Love Conquers Alz

How can a system meant to care for our most vulnerable turn into our worst nightmare? Join us as we kick off a special series of Love Conquers Alz episodes, inspired by our soon-to-be-released documentary, "No Country for Old People." We’re honored to have Rick Mountcastle, former U.S. attorney and co-producer of our documentary, with us. Rick offers his eye-opening experiences prosecuting nursing homes for fraud and abuse.  Together, we hope to shed light on the urgent need for public awareness and collective action to combat the systemic neglect rampant in the long-term care industry. In this series, we will present personal narratives that serve as powerful calls to action, urging us to demand better care standards and advocate for systemic change.

In this episode, we feature the poignant account of Jen Trejo, who faced unimaginable hardship after her son Christopher (whose story was featured in the Netflix limited series "Painkiller") was prescribed OxyContin. From a mother's gut-wrenching moment of signing surgery papers for her son, to the neglect suffered within skilled nursing facilities, her story uncovers the severe failings of our profit-driven healthcare system. Jen shares the struggle of finding appropriate care for a loved one with a history of drug addiction and the frustrations of a system that prioritizes financial considerations over patient care. Jen also talks about the poor conditions in certain facilities and the lack of support for patients with more intensive care needs are also examined.

We also explore the transformative power of love and advocacy in these challenging times and how collective efforts have sparked progress, especially in addressing the opioid crisis and improving caregiving standards.

From the emotional toll of dealing with addiction and inadequate medical care, to the relentless pursuit of improvement despite resistance, this episode underscores the importance of empathy, persistence, and the human spirit in driving change. Tune in and join us in our mission to make a real difference.
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JOIN THE PEOPLE OVER PROFIT MOVEMENT FOR NURSING HOME REFORM! Visit the No Country For Old People Website for more information.

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What if the shift towards for-profit hospice care models is compromising the quality of your loved one's final days? In this episode, Don and I have a robust conversation on hospice with Penny Hawkins Smith, BSN, RN, CHPN.  Hospice Nurse Penny, as she is known to her millions of social media followers, is a nationally certified hospice and palliative care registered nurse with over 17 years of experience  with a passion for hospice advocacy and normalizing death and dying.   

Have you ever wondered how hospice care is funded and what services are actually covered? We break down the often-misunderstood world of hospice care funding, highlighting the system used by nonprofit agencies and detailing the array of services provided under this model, as well as the hidden truths behind the financial practices of many hospice agencies and their unsettling impact on patient care. We confront the alarming rise in Medicare spending and the exodus of physicians from the field. The episode also tackles the aggressive marketing strategies in the industry and the emotional turmoil families face when navigating palliative and hospice care. From the importance of clear communication and family advocacy to the systemic hurdles within end-of-life care, this conversation offers insights and personal stories that resonate deeply.

Navigating the maze of hospice care decisions can be daunting, especially when facing ethical dilemmas and advocating for compassionate treatment. We explore the critical role of hospice advocacy, the rights of patients and families, and the often-overlooked challenges of caregiving in nursing homes. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, we shed light on the importance of respecting patient dignity and goals, and the necessity for better education and support in end-of-life decisions. Join us as we call for empathy, open dialogue, and a more humane approach to hospice and elder care.

Follow Hospice Nurse Penny on TIKTOK

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JOIN THE PEOPLE OVER PROFIT MOVEMENT FOR NURSING HOME REFORM! Visit the No Country For Old People Website for more information.

YOU CAN ALSO SUPPORT THE COMPLETION OF OUR DOCUMENTARY "NO COUNTRY FOR OLD PEOPLE" BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION THROUGH THE NATIONAL CONSUMER VOICE HERE or GO FUND ME
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Can human connection and dignity survive in a profit-driven healthcare system? On this episode of "Love Conquers Alz," we are joined by the talented artist and filmmaker Teace Snyder, who introduces his thought-provoking film "Hold Me." The film explores the emotionally charged and controversial topic of voluntary euthanasia, focusing on a woman whose job is to comfort individuals in their final moments. Teace shares the poignant inspiration behind the film, highlighting the ambiguous professional role of a "holder" and how the film raises essential questions about human connection, grief, and end-of-life care. Our conversation with Snyder sheds light on the delicate balance between personal choice and ethical implications in these profound moments.

Our discussion expands to the broader issues of systemic neglect and the isolating experiences of the elderly and sick in our healthcare system, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. We draw parallels to solitary confinement and critique the pervasive influence of money in healthcare, particularly within the hospice system. Through a candid examination of systemic corruption and the hidden influence of the nursing home lobby, we aim to inspire grassroots movements and honest conversations. Our goal is to foster empathy and prioritize human dignity in a system too often driven by profit. Join us as we navigate these complex topics with hope and a commitment to meaningful change.

Support the show

JOIN THE PEOPLE OVER PROFIT MOVEMENT FOR NURSING HOME REFORM! Visit the No Country For Old People Website for more information.

YOU CAN ALSO SUPPORT THE COMPLETION OF OUR DOCUMENTARY "NO COUNTRY FOR OLD PEOPLE" BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION THROUGH THE NATIONAL CONSUMER VOICE HERE or GO FUND ME
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In Episode 92, Don and I talked with three prolific writers who have made profound literary  contributions to the Dementia community and now pooled their talents and love of poetry to launch a beautiful anthology, “Poetry For the Dementia Journey”, that sprung from an online event featuring over 30 poets. (This just may be one of my favorite episodes!!)
Marianne Sciucco is not a (dementia) nurse who writes but a writer who happens to be a nurse.  Her novel, Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer’s Love Story, is a testament to the power of love in the face of this heart wrenching disease.  She has since launched her own podcast “Untangling Alzheimer’s and Dementia: An AlzAuthors Podcast” and is the Co-founder of the non-profit AlzAuthors.com, a global community of over 300 dementia-centered writers.
Ann Campanella is the manager/director of AlzAuthors and is a former magazine and newspaper editor. She is the author of two award-winning memoirs and four collections of poetry. Her first memoir, Motherhood: Lost and Found, tells the story of her mother’s descent into Alzheimer’s and was named “One of the best Alzheimer’s books of all time,” by Book Authority two years in a row.
Sue Fagalde Lick has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize in both fiction and nonfiction and won first prize in Willamette Writers Kay Snow Awards for poetry.  Sue is co-founder of the Central Coast chapter of Willamette Writers  and former president of the Oregon Poet

Support the show

JOIN THE PEOPLE OVER PROFIT MOVEMENT FOR NURSING HOME REFORM! Visit the No Country For Old People Website for more information.

YOU CAN ALSO SUPPORT THE COMPLETION OF OUR DOCUMENTARY "NO COUNTRY FOR OLD PEOPLE" BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION THROUGH THE NATIONAL CONSUMER VOICE HERE or GO FUND ME
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Comedian/Filmmaker/Caregiver HEATHER FINK came to filmmaking from comedy.  She has been making funny videos since she was a kid growing up in small town New Jersey. After earning a Philosophy degree from The George Washington University, she began NYU's Grad Film program as Writer/Director.  Heather has gone on to direct over 35 comedy short and has been featured on MTV, Dr. Phil, TV Guide Magazine and The Washington Post, to name a few. Most currently, she was featured in the LA Times with, as she said in her post on X, her “my most depressing interview and pull quotes ever!” talking about the residual affect ion her career following the SAG-AFTRA and WGAstrikes in 2023.  She currently pays the bills as a Sound Person for film and tv, including Marvel’s “Daredevil” and Hulu’s “The Dropout.”

Heather came to caregiving after her beloved father had a paralyzing stroke. Now, she is taking her life-altering story to the stage with her one-woman show, Quicksand, that chronicles how she navigated her role as a young caregiver after her dad’s stroke and the challenges she faced trying to keep herself from sinking. As Heather says, “From caregiving to death and the midlife crisis, QUICKSAND is a storytelling and clown exploration of the realest sh*t we face.” 

We chatted with Heather about the importance of creating a supportive community and shared our personal experiences with grief and loss, and the challenges of balancing personal storytelling with the need to connect with a wider audience in documentary filmmaking. 

Don and I had a truly fantastic, funny, and heartfelt exchange with this incredible lady and are sure you are going to enjoy our conversation with the one and only Heather Fink.

Support the show

JOIN THE PEOPLE OVER PROFIT MOVEMENT FOR NURSING HOME REFORM! Visit the No Country For Old People Website for more information.

YOU CAN ALSO SUPPORT THE COMPLETION OF OUR DOCUMENTARY "NO COUNTRY FOR OLD PEOPLE" BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION THROUGH THE NATIONAL CONSUMER VOICE HERE or GO FUND ME
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SEASON 9 Premiere!
Episode 90 features our esteemed guest, Dr. Ethelle Lord, is an author, practitioner, educator, management coach, presenter, mother and grandmother, and a pioneer in the containment of dementia.     

Spending 21 years in the care of her husband Larry, living with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s truly motivated Dr. Lord's career path as a Global Dementia Care Shape and the founding president of the International Caregivers Association, a Dementia-Management-Consultant and Creator of the “Transactional Dementia Intelligence” or TDI business model of dementia care, a WHOLE SYSTEM which includes management, training, care, and coaching. 

She has also authored the enlightening book, "Alzheimer and Dementia Coaching: Taking a Systems Approach in Creating an Alzheimer's Friendly Healthcare Workforce."

As Dr. Lord says, “One of the biggest challenges people face is the lack of basic information on where to begin, what to do, and how to do it.” Well this dementia warrior is helping the world, face those challenges -  and Don and I were honored to have her with us on Love Conquers Alz!

Support the show

JOIN THE PEOPLE OVER PROFIT MOVEMENT FOR NURSING HOME REFORM! Visit the No Country For Old People Website for more information.

YOU CAN ALSO SUPPORT THE COMPLETION OF OUR DOCUMENTARY "NO COUNTRY FOR OLD PEOPLE" BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION THROUGH THE NATIONAL CONSUMER VOICE HERE or GO FUND ME
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“I’m a lawyer by trade, politician by practice, and an academic by accident.”   These are the musings of the remarkable, and I have to say, charming, Max Sherman.   

In Episode 89, we interviewed a young and energetic 89 years old, Max Sherman. Max's  life has been significantly influenced by women. But one in particular has shaped who he is today. In 1953 Max was among 4 high school boys conducting a church service at a local jail when he first laid eyes on a Gene Alice, who was there with her fold up field organ. And their love affair still thrives to this day...  

In 2002 Gene Alice started noticing that something was different and soon after was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.  Through the inevitable progression of the disease Max and Gene Alice’s journey together is now chronicled in the beautiful and poignant memoir, “Releasing the Butterfly: A Love Affair in Four Acts”. It's a  caregiver's story and journey.  An honest, heart wrenching and insightful look at not only the disease but of a bond that could not be broken.

Max shares many of the insights he has gained as a caregiver, and thoughts on how to maintain connection even while grieving the losses of the fading abilities of a spouse living with Alzheimer’s.

Max boasts a rather formidable body of work which includes: Texas State Senator, President of West Texas State University, and Dean of the LBJ School of Public Affairs. His leadership roles also include President of the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Vice President of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation.  AND recently he was honored as an 80 over 80 recipients.

 Don and I had the best conversation chatting with the author of this ode to a 70 year love-affair that will warm your heart and make you want to fall in love all over again!

Support the show

JOIN THE PEOPLE OVER PROFIT MOVEMENT FOR NURSING HOME REFORM! Visit the No Country For Old People Website for more information.

YOU CAN ALSO SUPPORT THE COMPLETION OF OUR DOCUMENTARY "NO COUNTRY FOR OLD PEOPLE" BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION THROUGH THE NATIONAL CONSUMER VOICE HERE or GO FUND ME
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Heeeeeeee’s back! And Don and I couldn’t be happier!  Our dear friend and “Senior Care Influencer”, Lance A. Slatton is not only a Writer, Author, and Healthcare professional with over 20 years in the healthcare industry…he is a number one class act and all around nice guy! Oh, and he is also the busiest person I have ever met! I thought I was juggling. Nope. Apparently not. ;)

In case you’re not familiar with Lance, here’s just little background on this Care Commander: Lance is a native of Michigan, and the Senior Case Manager at Enriched Life Home Care Services, a leading care provider.  His ingenuity and fortitude led to the creation of  All Home Care Matters, an informative podcast and YouTube show devoted to helping families, caregivers, and their loved ones navigate long-term care issues. All Home Care Matters was recently the recipient of the Silver Creator Award from Google & YouTube.

Lance also produces and Co-Host’s two additional shows (I know! What are we doing wrong!?): Conscious Caregiving with L & L, co-hosted by Lori La Bey and The Caregiver’s Journal with Denise M. Brown.

If that were not enough, he also writes a monthly column for McKnight’s Home Care News, DailyCaring.com, and AgeBuzz.

Recognizing Lance’s contributions to the industry, he was named a “50 Under 50” honoree by the New York City Journal for 2023  and has been chosen as a Juror for the Academy of Interactive Visual Arts for 2023 and 2024.

And because he apparently has so much spare time on his hands Lance has now authored a new book, “The All Home Care Matters Official Family Caregivers' Guide”, a beacon of wisdom, meant to guide you through the complexities and emotional tides of becoming a caregiver.  So, grab a cuppa tea or coffee and find out more about this new endeavor and everything else in the wild world of the inimitable Lance A. Slatton. 

And remember -  Love is Powerful. Love is Contagious. And Love Conquers Alz.
xoxo Susie

Support the show

JOIN THE PEOPLE OVER PROFIT MOVEMENT FOR NURSING HOME REFORM! Visit the No Country For Old People Website for more information.

YOU CAN ALSO SUPPORT THE COMPLETION OF OUR DOCUMENTARY "NO COUNTRY FOR OLD PEOPLE" BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION THROUGH THE NATIONAL CONSUMER VOICE HERE or GO FUND ME
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📣 New Love Conquers Alz Episode #87!

Don Priess and I were so excited to talk to Christina ‘n Cindy Hardin-Weiss WEISS (https://adaptiveequipmentcorner.com), the founders of Adaptive Equipment and Caregiving Corner, IMHO - THE best place to go for educational and instructional videos and home medical equipment product reviews for professional caregivers, families caring for a loved one, and older adults who want to age in place. 

We are such HUGE fans of these ladies. Cindy and Christina bring years of expert knowledge and hands on experience to their educational videos and adaptive equipment reviews. If they endorse it - you know it's good! They literally put each and every product to the test! Even adult diapers! Come on! They are the real deal! They are the Ralph Nader for Caregivers.

Cindy Hardin-Weiss is a Physical Therapist and has spent the majority of her career in home healthcare. Her passion is to assist people in maintaining their independence, especially when it makes a difference in their ability to remain in their homes.

Christina Hardin-Weiss is a Speech/Language/Dysphagia Therapist. She has spent most of her career treating patients in skilled nursing facilities. She enjoys working with individuals who have dementia and their families, as well as those that have difficulty eating, chewing, and swallowing due to illness or disease.

Their mission is to help you maintain yours or your loved one's dignity and independence while remaining safely in the comfort and familiarity of your home. It is a noble cause indeed and we can’t wait for you tto get to know Cindy and Christina Hardin-Weiss.

Please listen on your favorite platform (https://linktr.ee/LCALZ) and/or watch us on our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgcPBktXGd5ubfJf4xmJRA). 

And share, share, share! 💜

Remember:
Love is Powerful
Love is Contagious
and Love Conquers Alz!
Love,
Susie

Christina 'N Cindy on LinkedIn

Support the show

JOIN THE PEOPLE OVER PROFIT MOVEMENT FOR NURSING HOME REFORM! Visit the No Country For Old People Website for more information.

YOU CAN ALSO SUPPORT THE COMPLETION OF OUR DOCUMENTARY "NO COUNTRY FOR OLD PEOPLE" BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION THROUGH THE NATIONAL CONSUMER VOICE HERE or GO FUND ME
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Advocate. Leader. Caregiver. Jenny Abeling is dedicated to helping those in need, through the complexities of long-term care. Currently she is the Governor’s Commissioner on Senior Services, working tirelessly to raise up senior related needs across the State of Oregon.  

Formerly the Essential Worker Healthcare Trust Director, Jenny led a first in the nation approach to lift Long -Term Care workers by supporting their health and wellness.

Now she has launched JennyAbeling.com, where she provides personalized support to individuals, families and Long -Term Care workers, helping to navigate their care needs.  

Featured on CNN, Jenny shares her knowledge and experience through media, podcasts, speaking engagements, and events to harmonize empathy with her unique expertise. 

Jenny was recently honored by the Gray Panthers as a recipient of the coveted Above and Beyond Award honoring Long-term Care Workers.

No Jenny has branched out as an author with A Kids Book About Long-Term Care, titled A Kids Book About Long-Term Care.  She truly is a bright light in the world of caregiving and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to talk to her!

Support the show

JOIN THE PEOPLE OVER PROFIT MOVEMENT FOR NURSING HOME REFORM! Visit the No Country For Old People Website for more information.

YOU CAN ALSO SUPPORT THE COMPLETION OF OUR DOCUMENTARY "NO COUNTRY FOR OLD PEOPLE" BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION THROUGH THE NATIONAL CONSUMER VOICE HERE or GO FUND ME
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If you like what you hear leave us some love. 💜