Aging in Style with Lori Williams

People don’t typically look forward to estate planning or discussions about death in general, but it’s a critical conversation to have with loved ones. If there’s a high-stress, emergency situation, families are not in the right mindset to make important financial decisions in that moment. That’s why knowing someone’s wishes for when it's time can make it easier down the road.

This week Lori welcomes Lorne Book, an attorney specializing in estate planning and probate matters involving retirees and their families. As an expert in elder law, he discusses how to have those difficult conversations, so family knows how to handle your wishes if the unthinkable happens. 

Framing it as a business meeting with a trained professional can help it go smoothly and avoid any roadblocks along the way.

Takeaways from this episode:
- Discussing end-of-life matters early on can help prepare family members and lessen the shock when the day comes.

- The only way your family will know of your wishes is if you communicate them.- The “fog of grief,” or inability to think clearly while grieving, is not a favorable condition to make business decisions for the first time.

- The grieving process is easier when end-of-life plans have been discussed by the family and all guesswork is eliminated.

- Older parents can be like children when they go to college by not communicating everything that’s going on to prevent any worrying. That’s why it’s important to pursue the conversation.

- Hearing from an unbiased third party / outside professional can help open a person’s eyes to the reality of the situation and need for planning.

- It can be costly to put off estate planning - failure to do so may result in a court-appointed guardianship when the time comes, with ongoing reporting requirements.

- While it’s important to have estate planning conversations, be sensitive to people’s emotions and try to time it just right.

Topics discussed:
- Estate planning
- Family financial planning
- Elder law / probate matters
- Senior care
- Grieving
- End-of-life preparation

To learn more about Lorne and Book Law Firm please visit:
https://www.booklawfirm.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BookLawFirm/
https://twitter.com/booklawfirm
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorne-book-0956724/

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/

Essential oils seem to be everywhere. They’ve been described as helpful, therapeutic and even miraculous by those who have used them to help with their ailments. Studies in the U.K. have also shown they could be helpful for those suffering from dementia.

This week Lori welcomes essential oil guru, Joie Bailey - a certified clinical aromatherapist with experience in the senior services industry. When her daughter had seizures and nothing seemed to help, Joie turned to essential oils and discovered their seemingly magical properties. Now she’s gained the knowledge of each oil and how to use and combine them to help with anything from congestion to anxiety. 

For those who have difficulty verbalizing their needs (like dementia patients), it can be a useful resource for caregivers to have.Joie describes her top 5 favorite oils, helpful tips, and safety precautions, so they can be easily incorporated into a therapeutic routine.

Takeaways from this episode:

- Quality oils will be listed as “100% pure” or “100% tested” and come in a darker colored bottle.

-iTOVi scanners are a useful tool to show which oils your body will benefit from - helpful for dementia patients who can’t always verbalize their needs.

-Some essential oils are safe to ingest while others aren’t, and others shouldn’t be diffused if you have a pet. That’s why it’s important to consult a certified aromatherapist when in doubt.

- Essential oils can alleviate arthritis and digestive pain, reduce anxiety, and more.

- Many senior facilities diffuse essential oils to boost mood and reduce anxiety because of the link between smells, nostalgia and comfort.

Topics discussed in this episode:
- Essential oils- Clinical aromatherapy
- Dementia treatment- Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
- Treatment for colds, COVID-19 and headaches
- Anxiety relief and mood enhancement
- Therapeutic properties of essential oils
- Soothing dementia patients
- Safe use of essential oils
-Alternative medicine for seniors

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Joie's Top 10 Essential Oils: https://2c62c2be-18b3-4bab-b584-5c844cba4b48.usrfiles.com/ugd/2c62c2_9e9920f73059485b9d7be29d4e5fbefe.pdf
https://www.itovi.com/
https://twitter.com/Joieb

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/

This week’s episode features a very special guest: Lori’s 17-year-old daughter, Abby. She’s a snack cart girl for a senior independent living community (which Lori calls a “cruise ship on land”) and is a great example of the multi-generational connections that can happen between teens and seniors. 

Though Abby was initially nervous to work with seniors, she has bonded with the people she’s met (and is very popular as the meal cart girl)! She explains how interacting with older generations has enriched her life, taught her life lessons, and how seniors truly cherish the chance to hang out with a “granddaughter” figure.

Takeaways from this episode:
- Younger generations may find it surprising how active seniors are and how lively the independent living atmosphere can be.

- Seniors are “normal people” that often have many things in common with teenagers.

- Interacting with seniors helps nurture admiration and appreciation for what came before you.

- Friendship connections can be made no matter your age.

- Even if you don’t work in senior care, there are numerous ways to volunteer with a community.

- Pen pals are in high demand since COVID-19 began and are a great way to promote engagement between generations and to reduce loneliness.

- Working with seniors can teach teens patience, respect, compassion and how to communicate clearly.

Topics discussed:

-Working in senior living
-Perks of an independent living community
-Senior / teen friendship
-How COVID-19 has changed senior living
-Working and volunteering with seniors
-Senior pen pal programs
-Communicating with seniors

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Episode 003. What is Independent Living and how can it give seniors a new purpose in life?, with Kristin Woods from Holiday Retirement

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/

There’s been a common theme throughout this podcast: the importance of finding your purpose. Everyone needs a purpose in life regardless of age. Studies show that having a purpose boosts happiness, alleviates loneliness, and even increases longevity.

This week Lori discusses how being old or retired doesn’t mean life is over, it just means your purpose may need to change, as it often does in life. For example, high schoolers might find their purpose in extracurriculars like sports, while later in life it becomes their career or starting a family. But for seniors, especially empty nesters, it’s easy to think, “Now what?” Having a reason to get up in the morning is vital to a fulfilling life - and nurturing that purpose can become a springboard to your best life yet.

Takeaways from this episode:

- Start by evaluating your passions and where you’d like to see yourself succeed.

- If you’re at a retirement age and enjoy working, consider starting a second career that has interested you in the past.

- Volunteer work can help you continue learning while helping others. It’s beneficial for all involved.

- Try new hobbies or skills. If you disliked something, that’s okay, just keep exploring.

- Find mental peace. Practice gratitude each day and accept the things you cannot change.

- Stay healthy and strong through exercise, no matter what that looks like for you.

- Explore your creativity - everyone can create something, just enjoy the process.

Topics from this episode:

- Finding purpose as you age
- Achieving mental and physical vitality
- Gratitude journaling
- Seniors pursuing their passion
- Senior volunteer work
-  Ideas for empty nesters

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/

There are 2 common reasons seniors move to senior living: not eating properly and the need for companionship. Chefs for Seniors addresses both.  

Dr. Shaneka Baylor is a franchise owner with Chefs for Seniors in Arlington / Grand Prairie. She’s a board-certified geriatric and ambulatory care clinical pharmacist and certified diabetes educator with the motto “Healthy eating can be tasty.”  

Though she worked as a pharmacist for 12 years, her desire to serve the senior community through food led her to combine her passions. Chefs for Seniors gives peace of mind to seniors by creating delicious and nutritious meals that can be customized to address a variety of dietary concerns. Dr. Baylor noticed when she was a pharmacist that many chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes can be helped with the right diet. 

Chefs for Seniors makes it easy, starting with a consultation to get an idea of the individual’s needs, as well as an in-home assessment. Chefs come with their own equipment to the home and meal preps for the week - also providing seniors a great opportunity to connect with another person and weigh in on their meals. 

Takeaways:
- Chefs for Seniors is a great option for those who have had surgery, need help with nutrition or simply want to avoid grocery stores.

- It can be a short- or long-term solution; there are no contracts.

- The standard service includes 5 weeks of rotating meals where you can choose 4 menu items from among 12 options each week. Each meal offers multiple portions.

- Meals are labeled so you know if it’s dairy-free, gluten-free, kosher, etc. Plus, custom meal plans are available for those with health issues and allergies.

- Chefs can connect with doctors and dieticians to help create an individual meal plan.

- Due to COVID-19, chefs take special safety measures: wearing masks, wiping down commonly touched surfaces, maintaining 6 feet of distance and much more.

- Chefs spend roughly 2 hours cooking and talking with you each week about what works and what doesn’t, how to reheat food, and even how to make your favorite dishes from childhood. 

- Long-term care insurance may reimburse you for this service.

Topics discussed in this episode:

- How Chefs for Seniors works

- The importance of diet and nutrition

- Diet and chronic diseases / conditions

- Companionship and routine

- How COVID-19 has affected this service

To connect to Dr. Shaneka and to learn more about Chefs for Seniors Arlington & Grand Prairie please visit: 
https://chefsforseniors.com/arlington-grand-prairie-tx
https://www.facebook.com/Chefs-for-Seniors-2368403996704495
Dr. Shaneka Baylor:
469-476-2420

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/

Medicare is a topic that’s often discussed – and often misunderstood. June Kim is a community relations specialist with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas that specializes in Medicare, and she’s here this week to separate the fact from fiction. 

Though it can be confusing at times, she’s passionate about making healthcare a more approachable, understandable topic for seniors. This week Lori and June will discuss key differences between the original Medicare plan and Medicare Advantage, the limitations of each, and who might benefit from each of the plans. There are also opportunities to switch the plan and inherent risks of doing so. For instance, seniors must be healthy to enroll in a Medicare supplement program, but they couldn’t get coverage for preexisting conditions such as cancer. Based on knowledge like this, June offers insights and tips to help seniors navigate their healthcare.

Takeaways from this episode:

- Seniors aged 65+ are eligible for Medicare, and there are 2 types: Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

- Medicare is strictly for medical insurance and doesn’t cover senior living facilities (assisted or independent). 

- Everyone should take advantage of Medicare Part A, which is free and covers hospital costs

- Medicare Part B covers doctor visits, X-rays, outpatient care, and more – which requires a monthly premium and increases each year.

- Original Medicare (consisting of Parts A and B) and does not cover everything, just 80%, so patients must pay the remaining 20% in addition to the normal Original Medicare monthly premium.

- Those who choose Original Medicare can supplement with “Medigap” coverage, which can cover the remaining 20% – but to be eligible, patients can’t have preexisting conditions.

- Those who still have medical insurance through their employer don’t need to sign up for Part B healthcare plan because it’s essentially double-paying.

- Medicare Advantage is Part C, which is a local plan that often requires co-pays, making it an attractive option for those who seldom visit doctors or don’t have the resources to pay larger monthly premiums.

- Part D helps cover the cost of prescription drugs, so they’re more affordable.

- Medicare Advantage is an “all-in-one” plan that often bundles in add-ons like drugs, transportation, hearing aids, and even basic vision and dental.

- Medicare Advantage is also very localized, so if you move, you’d need to enroll in a different Medicare Advantage plan. 

- There’s a risk involved with switching from Medicare Original to Advantage – if you want the Original plan again because you’ve become ill with a disease, you wouldn’t qualify for the supplement plan.  

Topics discussed:

- Medicare plans and supplements
- Prescription drug coverage
- Home health / rehab
- Hospital visits
- Preexisting conditions
- Medicare enrollment
- Switching Medicare plans (life changes)

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

www.Thinkbluetx.com
To contact June Kim:
[email protected]
214-783- 7901

For more detailed and up to date information please go to:
www.medicare.gov  

And for social security:

www.ssa.gov

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/

“A place we would have had our loved ones attend if it had been available when we needed it” is how Laura Lester, owner of Encore Memory Care Day Center, describes her business. Her adult “day stay” is a cause dear to her heart from caring for her own family members with dementia. After she learned what not to do, she now provides plenty of research-backed tips and tricks to share with her guests and their caregivers.

Laura goes in depth about what an adult daycare can do for its guests, who get a full day of activities – such as morning coffee talk, music, dance class, and even trivia to help their long-term memory. They’re often paired with buddies who can show each other around and bring each-other comfort. Laura also shares how those with the disease still want to give back and accomplish something, so they try to align their activities with their past profession. 

According to Laura, not only does this stimulate their minds, but it helps their mood and gives them a sense of purpose. Many caregivers have said how this helps their loved ones become more talkative, restore their personalities and even sleep better at night.

Takeaways from this episode:

-No matter your age, everyone wants to have a purpose. This is true for those with dementia too.

-Many adult daycare guests feel like they’re going to work or volunteering, and workers will help them find ways to use their skills.

- Strategize a way to get dementia patients to come on their own terms (don’t tell them it’s a daycare)!

- The VA often helps veterans get approved more quickly to join these programs.

- Many day stays dispense medication if needed and can get orders from a doctor.

- Adult daycares often develop individual care plans, learning the guests’ medical history and past, to help them thrive.

- They’re able to learn what best helps their guests and will tell caregivers when something works well for them, making life easier at home. 

- Be sure to not argue with someone with dementia because it’s a lose-lose situation. Join them on their journey.

Topics discussed in this episode:

- Memory care services
- How adult daycare make a difference for those with dementia
- How COVID-19 has affected this service
- Effective practices and activities to help dementia patients thrive
- The importance of routines

To learn more about Encore please visit: https://www.encoredaycare.com/services/
https://www.facebook.com/EncoreMemoryCareDayCenter

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/

What's the difference between Independent Living and Active Adult Living?
What can an active adult community provide to its residents – and what are the benefits? These are common questions that this week’s guest, Beth McGee, is here to answer. Beth is a sales consultant for an age 55+ Active Adult Community called Overture Flower Mound. 

With a background in helping seniors move into new communities – handling packing, moving and getting settled – she draws from numerous experiences helping others make this life transition. 

Episode takeaways:

 - What active senior living means: It’s an age-qualified, active adult apartment community.

- The monthly rate covers rent as well as onsite amenities, events and educational programs that members can use to their advantage.

- Active adult communities allow for socialization and getting to know others in the same season of life, all while nurturing everyone’s independence.

- Residents are able to pick up new hobbies and interests in a quiet, safe environment. Hired instructors come teach, or residents can also offer classes to share their own passions.

- This community isn’t only for retirees – many tenants still work or volunteer.

- Many residents move to these communities because their kids have grown, their spouse has passed, or they simply want to downsize from the hands-on jobs that come with owning a house and lawn.

- It’s also a great option for those wanting security if they travel. 

- Rest assured: pets are allowed!

Topics covered:
- Active adult communities vs. other options for senior living- Benefits of the 55+ community
- Finding purpose as a senior and how these communities can help
- Staying social and active
- How COVID-19 has affected senior living communities
-How to find a new routine in an Active 55+ Community
-Luxury Active 55+ Communities

Resources mentioned in this episode: https://www.liveoverture.com/communities/flower-mound/

www.facebook.com/OvertureFlowerMound

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/

Is it possible to make your midlife your happiest life? 

Professional speaker and positivity expert Christy Largent helps women achieve just that as the founder of the “mid-life, happy life” community. The secret is the power of your mindset. In other words, “you’re as happy as you think you are.”  

Drawing from stories about her father’s confidence and energy, Christy discusses how positive thoughts and embracing the “opportunity mindset” are a path to a life well lived. She explains that you think these thoughts, which in turn become actions, which ultimately reinforce your mindset. When you make positivity a practice, you can change the way you interact with the world and open yourself up to new opportunities – no matter what your age is. 

Takeaways from this episode:

- Embrace aging. Instead of thinking, “I’m getting older,” you can think, “I’m glad to wake up this morning.” We can’t change aging, but we can change the way we view it.

- Avoid using age as an excuse – use it to motivate yourself instead. In other words, abandon self-defeating mindsets.

- Find ways to stay active. If you can’t run, try yoga or chair exercises. 

- Rediscover yourself. If you didn’t have time for hobbies in your past, find something you’re interested in now.

- Be more intentional and pursue what you love with your time. Imagine your ideal life in 5 years and take steps to get there. Find ways to keep progressing in life.

- Rewire your brain through positive self-talk. Consider: Would you talk to others the way you talk to yourself?

- Enhance your happiness through gratitude exercises, such as journaling. 

- Think beyond yourself and consider volunteering to instill a sense of purpose in your day-to-day. 

- Identify healthy coping mechanisms when times do get tough later in life. Dedicate some time for self-care, getting enough sleep, and other beneficial habits. 

Topics discussed:
- Staying active as we age

- The relationship between mental health and diet

- Caring for older parents

- Dementia patients 

- The importance of support groups

- Finding volunteer work and hobbies 

- The opportunity mindset

- Practicing gratitude 

- Giving yourself grace in tough times

Connect to Christy Largent: https://www.christylargent.com/
https://twitter.com/ChristyLargent
https://www.facebook.com/ChristyLargentSpeakerPage
https://www.instagram.com/christylargent/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ChristyLargent/

Resources mentioned in this podcast:

Encouraging Words for Working Moms Podcast with Christy Largent:
https://www.christylargent.com/category/podcast/

Daughters of Dementia
https://www.facebook.com/groups/497680387070865/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/blog/31
Positive Communication Skills Devotional for Women: Encouraging Words to Help You Speak Your Truth with Confidence:
https://www.amazon.com/Positive-Communication-Skills-Devotional-Women-ebook/dp/B00YHLMW5O/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1454798905&sr=8-1&keywords=31+positive&linkCode=sl1&tag=wwwchristylar-20&linkId=28973638c178fb5a718e72b592a4ebca

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/

In this raw and touching episode of Aging in Style with Lori Williams, Kelli Sattler takes the guest's seat to reveal her mother's journey with Alzheimer's disease, and open up about how she navigated this sensitive time as daughter, wife and mother to three boys. 

Some of the most insightful tips from this conversation include 

-The warning signs of dementia and Alzheimer's disease

-How Kelli used technology to keep her mother safe

-How dementia affects family dynamics

-The journey to accept the truth

-The importance of self-educating and researching

-The journey of transitioning to memory care

In this conversation, Lori uses her knowledge as a Certified Dementia Practitioner, to guide this difficult conversation in a time when families may struggle to identify (or accept) the need for help, and how picking the right type of care for the family member doesn't need to be an overwhelming decision. 

Takeaways from this episode:

-Education and research are key for family members dealing with Alzheimer's disease patients.

-Once the disease progresses, it will be hard to make a family member who is suffering from dementia happy, as they experience a constant feeling of confusion.

-Be intentional with the type of belongings that the family members takes to a memory care facility.

-Technology gives a sense of security but it's an unfiltered reality of the daily struggles of a patient with Alzheimer's.

-Paranoia is a common symptom of Alzheimer's disease.

-The amount of caregivers and the frequency of their shifts needs to be selected intentionally. 

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Therapeutic Fibbing and Dementia Patients 

-Sandwich generations

-Caring for dementia patients

-Alzheimer's disease and dementia

-Personal stories of Alzheimer's disease

-How dementia affects family dynamics

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/