In today's episode, Nicola will discuss one of the best-kept secrets - VA Aid and Attendance. This is a pension program that was put in place by the VA in order to provide veterans with funds that they can use towards health, lodging and other services. She highlights some of the benefits that some of her clients have been able to take advantage of and use towards their care. If you are looking to move a family member into an assisted living facility, and they are a veteran, this is a resource you definitely want to learn more about.

In a nutshell, Nicola talks about:

• An overview of the VA pension program.
• The impact that VA benefits can have on your aging parents' lives.
• Some of the complications associated with VA benefits.
• The three levels to levels to VA pension.

Let's continue the conversation in our Free Facebook group!:

Black Parents Aging

Connect with Nicola:

LinkedIn: Nicola Robinson

Check out the SR Law group:

Website: https://www.srlawgrp.com/

For family and caregivers, it can be hard to watch a loved one battle the challenges of loneliness as they age. But there are many ways to help seniors overcome social isolation and instill a sense of companionship and emotional connection. One proven way to battle the blues is through interaction with animals. It's no secret that pets can provide unconditional love – they also help seniors maintain a happy, balanced life. Typically, pets are a source of joy, meaning, and purpose - especially for older adults.

In today's episode, Nicola talks about how to make sure that pets belonging to older adults are well taken care of should something happen to the individual. In today's episode, she discusses pet trust.

In a nutshell, she talks about:

• How pet ownership is linked to estate planning.
• Why you should have a conversation with your parents about the pets they own.
• Pet trusts and why they are important.

… and so much more!

Let's continue the conversation in our Free Facebook group!:

Black Parents Aging

Connect with Nicola:

LinkedIn: Nicola Robinson

Check out the SR Law group:

Website: https://www.srlawgrp.com/

The debate surrounding gun ownership has been raging for decades, and this doesn't necessarily mean that seniors and guns are a "bad" combination by default. Advancing age, by itself, should not preclude anyone from leading an independent life and enjoying their rights and privileges.

While many family caregivers are familiar with the dreaded process of addressing unsafe driving with aging loved ones, conversations about firearms haven't been easy. This episode will address aging parents and their firearms. We will discuss a gun trust and why you should consider one.

In a nutshell, Nicola talks about:

• Why you should have a conversation about firearms with your aging parents.
• Legal solutions for disposing of firearms.
• How a gun trust works and why it is important.

…. and so much more!

Let's continue the conversation in our Free Facebook group!:

Black Parents Aging

Connect with Nicola:

LinkedIn: Nicola Robinson

Check out the SR Law group:

Website: https://www.srlawgrp.com/

Nicola joins us in the podcast today to talk about a topic that comes up a lot in estate planning - adding adult children to your parents' bank accounts and assets. While this may be well-meaning, there are a lot of reasons why you shouldn't. So if you are thinking about putting your name on mom or dad's bank accounts, or if your siblings are thinking about doing that, this episode is for you!

Nicola talks about:

• Why you should consult an attorney before adding your name to your parents' bank accounts
• Six reasons why adding adult children's names to their parents' accounts isn't a good idea.
• Alternatives to joint account ownership.

… and so much more!

Let's continue the conversation in our Free Facebook group!:

Black Parents Aging

Connect with Nicola:

LinkedIn: Nicola Robinson

Check out the SR Law group:

Website: https://www.srlawgrp.com/

In today's episode, Nicola speaks to two of her very good friends, Michelle and Kimberly. As you probably know by now, the goal of this show is to help you navigate situations that may arise with your aging parents. Michelle and Kimberly share their experiences and some of the tips that worked for them when their mom became sick.

In a nutshell, they talk about:

• Their back story, and what happened when their mom got sick.
• Some of the changes that Michelle started to observe in their mom before she got sick.
• How they deal with the financials and medication after their mom got sick.
• The role shift that happened and how they dealt with that.
• Some of the groups and organizations that supported the two sisters.
• The roles that other siblings played during this period.

… and so much more!

Let's continue the conversation in our Free Facebook group!:

Black Parents Aging

Connect with Nicola:

LinkedIn: Nicola Robinson

Check out the SR Law group:

Website: https://www.srlawgrp.com/

One of the most important decisions older adults make is their choice of housing. Their future contentment, comfort, and even safety may depend on careful consideration of all the housing options available to them. Fortunately, an array of housing options and living arrangements can meet the needs of those who are aging. Understanding what the options are and the needs they fill is the first step in making a wise choice.

In today's episode, Nicola talks about housing options for aging adults.

Tune in to learn more about:

• Safety features to consider when choosing a housing option for your loved one.
• Long-term care arrangements and the options available.
• Why you should purchasing Long Term Care Insurance.
• Senior apartments, personal care homes, and nursing homes as housing options for older adults.

… and so much more!

Let's continue the conversation in our Free Facebook group!:

Black Parents Aging

Connect with Nicola:

LinkedIn: Nicola Robinson

Connect with Olivia:

Facebook: Olivia Smith

Instagram: @ocsmith960

Check out the SR Law group:

Website: https://www.srlawgrp.com/

In today's episode, Olivia speaks with Samantha Brown, a seasoned realtor that loves working with the underrepresented and first-time homebuyers. Samantha hand-holds buyers through the entire process to ensure that critical aspects are not left out. She talks about some of the questions to ask yourself before prompting your aging parents to downsize, what to look for in the house you are about to buy, and why you might find it difficult to convince your aging parents to let go of their homes.

In a nutshell, we discuss:

• Taking the proactive rather than reactive approach towards downsizing.
• Being in charge of your parents' decluttering and organizing process.
• Some of the things you can do to make the house safer for your aging loved one.
• Some tips to make sure that you get the most of the best offer for your parents' house.
• Whether it is harder or easier for older people to get loans.
• Things to put into consideration when looking for a new home.

… and so much more!

Connect with Samantha:

Cell phone #: 4042369046

Instagram: @beyondrealtywithsam

Let's continue the conversation in our Free Facebook group!:

Black Parents Aging

Connect with Nicola:

LinkedIn: Nicola Robinson

Connect with Olivia:

Facebook: Olivia Smith

Instagram: @ocsmith960

People who inherit wealth have a significant financial advantage over those who do not. They likely have the ability to avoid student loans as well as other types of costly debt. Instead, their inheritance can be used towards income-generating investments, assets that appreciate in value, or even purchasing their first home. This is the main reason why it is important to be able to pass assets on to the next generation.

In today's episode, Olivia speaks with Morgan Summers, a financial planner who is on a mission to help young professionals create generational wealth. She talks about why she became a financial planner, lessons she learned from her parents on creating wealth and how to achieve those financial goals we set for ourselves.

In a nutshell, Olivia and Morgan discuss:

• How to create a mindset that is conscious about creating generational wealth.
• Why being intentional about creating generational wealth should be at the core of your decisions.
• Tips for creating a strategy around finances and ignoring the shame and guilt associated with finances.

… and so much more!

Connect with Morgan:

Website: https://www.raymondjames.com/morgansummers

Email: [email protected]

Let's continue the conversation in our Free Facebook group!:

Black Parents Aging

Connect with Nicola:

LinkedIn: Nicola Robinson

Connect with Olivia:

Facebook: Olivia Smith

Instagram: @ocsmith960

Dr. Frances Adomako has always been an observer. Originally from Ghana, West Africa, her family migrated to Bridgeport, Connecticut when she was 10 years old. Being someone who's very observant, she started noticing how folks who looked different were treated differently. It was not until she went to college to study psychology that she understood the social construction of race.

Adomako's work explores race-based stress and trauma through the lens of social activism; emphasizing the use of digital media in Black activism and psychological well-being. Her work also engages with community organizations, research, and public policy with a commitment to bridging the divide between the academy and the community.

In today's episode, Dr. Adomako talks about her experience being black in a foreign country, what race-related stress is, and how to identify its symptoms.

Tune in to learn more about

• Dr. Adomako's work around stress that's related to being African American
• How race-related stress affects who we are and how we conduct ourselves.
• The role played by social media in creating awareness as far as race-related stress is concerned.
• How older adults deal with race-related stress and lessons we can draw from that.
• Why having your older parents talk about their past trauma is a good idea.
• The collective healing strategy that Dr. Adomako recommends.

… and so much more!

List of resources for African American Older Adults:

• Black Mental Wellness: https://www.blackmentalwellness.com/
• Black Emotional and Mental Health (BEAM): https://www.beam.community/
• Therapy for Black Girls: https://therapyforblackgirls.com/
• The American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/pi/aging/resources/newsletter/2018/12/racism-related-stress
• Black Aging Matters Webinar: https://youtu.be/DqvF_7O0lSY
• African American Older Adults and COVID 19: https://youtu.be/1-qVFttDf_w

Check out the SR Law Group:

Website: www.srlawgrp.com

LinkedIn: SR Law Group

Instagram: @srlawgrp

Facebook: SR Law Group

Tweeter: @srlawgrp

Let's continue the conversation in our Free Facebook group!:

Black Parents Aging

Connect with Nicola:

LinkedIn: Nicola Robinson

Connect with Olivia:

Facebook: Olivia Smith

Instagram: @ocsmith960

Now that the world is opening up, long-term care facilities are also opening their doors to visitors. Of course, there are a few modifications to the visits, such as speaking to your loved ones through a window and maintaining social distance. Over time, I am sure things will get better. This is why today's episode addresses some of the questions you should be asking if your aging parents are in a long-term care facility.

Today's episode highlights;

• Some of the safety measures that nursing facilities are putting in place to safeguard our aging parents.
• Questions to ask yourself before making plans to go visit your family members in nursing facilities.
• What to do if you feel a given nursing home is not following the COVID restrictions.
• Being an advocate for your family and friends that are in nursing home facilities.
• ...and so much more!

Check out the SR Law Group:

Website: www.srlawgrp.com

LinkedIn: SR Law Group

Instagram: @srlawgrp

Facebook: SR Law Group

Tweeter: @srlawgrp

Let's continue the conversation in our Free Facebook group!:

Black Parents Aging

Connect with Nicola:

LinkedIn: Nicola Robinson

Connect with Olivia:

Facebook: Olivia Smith

Instagram: @ocsmith960