When Medicare will pay for a service that will send a team in to help you care for someone would you say no? Today Kim will be joined by Kash Mahmood to discuss:

The Most Underutilized Service Paid for By Medicare

1. What is hospice?

2. When should someone be placed on hospice?

3. If you think it may be time for hospice what should you do?

4. Can you choose which hospice company you want to use?

5. What should families look for when evaluating hospice?

6. Don’t all hospice companies provide the same service? What makes Varco Hospice different.

Links to Add to Show

www.varcohospice.com

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (281) 299-8694

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kashmahmood1

Bio:

Kash Mahmood started with building software applications and expertise in IT.  He studied business and strategy from Harvard Business school and worked in the corporate world across many sectors such as finance, oil and gas, and maritime.

After watching his mother-in-law on hospice and my dad with cancer he decided to leave his 20+ years in the corporate world to do something more meaningful.

He and his wife made the decision to dedicate the next chapter of my life to providing hospice services to the community and building on the experience I had and improving upon it.

“I see hospice as an extended family to support, guide and collaborate with patients at the center of it all.  Collaboration between family, case management, patient, and the hospice team with a single objective to ensure comfort care for the patient is the true objective of hospice that we live every day.

I can honestly say that the gratification and pride I get when supporting our families, managing our team of dedicated nurses, chaplains, social workers, aids and even doctors, and seeing their passion, I am proud of the decision I made to transition from the corporate world to hospice services.” Kash Mahmood

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Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law Attorney

Website: https://hegwoodgroup.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/HegwoodLaw

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/hegwoodlaw/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-ZaoTAWChvaz-HEFQcdcbQ

One of our favorite caregiver resources is CarePartners a local non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of family caregivers. Kim Hegwood is joined by the new director of CarePartners, Katie Scott. The topic is:

Caring for Our Caregivers

Kim and Katie will discuss

1. Impact on COVID-19 on Houston Caregivers

2. Support Services Available to Caregivers

3. Overview of CarePartners Programs

4. How Houston can better support our caregivers.

Connect with CarePartners

https://carepartnerstexas.org

[email protected]

Phone: (713) 682-5995

Facebook: @carepartnerstexas

Twitter: @carepartnerstex

Instagram: carepartnerstexas

Bio:

Katie Scott, MPH is the President of CarePartners, a volunteer-led nonprofit organization that provides support, education, resources, and respite to family caregivers. She holds a Master of Public Health degree in Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences from the University of Texas School of Public Health and has worked in health-related nonprofit programs for over 10 years. Throughout her career, she has led multiple programs focused on supporting individuals with dementia and their families. For nearly 10 years, she directed a dementia-specific adult day center and developed nationally recognized dementia case management and caregiver support programs. She has served as the Project Director for multiple federally funded projects focused on improving the region’s capability to respond to and serve people with dementia and their caregivers. In her current role, Katie is focused on developing quality programming incorporating national best practices into innovative interventions for individuals and families to improve their wellness and quality of life.

Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law Attorney

Website: https://hegwoodgroup.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/HegwoodLaw

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/hegwoodlaw/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-ZaoTAWChvaz-HEFQcdcbQ

To stay in your own home or move? This is the million-dollar question that many seniors and their families struggle with. Kim will sit down with Realtor David Wood today to discuss the senior housing roadmap.

Kim and David will talk about:

1. Selling Your Home- How to decide and what to do next

2. Staying in Your Home- What you should consider

3. Senior Housing Choices

4. Cost of Senior Housing

5. Special Challenges for Family Members

Bio:

David Wood is a Senior and USAF Veteran who has lived in the Houston area for over 20 years. Houston realtor and real estate investor with experience rehabbing and marketing homes. Military Relocation Professional and Senior Real Estate Specialist Realtor designations.

Reach out to Dave:

Mobile Phone: (281) 217-3589

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davewilliamwood/

Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law Attorney

Website: https://hegwoodgroup.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/HegwoodLaw

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/hegwoodlaw/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-ZaoTAWChvaz-HEFQcdcbQ

The past year has been challenging for families and seniors. Today Kim will be discussing Post- Pandemic Senior Care. She will be joined by Ryan McEniff host of the Podcasts “The Caregiver's Toolbox” and the NAIPC's podcast “Conversations with Tara and Ryan”.

What does it look like now? How has it changed?

A few of the topics Kim and Ryan will be discussing are:

1. The cost of senior care increasing causing a gap in those who need care and those who can or cannot afford it.

2. How tech might be involved in-home care.

3. Nursing homes are closing and that is not good.

4. Why in-home care is the future of senior care.

5. Involvement in the National Aging in Place Council

Bio:

Ryan McEniff is the owner of Minute Women Home Care, a family-owned company since 1969, supporting seniors and the families in the greater Boston area. Ryan is also on the board of directors for the National Aging In Place Council and is the local chapter president. He is also the host of the podcasts The Caregiver's Toolbox and the NAIPC's podcast Conversations with Tara and Ryan.

Connect with Ryan

https://www.mwhomecare.com

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/poscast/the-caregivers-toolbox/id1183027228

LinkedIn: Ryan McEniff

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Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law Attorney

Website: https://hegwoodgroup.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/HegwoodLaw

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/hegwoodlaw/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-ZaoTAWChvaz-HEFQcdcbQ

What do you do when your aging parents calls you multiple times a day even when you are at work? Today, we will be addressing common issues that families of aging adults often encounter.

Kim will ask Dr. Koepp the following questions.

1. What are the signs that an aging parent may need more help than they realize (or that they are asking for?)

2. What Tips do you have for the adult caring for an aging parent who is calling multiple times a day.

3. How to have difficult conversations with aging parents

4. What are common mental health concerns in older adults?

5. What do you recommend for older adults with mental health concerns?

Bio:

Dr. Regina Koepp is a clinical geropsychologist, and founder and director of the Center for Mental Health & Aging: the “go-to” place online for mental health and aging. She is Vice-Chair of the Georgia Psychological Association Ethics Committee.

She is the creator and host of the Psychology of Aging Podcast and is a contributing writer at Psychology Today, where she discusses mental health and aging. She has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, Baltimore Sun, and Insider.

Prior to founding the Center for Mental Health & Aging, Dr. Koepp was an assistant professor at Emory University School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and former staff psychologist at the Atlanta VA Health Care System, where she provided direct patient care and consultation on the Geropsychiatry Outpatient Mental Health team for more than a decade.

Find more information:

https://mentalhealthandaging.com

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drreginakoepp

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/regina-koepp-psyd-abpp-a83a2825/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/drreginakoepp/

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Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law Attorney

Website: https://hegwoodgroup.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/HegwoodLaw

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/hegwoodlaw/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-ZaoTAWChvaz-HEFQcdcbQ

Join Kim Hegwood today for a fascinating conversation about life, death, and the role of a doula in the process. Kim will be joined today by Darren Nelson, a transition expert helping families with a loved one on that final journey.

Title: Life Happens. Death Happens. A Conversation with an End of Life Doula

Kim and Darren Will Discuss:

Bio:

My name is Darren Nelson, and I am an End-of-Life Doula. An end-of-life doula walks alongside the dying and their family to help them navigate through the whole end-of-life process.

My journey began in 2012 when my father became ill with cancer and subsequently passed away at MD Anderson.

Shortly after, my mother-in-law was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and opted out of any treatment, and went into hospice.

As her primary caregiver and advocate, I was blessed to walk beside her and implement her wishes.

One died without hospice, in a coma and restrained; forcing us to make the decision as a family to let him go.

The other chose hospice at home surrounded by her family and her pets. She was able to verbalize her wishes even providing a video for her family after her death.

These two deaths changed the course of my life as well as my career path. I wanted to help the dying and their loved ones make educated and well-thought-out decisions. As an end-of-life doula, I can now do so.

Contact Darren Nelson:

Email:[email protected]

Phone: 832-909-6485

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Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law Attorney

Website: https://hegwoodgroup.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/HegwoodLaw

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/hegwoodlaw/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-ZaoTAWChvaz-HEFQcdcbQ

Heart Disease is one of the leading causes of death in seniors. It can also have other debilitation effects causing a lower quality of life. Kim Hegwood is joined by a Cardiologist and author of Be Heart Smart, Dr. Waqar Khan, MD, MPH, FACC. Today they will be discussing heart smart ideas every senior should know.

Title: Learn to be Heart Smart

Kim will be asking Dr. Khan:

1. An acronym that is often used is CHD. What is CHD?

2. How do I know if I am at risk for CHD?

3. What are the different types of heart attacks and their warning signs?

4. What tests will my doctor perform?

5. Are there new surgical and non-surgical ways to open clogged arteries and prevent a heart attack?

6. What can someone do to lower their risk of having a heart attack?

7. Tell our listeners about your latest book?

Bio:

Waqar Khan, M.D. is a board-certified interventional cardiologist in the greater Houston area and is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology. He is an affiliate faculty member in the department of cardiology at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Khan received his medical degree from King Edward Medical University in Pakistan and a Master’s degree in public health from the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in Houston. He completed his cardiology training at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center-Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. He has been in practice for over 20 years and has dedicated his career to treating and advising patients to improve their heart health.

Contact Dr. Khan

Website: www.hearthhealthbooks.com

Twitter: @yourheartdoc

Phone: (281) 704-4844

Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law Attorney

Website: https://hegwoodgroup.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/HegwoodLaw

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/hegwoodlaw/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-ZaoTAWChvaz-HEFQcdcbQ

Today’s Life Happens Show will be about children, especially those on the spectrum. Kim Hegwood’s guest today will be speech pathologist Meera Ravel. Ms. Ravel’s company, Super Speech Solutions is dedicated to helping individuals with speech impediments or challenges overcome these difficulties.

Kim and Meera’s conversation:

Title: Speech Therapy – Could This be the Solution for Your Child?

Kim will ask Meera:

1. Tell us about your journey as a Speech Therapist.

2. What does a Speech Therapist do?

3. What are some red flags that parents should look for in regard to speech and language?

4. What are some things parents and caregivers can do to build speech and language at home?

5. What do you specialize in? What certifications do you have?

6. What are the differences between in-school Speech Therapy and private Speech Therapy?

Contact Meera Ravel

[email protected]

Phone: (713) 364-4398

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Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law Attorney

Website: https://hegwoodgroup.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/HegwoodLaw

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/hegwoodlaw/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-ZaoTAWChvaz-HEFQcdcbQ

When a senior can no longer drive it can pose a huge challenge for both them and their families. With a need to get to medical appointments, grocery stores, and other places finding reliable transportation is a must.

Lashay Dupree, a social worker and the owner of Impaq Transportation and Community Services understands this need. After working for seniors and their families for years Lashay decided to open her company to provide the much-needed solution for this problem.

Today Kim Hegwood will be talking to Lashay Dupree about:

Title: Solutions When You Can No Longer Drive

Talking Points:

1. What motivated you to start a transportation company?

2. What challenges are you aware of from a senior/elder person's perspective?

3. What challenges are there for caregivers/children?

4. What are the biggest myths associated with transportation services?

5. What services do you provide?

6. What are some other resources you recommend for transportation services?

Bio:

Lashay Dupree is the owner of Impaq Transportation and Community Services as well as a Licensed Social Worker with over 14 years of experience in medical social work. She currently serves Houston and the surrounding counties. She has worked in the areas of home health, hospice, regulatory, behavior health, hospital, and Medicare advantage insurance. Lashay is currently working on her LCSW and continues to work diligently to ensure seniors have access to community resources as well as education on navigating the health care system.

Contact Lashay Dupree

Links to Add to Show

https://impaqservices.org

Phone: (888) 876-7778

______________________________________________________________________

Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law Attorney

Website: https://hegwoodgroup.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/HegwoodLaw

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/hegwoodlaw/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-ZaoTAWChvaz-HEFQcdcbQ

Keeping seniors active can help delay the progression of both physical and cognitive decline. Our guest today, Edward Craft is passionate about finding different ways to help seniors stay active and socially connected.

Today’s Show: Unique Ways to Keep Seniors Active

A Few Questions Kim Hegwood will be asking Edward Craft will be:

1. What is Eldergrow and how do you help this organization?

2. Can seniors living at home enjoy the benefits of Eldergrow?

3. What is the Great Age Movement and how can Houston seniors participate?

4. Do you have some examples of creative senior activities?

5. Why is it important to keep seniors active?

Bio:

Edward’s journey in the senior living industry started at age 15 when he played his saxophone with his church choir during the holiday season at several senior living communities. This opened up his eyes (and heart) to a whole different world – elder care. From that moment, he became a volunteer for 4 years and at the age of 19, Edward entered into the industry as an activity professional.

After working in a variety of roles, Edward was promoted to an activity director position, where he discovered his passion – bringing purpose to those living in care facilities, especially those living with dementia.

A few of Edward’s achievements are receiving the Argentum Hero Award, the Texas Assisted Living Hero Award, and being featured in Senior Living Executive Magazine. Edward has worked tirelessly to promote the amazing contributions of the residents he serves (such as creating ”Al Edwards Day” with Houston’s City Council) partnering with local animal shelters to foster animals in his senior communities and has recently started a card campaign, which reached The Ellen DeGeneres Show and was featured on ABC 13. Edward is a proud council member of the Elder Service Providers’ Network, an advisor for the Great Age Movement, an educator for Eldergrow, and is the founder of Dementia Friendly Houston.

Edward recently got married to his husband and together they have 3 cats; Penny, Sissy, and Mr. Goomba Boomba.

Contact Edward

Email:[email protected]

Phone: (832) 341-2882

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edward.esguerra

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-craft-1042b519a

____________________________________________________________________

Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law Attorney

Website: https://hegwoodgroup.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/HegwoodLaw

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/hegwoodlaw/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-ZaoTAWChvaz-HEFQcdcbQ