Aging Together // Unfiltered

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Summary

In this conversation, Leslie Frank shares her extensive experience as a caregiver for her husband, mother, and sister-in-law, highlighting the emotional and logistical challenges of navigating long-term care. She discusses the importance of finding the right care setting, the complexities of grief, and the necessity of self-care for caregivers. Leslie emphasizes the value of support systems, patient advocacy, and the need for ongoing communication with care providers. Her insights provide a roadmap for others facing similar situations, encouraging them to focus on what truly matters for their loved ones while managing their own emotional well-being.

Takeaways

• Being a caregiver for a spouse is deeply personal.
• Finding the right fit for care is crucial.
• Engagement in care settings is more important than aesthetics.
• Grief can manifest in unexpected ways during caregiving.
• Having a support system is essential for caregivers.
• Creating a care plan can alleviate stress.
• It's important to ask the right questions when seeking care.
• Self-care is vital for effective caregiving.
• Navigating long-term care requires ongoing adjustments.
• Emotional detachment can help in making objective decisions.

About the Guest

Leslie Frank is a serial entrepreneur and has a successful track record of developing customized, sustainable business solutions to drive growth. Her diverse background includes design, merchandising, manufacturing, business development, and licensing. But that’s not why she’s here today. 

Through the various stages of her successful career, Leslie has spent the majority of her life being a caregiver–first for her mom and sister-in-law, and now for her husband. While navigating grief, Leslie has also had to navigate long-term care needs. Today, she’s joining us to share her story and some words of wisdom on how to find the right fit for your loved one. 

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Summary

In this episode of the Aging Together podcast, Dr. Pooja A. Patel interviews Alfred Poor, a health tech futurist, about the intersection of health technology and aging. They discuss the evolution of health tech, the importance of wearable devices, and the challenges faced by caregivers. Alfred shares his personal experiences with technology in caring for his elderly mother and emphasizes the need for tailored solutions that respect the dignity and independence of aging adults. The conversation also highlights the role of employers in supporting caregivers and the necessity of bridging the digital divide to ensure access to technology for seniors.

Takeaways

• Alfred Poor transitioned from teaching to health technology.
• HealthTech Insider aimed to provide context and solutions, not just gadgets.
• The aging population presents significant challenges for caregivers.
• Technology can alleviate stress for caregivers by automating tasks.
• Broadband access is a critical social determinant of health.
• Monitoring systems can provide peace of mind for caregivers.
• Employers should support employees with caregiving responsibilities.
• There is a need for tailored tech solutions for individual needs.
• AI can enhance remote patient monitoring and medication adherence.
• Engagement through technology can combat isolation in seniors.

About the Guest

Alfred Poor, The Health Tech Futurist, is a dynamic speaker and virtual event expert with an international reputation in technology fields. He was the editor of HealthTech Insider, a website that covered wearable and mobile devices for health and medical applications. A graduate of Harvard College, he is the author or co-author of 15 books and is widely quoted in major media outlets. He brings energy and humor to his presentations and tailors his programs to match the technical levels and interests of his audience. 

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfredpoor/
• https://alfredpoor.com

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Summary

In this conversation, Vijay Sairam shares his transformative journey as a caregiver for his aging parents and how it shaped his mission to democratize access to remote jobs through his startup, Remote Job Central. He discusses the importance of flexibility in work for caregivers, cultural perspectives on caregiving, and the need for a supportive work environment that prioritizes family. Vijay emphasizes that caregiving is an expression of love and duty, and he advocates for remote work as a lifeline for those balancing personal and professional responsibilities. He encourages caregivers to stand up for their needs and highlights the mission of Remote Job Central to make remote jobs accessible to skilled talent worldwide.

Takeaways

• Caregiving requires patience, presence, and adaptability.
• Remote work can provide crucial flexibility for caregivers.
• Cultural values shape beliefs about caregiving responsibilities.
• Caregiving is seen as an expression of love, not a chore.
• Flexibility in work is essential for balancing career and care.
• Remote jobs should be accessible to all, regardless of location.
• Quality time with loved ones is irreplaceable.
• Advocating for remote work is important for caregivers.
• Work should support life, not the other way around.
• Caregivers should give themselves grace and patience. 

About the Guest

Vijay Sairam, a former caregiver for both of his parents, is now the Founder and Educator at Remote Jobs Central, a mission-driven startup dedicated to democratizing access to remote jobs for talented people worldwide and helping them work from anywhere, without any geographic restrictions. Vijay has been working remotely for over a decade and is widely recognized as a remote jobs expert and remote work advocate, especially for those who need it most. 

• remotejobscentral.com

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Summary

In this episode of the Aging Together podcast, Dr. Pooja A. Patel interviews Jaylen Vickery, a certified financial therapist, about the intersection of financial wellness and emotional health. They discuss the seven dimensions of wellness, the importance of building a relationship with one's future self, and the challenges faced by caregivers. Jaylen shares her Five Reps to Wealth approach, emphasizing the need for compassionate accountability and the significance of preventative care in achieving a balanced life. The conversation highlights the emotional burdens caregivers carry and offers insights into navigating these challenges while promoting holistic health and wellness.

Takeaways

• Money is emotions disguised as numbers.
• Understanding the seven dimensions of wellness is crucial.
• The Five Reps to Wealth approach helps in holistic living.
• Building a relationship with your future self is essential.
• Preventive care is often overlooked in financial planning.
• Caregivers face unique emotional challenges.
• Microdosing momentum can help in achieving goals.
• Emotions and experiences shape our feelings.
• It's important to find balance across all dimensions of life.
• Building wealth should be aligned with wellness.

About the Guest

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Book a Financial Therapy Consultation
  • Jae is fffering 50% off a 3-session bundle exclusively to our listeners! To get your discount, let her know how you found Dimensional Wealth LLC by listing Aging Together! 

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Summary

In this conversation, Allison Schrier shares her profound journey as a caregiver for her husband, diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, while raising two children. She discusses the emotional turmoil of navigating grief, the challenges of parenting through loss, and the importance of maintaining family dynamics. Allison reflects on her transformation from caregiver to dementia educator, emphasizing the need for resources and support for families dealing with similar situations. The conversation highlights resilience, the complexities of caregiving, and the creation of Zinnia TV, a resource aimed at helping caregivers and individuals with dementia.

Takeaways

• Allison's journey began with her husband's diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia.
• Navigating grief while parenting is a complex emotional experience.
• It's important for caregivers to express their emotions to their children.
• The impact of dementia on family dynamics can be profound and challenging.
• Making the decision to seek care for a loved one is often difficult but necessary.
• Allison transformed her pain into purpose by becoming a dementia educator.
• Support groups for children of caregivers are crucial but often lacking.
• Resilience is a key factor in overcoming adversity in caregiving.
• Zinnia TV was created to provide resources for caregivers and individuals with dementia.
• Setting expectations for survival and success can lead to positive outcomes.

About the Guest

Allyson Schrier, co-founder and President of ZinniaTV,  was a caregiver for her husband with dementia, who turned that experience into a career focused on helping both people with dementia and those who care for them. As a dementia educator, Allyson taught both family and professional caregivers best practices around supporting people with dementia. As Program Manager at the University of Washington Memory and Brain Wellness Center, she helped launch, and then facilitated a program aimed at helping primary and allied healthcare providers better diagnose and support patients living with dementia. Allyson was honored to be a recipient of a 2020 Maude’s Awards for Innovation in Alzheimer’s Care, and was named Visionary Caregiver of 2020 by caregiving.com. She sits on the Health and Medical subcommittee of the Washington State Dementia Action Collaborative, facilitates support groups for spouses of people with dementia, and lectures on topics about dementia caregiving. 

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/avschrier/
• www.zinniatv.com
• @zinnia_tv (tik tok and instagram)

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Summary: 

In this episode of the Aging Together podcast, Dr. Pooja A. Patel interviews Dawn Marie Johnson, a seasoned professional in the senior living industry. They discuss the evolution of supportive living options, the importance of family involvement, and the challenges faced by caregivers. Dawn shares her personal journey into the industry, emphasizing the significance of holistic well-being and the role of technology in enhancing the quality of life for seniors. The conversation also touches on the future of senior living communities, the need for affordability, and the importance of starting the search for senior living early.

Takeaways: 

• Dawn Marie Johnson has over 20 years of experience in senior living.
• Supportive living options include both home care and community living.
• Aging in place allows seniors to maintain their sense of home.
• Family involvement is crucial in the transition to senior living.
• Isolation is a significant issue for seniors that can affect health.
• Holistic well-being encompasses mind, body, and spirit.
• Technology should enhance, not replace, human connection.
• Community engagement activities are vital for resident happiness.
• The baby boomer generation is reshaping senior living expectations.
• Starting the search for senior living early can ease the transition.

About the Guest: 

Dawn joined Wingate Living in 2016 and serves as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing. She is responsible for overseeing sales and marketing functions, including developing and implementing a cohesive marketing plan to increase brand awareness, sales strategies, occupancy growth, and market analysis to identify areas of growth.

Dawn brings to this position over 20 years of experience in the senior living industry, including roles in dementia training, sales leadership, and mentoring. Prior to her role as Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Wingate, she served as Regional Sales and Marketing Director, Senior Sales Director, and Area Director of Community Relations.

Dawn is driven by her desire to coach, mentor, and lead her teams with a compassionate approach. Her background, experience, and double major in Marketing and Sociology from Southern Connecticut University help her work closely to understand the needs of families searching for senior living options.

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-marie-johnson-56ab2710/ 

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Summary

In this conversation, Amy Martin Quinn shares her experiences as a communications executive turned patient advocate, navigating the complexities of the sandwich generation. She discusses her personal health challenges, the impact of caregiving for her parents while raising her daughters, and the importance of community support. Amy emphasizes the concept of radical acceptance, the necessity of setting boundaries, and the cultural dynamics that influence caregiving roles. Through her journey, she highlights the significance of allowing others to help and the emotional toll of caregiving, especially during times of grief.

Takeaways

• Amy's journey into patient advocacy was inspired by personal experiences with family health issues.
• The sandwich generation faces unique challenges, balancing care for aging parents and children.
• Radical acceptance has been a crucial skill for navigating life's challenges.
• Community support plays a vital role in caregiving and emotional well-being.
• Grief can complicate the caregiving experience, making it essential to process emotions.
• Setting boundaries is necessary to prevent burnout in caregiving roles.
• Cultural dynamics influence how siblings participate in caregiving.
• Becoming a patient advocate was a natural progression for Amy after her experiences.
• The smallest gestures of support can significantly impact caregivers.
• It's important to acknowledge the difficulties of caregiving without feeling guilty. 

About the Guest

Amy Martin Quinn is a seasoned communications executive and Board Certified Patient Advocate who brings empathy, strategy, and clarity to both corporate and healthcare environments. With more than 25 years of experience in communications, Amy has built a career around helping people understand complex systems and make informed decisions.

Her pivot into patient advocacy was inspired by personal experience: navigating breast cancer, supporting her daughter’s mental health journey, guiding her father through Parkinson’s disease, and helping her mother manage heart disease. These experiences deepened her passion for helping others through the emotional and logistical challenges of the healthcare system.

Amy now uses her communication expertise to empower patients and families—translating medical jargon, streamlining insurance and billing issues, and ensuring people feel confident and heard in their healthcare decisions. Her work centers on making care more accessible, less overwhelming, and deeply human.

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Summary

In this episode of the Aging Together podcast, Dr. Pooja A. Patel speaks with Reverend Lorna J. Hines, a licensed clinical social worker and caregiver, about her extensive experience in caregiving and the emotional toll it takes. They discuss the systemic barriers caregivers face, the importance of seeking help, and the impact of trauma on both caregivers and their loved ones. Reverend Hines shares her personal journey, including the challenges of caring for her parents and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation emphasizes the need for proactive health management and planning for caregiving needs.

Takeaways

• Caregiving can lead to feelings of isolation and powerlessness.
• The emotional toll of caregiving is profound.
• Systemic barriers hinder caregivers' ability to seek help.
• Compartmentalization is a common coping mechanism for caregivers.
• Intersectionality plays a role in the caregiving experience.
• Writing can be a therapeutic outlet for caregivers.
• Planning for caregiving needs is essential.
• Caregivers should take ownership of their health.
• Don't suffer in silence; seek out resources and support.

About the Guest

Lorna J Hines is a renowned Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Medium, Intuitive Counselor, and Behavioral Health Expert. She is also an ordained Minister and Author of Straight Talk From A Wise Woman: Tears, Trauma, and A Healing Path. She was the caregiver for her parents and in-laws. 

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Summary

Deborah Pocalas shares her harrowing experience of elder exploitation involving her father, revealing the complexities of family dynamics, betrayal, and the emotional toll of caregiving. She discusses the discovery of theft by a sibling, the impact of medical misdiagnosis, and the challenges of navigating guardianship. Throughout the conversation, Deborah emphasizes the importance of documentation, recognizing red flags, and finding support during difficult times. Her story serves as a cautionary tale for caregivers and families dealing with similar situations.
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Takeaways

• Elder exploitation can occur within families, often unnoticed.
• Documentation is crucial in cases of elder abuse.
• Isolation tactics can be used to control elderly individuals.
• Medical misdiagnosis can severely impact care options.
• Guardianship processes can be negotiated for better outcomes.
• Recognizing red flags early can help prevent exploitation.
• Emotional support systems are vital for caregivers.
• Family dynamics can complicate caregiving situations.
• Spending quality time with loved ones is invaluable.
• Resentment can hinder personal healing and growth.

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About the Guest

Debora Pokallus is a loving daughter with no medical background who was thrust into an unimaginable situation and tried her best to help her father survive and thrive. She is on a mission to share her story of elder exploitation to help other families navigate various dynamics. 

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Summary

In this episode of the Aging Together podcast, Dr. Joy Poskozim discusses the critical importance of oral health for older adults, particularly those in nursing homes and receiving home care. She highlights the connection between oral health and overall health, emphasizing how poor dental care can lead to serious health issues. Dr. Poskozim shares her experiences advocating for better oral care practices and the challenges faced by caregivers in ensuring proper dental hygiene. She also provides practical tips for caregivers and discusses the need for systemic changes in dental care education and advocacy.

Takeaways

• Oral health is crucial for overall health, especially in older adults.
• Many caregivers lack training in oral care for patients.
• Education on dental care should be mandatory for healthcare providers.
• Oral neglect can lead to serious health issues like pneumonia.
• Advocacy is essential for improving oral health care in nursing homes.
• Cultural considerations are important in meal planning for older adults.
• Caregivers should focus on the wins in oral care, not perfection.
• Home health care agencies need to be aware of dental needs.
• Communication between caregivers and dental professionals is vital.
• Regular dental check-ups can prevent complications in older adults.

About the Guest

Dr. Joy Poskozim is the dental director for several nursing care facilities, educating staff as well as providing care to nursing home residents. She also makes house calls in and around the Chicagoland area. Dr. Poskozim has been in private practice for 26 years, practicing integrative health general dentistry at her office on the northwest side of Chicago, and has been performing dental procedures on the home-bound for over 16 years. In 2017, she earned her Dentistry in Long-Term Care Certificate from the University of the Pacific Dental School, her Fellowship with the Special Care Dental Association Geriatric Council in 2018, and is certified as a Dementia Practitioner as of 2021. In 2025, Dr. Joy became an adjunct professor at UIC dental school. Dr. Joy is a 1990 graduate of Marquette University and a 1994 graduate of New York University College of Dentistry. She completed a GPR from Woodhull Medical Center in 2000, where she was awarded Resident of the Year.

• https://joyposkozimdds.com/
• joyfuldentalcare.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyposkozimdds

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