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If you are or will be a family caregiver, this episode is for you! Did you know that over 53 million Americans provide unpaid care to a family member, often neglecting their own health and well-being? Many report high levels of stress and burnout. It's time we address the often-overlooked need for caregiver self-care. Today, we're exploring a trauma-sensitive approach to incorporating movement into your daily routine. Our guest will share practical strategies to help caregivers prioritize their own physical and mental well-being, even in the midst of their demanding roles.

This month we’re diving into the role of movement in daily self-care for family caregivers. To review this topic, I have the privilege of interviewing Janis Isaman.

As the founder of My Body Couture, a one-on-one private movement studio, Janis Isaman is a Trauma Sensitive Movement Specialist focused on providing customized, personalized body-focused services to clients with chronic pain, illness, injuries and other movement limitations.

She is a leader in approaching mental health and wellness from a body-first lens. Her trauma credentials include the Compassionate Inquiry® psychotherapy approach developed by Gabor Mate, Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY), Somatic Experiencing® International developed by Peter Levine and Trauma Research Foundations Traumatic Stress Certiicate Program with Bessel van der Kolk. 

Some of her exercise, bodywork and movement certifications include STOTT Pilates, Yamuna® Body Rolling, Paul Grilley yin yoga, Leslie Kaminoff  Principles and Practice, Rainbow Yoga and Critical Alignment (CA) Yoga and Therapy.

She has additional designations from Precision Nutrition and the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and has completed coursework in Forrest Yoga, Functional Synergy and Eat, Breathe, Thrive.

Janis is known for her whole-body approach to movement, focused on addressing the root cause of limitations and aesthetic concerns. Her practical, functional and discipline-agnostic approach blends physical and evidence-based mental health modalities into a relatable, innovative and effective body sustainability program. This approach offers clients education and usable tools and has changed how thousands have related to the experience of their own bodies.

Janis is a keynote speaker and has been a guest on over 250 podcasts since 2020. She is an award-winning writer for Elephant Journal and has been quoted as a health expert in Reader’s Digest, Prevention, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, Working Mother, Sparkpeople, MyFitnessPal and Beachbody.

She also leads professional teacher training to help other movement professionals gain certifications and to help studios add new modalities to their programming.

In her personal life, she is a mother and passionate community volunteer with the Calgary Stampede, 17th Avenue Business District, Heritage Park and Kids Up Front.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Alberta. Together, we’re discussing a trauma-sensitive approach to incorporating movement into your daily routine as a family caregiver. 

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Did you know that 70% of Americans over 65 will need some form of long-term care? Yet, only 16% of adults have discussed long-term care with their loved ones. Money talks, but when it comes to long-term care, many families stay silent. Did you know that 53 million Americans are unpaid caregivers, with 61% of them juggling caregiving with employment? The financial strain is real, yet discussions about money and care often remain taboo. Today, we're breaking that silence with our guest who will share her unique perspective on how to open these crucial conversations about personal finance and long-term care, potentially saving families from financial and emotional stress down the road.

This month we’re diving into how and when to start the conversation re: LTC with your family. To review this topic, I have the privilege of interviewing Aaliyah Kissick.

Aaliyah is an American beauty queen, entrepreneur, and financial literacy advocate. She holds a Bachelor's of Science in Agricultural and Consumer Economics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she completed her CFP education requirement. Currently, she is attending Gies College of Business for a Master's of Science in Management.

At 17 years old, Aaliyah started her small business with just $50 and a lot of imagination. Utilizing online resources and personal finance books, she transformed her life and developed a passion for personal finance. After studying the subject in college, she decided to give back by making conversations about money more accessible.

As Miss Illinois United States 2023, Aaliyah championed financial literacy, dedicating over 250 hours to community service in advocacy, information dissemination, and financial education for K-12 students. Moving beyond her year as Miss Illinois United States, she founded The Financial Literacy Diaries, a media company dedicated to closing the adult financial education gap. Additionally, Aaliyah is serving as Director of Public Relations at the Financial Literacy Foundation.

Together, we’re discussing personal finance and long-term care planning.

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Are you a planner or a procrastinator when it comes to preparing your home for aging in place? Did you know that nearly 90% of seniors want to stay in their own homes as they age, but only a third actually plan for it? With 77% of adults 50 and older wanting to remain in their homes for the long term, it's a question we all need to consider. Yet, many of us put off these crucial modifications until it's too late. Today, our guest will guide us through the when, why, and how of adapting our living spaces. From simple adjustments to major renovations, we'll explore the steps you can take now to ensure your home remains safe and comfortable as you age.

This month we’re diving into preparing your home for aging in place. To review this topic, I have the privilege of interviewing Dawn Heiderscheidt, MOT, OTR/L, CHAMP, ECHM, CAPS. 

As a seasoned Occupational Therapist, Dawn is dedicated to helping people live safely in their current life roles and homes. She has transformed this passion into a successful consulting business by founding Aurora Independence. Dawn’s approach is client-centered and evidence-based, ensuring each project is tailored to the unique needs of her clients. She provides home safety and modification recommendations while advocating for proper accessibility at every stage of life to create a safe and comfortable living environment. 

Her drive to support the Aging in Place market is deeply rooted in her personal experience caring for her parents, her professional background as a rehab specialist, and her own journey navigating healthcare spaces with her own chronic condition. Dawn shares her expertise and passion as a guest speaker on entrepreneurship at universities, as a national continuing education provider for both healthcare and remodeling professionals, and through various writing roles.

Dawn’s commitment to empowering independence is more than just a business—it’s a way of life. Together, we’re discussing how and when to start preparing your home for aging in place.

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Did you know that only 60% of seniors aged 65 and older use the internet, with many struggling to navigate the complexities of social media and online care platforms? In today's hyper-connected world, where 89% of American adults use the internet and 58% of WHO Member States have implemented digital health strategies, the ability to navigate online platforms is crucial, especially in healthcare. With the surge in telemedicine and health apps, patients and providers alike are facing new challenges in digital literacy. Our guest today will shed light on how we can bridge the digital divide and ensure safe, high-quality, patient-centered care in this increasingly digital landscape.

This month we’re diving into digital literacy! To review this topic, I have the privilege of interviewing Dr. Vikram Pagpatan, EdD, OTR/L, BCP, ATP, CLA, FAOTA, BCTS, BCCS, CAS.  

Vik is an Assistant Professor and Admissions Coordinator for the SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University MSOT program in New York and has over 10 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist practicing through a lifespan approach with specialties in adult neurological disorders, congenital pediatric neuromotor conditions, and assistive technology focused seating/mobility services and augmentative and alternative communication platforms. Vik holds an AOTA Board Certification in Pediatrics (BCP), is a Certified Leader in Academia (CLA) through the AOTA, is an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) from RESNA, and was named a Fellow (FAOTA) of the AOTA for his advocacy and leadership efforts for the profession. As a proud small business owner, Vik operates VPAT Solutions LLC, an assistive technology-focused consulting company that provides mobility, aging in place, and communication clinical and community-centered services for adults and children. 

Together, we’re discussing topics related to social media use, safety, navigation of online care platforms, and the role of family caregivers.

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In this episode, Dr. Regina Asihene & I talk about assisted and skilled nursing facilities.

Dr. Asihene, MD is a highly accomplished specialist in internal medicine with a distinguished career spanning over three decades. She completed her medical degree at Morehouse School of Medicine and her residency at The Cambridge Hospital of Harvard Medical School. Dr. Asihene has extensive experience in primary care, hospice care, and medical education, having served in various roles including Medical Director at Mystic Health Center (now Mass Gen), as an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, and in the US Public Health Service in the Office of the Surgeon General. She has been recognized with numerous awards, such as the Vitas Healthcare Best of the Best Physician of the Year and Top 5% of America's Most Honored Professionals.

Currently, Dr. Asihene continues her dedication to patient care and medical excellence through her involvement with multiple professional organizations. Over the past six years, Dr. Asihene has created a unique 16-bed ALF in her hometown of Port Orange, FL. Her commitment to community health, coupled with her international medical mission work, highlights her passion for improving healthcare access and quality globally.

Together, we discuss ALFs vs SNFs, what they entail, how one qualifies, financing options, and the future of long-term care in the USA.

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In this episode, Rachel & I talk about navigating health challenges and hospitalizations with persons living with dementia.

Rachel Wiley, MS, OTR/L, CDP is an occupational therapist and the founder and owner of Dementia Consulting and the Dementia Collaborative LLC.

Rachel is certified in Skills2Care® for caregivers of individuals living with dementia, and she is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. Rachel is also a certified master trainer of Skills2Care® through Jefferson Elder Care and trains occupational therapists in the Skills2Care® program. She is also currently a volunteer advisory council member for the Dementia Society of America.

Recently, Rachel published a book titled, "Promoting Participation: Engaging Individuals Living with Dementia in Meaningful Activities", which can be found on Amazon.

To learn more about Rachel and everything she's doing, visit rachelwileyot.com! 
 

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Steve Powell is the founder of IndeeLift, the leading manufacturer of human floor lifts that are designed to safely and comfortably lift seniors or others with mobility issues off the floor after falling.

Like millions of Americans, Steve was a caregiver for his aging parents as their health deteriorated. Both of Steve’s parents were determined to age at home, but they each struggled with routine falls, which would leave them stuck on the floor for hours with no way to get back up. Eager to help, Steve invented a device called IndeeLift, a “people picker upper” that safely and quickly lifts a person back to their feet after they’ve fallen, allowing them to quickly resume their day with dignity and independence. Today, IndeeLift is helping thousands of people across the globe to turn most falls into a non-event.

IndeeLift is a life-changing tool for seniors, as well as those with neuromuscular diseases such Multiple Sclerosis, Myositis, Parkinson's Disease, etc. IndeeLift’s floor lifts are specifically designed to be used individually at home, or with the help of professional healthcare caregivers. IndeeLift’s design removes the need for manual lifting, drastically cutting down on injuries among caregivers and EMS.

Topics:
- Personal Caregiver Journey
- About Fall Recovery
- The Invention of IndeeLift
- Cultural Considerations

To learn more, visit indeelift.com. 

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This month we’re hearing from Dr. Monique Nugent, a practicing hospitalist and an associate director for the Division of Hospital Medicine at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, Massachusetts. She is also the author of Prescription for Admission: A Doctor’s Guide for Navigating the Hospital, Advocating for Yourself, and Having a Better Hospitalization, a complete guide providing the critical information you need to navigate the hospital. With her advice, readers can stay calm, feel confident, and focus on healing after a health crisis. Dr. Nugent is passionate about advocating for every patient by working to make healthcare equitable, safe, and high quality.

Topics: 
- How to Navigate the Hospital System
- How to Advocate for Yourself
- How to Plan Ahead for an Aging Loved One
- How to Plan Ahead for Yourself

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Dr. Maria Cristina is a health and wellness coach for women 50 years and older. She is the founder and owner of Sheehan Health & Wellness. 

Her journey began at age 69 when she found herself aging typically, slowing down, gaining weight, and feeling that the decline she was experiencing was inevitable. At the age of 69, she stepped away from her academic career, where she served as a CEO for 20 years, and into the world of fitness. Today, at the age of 77, she is a natural body fitness competitor winning multiple gold and silver medals in bikini, swimsuit, and sports model categories in international competitions since 2017. 

She became a health coach and fitness trainer, coaching women over 50 both online and in-person. She is a sought-after speaker for audiences who want to improve their health and turn back their clock. She enjoys speaking on wellness and longevity, as well as working with executives and their teams to foster healthy lifestyle habits to enhance their health and improve productivity. 

She has been featured on the Aging and Awesome TV series and now hosts fitness retreats in Central America for women wanting to reclaim their bodies and energize their health. Her next one is in Panama coming up next month, in February! Her programs feature how to transform your thinking about aging while mastering the movement right for you, along with the meal plan that is sustainable to achieve your ideal health goals. She is the best example of her own philosophy which is: we CAN get stronger with age. She believes adults, especially women over 55, should not expect to be frail and dependent as the decades advance. Now, it is her mission to help others who wish to age well. 

In this episode, we discuss health and wellness as it related to strength training, diet, and kickstarting health and wellness goals in the new year. 

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Wow, what a year! This episode is the last episode of Season 1, 2023. In this episode, I provide a broad overview of the year/season, share my gratitude, and introduce the upcoming changes and launch of Season 2, 2024. 

If you listened to any of the 50 episodes this year and found even one of them valuable, please help me out by liking, subscribing, rating, and sharing a review. It truly helps me continue doing this work!

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