Join us on Full Circle for a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation with Sandi Wake, a senior care advisor and founder of a Care Patrol franchise dedicated to helping families navigate one of the most overwhelming decisions they'll ever face. After 30 years in the corporate world, Sandi pivoted into elder care — and hasn't looked back. In this episode, she pulls back the curtain on a system most families only encounter in crisis: the shortage of quality caregivers, the staggering cost of long-term care, and the emotional weight carried by everyone involved. From smart adult briefs to small group home communities, Sandi also shares the innovations giving her real hope for the future. Whether you're planning ahead, supporting an aging parent right now, or working in elder care yourself — this conversation is one you need to hear.

0:03 Introduction — Meet Sandi Wake, senior care advisor and Care Patrol franchise owner

0:43 Leaving corporate life after 30 years — how Sandi found her calling in elder care

1:24 What Care Patrol does — assisted living, memory care, and in-home care guidance

2:12 Why most families are blindsided — the hidden cost of skipping long-term care planning

3:02 From hospital referral to community tour — the Care Patrol client journey

4:24 The business model — up to 75% of work done pro bono to do right by the client

5:31 The emotional toll of watching families navigate progressive illness and shifting care needs

6:50 Working directly with seniors — and when family must step in for advanced dementia

7:42 Systemic cracks in elder care — caregiver shortages and the true cost of aging

8:33 Low wages, high turnover, and the rare caregivers who show up for the right reasons

9:14 Reasons for hope — small group home clusters in Western Michigan and emerging tech

9:59 Assistive innovations — smart briefs, in-room monitoring cameras, and emergency response buttons

11:18 Ongoing support — Care Patrol's post-placement engagement and check-in process

11:50 Staying grounded — peer networks, exercise, and firm boundaries in a heavy field

12:34 Inside Sandi's 10-person team — care transition managers who cap caseloads for quality

14:10 Final takeaway — listen to your aging loved ones and protect their autonomy

Guest: Sandi Wake | Senior Care Advisor, Care Patrol