In this episode of Next Steps for Seniors: Conversations on Aging, host Wendy Jones welcomes caregiver and advocate Deirdre Mercer to share her personal journey of caring for aging parents while raising teenagers and working full-time. Deirdre discusses her family's "share and care" philosophy, the importance of support systems, and the vital role of professional caregivers. The conversation explores the emotional challenges of caregiving, the power of empathy, and the value of finding joy in small moments. Listeners gain practical advice and heartfelt encouragement for navigating the complexities of caring for loved ones.

Learn more : https://nextsteps4seniors.com/

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Tune in to this episode of Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging as Wendy and Doug Kaherl from Creekside Christian Church as he tackles meaningful topics like faith, love, leadership, and serving others with grace and purpose. With practical advice and spiritual encouragement, this podcast empowers listeners to make the most of every moment and find peace in every season of life.

Have questions or suggestions? Call 248-651-5010 or email [email protected]. For podcast topics or sponsorship opportunities, contact [email protected]. Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and share on your favorite podcast platform. Visit NextSteps4Seniors.com to learn more and explore additional resources. Let’s take the next steps together!

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In this episode of Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging, host Wendy Jones and life coach Jill Goote discuss the emotional challenges adult children face when caring for aging parents. They explore managing guilt over care decisions, setting healthy boundaries, and coping with overwhelm. Jill offers faith-based strategies for self-forgiveness, intentional decision-making, and being present in relationships. The conversation provides practical advice for balancing family responsibilities, reducing regret, and fostering meaningful connections with elderly loved ones, encouraging listeners to seek support and prioritize self-care during this demanding life stage.

Contact Jill Goote at https://jillgoote.kit.com/

For more information on Next Steps 4 Seniors, visit www.nextstepsseniors.com or contact us directly at 248-651-5010.

Learn more : https://nextsteps4seniors.com/

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In this episode of "Next Steps 4 Seniors," host Wendy Jones discusses emergency preparedness for seniors and their families. She covers choosing the right hospital, the importance of calling 911, preparing medical information, and keeping a go-bag ready. Wendy also explains hospital admission and rehabilitation coverage, highlights the value of medical alert devices for those living alone, and encourages regular wellness checks. Through practical tips and real-life stories, Wendy emphasizes planning ahead to ensure seniors receive prompt and effective care during medical emergencies.

Learn more : https://nextsteps4seniors.com/

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In this special Veterans Day episode of "Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging" host Wendy Jones honors Veterans Day with guest Vito Pampiloma, a decorated Vietnam War veteran. Vito shares his military experiences, reflects on the significance of Veterans Day, and discusses the sacrifices and challenges faced by veterans. Together, they emphasize the importance of recognizing all who serve, educating younger generations, and supporting veterans year-round. The conversation highlights the enduring bonds among veterans and encourages listeners to show gratitude through everyday acts of kindness and support, ensuring the legacy of respect for those who have served continues.

Timestamps

Introduction to the Show and Guest (00:00:00)
Wendy introduces the show, its purpose, and welcomes Vito, a decorated Vietnam veteran.

Vito’s Military Background (00:01:04)
Vito shares his draft in 1965, training, and service as a door gunner in Vietnam.

Origin and History of Veterans Day (00:02:15)
Discussion of Armistice Day, its transformation to Veterans Day in 1954, and its significance.

Who is a Veteran? (00:03:20)
Clarifies the definition of a veteran and the importance of support personnel.

Current U.S. Military Presence Worldwide (00:04:37)
Vito explains the number of active duty personnel and U.S. military presence in over 60 countries.

Honoring Veterans and Their Sacrifices (00:05:53)
Reflects on the hardships faced by veterans from various wars and the ongoing impact on their lives.

Passing the Torch to the Next Generation (00:08:45)
Emphasizes the importance of teaching younger generations about freedom and sacrifice.

Veteran Friendships and the Unspoken Bond (00:09:21)
Vito shares personal stories about lifelong bonds with fellow veterans.

World War II: Scale and Sacrifice (00:11:52)
Wendy and Vito discuss WWII statistics, the D-Day landing, and the logistics of the war.

D-Day Recap for Students (00:12:51)
Vito gives a brief overview of the D-Day invasion and its significance.

Vietnam War Memories and Army Nurses (00:14:05)
Vito recounts experiences in Vietnam, highlights the role of army nurses, and mentions Bob Hope’s support.

Standing with Veterans Today (00:17:29)
Encouragement to honor and support veterans, both on Veterans Day and throughout the year.

Current Military Recruiting and Ongoing Support (00:18:10)
Notes high recruiting numbers and suggests ways to support veterans year-round.

Honoring the Oldest Veterans (00:19:14)
Wendy shares about the dwindling number of WWII veterans and the importance of personal gestures.

The Greatest Generation and Continuing the Legacy (00:20:18)
Vito reflects on the WWII generation and the responsibility of subsequent generations.

Final Thoughts and Gratitude (00:21:27)
Wendy and Vito express gratitude to veterans and urge listeners not to take freedom for granted.

Learn more : https://nextsteps4seniors.com/

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In this episode, Wendy sits down with Deirdre Mercer, a woman who has spent her life caring for her parents, for her community, and now for caregivers everywhere. She shares how caregiving shaped her family, what she learned while raising teens and supporting aging parents at the same time, and why the true “secret” has nothing to do with tasks… and everything to do with unconditional love. 

Deirdre’s stories are real, heartfelt, and full of wisdom including a beautiful “three little words” moment from her mom that you won’t forget.

If you’re walking the caregiving journey, this conversation will make you feel a little more seen, a little more supported, and a lot less alone.
Contact Deirdre:

248-820-9274

Learn more: www.nextsteps4seniors.com

Subscribe on YouTube: @nextsteps4seniors

Learn more : https://nextsteps4seniors.com/

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This week on Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging, Wendy sits down with Brooke Acre - independent financial advisor, NFLPA-certified planner, and long-term care expert to talk about the one topic everyone avoids until it’s too late: long-term care planning. 

Brooke brings 20+ years of experience and a whole lot of heart as she breaks down:

• Why 70% of people will need care as they age
• Why Medicare doesn’t cover what most families assume it does
• How to avoid the financial and emotional crisis that blindsides families
• The #1 mistake people make with traditional LTC policies (and how to avoid it)
• A modern approach to LTC planning that protects both spouses, preserves assets, and even leaves a legacy
• Real-life stories that show exactly why planning early matters

Wendy and Brooke also unpack the tough questions families fight about:

Who makes the decisions? Where does the care happen? How do you pay for it? And what happens when siblings disagree?

If you want peace of mind instead of panic mode, this episode is an eye-opener.

Connect with Brooke:

📞 586-737-2131 🌐 myLTC123.com

Learn more : https://nextsteps4seniors.com/

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BEST OF OCTOBER 🔥

We’re wrapping the month with one of our most-loved episodes — and for good reason.

Retirement isn’t the end of the story… it’s the plot twist.

In this standout episode, Wendy Jones sits down with life coach Cyn Meyer, creator of the Rewire & Retirement Method, to flip the old “slow down” narrative on its head.

Discover how to tap into your intrinsic motivators, redefine your purpose, and spiral UP in the second half of life — because this chapter is just getting good.

Want more Cyn? Catch her on YouTube: youtube.com/@cynmeyersecondwindmovement

➡️ For more info, contact Next Steps 4 Seniors at 248-651-5010 or visit www.nextsteps4seniors.com

📲 Subscribe & follow us on social: @nextsteps4seniors

Learn more : https://nextsteps4seniors.com/

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In this inspiring episode, Wendy Jones sits down with Jill Goote to discuss how our mindset and words shape not only our outlook but our entire lives. Together, they explore faith, forgiveness, and the ripple effect of everyday kindness.

A powerful reminder that when we shift our thoughts, we change our world.

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” — Isaiah 43:18

Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. 

🌐 nextsteps4seniors.com | #SeniorsMatter #PowerOfKindness #NextSteps4Seniors

Learn more : https://nextsteps4seniors.com/

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In this episode, Wendy Jones and Lori-Ann Rickard discuss the best strategies for leaving assets to your children, emphasizing the importance of estate planning. They explore the benefits of a revocable living trust, the pitfalls of simply adding a child's name to a deed, and the role of a durable power of attorney. The conversation also highlights the need for proper funding of trusts and the advantages of consulting with an experienced estate planning attorney.

• The importance of a revocable living trust for inheritance.
• Why adding a child's name to a deed can be problematic.
• The role of a durable power of attorney in estate planning.
• How to properly fund a trust to avoid probate.
• The financial implications of not having an estate plan.
• The benefits of consulting with an experienced estate planning attorney.
• Practical steps for effective estate planning.
• The impact of probate on inheritance.
• Ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
• The necessity of having essential documents in place.

Learn more : https://nextsteps4seniors.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.