Hospice is a Medicare benefit that is generally misunderstood. Many families wait to call hospice until the final days and weeks of their loved one’s life. If eligible, specialized care can be provided, as well as medications, medical equipment and supplies months earlier. So how do you know when it’s time? Sarah Crutchfield, owner of High Desert Hospice, will join me to discuss signs that it may be time to consider hospice care for your loved one. She will also answer many of the questions families frequently ask and address many of the concerns that often keep them from exploring hospice care.

Join me as I highlight the guide authored by me titled, “The Top 10 Things You Need to Know to Care for an Aging Loved One”. I will share information most important to know if you are assisting a loved one as they navigate life and the aging experience. For those aging themselves, I will offer you much to think about and an understanding of what to expect. In the world of aging, the amount of information can be overwhelming. I will simplify it for you and offer a way to prioritize what you need to know.

The Top 10 guide can be found on my VoiceAmerica.com page or on my website, AgingLifeNetwork.com as a free download.

Forgetfullness… Trouble finding the right word… Why did I come into this room?,,, “Is this normal?” – a common question asked by seniors and often by those who love them. As we age, there are changes seniors experience that would be defined as a normal part of the aging process. What are those normal age-related changes? When should we be concerned that the changes we are experiencing, or noticing in our loved ones, are not normal? What is Mild Cognitive Impairment and how do I know if it’s dementia? Neurologist and geriatrician, Dr. Jan Knoefel will provide answers to these and other questions about the normal aging process and the signs and symptoms of a possible form of dementia. We will discuss some of the signs that there may be a problem and ways to seek help.

The story of Lester Potts, sawmill worker turned painter following his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, is a story of inspiration and hope for those with loved one’s living with this terrible disease. The story of the impact Lester’s life had on the people who loved and cared for him is just as inspiring. Join Lester Pott’s son, Dr Daniel Potts, as he shares his father’s story and the many gifts he and others received during Lester’s Alzheimer’s journey. Dr. Potts, a neurologist by occupation, will share his perspective on how one can use art as a way of engaging the person still with us, in spite of their dementia. We will also discuss Dr. Pott’s changed perspective on Models of Care and the work he continues to do to bring Lester’s experience to others.

Aging Life Care Professionals®, called Geriatric Care Managers for 30+ years, is a professional group that has seen exponential growth as our aging population has mushroomed. Most families in highly populated areas of the country have heard of this unique professional. At a time when many professionals begin to enter the aging world – calling themselves experts, families need to understand what assistance is available and why this particular group of professionals is best qualified to guide you on your journey with your loved ones. Aging Life Care Professionals® are experienced and licensed in a variety of related fields and their expertise can be summarized into eight knowledge areas. Join me as I talk about how an Aging Life Care Manager can benefit you and your family, with Liz Barlowe, owner of Barlowe and Associates, Aging Life Care Manager, and Board President of the national Aging Life Care Association.

Social connection has long been associated with good quality of life, as well as positive physical and mental health outcomes for seniors. With the COVID-19 pandemic, most seniors are struggling to balance that quality of life with life itself. Social isolation and loneliness were already prevalent in our senior population. Today even those living in retirement communities are advised to stay-at-home, which is exacerbating an already serious problem. Families and professionals are seeing a significant increase in isolation related problems such as depression, physical/cognitive decline and emotional distress. To address this growing crisis, I will be joined by Crystal Littlejohn, a Geriatric Care Manager and founder of a program specifically designed to address the need for engagement with older adults. We will discuss social isolation, its’ impact on seniors and ways that thoughtfully engaging loved ones can benefit their overall well-being.

Dementia too often brings with it periods of behaviors that are mind boggling to family and caregivers. Such behaviors might include yelling, hitting or paranoia coupled with accusations. It is frightening for those witnessing these behaviors and there is much confusion about how to manage a loved one experiencing and acting out these behaviors. Many turn to psychotropic medications to manage these behaviors but find the trade off in the affects of the medication on their loved one concerning. I have brought together two highly experienced and skilled dementia professionals who will share their knowledge and understanding of effective communication tools that can de-escalate and help manage your loved one’s behaviors.

Sharing your medical treatment and end of life wishes and with those you love, about what you want, or what your loved one wants, can be a difficult conversation to have. Most often we believe that because we have seen a lawyer and completed our Advance Directives that there is nothing more to do or say. Such is not the case, says our special guest this week, Joan Gibson. Joan and I will discuss the many “what if’s” that such legal documents don’t cover and why it’s important that all of us have these conversations with those we love. Joan is a pioneer in the world of health care decision-making. This conversation is a must for all of us, regardless of age.

For a free download of the “Values History Form”, go to AgingLifeNetwork.com

In the confusing world of trusts, there is one trust that you will want to know about for your aging loved one and that is the Special Needs Trust. This trust allows your loved one to remain on, or qualify for, Federal, State and other benefits while having funds in trust to assist with approved costs. If you have a sibling or are a parent of an adult with special needs, this is important for you to learn about. If you have a parent under age 65, particularly with limited resources, this will offer an option for funds to be available later while still qualifying for benefits. Join me and two very knowledgeable guests as we talk about the many benefits of using the Special Needs Trust now or for use in future planning.

Caregivers often hear, “You have to take care of yourself! “ What if you knew that a few small changes could mean less stress and exhaustion? And that while improving your own quality of life, you were also improving the quality of life for those you care for? What if those small changes could help you avoid dementia yourself? Former Alzheimer’s Association Development Director turned nationally Certified Health Coach, Nika Lawrie, will join me to discuss the importance of caring for yourself when caring for others and how self-care helps in the fight against Alzheimer’s. For nearly a decade, Nika had an interesting view into the world of caring for those with dementia, as well as the current understanding and research regarding prevention. She was inspired to change her career path, now coaching caregivers and others about the connection between lifestyle and dementia. She will offer tools and tips that can make a real difference.