Dementia Decoded

Join us for a crucial discussion with Peter Keers as we unravel the complex topic of navigating the cost of long-term care. Having researched the options available at age 65, Peter shares insights from his e-book, which aims to assist you in planning your later years in the best way possible. We look into various care levels, the associated costs, and how family members can act as caregivers. Listen in as we delve into the importance of long-term care insurance, particularly for working adults in their 30s. 

We explore how to cover long-term care costs with Peter Kears, discussing personal resources, government payments, and long-term care insurance. We examine the potential risks of paying for these costs, the nuances of government programs like Medicaid, and the impact of retirement savings and pensions. Additionally, we touch on the significance of researching and planning ahead and the potential role of selling a home in covering long-term care costs. 

In the last part of our chat with Peter, we study how personal resources, government payments, and long-term care insurance can be utilized to cover long-term care costs. Listen as we analyze the details of Medicare and Medicaid, how selling a home may impact Medicaid eligibility and the potential benefits of renting out a loved one's home to finance long-term care. We also discuss the exceptions of long-term care insurance and contemplate the potential of technology to change how care is provided in the future. So, join us and make sure your resources are correctly allocated to ensure a secure future.

GET THE E-BOOK HERE!

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HIGHLIGHTS

(0:00:02) - Exploring the Cost of Long-Term Care

Peter Kears shares his experience researching long-term care options, outlining levels of care and costs, emphasizing 70% of us will need care, and exploring family as caregivers and long-term care insurance.

(0:15:17) - Paying for Long-Term Care Options

Peter Kears shares his experience researching long-term care options, risks of paying for costs, government programs, retirement savings, pensions, and selling a home.

(0:21:33) - Financing Long-Term Care Options and Challenges

53% of long-term care expenses are paid by personal resources, such as life insurance and home equity, impacted by Covid-19 staffing shortages.

(0:25:58) - Financing Long-Term Care and Home Equity

Personal resources, government payments, long-term care insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, selling a home, renting out a home, life insurance, term insurance, household items, and jewelry are discussed for financing long-term care.

(0:39:34) - Exploring Long-Term Care Insurance Options

Peter Kears explores how to cover long-term care costs, exceptions to long-term care insurance, and the potential of technology.

(0:47:47) - Online Presence and Call to Action

Peter Kears researches options for covering long-term care costs, including personal resources, government payments, and insurance.

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Ready to unravel the mysteries of Medicare? Our guest, Al Kushner from RealEasyMedicare, has got all the answers for you. Al is an expert in helping people navigate the complex world of healthcare. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of Medicare, from understanding the four different parts of Medicare to the importance of signing up when you are first eligible to the ten most costly mistakes you can make with your Medicare choices. 

We also explore the pitfalls that people often face when dealing with Medicare, including the penalties for not applying for benefits within the required time frame. If you're currently employed in a group of 20 or more, you'll be interested to know you can continue with your group plan. Al highlights the importance of reviewing your plans annually, an often overlooked critical step. 

Lastly, Al Kushner equips us with the tools needed to prepare for Medicare before turning 65. We discuss the penalties for late sign-up, how supplemental plans can help you save on premiums, and the many options available for travel. Our medical needs change as we age, and Al emphasizes the importance of checking plans every year. Manage your Medicare wisely with Al's expert guidance, and you'll be well-prepared for whatever the future holds.

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Episode highlights:

0:00:01 - Learning About Medicare Through Podcast Guests

0:10:18 - Supplement Plans

0:23:56 - Understanding the Gaps in Advantage Plans

0:29:40 - Understanding the Benefits of Medicare

0:35:56 - Important Considerations for Long-Term Care Insurance

0:42:17 - Lessons Learned About Making Decisions

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Learn more about Al Kushner Here.

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Please help us keep our show going by supporting our sponsors. Thank you.

Did you know people with Alzheimer's can receive nearly 200 spam calls a week? You can put a stop to those now.

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The Alzheimer's Association says that "we're in an era of treatments now," which is excellent, but these treatments aren't suitable for everyone with Alzheimer's. That's why I'm excited that I have been approached by start-ups that are looking at treatments from a different angle. We've got InmuneBio targeting the immune cells in the brain, and today, I'm speaking with Sara Holt of BioVie, a clinical-stage company developing a novel approach to treating Alzheimer's disease.

In this episode, you'll learn about Biovie's work and how it could affect us in the near future. You'll hear Sarah's story first, which led her to work with them. This is an inspirational and informative episode that is very fascinating.

BioVie believes targeting neuroinflammation could be the key to finding an effective Alzheimer's therapy. Their lead compound, NE3107, aims to modulate inflammation and improve energy metabolism in the brain. NE3107 is now in Phase 3 clinical trials, with results expected in late 2023. On today's show, we'll discuss BioVie's unique approach, how NE3107 works, and the progress of its clinical program.

We'll also examine the evidence linking inflammation to Alzheimer's progression and why some experts believe this represents an untapped target for drug development. With over 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer's and only recent potential treatments approved, BioVie's research offers additional hope.

Join us as we explore whether NE3107 could pave the way to the first new class of Alzheimer's drugs in years. Learn more at BioViePharma.com.

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Did you know people with Alzheimer's can receive nearly 200 spam calls a week? You can put a stop to those now.

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With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.

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Music plays a multifaceted and vital role in dementia caregiving, offering a range of benefits that extend far beyond stress relief. For individuals with dementia, music can evoke memories, trigger emotions, and facilitate communication when other forms of connection may become challenging. Caregivers harness the power of music to create a sense of familiarity, comfort, and joy in their interactions.

Learn the trick to making music engagement easier in this weeks conversation.

Music can uniquely transport individuals with dementia to specific moments in their past, eliciting reminiscence and triggering positive emotions. It can reduce anxiety and agitation, creating a calming and soothing environment. Caregivers often use personalized playlists, incorporating songs from the individual's youth or culturally significant music, to promote engagement and spark memories.

Beyond emotional well-being, music can also enhance cognitive function. Rhythmic patterns and melodies can help improve attention, stimulate cognitive processes, and support language abilities. Singing or playing musical instruments can encourage motor skills and coordination, fostering a sense of accomplishment and self-expression.

Moreover, music offers a shared experience for caregivers and individuals with dementia, promoting connection, bonding, and moments of joy. Caregivers often find that music transcends the limitations of verbal communication and allows for meaningful connections that bring comfort to both parties.

But what if you can't find the right music to connect with your loved one? That was my situation which made me the ideal person to chat with Stephen Hunt of Vera. An app that helps you find the specific pieces of music that will likely envoke all the positive benefits listed above.

Find the app here.

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Please help us keep our show going by supporting our sponsors. Thank you.

Did you know people with Alzheimer's can receive nearly 200 spam calls a week? You can put a stop to those now.

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How many of us know someone who does not want to know if they have some form of dementia? Despite all the benefits of an early diagnosis, they either can't or refuse to be swayed. Getting an early diagnosis, while still devasting, is important, and today we're discussing how celebrities discussing their risks might help move more people into accepting the benefits of knowing sooner rather than later.

When a celebrity openly discusses their risk of Alzheimer's disease, it can profoundly impact raising awareness and promoting dementia prevention knowledge. Celebrities possess a significant platform and influence that can reach a wide audience, capturing public attention and generating interest in important health issues.

By sharing their personal experiences and vulnerabilities regarding Alzheimer's risk, celebrities can break down stigma, normalize discussions about cognitive health, and encourage individuals to take proactive steps in their own lives. Their stories serve as relatable examples, fostering empathy and creating a community around dementia prevention.

A celebrity speaking out about their risk also garners media coverage and public discourse. This increased visibility brings the topic of dementia prevention into the mainstream, leading to greater public education and understanding. It can motivate individuals to educate themselves about risk factors, adopt healthier lifestyles, engage in brain-stimulating activities, and undergo regular cognitive assessments.

That's the topic of discussion with this week's guest, Stephen Hunt.

Please help us keep our show going by supporting our sponsors. Thank you.

Did you know people with Alzheimer's can receive nearly 200 spam calls a week? You can put a stop to those now.

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Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan

With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.

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Taking control of your brain health is crucial, especially when assessing your risk of Alzheimer's disease. Understanding your individual risk factors empowers you to make informed decisions and take proactive steps to preserve cognitive function.

Several factors contribute to Alzheimer's risk, including age, genetics, lifestyle, and medical conditions. Advanced age and a family history of Alzheimer's increase the likelihood of developing the disease, but lifestyle choices can also play a significant role. Engaging in regular physical exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, staying socially active, and challenging your brain with mental stimulation are all key strategies for reducing risk.

Additionally, undergoing cognitive assessments, such as memory tests and neurological evaluations, can provide valuable insights into your cognitive health and detect any early signs of decline. By being proactive and informed, you can actively protect and support your brain health, making positive lifestyle choices and seeking appropriate medical guidance to mitigate the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

This episode is a conversation with neurologist Dr. Jeff Gelblum dedicated to discussing risk factors and how we can mitigate our risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or other dementia.

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With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.

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Recent research indicates that non-invasive and safe electrical stimulation of specific brain regions can have profound cognitive benefits, particularly for individuals at risk for dementia. This exciting development offers hope in preventing cognitive decline and preserving memory and other brain functions as we age.

A pioneer in this field is Guy Odishaw, the Co-Founder of CerebralFit Brain, a bioelectric medicine device company dedicated to optimizing brain health throughout one's lifetime. CerebralFit Brain translates cutting-edge medical research into practical solutions for chronic conditions like dementia, anxiety, depression, ADHD, macular degeneration, and pain. With a track record of success where conventional medicine has fallen short, Guy's expertise is rooted in over 30 years of clinical experience.

As the Founder of Bhakti Wellness Center, one of the largest integrative medicine clinics in the US, and Co-Founder of the first integrative medicine clinic in the university healthcare system at the University of Minnesota, Guy's approach to brain health is built upon extensive knowledge and a patient-centric focus. To learn more about his groundbreaking work, visit CerebralFit Brain (https://cerebralfit.com/) and Bhakti Wellness Center (https://bhakticlinic.com/).

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Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan

With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.

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Being a sandwich caregiver caring for aging parents while raising children is a formidable challenge that requires immense strength and resilience. This delicate balancing act between two generations often leads to a profound sense of responsibility, but it can also be a source of personal growth and empowerment. This is the topic of this week's episode with author Mary Moreland.

The role of a sandwich caregiver requires navigating the unique needs and demands of both older adults and young children. It entails managing medical appointments, coordinating care plans, and providing emotional support to aging parents while also attending to the physical, emotional, and educational needs of one's children. It can be physically and emotionally exhausting, often leaving little time for self-care or personal pursuits.

Within this intricate web of caregiving responsibilities lies an opportunity for personal growth and intergenerational connection. Sandwich caregivers can develop a remarkable capacity for empathy, patience, and problem-solving as they navigate the diverse needs of different generations. They learn to appreciate the beauty of life's various stages, gaining a deeper understanding of the circle of life and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones.

While the demands of being a sandwich caregiver can be overwhelming, it is crucial to recognize the strength and resilience that arises from this unique situation. Seeking support from community resources, joining support groups, and fostering open communication within the family can help alleviate some of the burdens and provide valuable insights from others facing similar challenges.

Ultimately, being a sandwich caregiver requires finding a delicate balance between self-care and caregiving responsibilities. It is essential to carve out time for personal well-being, whether through exercise, hobbies, or simply seeking moments of solitude. By nourishing their physical and emotional health, sandwich caregivers can find the strength necessary to fulfill their caregiving roles with love, compassion, and resilience.

Find out more about Mary & Get her book here.

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Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan

With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.

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Steph Jagger found herself faced with the heartbreaking reality of losing her mother twice. Her mother, afflicted by an insidious ailment that gradually erodes her memories and identity, struggles to recall even the simplest aspects of her life—her favorite beverage, her cherished melody, and Steph herself. Witnessing her mother's gradual descent into oblivion without the chance to share her own narrative, Steph makes a solemn vow: she will undertake the journey her mother can no longer undertake and immortalize it in writing.

Keenly aware of her mother's fading recollections, Steph proposes a camping expedition to Montana—an idea her mother reluctantly agrees to, urged on by Steph's father. What begins as an adventure replete with horseback riding, hiking, and nights spent "tenting" in the Western wilderness swiftly transforms into a profound exploration of Steph's own childhood, her experiences as a mother, her sense of self, and the complexities of loving someone who can no longer remember the person she has become.

Everything Left to Remember is a profoundly moving and visually stunning contemplation of how stories are passed down from generation to generation, both through familial lineage and the vast tapestry of nature itself. Against the backdrop of Montana's expansive sky, under the watchful gaze of constellations, this extraordinary journey imparts the wisdom of how our memories shape us into the individuals we are.

During the course of our conversation, Steph and I embarked on an introspective journey that uncovers a profound truth: the discovery of emotional wellness as an indispensable tool for caregivers was unveiled in the most unexpected of places—beneath the vast expanse of celestial wonders that adorned the night sky.

As we exchange thoughts, we find ourselves immersed in the remarkable realization that gazing up at those distant stars was a catalyst for understanding the intricacies of tending to others with empathy and compassion. The awe-inspiring cosmic backdrop seemed to bestow upon us a newfound wisdom, allowing us to recognize the importance of nurturing our own emotional well-being as caregivers so that we may better support and uplift those in our care. In this luminous setting, surrounded by the infinite beauty of the universe, we appreciate the interconnectedness of our emotional journey with the boundless love and care we provide to others.

Learn more about Steph Here.

Now to pay some podcast bills!

Did you know people with Alzheimer's can receive nearly 200 spam calls a week? You can put a stop to those now.

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Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan

With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.

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If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.

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When Tony and his partner Catherine found themselves in their 50s, life took an unexpected turn. Tony learned that he needed a heart valve replacement, while Catherine was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. As former endurance athletes, their response to this news was nothing short of remarkable. They made a bold decision to sell their home, retire from their jobs, and embark on a nomadic adventure, traversing the globe while participating in marathons and half-marathons.

Tony chronicled their extraordinary journey through his book, "Running All over the World," which was adapted from a blog he maintained during their travels. This nonfiction account spans over five years and encompasses a range of experiences, from flying to running, walking to sailing, and sightseeing. The book serves as both a travelogue, transporting readers to enchanting locations like Madagascar, Bhutan, and the Great Wall of China, and a medical memoir, providing insights into their day-to-day realities with limited possessions.

However, beyond its adventurous narrative, the book is also a captivating love story. It recounts the trials and tribulations faced by Tony, a former pilot with an unwavering passion for breathtaking landscapes and meticulous planning, and Catherine, an indomitable spirit who, despite a broken ankle, perseveres to walk a half-marathon in the Australian Outback mere weeks later. Throughout their nomadic years, they continually challenged their physical and mental limits, always crossing the finish line hand in hand.

This is an update on how Tony & Cat are enjoying life today as Cat's disease has progressed.

** The first 5 that leave a comment at RunningwithCat.com about hearing me on your show will get a Kindle version of his book.**

Now to pay some podcast bills!

Did you know people with Alzheimer's can receive nearly 200 spam calls a week? You can put a stop to those now.

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Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan

With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.

Join Fading Memories On Social Media!

If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.

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Contact Jen at [email protected]