In this eye-opening episode, Gina and Don explore the complicated world of medication management for seniors. As we age, prescriptions pile up, schedules get confusing, and the risks of missed doses or dangerous interactions increase. Gina, with her background as an Occupational Therapist, shares practical tips on how to create routines, track meds, and communicate with doctors. Don brings the emotional side into focus—how stress, memory, and even resistance can play a role in medication mishaps. Together, they shed light on why managing meds is more than just popping pills—it's a vital part of senior health and caregiving.

Whether you're a caregiver, adult child, or aging adult yourself, this conversation will help you navigate the maze of medication with more clarity and confidence.

Hashtags: #SeniorHealth #MedicationManagement #CaregiverSupport #AgingWell #SeniorCare #Polypharmacy #HealthyAging #FocusedHealthyFamily #ElderCare #MedicationSafety

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/hero-smart-pill-dispenser-review/

https://www.theseniorlist.com/medication/dispensers/hero/

https://www.pillpack.com/

https://herohealth.com/pricing/ 

Dispose of Medications

Walgreens

safe.pharmacy/drug-disposal

dea.gov/takebackday

In this episode, Gina and Don take on the “F word” that no aging adult wants to talk about — falling. For many older adults, the fear of falling looms large, threatening their independence, confidence, and daily life. Gina and Don break down the many factors that contribute to falls, from physical changes like muscle weakness and balance issues, to environmental hazards lurking right at home.

But it’s not all doom and gloom — they also explore practical, proactive ways to reduce the risk of falling and help aging loved ones stay safe, steady, and strong. Whether you’re an older adult yourself, a caregiver, or part of the sandwich generation, this episode offers valuable insights and tips to keep “the F word” from taking over.

🔹 Listen in to learn:

• The most common causes behind falls

• How to spot hidden risks at home

• Simple strategies and tools to help prevent falls

• Why talking about fall prevention early can make a big difference

How can strength training build healthier bodies as we age?

https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/how-can-strength-training-build-healthier-bodies-we-age

Falls and Fractures in Older Adults: Causes and Prevention

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/falls-and-falls-prevention/falls-and-fractures-older-adults-causes-and-prevention

#101 Dizziness: The Real Story with Dr. Lori Klees

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDF6NUc35SI

#111 - Sound Advice: Navigating Hearing Health As We Age

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGBc2q909Ig

#FocusedHealthyFamily #FallPrevention #AgingWell #SeniorSafety #CaregiverSupport #HealthyAging #StayIndependent #PreventFalls #BalanceAndStrength

In this episode of the Focused Healthy Family podcast, Gina and Don dive into the importance of being intentional when it comes to grocery shopping and meal planning. They explore how taking the time to plan what you need before heading to the store can reduce stress, save money, and lead to healthier choices for the whole family.

From making a shopping list that reflects your actual needs, to thinking through how you're going to get to the store—whether it's with the kids in tow or after a long day—they offer practical tips for making the experience smoother. They also discuss what to do once you get the food home: organizing your kitchen, prepping ingredients, and setting yourself up for easier meals during the week.

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on how a little planning can lead to more peace, better nutrition, and less overwhelm in your daily routine.

#FocusedHealthyFamily #MealPlanning #FamilyMeals #SmartShopping #HealthyHabits #ParentingTips #GroceryPlanning #KitchenOrganization #FoodPrepTips #MindfulParenting #HealthyFamilyLife #MealPrepMadeEasy #StressFreeMeals #PlanShopPrep #IntentionalLiving

In this eye-opening episode, Don and Gina explore the hidden world of sugar—from the dozens of names it goes by on food labels to its surprising effects on the aging brain and body. Drawing from Jeanne Dorin McDowell's AARP Magazine article “The Aging Power of Sugar”, they dive into how sugar impacts memory, inflammation, and mood, especially as we age.

You’ll hear:

• Why sugar shows up as more than 60 different ingredients in processed foods

• How excess sugar can fuel chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s

• The cultural catchphrases and nursery rhymes that shaped our view of sugar from childhood ("sugar and spice," anyone?)

• Simple steps to cut back on sugar without feeling deprived

Whether you're caring for aging parents, raising mindful kids, or just trying to reclaim your own health, this conversation will help you rethink that sweet tooth with compassion—not guilt.

#FocusedHealthyFamily #SugarAndHealth #HealthyAging #HiddenSugars #SugarAndTheBrain #FamilyWellness #SugarCrash #AgingWisely

In this insightful episode of the Focused Healthy Family podcast, Gina shines a light on the many vision challenges that come with aging. From the everyday nuisances of floaters and presbyopia (trouble focusing up close) to more serious conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and conjunctivitis, she explores how these changes affect not only vision but also quality of life and independence for seniors.

Gina shares helpful tips on recognizing symptoms early, seeking proper care, and supporting aging loved ones through their eye health journey. Whether you're caring for an aging parent or noticing changes in your own vision, this episode is a must-listen for understanding how to keep your eyes—and your family—focused and healthy.

#AgingEyes #SeniorVisionHealth #EyeHealthAwareness #Cataracts #GlaucomaAwareness #Presbyopia #Floaters #Conjunctivitis #HealthyAging #CaregiverSupport #ElderCareTips #VisionChanges #FamilyCaregivers #FocusedHealthyFamily #AgingParents

In this eye-opening episode of Focused Healthy Family, Don and Gina dive into the powerful new film Thelma, a dark comedy-thriller inspired by a real-life scam targeting seniors. The movie follows a feisty grandmother who takes justice into her own hands after falling victim to a phone scam impersonating her grandson—an increasingly common tactic that uses AI-generated voices pulled from social media videos.

Don and Gina explore the emotional impact of these scams on older adults and their families, discussing how rapidly advancing technology is being used to exploit trust and create panic. They also share practical tips for protecting your loved ones, recognizing red flags, and starting essential conversations about digital safety.

If you have aging parents, grandparents, or are part of the sandwich generation navigating care and connection, this episode is a must-listen.

🔒 Don’t miss this blend of movie talk, real-world warning, and family-focused insight!

Credit Bureaus

https://www.transunion.com/

https://www.experian.com/

https://www.equifax.com/

ID Alerts

https://www.idshield.com/

#FocusedHealthyFamily #ThelmaMovie #ElderScams #AIScams #SeniorSafety #DigitalSafety #ProtectOurParents #ScamAwareness #AIFraud #FamilyEmergencyScam #GrandparentScams #CyberSecurity  #FraudPrevention

Allison O’Shea – Author, Aging Consultant & Speaker

Allison O’Shea is a nationally recognized aging consultant, speaker, and author of The 4 Pillars to Keep Control of Your Aging Journey. With over 20 years of experience as a senior living executive, Allison has witnessed thousands of aging journeys—both the ones that went smoothly and the ones that didn’t. Now, through one-on-one consultations, she empowers individuals to take control of their future by understanding their options, identifying their goals and desires, and making informed decisions that align with their needs and budget.

A few sessions with Allison provide the peace of mind that you have thought through on your aging journey, understand what resources are available, and can move forward with confidence. Her approach to aging is rooted in education, proactive thinking, and open conversations—helping individuals and families stay ahead of challenges rather than reacting to them.

As the author of The 4 Pillars to Keep Control of Your Aging Journey, Allison is passionate about shifting the narrative around aging from fear and uncertainty to empowerment and opportunity. She believes that by embracing aging with intention and knowledge, people can maintain control, independence, and a high quality of life for years to come.

https://www.openlyaging.com

 #FamilyCaregivers #SeniorStress #AgingParents #SelfCareForSenior #SeniorTips #BalancedCaregiving #FocusedHealthyFamily #GinaAndDonGrothoff #SenioragingCommunity #CompassionateCare #CaregiverWellness #SupportForCaregivers

In this insightful episode, Gina and Don Grothoff dive into the subtle yet powerful ways language shapes our thoughts, relationships, and emotional well-being. They explore 10 common words and phrases that can sneak negativity or pressure into our conversations—and offer more mindful, empowering alternatives.

They are: Should, Always, Never, Why, But, Ought, Must, Whatever, Gotto, Haveto

🔄 Replace “should” with “wish” 🧭 Shift “always” to “there are times” 🔄 Trade “never” for “sometimes” 🔍 Ask “what” instead of “why” ⚖️ Swap “but” with “the problem is…” 💬 Use “I would prefer” instead of “ought” 💡 Try “it is important to consider” in place of “must” 🗣️ Say “it is your choice” rather than “whatever” 💸 Turn “gotta” into “I am finding ways to…” 🕒 Reframe “have to” as “I am doing my best to…”

Through practical examples and personal reflections, Don and Gina reveal how simple changes in word choice can reduce conflict, foster connection, and shift your mindset toward growth and compassion.

🌟 Whether you're parenting, partnering, or working on your own self-talk, this episode offers tools to create a more conscious and kind way of communicating.

#MindfulCommunication #WordsMatter #ShiftYourLanguage #EmpoweringWords #ConsciousParenting #HealthyFamilyTalk #SpeakWithIntention #ChangeYourWords #PositiveParenting #MindsetMatters

In this episode of the Focused Healthy Family podcast, Gina and Don Grothoff sit down with Caryn Fidalgo, OTD, OTR/L, an experienced Occupational Therapist and co-founder of Green Light Mobility. Caryn shares how she and her husband Felipe, a Physical Therapist, bring their combined clinical expertise into homes and businesses to create safe, functional, and personalized spaces for individuals of all ages and abilities.

From outpatient rehab to in-home therapy for geriatric and adults, Caryn discusses the importance of looking beyond just equipment—highlighting how thoughtful setup and therapeutic insight can make a world of difference. Their mission? To make aging in place or living with physical challenges not only possible but empowering.

Whether you're caring for aging parents, living with mobility limitations, or simply planning for the future, this episode is full of valuable insights and practical tips on how to turn your home into a place of safety and independence.

https://www.greenlightmobility.com

#FocusedHealthyFamily #GreenLightMobility #OccupationalTherapy #AgingInPlace #HomeSafety #AccessibleLiving #MobilityMatters #TherapistApproved #IndependenceAtHome #PhysicalTherapy #OTandPTTeam #GeriatricCare #SafeAtHome #HomeModifications #DisabilitySupport #AdaptiveLiving

In this episode of Focused Healthy Family, Don and Gina welcome Jamie Jolley from Blue Dot Care. With nearly 30 years of experience in the industry, Jamie has dedicated his career to guiding families through the challenging process of finding the right care options for their aging loved ones.

From assisted living and memory care to home health facilities, Jamie takes pride in doing the research and offering his services at no charge to clients. 

His passion for helping families navigate this journey shines through as he shares insights and stories from his work. Tune in to learn more about how Blue Dot Care supports families during these important transitions.

Jamie graduated from Appalachian State in 2004 with a Masters Degree in Gerontology , the study of aging. He then moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee and within a month’s time was running his first independent living/assisted living community. 

He would go on to be an assisted-living Executive Director and Regional Director over the course of the next 12 years. His wife and he moved from Chattanooga to Charlotte in 2011.

In 2016 he decided to get out of the Executive Director role and join the senior placement and resource team with Carepatrol here in Charlotte. He worked with Carepatrol until 2022 and then joined the team with Bluedot Cares.

He truly enjoy helping families and their loved ones navigate the sometimes difficult process of aging and finding the best and most available resources.

www.bluedotscare.com

Cell: 980-346-5311

#FocusedHealthyFamily #BlueDotCare #AgingParents #SeniorCare #AssistedLiving. #MemoryCare #HomeHealthCare #CaregivingSupport #ElderCare #FamilyCaregivers #AgingLovedOnes