In this episode of Aging Starts Now, we’re joined by Elder Care Coordinators Pati Bedwell and Janel Heflin to uncover the hidden costs of long-term care—the expenses families don’t always see coming.

From transportation and medication costs to home modifications and caregiver burnout, we’re breaking down what long-term care really costs—and how you can plan ahead.

💡 The earlier you plan, the more options you have—and the fewer surprises you’ll face.

👉 Listen now and start planning smarter today.

Aging Starts Now, the podcast from Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, where we help you navigate the legal, financial, and personal challenges that come with aging.

In this episode, Attorney Josh Hunter is joined by Public Benefits Specialist Tyler McCullar to explore the VA Caregiver Support Program—an important resource for veterans and the family members who care for them.

Understanding this program can make a meaningful difference, but many families are unaware of the two distinct paths available: the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) and the Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS).

Together, Josh and Tyler break down:

• What the VA Caregiver Support Program is and who it’s designed to help

• The key differences between PCAFC and PGCSS

• Who qualifies for each program

• What financial support may be available—including caregiver stipends

• Additional benefits like training, respite care, and health coverage

• Common misconceptions and mistakes during the application process

• What to do if your application is denied

Whether you're currently caring for a veteran or planning ahead for long-term care, this episode provides clear, practical guidance to help you better understand your options.

If you need help navigating VA benefits or long-term care planning, the team at Johnson McGinnis is here to help.

🌐 Learn more: tn-elderlaw.com

📞 Or call our office to schedule a consultation

Don’t forget to follow Aging Starts Now and share this episode with someone who may benefit from this information.

Planning today can make all the difference tomorrow.

Aging Starts Now – Elder Scams: What Families Need to Know

Elder scams are on the rise—and they’re becoming more sophisticated every day. In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel sits down with elder care coordinator Erin Keogh-Rankin to break down one of the most urgent issues facing older adults and their families today.

From “grandparent scams” and fake IRS calls to romance schemes and tech support fraud, scammers are finding new ways to exploit trust, fear, and urgency—often resulting in devastating financial losses.

The good news? Awareness is one of the most powerful tools we have.

In this episode, we cover:

Why seniors are frequently targeted

The most common scams happening right now

Key warning signs to watch for

Practical steps families can take to stay protected

What to do immediately if a scam occurs

Where to report fraud and get help

Elder scams can happen to anyone—but knowledge and communication can make all the difference.

If you or a loved one has questions about protecting assets, planning ahead, or responding to financial exploitation, the team at Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning is here to help.

🎙️ Share this episode with someone you care about—because the more people who know, the harder it becomes for scammers to succeed.

In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Erin Keogh-Rankin from Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning sits down with Penny Johnson of the Tennessee Center for Decision-Making Support to discuss an empowering alternative to conservatorship: supported decision-making.

Families often assume that when a loved one needs help making important decisions, removing their legal authority is the only solution. Supported decision-making offers another path — one that allows individuals to receive guidance and assistance while still maintaining their independence and voice.

In this conversation, we explore:

• What supported decision-making means in practical terms

• Who can benefit from this approach

• How families can begin the process

• The role of supporters and why their role is to assist, not control

• How this model is helping individuals across Tennessee live more empowered lives

At its heart, supported decision-making is about something simple but profound — honoring a person’s voice.

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, professional, or someone planning for the future, this episode highlights how protection and independence don’t have to be opposites.

This is Aging Starts Now, a podcast by Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, helping families plan wisely, protect independence, and age with confidence.

If you live in Tennessee and would like to learn more about how our firm can help, visit us online or give us a call. Join us next week for another episode of Aging Starts Now. 🎧

In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Elder Care Coordinator Pati Bedwell from Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning is joined by Sara Fort, founder of Do You Organization, to explore the emotional and practical challenges of downsizing.

For many families, letting go of a lifetime of belongings can be one of the most difficult parts of aging and planning for the future. Whether it’s decluttering a home, preparing for a move, or navigating the complex realities of hoarding behavior, these transitions are often deeply personal.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• Why downsizing can be such an emotional experience

• How memories and identity become attached to belongings

• How adult children can approach decluttering conversations compassionately

• The difference between clutter, collections, and hoarding

• When professional or mental health support may be needed

• Practical first steps for starting the decluttering process

Letting go isn’t just about clearing out closets — it’s about honoring memories, preserving dignity, and creating space for what matters most in the next chapter of life.

If today’s conversation resonated with you, share this episode with a family member or friend who may need encouragement to start this journey.

This is Aging Starts Now, a podcast by Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, helping families plan wisely, age confidently, and move forward with peace of mind.

If you live in Tennessee and would like guidance with elder care planning, we invite you to reach out to our team. Because aging doesn’t start at diagnosis — it starts now. 🎧

In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel sits down with Elder Care Coordinator and End-of-Life Doula Erin Keogh‑Rankin from Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning to discuss the importance of proactive end-of-life planning.

Too often, families delay these conversations until a crisis or diagnosis forces difficult decisions. This episode explores how planning ahead can give loved ones clarity, reduce stress, and ensure your wishes are honored.

In this conversation, we cover:

• Why end-of-life conversations should happen before there’s a diagnosis

• How to start the discussion with spouses, adult children, and aging parents

• Essential legal documents every adult should have

• How to choose the right healthcare decision-maker

• Simple steps listeners can take today to begin planning

Proactive end-of-life planning isn’t about giving up control — it’s about keeping it. When you make your wishes known while you’re healthy and clear-minded, you give your family the gift of peace of mind when it matters most.

If you’d like guidance putting these protections in place, contact Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning.

Because aging doesn’t start at diagnosis — it starts now.

How do you know if a nursing home is truly the right fit for your loved one?

In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Dana Hentschel and elder care coordinator Pati Bedwell explain how to use the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Care Compare website and its star rating system to evaluate skilled nursing facilities with clarity and confidence.

You’ll learn:

• What the overall star rating really means

• How health inspections, staffing, and quality measures are scored

• The limitations of the rating system

• Red flags to watch for

• What families should do after reviewing ratings

Choosing a nursing home is never easy—but understanding how to use trusted tools can make the process less overwhelming.

Listen, share, and subscribe to Aging Starts Now for more conversations about aging, care, and planning.

What happens when estate planning gets pushed off — and a crisis hits first?

In this episode, Dana Hentschel and Attorney Josh Hunter discuss the real consequences of waiting too long to review or update your legal documents. From outdated Powers of Attorney to emergency court involvement, they share real-world examples of how quickly options can disappear — and what families can do now to stay in control.

If it’s been years since you’ve reviewed your documents — or you never have — this conversation is for you.

Because aging doesn’t start at retirement.

Aging starts now.

Speech therapy is about more than words. In this episode, outreach coordinator Dana Hentschel talks with speech-language pathologist Olivia Golchi about how therapy can support memory, communication, attention, and independence for adults experiencing cognitive changes.

Learn:

- What cognitive decline looks like in real life

- When to seek support

- How caregivers can be involved

- Practical strategies for brain health

- A powerful conversation about staying connected, empowered, and supported as we age.

🔊 Listen now and follow Aging Starts Now for more conversations about aging, care, and planning.

A Medicare fraud scam involving medical equipment—specifically urinary catheters—has resurfaced, leading to fraudulent claims being paid for services beneficiaries never requested or received.

In this episode, Dana Hentschel speaks with Tyler McCullar, Public Benefits Specialist at Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, about:

• How this scam operates

• Warning signs on Medicare Summary Notices

• Steps beneficiaries and caregivers should take immediately

• How reporting fraud helps protect future benefits

This is essential information for professionals, caregivers, and families working with Medicare recipients.