All Home Care Matters

The Caregiver's Journal hosted by Lance A. Slatton with Cindy (PT) & Christina (ST) Hardin-Weiss.

The Caregiver's Journal is the show where we are sharing the caregiving experiences, stories, and wisdom of family caregivers.

Chapter 7 - "Family Caregivers":

About Kristen McCabe:

Kris has been the full time caregiver for her Grams, Mary, since 2017. They started sharing their life and love as they navigate Alzheimer’s together on Instagram that same year. Now with over half a million followers on TikTok Kris continues to create connections with fellow caregivers while sharing the special bond she has with her Grandma during the progression of this disease.

About Mary (Grams):

Mary is the matriarch of the family. She is a strong, independent Italian New Yorker that was never afraid to speak her mind. She always lead with love & has the biggest heart. She is an energizer bunny, always on the go and even though she’s been diagnosed with dementia since 2007, her love for life only continues to grow.

Follow & Connect with Kristen and Grams:

Instagram: ‪@LifeWithGrams‬

TikTok: ‪@LifeWithGrams‬

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/lifewithgrams

The Care Advocates is brought to you by the All Home Care Matters Media team and focuses on providing family caregivers and their loved ones with support, resources, and discussion on the issues facing them in the matrix of long-term care.

The topic of this episode is "Sharing in the Care Journey"

About Lance A. Slatton:

Lance A. Slatton is an author, writer, host, producer, healthcare professional for over 20 years, and renownedly known as "The Senior Care Influencer".

Lance A. Slatton is the host of the Award-Winning podcast & YouTube show All Home Care Matters. He is also a senior case manager at Enriched Life Home Care Services in Livonia, MI. Lance was named as "50 under 50" for 2023 and received the distinction as the Top Influencer for Healthcare and Advocacy for 2024. Lance is also a columnist for multiple healthcare and news websites and and is the author of the award winning book "The All Home Care Matters Official Family Caregivers' Guide".

About Sharon's Son, George:

Dr. George Ackerman (Sharon’s son) is from Brooklyn, N.Y. Now residing in Florida, he works in the fields of law, police, and education. George lost his mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman on 1/1/2020 due to Parkinson’s Disease.

George wanted to honor his mother and continue to help in the Parkinson’s awareness cause and did not know how to bring change. George started TogetherForSharon® as a family for the purpose of keeping his mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman’s, memory alive and to share the message of Parkinson’s Awareness and hope for a cure. Today, https://www.togetherforsharon.com/ reaches thousands of individuals across the country for PD Awareness. George currently interviews individuals throughout the Parkinson’s community including various foundations, caregivers, and Parkinson’s warriors to help share their stories and causes.

Conscious Caregiving with L & L is "Tackling the Tough Conversations."

The topic of this episode is "Dementia & Denial" featuring hosts Lori La Bey and Lance A. Slatton.

Lori La Bey:

Lori La Bey is the founder of Alzheimer’s Speaks and is co-founder of Dementia Map global resource directory and the co-host of Conscious Caregiving with L & L. Lori’s mother who lived with dementia for 30 years. Her goal has always been to shift dementia care from crisis to comfort around the world.

She offers a variety of free resources to educate, empower, connect, and decrease stigmas; helping families and professionals live graciously alongside dementia. Lori is an international speaker known for her multiple platforms and training programs.

Lance A. Slatton - known as "The Senior Care Influencer"":

Known as “The Senior Care Influencer” Lance is a Writer, Author, Influencer, and Healthcare professional with over 20 years in the healthcare industry.

Lance A. Slatton is a senior case manager at Enriched Life Home Care Services in Livonia, MI. He is also host of the award winning podcast & YouTube channel All Home Care Matters and Co-Host of Conscious Caregiving with L & L with Lori La Bey along with The Care Advocates and The Caregiver's Journal.

Lance's book, "The All Home Care Matters Official Family Caregivers' Guide" was the recent recipient of the 2024 International Impact Book Awards.

All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Anne Belden, Paul Gullixson, and Beth Eurotas-Steffy as guest to the show. About "Inflamed": “Inflamed” is a story about the abandonment of more than 100 senior citizens at a luxury senior living complex during a catastrophic wildfire in California’s Wine Country in 2017. The book offers an hour-by-hour account of the desperate attempts by family members and others to reach and rescue their loved ones from Villa Capri, an assisted living and memory care center, and Varenna, a massive independent living community. The book then chronicles the battle for truth and accountability against the facility’s powerful owners who tried to deny what happened and silence their critics, going as far as financing a million-dollar recall of the district attorney who investigated the botched fire evacuation. About Anne Belden: Anne Belden runs the journalism program and advises the newsroom at Santa Rosa Junior College. Before teaching, she spent 18 years as a journalist, working as a reporter and editor on the San Francisco Peninsula where her news, feature, and investigative articles were recognized by the California Newspaper Publishers Association, San Francisco Peninsula Press Club, and Parenting Publications of America. Anne holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from UCLA and a master’s degree in media studies from Stanford University. She lives in Sebastopol, California. About Paul Gullixson: Paul Gullixson is a seasoned journalist with more than 35 years of experience working for West Coast newspapers, including The Press Democrat, the San Francisco Chronicle and other Bay Area newspapers. As columnist and editorial writer for The Press Democrat, he played a key role in the newspaper winning the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for coverage of the October 2017 fires. Paul currently serves as Communications Manager for the County of Sonoma. He lives in Santa Rosa, California.

All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton welcome Cheryl Beversdorf as our guest to the show.

About Cheryl Beversdorf:

A Vietnam era Veteran, registered nurse, former not-for-profit association executive, and public communications specialist, Cheryl Beversdorf produces and hosts AGING MATTERS Radio, weekly radio programs and podcasts offering interviews with guests who talk about aging related topics of interest to older adults, their care partners, and families.

Cheryl also produces and hosts AGING MATTERS TV Show, featuring interviews with experts about aging issues that include demonstrations of how aging related subjects benefit older adults’ lives, and stories of life of guests who talk about how their life experiences made a difference to them and to their community.

Cheryl is a member of the Board of Directors of Arlington Neighborhood Village (ANV), a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization dedicated to helping older residents age in place. She chairs the ANV Communications and Marketing Committee and hosts ANV’s weekly Coffee and Conversation program. Before AGING MATTERS, Cheryl partnered with an elder mediation attorney to create Talking About the Tough Stuff, interactive dramatizations and commentary for families needing to have difficult conversations about aging issues. She also helped establish Epilogue LLC, which offered support groups to help men and women over age 50 find new jobs or reinvent themselves in retirement. 

About AGING MATTERS Podcast and Radio Show:

The weekly radio program presents individuals with expertise about a broad array of aging related topics. The show is broadcast on podcast sites and made available for downloading on grassroots community radio stations affiliated with Pacifica Network. Produced in an interview format, guests educate and inform listeners about timely topics that impact the lives of older adults and their families.

The program's focus is to help ensure longer and healthier lives for older adults. About AGING MATTERS TV Show: The TV Show offers interviews with aging experts and includes demonstrations of how aging related subjects benefit the lives of older adults and their families. A series of programs called “Stories of Life,” showcases guests who share ways their lives made a difference to them and to their community.

All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Pamela Mills as guest to the show.

About Pamela Mills:

Pamela Mills, Associate Director of Care Management for Corewood Care holds master’s degrees in Counselor Education and Management of Aging Services. She holds certifications as a care manager through the National Academy of Certified Care Managers and as a Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer with the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners.

She is also an advanced professional with the Aging Life Care Association. With over 30 years in the field of aging services, Pamela guides people living with cognitive change, through the journeys of caregiving and receiving, where each person can feel independence, comfort, joy, and achievement. In addition to spending time with family, Pamela enjoys kayaking, photography, volunteering, and tending to the flock of backyard fowl and household animal companions.

About Corewood Care:

Corewood Care, founded in 2016 by Mary O’Donoghue, is an expanding home care and care management agency serving older adults in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Mary's background as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) and her personal experience with her father's early-onset dementia have deeply influenced her approach, making Corewood a trusted partner in the community. Initially, Corewood was a one-person operation, with Mary herself providing care to the first clients. She collaborated with local schools to recruit younger adults passionate about senior care.

These individuals offered light assistance and companionship, making it easier for clients to transition to more comprehensive care when needed. Corewood’s innovative approach of integrating care management services—initially seen as a risky move—proved beneficial, setting the agency apart in the industry. Mary’s collaborative attitude fostered partnerships with other care managers and home care agencies, enhancing Corewood’s reputation and credibility. As the company grew, so did its team.

Her CNA training helped her build strong relationships with the care team. Additionally, the Company is committed to caregiver satisfaction, highlighted by benefits like 401k plans, contributes to a positive work environment and better care for clients. Corewood Care stands out for its personalized, relationship-driven approach, its collaborative spirit within the industry, and its proactive, forward-thinking strategies that keep it ahead of industry trends.

The Care Advocates is a new YouTube & Podcast show from the All Home Care Media team that will focus on providing family caregivers and their loved ones with support, resources, and discussion on the issues facing them in the matrix of long-term care.

About Lance A. Slatton:

Lance A. Slatton is an author, writer, host, producer, healthcare professional for over 20 years, and renownedly known as "The Senior Care Influencer".

Lance A. Slatton is the host of the Award-Winning podcast & YouTube show All Home Care Matters. He is also a senior case manager at Enriched Life Home Care Services in Livonia, MI. 

Lance was also named a 50 under 50 for 2023 and received the distinction as the Top Influencer for Healthcare and Advocacy for 2024. Lance is also a columnist for multiple healthcare and news websites and print. 

About Sharon's Son, George:

Dr. George Ackerman (Sharon’s son) is from Brooklyn, N.Y. Now residing in Florida, he works in the fields of law, police, and education. George lost his mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman on 1/1/2020 due to Parkinson’s Disease.

George wanted to honor his mother and continue to help in the Parkinson’s awareness cause and did not know how to bring change. We started TogetherForSharon® as a family for the purpose of keeping my mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman’s, memory alive and to share the message of Parkinson’s Awareness and hope for a cure.

Today https://www.togetherforsharon.com/ reaches thousands of individuals across the country for PD Awareness. George currently interviews individuals throughout the Parkinson’s community including various foundations, caregivers, and Parkinson’s warriors to help share their stories and causes.

Connect with Lance A. Slatton: 

Official Website:

https://www.lanceaslatton.com

Official Website for All Home Care Matters: 

https://www.allhomecarematters.com

Connect with Sharon's Son, George:

Official Website:

https://www.togetherforsharon.com

The Caregiver's Journal hosted by Lance A. Slatton with Cindy (PT) & Christina (ST) Hardin-Weiss.

The Caregiver's Journal is the show where we are sharing the caregiving experiences, stories, and wisdom of family caregivers.

Chapter 6 - "Finding Care":

In this journal entry, we welcomed Michelle Stevens who shared her caregiving journey and how she is "Finding Care".

About Michelle Stevens:

Michelle Stevens spent 20 years as a caregiver, with the last 13 focused on dementia care, helping elderly patients with Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body Dementia. The past three years were especially intense for her as she cared for her mom full-time during her fight with LBD, staying with her until the very end.

Since 2016, she has also gained expertise in ostomy care after her mom had her bladder removed due to cancer, which added an extra layer of complexity to her dementia care. Michelle's goal is to share her experiences to guide and support others on this difficult journey. She wants to be an advocate for both patients and caregivers, bringing some ease and calm to the process. Through her work, she hopes to turn her own painful experiences into something positive, helping others navigate their way with empathy and understanding.

Connect with Michelle Stevens:

Instagram:

@dementia_caregiver_chronilces

YouTube: 

@dementiacaregiverchronicles

Email: [email protected]

About Cindy (PT) & Christina (ST):

Cindy graduated in 1992 with a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from Washington University in St Louis, MO. The majority of her career has been spent in Home Healthcare. She is passionate about helping people maintain their independence, especially when it makes a difference in their ability to remain in their homes. 

Christina graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Master’s degree in Communication Disorders & Science. She spent most of her career treating patients in skilled nursing facilities. She enjoys working with individuals who have dementia and educating their families. She also likes helping people who have difficulty eating, chewing, and swallowing due to illness or disease.

Cindy and Christina are the founders of Adaptive Equipment Caregiving Corner (AEC).

Visit the Official Site for Adaptive Equipment Caregiving Corner(AEC): https://adaptiveequipmentcorner.com/

About Lance A. Slatton:

Lance A. Slatton is a dedicated Writer, Author, Influencer, and seasoned Healthcare professional with a rich background spanning over 20 years in the healthcare industry. As a beacon of knowledge and support in the realm of senior care, Lance’s journey is not just a career but a calling to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families, caregivers, and their loved ones as they navigate the complexities of long-term care. Lance was named a "50 Under 50" in 2023 by the NYC Journal.

Lance's show All Home Care Matters has won multiple awards for its advocacy and impact in helping caregivers and those in the long-term care space.

Connect with Lance A. Slatton: Official Website:

https://www.lanceaslatton.com

Connect with All Home Care Matters: Official Website:

https://www.allhomecarematters.com

Conscious Caregiving with L & L is "Tackling the Tough Conversations."

The topic of this episode is "Nutrition & Seniors" and features an All-Star Panel.

Dr. Helena Popovic MBBS (Australian equivalent of MD) Company - Outwitting Alzheimer’s:

Dr. Helena Popovic MD is a leading authority on improving brain function, an Australian family physician, and 10-year care-partner for her father who had mixed Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. She has written two best-selling books about their adventure with dementia, and she teaches health professionals, people living with dementia, and members of the public how to stay as sharp at age 90 as they were at age 30. Her philosophy is that education is more powerful than medication, and she believes in growing bolder rather than older.

Kerry Mills Rutland, Founder, Health Coach, Advocate at Age Well Simply, LLC:

Kerry Mills Rutland, MPA, is a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) with nearly 20 years of experience in dementia care. A specialist in the Bredesen Protocol, she focuses on preventing and reversing cognitive decline through personalized care.

Kerry’s expertise has led to appearances on major platforms like PBS’s The News Hour with Paul Solman and CBS alongside Dr. Max Gomez, where she has shared her insights on dementia care. Her extensive background includes leadership roles in Alzheimer's care, founding Engaging Alzheimer's LLC, and contributing to groundbreaking research with the Brain Health & Research Institute. In 2021, Kerry launched Age Well Simply to integrate lifestyle medicine into cognitive health.

She has authored award-winning books and continues to be a passionate advocate for transforming dementia care through education, training, and innovative strategies.

Lance A. Slatton and Lori La Bey Co-Host and Produce Conscious Caregiving with L & L.

All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Jonathan Hunt-Glassman CEO and Co-Founder of Oar Health as guest to the show.

About Jonathan Hunt-Glassman:

Jonathan Hunt-Glassman is the CEO and co-founder of Oar Health. Jonathan founded Oar Health after struggling with alcohol misuse for more than 15 years before taking back control over alcohol with help from medication. Before founding Oar, Jonathan held healthcare strategy leadership roles at Humana, Optum and Bain & Company.

About Oar Health:

Oar Health is a telehealth platform that simplifies access to a daily pill to drink less. Oar has helped more than 35,000 members get started with safe, effective, FDA-approved medication that helps them drink less or quit alcohol altogether.