If you’ve ever tried to figure out senior living or care options in Washington State, you know just how overwhelming it can be. From 55+ communities to assisted living, memory care, adult family homes, and in-home care — there’s a lot to untangle. In this episode, I sit down with my friend and colleague Morgan Nelson to break it all down.

Together, we explore why Washington is considered one of the best-equipped states for senior care, how to tell when it’s time to transition from home, and what families can do to prepare before they’re in crisis mode. We also get honest about guilt, burnout, and the emotional side of making these decisions.

Whether you’re helping a loved one or planning for your own future, this episode will help you feel more informed, less alone, and a lot more doable as you navigate your next steps.

And Morgan has recently joined the Clear Path team! If you need help with senior living & care in Pierce, Thurston or S. King County, WA - email Morgan today! [email protected]

CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES

Follow us on INSTAGRAM for more doable tips!

Need help finding senior living or care? BECOME A CLIENT TODAY!

We can help with your search for senior living & care wherever you live!

Would you like to share your story and be a guest on our show? 

Guest Application

Email us at [email protected] with your senior living questions.

www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com

Hit subscribe ✅ and spread the word! 📣

Listen wherever you listen to podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! 

@desperatetodoable

You know that feeling when you’re doing everything right for your aging parent and it still feels impossible to keep up? That’s where today’s episode comes in. I’m joined by Kara JVA from the PACE program—an all-inclusive care model that helps older adults live safely at home while still receiving medical care, social support, and even transportation. We dig into eligibility, bust common myths, and share real-life examples of how PACE changes lives for both seniors and their families. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, this conversation is your reminder that help is out there—and it might be closer than you think.

https://www.npaonline.org/

CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES

Follow us on INSTAGRAM for more doable tips!

Need help finding senior living or care? BECOME A CLIENT TODAY!

We can help with your search for senior living & care wherever you live!

Would you like to share your story and be a guest on our show? 

Guest Application

Email us at [email protected] with your senior living questions.

www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com

Hit subscribe ✅ and spread the word! 📣

Listen wherever you listen to podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! 

@desperatetodoable

In this episode, we explore senior living in Missouri with Erin Dwyer of Senior Care Authority, who shares her vast knowledge of the state’s senior care options, including the challenges families face when funds run low. We discuss the financial limitations of Medicaid in Missouri, the differences between assisted living and skilled nursing, and how planning ahead can help families make the best decisions. Erin also sheds light on the work being done to pass the Family Choice Act, which aims to give families more control and transparency in their care decisions. Plus, we dive into the complexities of online lead aggregators and how they can complicate the search for the right care.

CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES

Follow us on INSTAGRAM for more doable tips!

Need help finding senior living or care? BECOME A CLIENT TODAY!

We can help with your search for senior living & care wherever you live!

Would you like to share your story and be a guest on our show? 

Guest Application

Email us at [email protected] with your senior living questions.

www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com

Hit subscribe ✅ and spread the word! 📣

Listen wherever you listen to podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! 

@desperatetodoable

If you're exploring senior living options in Colorado—or even just wondering what makes this state different—we've got you covered. In this episode, I’m joined by Jan Peterson, a Certified Senior Advisor and founder of Blossoms Senior Placement in Denver. With deep roots in Colorado and years of hands-on experience, Jan walks us through the wide variety of care types available—from senior living communities to memory care and private care homes. We dig into pricing, Medicaid, PACE programs, and how Colorado supports families at every income level. You'll hear tips on finding the right fit, what questions to ask, and how to avoid surprises—plus why Jan says her city is a hidden gem when it comes to healthcare and aging support. Whether you're a family caregiver or just planning ahead, this episode makes it doable!

CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES

Follow us on INSTAGRAM for more doable tips!

Need help finding senior living or care? BECOME A CLIENT TODAY!

We can help with your search for senior living & care wherever you live!

Would you like to share your story and be a guest on our show? 

Guest Application

Email us at [email protected] with your senior living questions.

www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com

Hit subscribe ✅ and spread the word! 📣

Listen wherever you listen to podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! 

@desperatetodoable

It’s easy to get swept up in the shiny stuff—movie theaters, cafés, even tanning beds! And honestly? There’s nothing wrong with loving those features. But when it comes to choosing a senior living community, your expectations (and theirs) need to align. In this episode, we explore how to tell the difference between what you love and what your loved one will actually use, how to spot red flags, great questions to ask yourself and the community and why the vibe of a community beats the bells and whistles every time!

CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES

Follow us on INSTAGRAM for more doable tips!

Need help finding senior living or care? BECOME A CLIENT TODAY!

We can help with your search for senior living & care wherever you live!

Would you like to share your story and be a guest on our show? 

Guest Application

Email us at [email protected] with your senior living questions.

www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com

Hit subscribe ✅ and spread the word! 📣

Listen wherever you listen to podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! 

@desperatetodoable

When you're sandwiched between raising kids and caring for aging parents, the stress can feel overwhelming—especially in a state like Florida, where senior living options are vast but complex. In this episode, I’m joined by Carline Cadet Francois @FloridaALFConsulting, a dynamic healthcare entrepreneur and visionary leader in Florida’s senior care scene. As the founder of Florida Assisted Living Consulting (FALC), Carline has become a trusted resource for ALF owners, caregivers, and senior care professionals across the state. We explore everything from in-home care and assisted living to respite options, adult family care homes, and Medicaid. Carline brings both compassion and clarity—reminding us that support might be just around the corner, and that you don’t have to do this alone.

CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES

Follow us on INSTAGRAM for more doable tips!

Need help finding senior living or care? BECOME A CLIENT TODAY!

We can help with your search for senior living & care wherever you live!

Would you like to share your story and be a guest on our show? 

Guest Application

Email us at [email protected] with your senior living questions.

www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com

Hit subscribe ✅ and spread the word! 📣

Listen wherever you listen to podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! 

@desperatetodoable

Let’s be real—no one’s excited to talk about death or senior living, but waiting until there’s a crisis just makes it harder. In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, Lisa Pahl and I peel back the layers of fear, guilt, and denial that so often block these conversations. With humor, honesty, and a whole lot of insight, we explore creative tools like The Death Deck, the emotional realities of caregiving, and how just starting the conversation (even at game night!) can empower families to plan with love—not panic. If you’ve ever felt stuck on how to talk about the end, this episode is your gentle nudge forward.

Lisa Pahl, LCSW and Hospice & Emergency Medicine Social Worker @thedeathdeck

CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES

Follow us on INSTAGRAM for more doable tips!

Need help finding senior living or care? BECOME A CLIENT TODAY!

We can help with your search for senior living & care wherever you live!

Would you like to share your story and be a guest on our show? 

Guest Application

Email us at [email protected] with your senior living questions.

www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com

Hit subscribe ✅ and spread the word! 📣

Listen wherever you listen to podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! 

@desperatetodoable

Memory care can feel overwhelming—especially when you’ve heard horror stories or toured a community that didn’t feel right. But not all memory care communities are the same, and knowing what to look for can make all the difference. In this episode, I answer Jan’s question: Why do I hear so many bad things about memory care? I share real-life stories, common concerns, and most importantly—how to advocate for your loved one.

We talk about creative care solutions, how to spot red flags, and why staff training is critical. You’ll learn what questions to ask, when to trust your gut, and when it might be time to walk away. Dementia care is challenging, but with the right knowledge, you can find a community that truly supports your loved one’s dignity and well-being.

CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES

Follow us on INSTAGRAM & YOUTUBE for more doable tips!

Need help finding senior living or care? BECOME A CLIENT TODAY!

We can help with your search for senior living & care wherever you live!

Would you like to share your story and be a guest on our show? 

Guest Application

Email us at [email protected] with your questions about senior living.

www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com

Hit subscribe ✅ and spread the word! 📣

Listen wherever you listen to podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! 

@desperatetodoable

Was this episode helpful? Consider making a donation to help us stay on the air. Click here to donate & Thank you!

I’m so excited to welcome Hospice Nurse Penny back to the show! In this episode we're talking about her new book Influencing Death: Reframing Dying for Better Living.

In this episode, we discuss:

11:19 Advanced Planning

15:00 Cultural Traditions & Prayer

29:05 Misconceptions About Hospice

41:53 Advocating for Hospice

44:01 Hospice & Humor

And so much more!!!

Did you miss my previous interview with Penny? Check out EP 145 for more from Hospice Nurse Penny!

Penny Hawkins Smith aka Hospice Nurse Penny is a nationally certified hospice & palliative care registered nurse with over 18 years of experience. As a social media influencer on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook and through her new book Influencing Death, Penny is working to dispel the mysteries and myths around dying and the stigma of hospice. @hospicenursepenny

CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES

Follow us on INSTAGRAM for more doable tips!

Need help finding senior living or care? BECOME A CLIENT TODAY!

We can help with your search for senior living & care wherever you live!

Would you like to share your story and be a guest on our show? 

Email us at [email protected]

www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com

—————————————

Hit subscribe ✅ and spread the word! 📣

Listen wherever you listen to podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! 

www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com

All assisted living and dementia care communities have to be safe...right?

In this episode, Valerie Lynn walks you through everything you need to know about evaluating safety in senior living—from essential physical features like fall prevention and security systems to medical care and emotional well-being because senior living communities are NOT created equal. With real-life stories and practical tips, you'll learn what questions to ask, what red flags to watch for, and how to trust your instincts to make the best decision. Whether you're starting your search or actively touring communities, this episode will empower you with the tools and confidence to find a place where your loved one can not only stay safe but truly thrive. Listen in... because this episode could help you go from desperate to doable!

00:09 - SAFETY FEATURES TO LOOK FOR

06:21 - A Family Decides Their Dad Needs a Memory Care or Assisted Living

10:30 - Physical Safety

20:23 - Emotional Safety

21:43 - State Reports & Inspections

CLICK HERE for our DOABLE DOWNLOAD with FULL SHOW NOTES

Follow us on INSTAGRAM and YouTube for more doable tips!

Need help finding senior living or care? BECOME A CLIENT TODAY!

We can help with your search for senior living & care wherever you live!

Would you like to share your story and be a guest on our show? 

Email us at [email protected]

www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com

—————————————

Hit subscribe ✅ and spread the word! 📣

Listen wherever you listen to podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! 

www.desperatelyseekingseniorliving.com