when you’re providing information such as a podcast. Don’t worry about the bells and whistles and having everything go perfectly.

Resources mentioned in this podcast:

032. Living Life to the Fullest: Meet the Founder of Aging but Dangerous!

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/791c9cb7/032-living-life-to-the-fullest-meet-the-founder-of-aging-but-dangerous

078. Aging Like A Guru

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/1b03bf02/078-aging-like-a-guru

092. Residential Care Homes Reimagined, with Hal Cranmer

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/21f4af6f/092-residential-care-homes-reimagined-with-hal-cranmer

The Girlfriend's Guide To Senior Living Video Podcast

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/guide-to-senior-living

To learn more about podcasting, please visit:

www.thepodcastspace.com

www.instagram.com/thepodcastspace

To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast, please email [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

https://www.tiktok.com/@theloriwilliams?lang=en

There are some topics that are awkward and uncomfortable as we discuss aging. With the right speakers, though, it can become lighthearted and fun!

Occupational Therapist Maria Lindbergh is one of these people, and she specializes in helping people clean their bottoms after using the toilet. She created a course called, “Hard Time Wiping? Let’s Talk A-Booty It.” She shares toilet techniques and four options to clean your bottom easier – resulting in better health, hygiene, and self-esteem.

In occupational therapy, specialists help people return to daily activities and anything you need to do at home to remain independent - such as going to the bathroom. Maria helps seniors with this each day, having witnessed firsthand how her grandparents with dementia needed this help to care for themselves and stay safe. With the creation of her course, she’s driven to help people who may be too embarrassed to bring up the subject with their doctors, as well as their caregivers.

Maria discusses a few tips to help seniors with the bathroom. Bidets are common in other parts of the world and helps protect skin and clean yourself more thoroughly. Bathroom safety is also important, such as staying seated and using grab bars to help yourself up and down. Women should also take special care to wipe front to back to prevent the spread of bacteria and prevent UTIs, which can send people to the hospital and cause confusion and cognitive impairment.

Topics discussed:

Occupational therapy

Bathroom struggles in seniors

Perks of bidets

Senior hygiene

UTI prevention

Toilet equipment for seniors

Staying independent at home

Takeaways from this episode:

-Occupational therapists can help you stay independent while living your life to the fullest at home. In fact, they can help you be more independent wherever you are in the journey, whether in assisted living or a nursing home.

-There are many benefits to using water instead of toilet tissue or wet wipes to clean your bottom: it’s environmentally friendly, better for your skin, and can prevent infections.

-Bidets come in different price ports, are often inexpensive and come with a range of features depending on your needs.

-There are different types of bidets to use, such as handheld, electric, and ones you can install your existing toilet.

-For toilet safety, consider adding grab bars. It’s also better to stay seated with both feet on the ground when you clean yourself so you’re balanced and stable.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Maria Lindbergh's course: Hard Time Wiping? Let's Talk A-booty It!

https://toilettalk.podia.com/hardtimewiping

Follow Maria's videos on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/hardtimewiping/

Watch Toilet Talk episodes on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfUa9YinfAi1vUVMAl5xAXQ/videos

Bidet King for all Bidet sizes:

https://bidetking.com/

To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast, please email [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

Have you visited a parent over the holidays and realized they would benefit from senior living? Maybe they need more socialization and prepared meals, so independent living would be a good option - or maybe they need assisted living for even more help. No matter which senior community you’re leaning toward, Senior Living Expert Lori Williams has 8 tips for you to keep in mind when it comes to touring and “interviewing” your (or your loved ones') prospective home.

It’s not fun to move more than you have to. It’s also important that you feel cared for and enjoy where you’ll be spending most of your time. That’s why it’s good to have a game plan. There are many factors to consider, like whether to use a local senior placement service, the community’s COVID-19 strategy, and more. When you take these questions into account, you can take the stress out of the moving process and confidently make an informed decision about your new home.

Topics from this episode:

-Touring senior living communities

- Tips for choosing the right senior living

- Senior living placement services

- Senior living communities and COVID-19

- Questions to ask when touring senior residences

Takeaways from this episode:

- It’s important to have a local senior placement service so they’re familiar with the options in the area. Plus, they may have contacts for realtors, moving services and more.

- Choosing precisely the right senior housing for your needs can help you use funds more effectively. Be sure to find an option for your budget, too.

- It’s okay to bring your seniors to look at their living options if they’re not suffering from dementia and if the process isn’t overwhelming.

- Ask any and all questions you have, and make sure to check what certain words or services are if you don’t understand them.

- Don’t be afraid to interact with staff during your visit, from the activities' director to the chef -and even current residents.

- Take plenty of notes and follow up with your senior placement advisor after your visit.

- Go with your gut and be sure to go wherever feels best.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Tips on Touring Senior Communities PDF:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/post/tips-on-touring-senior-communities-with-checklist

005. Senior Housing 101:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/78876793/005-senior-housing-101021.

7 Red Flags to look for During Holiday Visits with Senior Family Members:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/78dafab1/021-7-red-flags-to-look-for-during-holiday-visits-with-senior-family-members

023. How Senior Living is adapting to COVID-19

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/77ce3524/023-how-senior-living-is-adapting-to-covid-19025.

Activities in Senior Living - it’s not what you think!

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/78cc0ade/025-activities-in-senior-living-its-not-what-you-think

To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast, please email [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/