In this episode of Funeral Syllabus, Aisha Langford talks with Dr. Mark Evely, Director of the Mortuary Science Program at Wayne State University, about today’s most important funeral planning topics. Dr. Evely breaks down the different types of cremation, including traditional flame cremation and water cremation (alkaline hydrolysis), and explains why some options are not yet available in every state.You’ll also learn about green and eco-friendly funeral options, how funeral trends are changing, and what families should know about their consumer rights when working with funeral homes. Dr. Evely shares practical advice for planning ahead, documenting your wishes, and making informed decisions long before a time of loss.If you’re interested in cremation, sustainability, or understanding your legal rights in funeral planning, this episode offers clear, expert guidance to help you make confident choices.Resources:Funeral Syllabus website: https://www.funeralsyllabus.com/About Dr. Evely: https://applebaum.wayne.edu/profile/aq8246The Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule: Helping Consumers Make Informed Decisions During Difficult Times: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/topics/truth-advertising/funeral-rule

In this episode of the Funeral Syllabus Podcast, host Aisha Langford, MPH, PhD, speaks with Martin Simenc about the basic considerations regarding home modifications that promote safer living spaces as we age.Martin Simenc is the owner and founder of Home Safety Services, Inc., Northern California’s preeminent provider of home modification services, which enable seniors to maintain independence at home.Resources:Funeral Syllabus Website: https://www.funeralsyllabus.com/Home Safety Services Website: https://www.homesafety.net/What is Funeral Syllabus?: https://youtu.be/Y2jeUizBW14?si=eBKXQzZ_4PHRGn5t

In this episode of the Funeral Syllabus Podcast, host Aisha Langford, MPH, PhD, interviews Lynda Shrager, OTR, MSW, CAPS, nationally recognized occupational therapist, social worker, and certified aging-in-place specialist with more than 30 years of experience helping older adults live safely and independently. Known as "The Organized Caregiver," she is the author of "Age in Place: A Guide to Modifying, Organizing, and Decluttering Mom and Dad’s Home," which offers practical strategies for caregiving, home safety, and aging well.

In this episode, she discusses how to help our older loved ones age in place and declutter their living spaces.

Resources:

Funeral Syllabus: https://www.funeralsyllabus.com/

Lynda Shrager‘s current website: http://otherwisehealthy.com/

Lynda's future website: www.theorganizedcaregiver.com (coming soon!)Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/organizedcaregiver/

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/theorganizedcaregiver/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynda-shrager-otr-msw-caps-aka-the-organized-caregiver-9318081b/

In this episode of the Funeral Syllabus Podcast, host AishaLangford, MPH, PhD, interviews Aishwarya Iyer, MD, MPH, a family medicinephysician as we explore the intersection of primary care basics and end-of-lifeplanning.

Resources:

Funeral Syllabus: https://www.funeralsyllabus.com/

Talking With Your Doctor or Health Care Provider: https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/clear-communication/talking-your-doctor#:~:text=It's%20important%20to%20be%20honest,diagnosis%2C%20treatment%2C%20and%20recovery.

Dr. Theresa Skaar is a social psychologist, certified Mind-body Skills facilitator, and qualified Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction practitioner. She joins Funeral Syllabus Podcast, hosted by Aisha Langford, MPH, PhD, for this episode about grief and caregiving.ResourcesFuneral Syllabus: https://www.funeralsyllabus.com/ Theresa Skaar's Website: https://ccwithdrt.com/ The Negative Space: Support for Caregivers: https://www.thenegativespace.life/

In this episode of the Funeral Syllabus Podcast, host Aisha Langford, MPH, PhD, visits with Mia Roldan, a licensed social worker, for an in-depth exploration of the grief process.More ResourcesOur website: https://www.funeralsyllabus.com/Mia Roldan’s website: https://www.miaroldanaustintherapy.com/Navigating Grief: A Guided Journal by Mia Roldan: https://www.amazon.com/Navigating-Grief-Journal-Exercises-Reflection/dp/1648763162Psychology Today: Find a Therapist search tool: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us

Tara Liberman, DO, is our guest for this episode of the Funeral Syllabus Podcast, where we discuss elder orphans and aging well. Dr. Liberman is the Executive Director of Hospice Care Network, Northwell Health, and also serves as an Associate Professor of Medicine at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Health in New York. She specializes in Geriatric and Palliative Medicine.More ResourcesOur website: https://www.funeralsyllabus.com/ National Institute on Aging: https://www.nia.nih.gov/American Geriatrics Society (AGS) – Health in Aging: www.healthinaging.orgAARP (American Association of Retired Persons): www.aarp.orgAbout Dr. Liberman: https://www.northwell.edu/find-care/find-a-doctor/dr-tara-liberman-do-11316877

Stefanie Sinks, LMSW, is our guest for this episode of the Funeral Syllabus Podcast. She practices privately in geriatric care management, a subject we explore in-depth during this interviewLearn More Our website: https://www.funeralsyllabus.com/

Stefanie Sinks Geriatric Care Management: https://micaremanager.com/

Find an Aging Life Care Expert Search: https://www.aginglifecare.org/ALCAWEB/Shared_Content/ALCA_Directory/2017BU/ALCA_Find_an_Expert.aspx?hkey=6c3ced7c-b5f0-4d27-9d30-37734ab6cf49

Nurse Practitioner, Safiya Steward, CRNP, is our guest for this episode of the Funeral Syllabus Podcast. She joins us to discuss palliative care and its role in enhancing a patient's quality of life.

Consumer Specialist Sarae Kasai of LTC Consumer is our guest on this episode of the Funeral Syllabus Podcast. She brings us insights on long-term care insurance.

More Resources