Aging in Style with Lori Williams

If you hear the words “senior living” and imagine a nursing home, you’re not alone. Senior Living Expert Lori Williams hears this from clients all the time! While it’s common for people to picture the sterile, dreary nursing homes of the 1970s, senior living has thankfully come a long way. There are many options, even upscale senior apartments with activities like resorts.

This is just one of the misconceptions you’ll learn about when it comes to senior living. You’ll learn other misconceptions that also answer common questions, like:

· What a nursing home actually is (and isn’t)

· The types of senior living options available

· If your pets can come with you to senior living

· Whether Medicare pays for senior living

And more.

Takeaways from this episode:

· There’s a wide variety of senior living available with different price ranges, sizes and levels of assistance required.

· Do your due diligence. Don’t just visit one facility - know your options and be sure to research what type of housing is best for your specific needs.

· Do what you need to do to thrive. Don’t let preconceived notions about senior living or concerns about pets keep you from living your best life.

· It’s common for your loved ones to say senior living is “only for old people” or they’re “not moving there.” However, the benefits are worthwhile!

Topics discussed:

· Senior living options

· Nursing homes

· Assisted living

· Medicare

· Pets and senior living

· Senior living research

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 topic of exercise might not be your favorite - and maybe the act itself is something you’re putting off (myself included!). But no matter your age, exercise in some form offers plenty of benefits for your heart, lungs, and joints. Plus, it can make balance and mobility easier for seniors, which is especially helpful for preventing a nasty fall.

Physical Therapist Dr. Matthew Bonander is the author of Exercise, Health and Vitality: A Science-Based Guide for Adults and Older. The book was a labor of love during the pandemic and draws from his experience helping seniors recover from surgery, neurological events like strokes, and more. He speaks with Senior Services Expert Lori Williams about:

- His profession and what inspired him to write his book

- What readers can learn from Exercise, Health and Vitality

- Tips for balance and preventing falls

And more.

Takeaways from this episode:

- Exercise and movement are important in preventing health issues as well as improving your overall state of being - even in your 90s.

- Medicare will pay for home health treatment if it’s ordered by your physician. It’s a common therapy for home bound people who have Parkinson’s or are recovering from strokes, a fall or surgery.

- Exercise, Health and Vitality by Dr. Matthew Bonander is divided into chapters focusing on different joints in the body, like neck or shoulders, and how to take care of them.

- You should perform exercises under the care of a professional or have a caregiver to watch over you for safety.

- Consider fall prevention by making sure there’s enough lighting where you walk, you’re wearing appropriate shoes, and you’re using an assistive device like a walker if needed.

Topics discussed:

- Exercise for seniors

- Maintaining balance

- Walkers / mobility devices

- Physical therapy

- Home health

- Fall prevention

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Advanced Rehab Trust:

https://rehabtrust.com/about/

Dr. Matthew Bonander's book 'Exercise, Health and Vitality: A Concise, Science-Based Guide for Adults and Older Adults':

https://www.amazon.com/Exercise-Health-Vitality-Concise-Science-Based-ebook/dp/B099J2YJ7H/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1INJISIW35JSO&dchild=1&keywords=matthew+bonander&qid=1626925518&sprefix=matthew+bonander%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-3

Dr. Matthew Bonander:

https://www.facebook.com/Matt-Bonander-Exercise-Health-and-Vitality-104285751988569/

Fall Prevention:

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

Medicaid vs Medicare:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/79a39e48/006-home-health-and-home-care-explained-an-interview-with-kevin-jones-owner-of-brightstar-care-flower-mound

How to senior proof a home:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/218ae64a/046-how-to-senior-proof-a-home-on-a-budget

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/

Though many people have loved ones with dementia, they don’t always know the best way to communicate with them. 

Senior Services Expert Lori Williams often relays tips to people whose parents have dementia – and they often realize they’re not putting them into practice.

Lori’s 5 tips can help you and your loved one with dementia live more peacefully and stress-free. It can be difficult tending to family with memory loss, but interacting with them effectively can help their mood and well-being (and yours).

Topics discussed:

- Alzheimer’s, dementia and short-term memory

- Communicating with people with dementia

- Caregiving support

- Practicing patience

Takeaways from this episode:

- It helps to differentiate between your loved one’s disease and them as a person. If they knew how they were acting, they might be embarrassed or mortified.

- Treat them with respect by maintaining eye contact, speaking clearly and at a moderate pace, and using shorter sentences.

- Join your family on their journey rather than correcting them. It’s often not worth the effort and in their mind, their reality is correct.

- Avoid arguing with them because you risk agitating them, embarrassing them or making them upset.

- Don’t remind them if a loved one has passed away. Each time they remember it can be like reliving it the first time. It also serves no purpose if they’ll just forget in 5 minutes.

- Demonstrate to your loved ones that you’re listening to them and trying to understand what they’re saying. Even if they repeat themselves often, try to be patient.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

008. Dementia Journey Through a Daughter's Perspective:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/77cb0bff/008-dementia-journey-from-a-daughters-perspective

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

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

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

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

One in 3 adults aged 65 and older fall each year, and less than half speak to their doctor about it.

It’s a distressing situation that can cause broken bones and a hospital trip, so it’s worth taking seriously. Unfortunately, many worry about losing their independence if they mention this mishap. There are many reasons falls can happen - and, thankfully, there are countless ways to help prevent this too-common scenario.

In this episode, Lori discusses fall prevention with Jacque Archer, who has 30 years’ experience in the medical field and has spent 11 helping families with their senior parents and any accompanying challenges. She shares important statistics around falls in the senior citizen community and where / how they most often occur.

In addition to offering the 4 R’s for your home (reorganize, remodel, rearrange, remove), she divulges personal habits to help keep you physically strong and mentally aware.

Takeaways from this episode:

- Evaluate your environment and make it safe. For instance, 75% of senior falls happen in the bathroom, so it’s important to install rails or grab bars and opt for walk-in showers instead of bathtubs.

- Be sure to get your routine eye exams each year to make sure you’re able to see any obstacles in your path.

- Know and utilize any tools you may need, from reachers and shoehorns to walkers and canes (and make sure walkers and canes are fitted properly to prevent any aches and pains).

- Talk with your doctor about physical therapy to maintain flexibility, core strength and balance - and consider incorporating ways to stay active into your everyday life to stay strong.

- When you have 2 or more health problems, you increase your risk of falling by 30%, so be sure to understand your medication’s side effects and interactions.

- Staying mentally sharp is just as important as staying active, so you’re constantly evaluating and aware of your environment.

Topics discussed:

- Senior fall prevention- Senior physical therapy- Staying active in old age- Walkers and canes- Making your home senior friendly- Independent living- Senior mobility

To connect to Jacque:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacque-archer-36593956/972 800 [email protected] Fall Prevention checklist and more educational resources please visit: https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/post/10-tips-to-fall-proof-your-homeEpisode on Myths and Truths about Medicare: https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/794eb1c8/012-medicare-101

If you wish to suggest a topic, be a guest or want to support the podcast please email [email protected] or reach out online: https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

After 13 years of working with hundreds of Texans who looked to transition, Lori has become an expert in Active Living, Independent living, Memory Care, Assisted Living, Residential Care Homes or Nursing Homes (or Rehab).

In this episode of Aging in Style, Lori explains the ins and outs of senior housing, how to pay for each one, and gives real life examples of seniors who have made the transition to each type of senior housing. Take note as Lori explains every option in detail, including the lifestyle options and requirements of each one!

Takeaways from this episode:

-Nursing homes aren't the only option for seniors looking to move into a care facility.

-Lifestyle, care needs and budget are the most important things when considering senior living options.

-Most seniors delay moving out of their home because they (incorrectly) believe they'll have to part ways with their furry friends once they move into a senior facility.

-Residential care homes, nursing homes and memory care do NOT take pets- just check with the facility first.

-Private pay includes social security, income, any pension savings, IRAs, proceeds from the sale of a home, VA Aid & Attendance.-Independent Living is a very popular choice and it's also called All inclusive, All Inclusive Retirement Community or The Cruise Ship On Land.

-The Level of care is determined by the community's nurse responsible for assessing the resident's needs.

-Many residents find a new purpose and a new lifestyle after moving to many of these facilities.

-Googling communities in your area isn't enough to provide a clear view of the options out there: Using a service, such as Lori Williams - Senior Services, to help you narrow down your options based on lifestyle, care needs (if any), geographic location and budget will take the stress and uncertainty out of the transition to senior living.

Topics discussed in this episode:-Types of senior housing available-Active Living/55+/Senior Apartments-Independent Living/Retirement Community-Assisted Living-Memory Care-Assisted Living/Memory Care Combination-Residential Care Homes/Group Homes/Care Homes-Nursing Home/Skilled Nursing Facility/Rehab-Private Pay - what does that mean?-Medicare vs Medicaid in a Skilled Nursing Facility-Pets at senior facilities

For more resources please visit:

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.comSign up to the newsletter:https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.comConnect on social media:https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

There are 48 million caregivers in the United States, according to a 2020 AARP report – and they’re mostly for seniors. The documentary “It’s Not a Burden” by Filmmaker Michelle Boyaner takes a look at this section of society by showing families that care for their parents. Despite their various backgrounds, there are common themes that emerge and lessons to hold dear as you navigate this scenario.

Senior Services Expert Lori Williams gives her review of the film and important takeaways to apply to your own life as a caregiver. She also connects it to her 15 years of helping families support the seniors in their lives.

Topics discussed:

- Caregiving statistics

- Family caregivers

- Aging parents

- Dementia

- Hoarding

- Helping hoarding family members

- Caring for dementia sufferers

Takeaways from this episode:

- The 4 types of family caregiving situations include the sandwich generation, the guilt-ridden caregiver, the hoarder, and the complicated relationship.

- The ‘sandwich generation’ caregiving is when someone is taking care of their kids as well as their aging parents.

- Guilt-ridden caregivers feel caregiving is their top priority and that no one can help them.

- Hoarding is becoming increasingly common. Family members are often embarrassed, ashamed, and worried for their loved one’s safety (i.e. risk of falling).

- With complicated caregiving relationships, there may be trauma or resentment toward the family member you’re caring for, which makes it difficult to be a caregiver.

- Grace and humor will get you through caregiving. It’s difficult, but it can be rewarding with the right mindset.

- Don’t forget to take care of yourself as the caregiver. You can’t care for others without caring for yourself first.

- If you feel overwhelmed, there’s help and resources available to you.

'It's not a burden' documentary:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gzmeUnOITSY

Dementia journey from a daughter's perspective:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/77cb0bff/008-dementia-journey-from-a-daughters-perspective

Senior Housing 101:

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

Fall Prevention with Jackie Archer:

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

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

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

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

There are 2 common types of assisted living. First there’s the traditional large buildings with activity directors, transportation, and 100+ residents. It’s large but scalable with more amenities and services to offer residents. Then there’s the smaller residential home model - ‘mom and pop’ style with more individual attention.

Loe Hornbuckle is the CEO and founder of Sage Oak Assisted Living and Memory Care in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and he has taken the advantages of each to create a third type: a ‘best of both worlds’ version of assisted living. This model:

- Creates a campus of smaller care homes (similar to a neighborhood) where there are no more than 16 residents per home. They’re united by a central sales and administrative office.

- Helps residents with mobility / memory issues so they don’t have to walk far and receive a more favorable ratio of staff to residents.

- Is part of a larger organization helping residents get the scaling and opportunity of a big facility with the more individualized attention of a care home model.

Learn about the differences between various assisted living types and how this experience can be effective for seniors.

Topics discussed:

- Dallas and Denton senior living

- Assisted living / memory care

- Senior living facilities

- Mobility-friendly facilities

- Technology in senior living

- COVID-19 and senior living

Takeaways from this episode:

- Assisted living like Sage Oak offers a resident-to-staff ratio of 4-to-1 during the day and 8-to-1 at night - great for those who need more attention or supervision.

- A smaller staff-to-resident ratio offers better outcomes with reduced falls and better, more personalized meal service. But it’s also scalable with the benefits of larger facilities, with an activities' coordinator, transportation, and more.

- Sage Oak works to provide a homey rather than institutional atmosphere. By having smaller homes with fewer people, it’s less confusing and overwhelming for residents.

- Smaller homes are helpful for managing COVID. If you have eight residents versus 80 residents, it's a much lower probability that there’s an active COVID case in the home with only eight people.

Residential Care Homes:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/783704c9/007-what-are-residential-care-homes-with-jennifer-davis-founder-of-davis-family-elder-care

Assisted Living 101:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/78efeb4c/038-assisted-living-101

To learn more about The Sage Oak and Loe Hornbuckle please visit:

https://thesageoakdenton.com/

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

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

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

Do you wish you could hear a story from Grandpa one more time? Or wish you knew how to make Grandma’s famous pie recipe? Or maybe you just wish you had more videos to revisit and watch a loved one speak and hear their voice.

Family Features helps families capture stories, interviews, and special messages from their loved ones. Founder David Olshansky was inspired by his grandparents who escaped from the Soviet Union, as he wished he had recorded them and learned more about their lives. He discusses his business with Lori Williams, and his passion for preserving moments with loved ones for families to enjoy forever.

You’ll learn:

- The seniors that inspire his work

- How he began this journey

- The different services he offers to families (which make great gift ideas!)

Topics discussed:

- Family / senior stories

- Preserving memories

- Time capsule

- Grandparents’ recipes

- Video service

- Interviews with grandparents

Takeaways from this episode:

- David Olshansky draws from his journalist background producing local and national news to help families capture and preserve their most precious memories with Family Features.

- Family Features was created to make sure no other family has regrets and have their stories captured forever on video.

- A ‘Tell Your story’ interview with Family Features encourages a comfortable conversation with the subject where they discuss their life and what’s meaningful to them, and often helps family members learn something new about their life.

- Family Features can create a video of a family member in the kitchen cooking a family-favorite meal - with the recipe included so it’s never lost.

- The service also includes an option to record a special message or create a video to where a loved one can leave a meaningful message in their final days.

- David offers affordable rates so it’s accessible for everyone and can even travel to create a video.

- Don’t wait to make (and save) memories; tomorrow is never promised.

To learn more about David and Family Features, please visit:

https://myfamilyfeatures.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/

A survey by the Coalition for Aging LGBT found that 95% of the LGBT senior community said their number one concern was housing. It’s a challenge for the LGBT community to find senior living largely due to fear of discrimination. In turn, many will go back into the closet at a time in their lives they should be able to be themselves. The Coalition for Aging LGBT works to Improve and protect the quality of life of older LGBT adults in North Texas for health, housing, advocacy, financial security, and social services - giving back to a generation that had to fight for their rights and the status quo.

Senior Services Expert Lori Williams welcomes Founding Board Member, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Housing Committee Robert Emery, along with Executive Director Dr. Diane E. Thornton, to discuss:

- The research the Coalition for Aging LBQT has conducted around North Texas senior living

- Cultural training and process improvements in 17 senior communities in Dallas, Tarrant, Denton, and Collin counties

- Their senior housing guide resource

- Tips for being more inclusive in everyday conversation

And more.

Topics discussed:
- LGBT seniors
- Senior communities
- Microaggressions
- LGBT housing and advocacy
- North Texas assisted living
- LGBT-inclusive practices

Takeaways from this episode:

- The Coalition for Aging LGBT assessed 17 senior living communities in Dallas, Tarrant, Denton, and Collin counties on policies, procedures, programs and competency training to create the LGBT-Friendly Senior Housing Guide.

- The coalition did a survey in 2013 and discovered 95% of the LGBT senior community said their number one concern was housing.

- Many LGBT seniors worry about getting home help and being treated fairly and if they would be welcome as they are in an assisted living facility.

- Simple practices - like adding “Partnered” to an entry form for marital status and adding “I prefer not to answer” or “ask me later” to gender - help enhance inclusivity.

- When unsure about someone’s gender, ask which pronouns they prefer. Avoid asking “What are you?”

- Most LGBT seniors don’t wish to be in LGBT-only housing. They want to be in the world and interact with a variety of people who are also culturally competent.

About the Coalition for Aging LGBT:
www.cfa.lgbt
www.facebook.com/CFALGBT

Resources mentioned in this episode:

On-line North Texas LGBT-Friendly Senior Housing Guide: https://www.cfa.lgbt/2018-2019-housing-guide.html

Check out this great article:  

https://www.dallasvoice.com/episcopal-ministry-donates-80k-to-lgbt-organizations/

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Movie:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1412386/
https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.8ca9f715-9f23-6313-a6c8-d0cb5fb86c8e?ref_=imdbref_tt_wbr_pvc_cinemax&tag=imdbtag_tt_wbr_pvc_cinemax-20

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/

Probate, power of attorney, advanced directives…there are seemingly countless legal terms that pop up when you’re caring for aging loved ones. Being unable to make sense of it all can also be a barrier to getting your own legal plans in place.
In this episode, attorney Kelly Caperton Walling brings her knowledge of probate court, estate planning, guardianship, and business law to the table. She explains these terms in a friendly, simple, and straightforward way - drawing from her experience drafting documents and handling disputes related to these topics in her own practice.

You’ll learn:

- What is power of attorney? And when should you set it up?

- What can family members do when their loved one is mentally incapacitated?

- What is a living will?

- What’s involved in estate planning?

- What does probate mean?

And more.

Takeaways from this episode:

- If you’ve set up a financial and / or medical power of attorney, someone who loves you and looks out for your best interests can make decisions for your care if you’re unable.

- Without selecting someone as your power of attorney, you could get in a guardianship, which is time-consuming, expensive, and involves legal participation from judges and lawyers.

- Estate planning involves making a will, choosing a power of attorney, having a HIPPA release, and creating an advanced directive (aka ‘living will’).

- ‘Probate’ is the process of managing property when someone dies - figuring out debts, beneficiaries, and more.

- Trusts are a legal vehicle and entity of the IRS where you can deposit assets as the beneficiary, which a trustee would then manage and help distribute according to your terms.

- The more you put in a trust, the less you have to deal with it in probate - and beneficiaries can get to it faster.

Kelly Caperton Walling's website:

https://capertonwallinglaw.com

AARP's resources:

https://www.aarp.org/retirement/?intcmp=GLBNAV-SL-MON-RETP&migration=rdrct

To learn more about Estate Planning, Power of Attorney and Kelly Caperton Walling please visit:

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

Topics discussed:

- Power of attorney

- Guardianship

- Estate planning

- Advanced directives

- Probate / trusts

- Preparing your will