Aging in Style with Lori Williams

Your loved one is taking longer and longer to run errands, their car is scraped and dented, and you suspect dementia and Alzheimer’s. Even if you’re unafraid of confrontation, it can be nerve-racking to have the conversation with your loved one that it’s time to take their car keys. It’s critical to do it not just for your loved one’s safety, but for the safety of everyone else on the road.

Tanesha Tyler-Carr is no stranger to this situation as a care consultant with the Alzheimer’s Association Dallas and Northeast Texas Chapter. Senior Services Expert Lori Williams welcomes her back to discuss tips and resources for this scenario in the continuation of the Alzheimer’s series:

· Why it’s important to have this conversation

· Red flags to keep in mind

· How to prepare for the conversation about driving

· And more

Takeaways from this episode:

- 70% of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's or another type of dementia will wander at some point in time, meaning getting lost or stepping away from their environment.

- The Alzheimer’s Association website offers videos about having the conversation about taking the keys, how to plan, signs of unsafe driving, and what to do if the conversation is going well (or not going well).

- Get everyone in your family on the same page about the plan of action.

- If your loved one isn’t receptive to handing over the keys, try using an authority figure like a doctor, the police or even the DMV, which can offer a driving test to gauge their abilities and revoke their license if needed. 

Resources:

For more information on Alzheimer’s and driving:

Visit alz.org/driving

Call the helpline at 800-272-3900

Dangerous driving? It may be time to give the time to give out the keys:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/7943cd8a/045-dangerous-driving-how-to-have-the-conversation-about-giving-up-the-keys

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/ 

Topics discussed:

Alzheimer's and dementia

Conversation tips

Dementia and driving

Taking the keys

Silver alerts

Car safety

Alzheimer's Association

In 2021, 6 million Americans have received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, with 400,000 individuals diagnosed in Texas alone.* Nearly everyone knows someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s, but there are still many questions how to handle it - especially around the holidays.

Senior Services Expert Lori Williams welcomes Tanesha Tyler-Carr, the program services coordinator from the Alzheimer’s Association Dallas and Northeast Chapter, to do a 3-part series on Alzheimer’s. She shares statistics and common misconceptions about the disease, as well as important tips for the holidays.

You’ll learn how to:

- Prepare yourself to visit a loved one with dementia

- Set boundaries and expectations with loved ones

- Include them in the festivities while attending their needs

If it's been a long time since you've connected with your loved one and you're unsure how to act or you're unsure how to help family members prepare, this will provide great guidelines for you.

Takeaways from this episode:

- Caregivers should prepare family and let them know what to expect, so the holidays are enjoyable for everyone.

- You may need to modify how you interact with your loved one. Their diagnosis may change how they express themselves and relate to others.

- Prepare a place away from the main action where your loved one can enjoy company on their own terms without becoming overstimulated.

- Find a way to let your loved one be part of the preparations in a way that fits their desires and abilities.

- Alzheimer’s is a brain disease and not only impacts memory and communication, but also their senses. Keep this in mind while preparing their plate of food.

Resources:

For more information on Alzheimer’s and preparing for the holidays:

Visit Alz.org/holidays

Call the 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900

Going home for the holidays? Keep an eye on these red flags:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/efc65718/064-home-for-the-holidays-checklist-is-it-time-to-move

*According to alz.org/facts

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/ 

Topics discussed:

- Alzheimer’s

- Dementia

- Holiday

- Family dynamics with dementia

- Sensory overload

- Stigma of dementia

- Alzheimer’s statistics

Meals on Wheels has been more important than ever the past couple years as seniors have 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:

-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/

The holidays are coming, and maybe it’s the first time you’ve seen your family in a year (or even 2 years thanks to the pandemic). If you’re visiting elderly family members, it’s important to be alert and observant. Many families get together during the holidays and notice a decline in their loved ones since their last gathering.

Senior living expert Lori Williams draws from her professional experience and offers 6 categories you should be aware of when visiting family. From your loved one’s physical health to the state of the home, there are different signs to look out for. For example, if your mother was always a neat freak and suddenly her house is a disaster, there might be a deeper issue going on.

You’ll learn what to look out for to ensure your family members’ wellbeing. Even if some details are concerning, it may not always mean it’s time for senior living, but it may just be time to step in and get help in place. Either way, you can plan the best course of action for their safety and happiness.

Takeaways from this episode: 

- When visiting your elderly loved ones, look at their physical appearance, emotional wellbeing, their home environment, finances, medical diagnoses, medications, and the ability to drive.

- Look out for changes that contradict how your loved ones used to be. If they’ve isolated themselves when they’re normally a social butterfly, it’s time to dig deeper.

- Seemingly random details can be a sign of dementia. Do they have moldy food in the fridge or burnt pots and pans? Have they bought 10 boxes of the same type of cereal?

- Check their medications for any expired bottles or potential interactions and side effects.

- Try taking a short drive with your loved one to see if they’re able to do so safely.

- If you go home and see your father can’t get up the stairs, there’s no food in the house, or things are in a bad state, don’t wait - call a senior living specialist.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Dangerous driving? How to have the conversation about giving up the keys:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/7943cd8a/045-dangerous-driving-how-to-have-the-conversation-about-giving-up-the-keys

A conversation about fall prevention:

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

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/

Topics discussed: 

1. Signs of dementia

Your loved one has just been diagnosed with dementia - now what?

As Bronwen Zilmer would say, you can’t do it alone, so find your community. As the founder of Oasis, a weekly caregivers’ day out program in Lewisville, Texas, she knows firsthand how important it is. This program was inspired by her experience caring for her father with dementia when she was only 29 years old, and it offers caregivers a 4-hour reprieve. Not only that, but attendees with dementia get to enjoy a program of fun and a sense of community each week.

With Senior Living Expert Lori Williams, Bronwen discusses:

- Her experience with dementia and how she started the program

- What the Oasis program offers to caregivers and seniors with dementia

- Top 3 tips for caregivers caring for someone with dementia

Takeaways from this episode:

- Caregiver’s day out programs help give you a break, but they also provide joy and fun to your loved ones with dementia.

- Music and aerobics are important in creating joy in those with dementia.

- You don’t have to go through caregiving alone. Find a support group and you’ll have a community of people who understand what you’re going through.

- Everyone’s Alzheimer’s experience is different, so be prepared for the possibilities. Look at home help and memory care communities so you have a plan.

- Chat with a senior care advisor. Not only will they help you develop a plan in case your loved one needs memory care, but they’re also connected to various care resources.

Reach out to Bronwen about Oasis at

fbclewisville.org under “Ministries” and then “Care”

https://fbclewisville.org/ministries/care/

214 394 4721

[email protected]

Alzheimer's Association:

https://www.alz.org/

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/

Topics discussed:

- Dementia

- Alzheimer’s

- Dementia caregivers

- Caregiver support groups

- Caregiving tips

- Memory care

- Senior day programs

- Activities for people with dementia

If you or a loved one are looking into senior living, where do you begin?

First, it’s important to know what senior living is. When you think of senior living, you may be thinking of a nursing home. However, there are many different types, from independent living to memory care, and it’s important to think of what best suits your needs. Maybe you just need socialization and meals included. Or, maybe you need a higher level of care with bathing, dressing, or medications.

No matter where you’d like to go, there are multiple considerations for finding your ideal community. Drawing from her experience running a senior living placement service, Lori Williams outlines 8 questions to ask as you consider this life change for yourself or a loved one.

Takeaways from this episode:

-Independent living includes everything under one price, from activities and housekeeping to transportation and meals.

-Residential care homes are smaller communities with higher levels of care, typically for those with some degree of dementia or physical needs.

-If your prospective home offers meals, be sure to come in at lunchtime to try out the food and get an idea of the atmosphere.

-Feel free to ask caregiver questions like the ratio of caregivers to residents, their training and their tenure.

-Senior placement services are free and can help walk you through considerations to find the best place for your needs.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Senior Housing 101:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/78876793/005-senior-housing-101

Top 5 Misconceptions about Senior Living:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/e595443b/057-top-5-misconceptions-about-senior-living

Tips on Touring Senior Communities:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/7925ffcd/026-tips-on-touring-senior-communities

Topics discussed:

- Senior living

- Senior communities

- Senior living meals

- Independent living

- Memory care

- Assisted living

- Residential care

- Senior placement service

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/

Discussing personal finances isn’t something that we do much in our society. However, there comes a time where it may help our loved ones if we step in to protect their finances - not only because of dementia, but also due to elder abuse.

The topic of financial abuse in the senior population may not be fun, but it’s important to be aware of. After all, no one wants to be in that situation, so it’s critical to recognize the signs. Plus, it also opens up a larger discussion about how to approach helping them with finances so they don’t get into bad situations.

You’ll learn:

- What to look out for when you’re with senior family members

- Tips for helping your family member manage finances (and when to step in)

- The important documents you’ll need in case of an emergency

Takeaways from this episode

- With financial abuse, you might notice changes in your loved ones’ will or mortgage, new lines of credit, unusual requests and sizable donations.

- Senior Services Expert Lori Williams has seen an uptick in elder scams since COVID, mostly due to loneliness and isolation.

- It’s better to have the difficult discussion about your loved one’s finances before dementia, health issues and scams enter the picture. The sooner you discuss it, the better.

-You must step in if you suspect dementia and if your loved ones are getting confused about their accounts.

- Include your loved ones in decision-making, be respectful, and let them know you’re just there to help.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

039. Getting Organized! Creating a Binder Of Essential Documents:

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

044. How seniors can protect themselves against identity theft and online scams:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/7900734e/044-how-seniors-can-protect-themselves-against-identity-theft-and-online-scams

048. Understanding Power of Attorney, Living Will and Other Legal Terminology

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/2ca905f2/048-understanding-power-of-attorney-living-will-and-other-legal-terminology

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/

Topics discussed:

-Senior finances

-Elder / financial abuse

-Conversations about finances with family

-Legal documents

-Power of attorney

-Having difficult discussions

-Dementia

With a podcast called Aging in Style, it’s only fitting to welcome a guest who embodies the concept so fully. That’s why Senior Services Expert Lori Williams welcomes Doug Brown: Great Depression baby, World War II veteran, and current refurbisher of computers … who is 96 years young.

Though he’s nearly 100, Doug says he feels at least 20 years younger. His secret? Staying busy. Along with words of wisdom (such as “Volunteer or die”), he shares his tactics for longevity and the importance of living an active life - both mentally and physically. You’ll be fascinated as you hear about his life with his wife Claire, his typical schedule and how he stayed busy during quarantine.

Takeaways from this episode:

- Having a purpose in life keeps you alive and doing good things; staying busy is the key to happiness.

- If you don’t volunteer or find some way to stay active, you’ll start to go downhill. Likewise, if you let your mind go, then your health follows.

- Once you start doing something, it’s easy to keep doing it - it’s just the initial inertia that can be difficult to overcome.

- You must have companionship where you’re exposed to new ideas, thoughts, and (polite!) disagreements.

- Doing something physical may be difficult, but the minute you stop doing it completely, then it becomes impossible for you to do anymore.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

To locally donate computers and parts, please get in touch with: [email protected]

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/

Topics discussed:

- Retirement activities

- Senior volunteer work

- Learning new skills

- Staying active throughout life

- Finding purpose in old age

- Physical fitness

- Staying sharp

“Does Medicare cover assisted living?” is a common question Lori Williams gets as a senior living professional. Since Medicare functions as health insurance and doesn’t cover senior living, she welcomes an expert back to the show to share what it does cover.

You’ll get a simple overview of the Medicare puzzle from June Kim, a community relations specialist with BlueCross BlueShield of Texas. With Medicare enrollment October 15 through December 7, it’s a great time to learn - though it’s always helpful to understand what you’re getting into! She’ll answer common questions like:

·What is Medicare Part A, B, C and D?

· What’s a Medicare supplement? What about Medicare Advantage?

· I’m still employed - should I enroll in Medicare?

· How much does it cost?

· Where do I enroll?

If you need to learn the basics of Medicare or just need a refresher, this is a great place to start. Plus, you’ll also be aware of what changes are coming.

Takeaways from this episode:

-Enroll for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) once you turn 65 - even if you’re still employed. You’ve already paid into it, so it’s free.

-Only enroll in Part B when you’re fully retired because your employer may already offer health insurance coverage.

-You can’t be on Medicare Part A and B (traditional Medicare) without a drug plan - Part D.

-Medicare covers 80% of the costs, and you’ll have to pay the last 20% out of pocket unless you have Medicare Supplement insurance.

-Medicare Part C is an “all in one” plan run by private insurance companies. You wouldn’t get Part A, B or D if you already have Medicare Advantage, nor could you get a supplement.

-You must be reasonably healthy to qualify for a Medicare supplement, and costs vary according to lifestyle. The older you get, the more expensive it is.

-Medicare Part C is like an HMO health insurance plan; whereas Medicare A and B are like a PPO.

- If you have Medicare Part A, B and D, and supplement insurance, you can use your Medicare in all 50 states - any doctor and any hospital that takes Medicare, with little to no out-of-pocket expenses.

-Choosing the plan for you comes down to many factors including network and resources. What’s most important is that you understand the plan you choose.

12. Medicare 101

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/794eb1c8/012-medicare-101

For more information about plans and the brochure mentioned in this episode, please visit: 

www.Thinkbluetx.com

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2c62c2_5fdf7b18b96d45639040f7972bf54fc8~mv2.jpeg

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2c62c2_ea7e019a7a9a4becae1d3bbbe025e9a2~mv2.jpeg

To contact June Kim:

[email protected]

214-783- 7901

For more detailed and up-to-date information, please go to:

www.medicare.gov  

Or call at 1-800-633-4227; available 24/7

And for social security:

www.ssa.gov

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/

There’s a quote by Ernest Hemingway: “The world breaks everyone, and afterward many are strong at the broken places. But those that will not break it kills. It kills the very good and the very gentle and the very brave impartially.”

One interpretation of this quote is that we're all going to be broken, but how we pick ourselves up – also known as our resiliency – is how we become stronger in those “broken places.”

There’s a lot that happens to us throughout our lifetimes, but how we react to change can be an indicator of our long-term happiness and how we accept the “wear and tear” of aging. Senior Services Expert Lori Williams discusses how resilience is important as we get older. She describes what it means, why it helps, and how to practice it.

Takeaways from this episode:

- Resilience is the result of successful adaptation to adversity, according to the University of Arizona Center on Aging.

- The people who live the longest have been shown to have resilience.

- Being resilient means you can recover from stressful events with a sense of purpose and come out of it stronger.

- There are different behaviors that influence resilience, including optimism, flexibility, finding the “silver lining,” and being connected to other people and a strong sense of purpose.

- Life doesn't always go according to plan. Find a way to make peace with it and adapt.

Questions to ask yourself:

Why do you think you've lived such a long life?

What's your life's philosophy?

What's your relationship with your family, friends and neighbors?

 What's being healthy mean to you?

What do you do when you face difficulties in life?

How do you handle change in your life?

What are you most proud of in your life?

Are you satisfied with your life? 

Are there any benefits that come from stress?

Topics discussed:

- Resiliency

- Resilience as we age

- The importance of optimism

- Finding community as a senior

-  Staying active and finding purpose

-  How to be resilient

 Resources mentioned in this episode:

014. Finding Purpose at Any Age:

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

Resilience in Aging:

https://www.uofazcenteronaging.com/care-sheet/providers/resilience-aging

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/