If you're caring for aging parents while also managing your own family, career, or life responsibilities, you’re not alone. In this episode of Prescription for Admission, I’m talking with Shari Ross — senior living expert and author of Senior Living Made Simple — about what it really looks like to navigate elder care with confidence instead of crisis.

Shari and I delve into the emotional, financial, and practical realities of the sandwich generation, exploring why so many families wait until something goes wrong before seeking help. You’ll hear why planning can reduce fear, guilt, overwhelm, and rushed decision-making when it comes to senior living.

We break down the differences between independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care, and how you can identify which community is the right fit for your loved one. Shari also introduces The Simple Method, her step-by-step approach that helps families understand their options, communicate more clearly, and create a structured plan that feels manageable.

If you’re supporting an aging parent, navigating family dynamics, dealing with dementia or cognitive decline, or just trying to understand your options, this conversation will give you the clarity you need to take the next step.

You deserve peace of mind — and so do the people you love.

Key Takeaways:

• Planning can prevent crisis-driven decisions in elder care.

• The sandwich generation faces unique emotional and logistical challenges.

• Understanding the spectrum of senior living communities is essential.

• Emotional support plays a huge role in navigating senior care transitions.

• Clear conversations with aging parents reduce guilt and fear.

• Memory care offers specialized support for dementia patients.

• Financial planning has a major impact on long-term senior living decisions.

• The Simple Method gives families a structured way to make informed choices.

• Engagement and regular involvement remain important after a move into senior living.

Episode Summary

In this episode, I sit down with Shari Ross, author of Senior Living Made Simple, to talk about how families can prepare for the realities of senior living. Shari shares her journey into the elder care industry and explains the emotional and practical challenges faced by the sandwich generation — adults caring for both children and aging parents.

We explore the different types of senior living communities, discuss the importance of open communication, and break down the financial considerations many families overlook. Shari also walks us through her Simple Method, a step-by-step guide designed to help families plan ahead, reduce stress, and make thoughtful decisions that honor the needs of their aging loved ones.

This episode is a must-listen if you want to better understand elder care, memory care, assisted living, or how to start planning before a crisis hits.

Chapters:

00:00 — Introduction to Hospital-Based Care

02:11 — Navigating the Sandwich Generation

04:38 — Shari’s Journey into Senior Living

08:46 — Understanding Family Dynamics in Elder Care

11:29 — Why Planning Ahead Matters

15:14 — Real Stories of Aging Parents

21:34 — Exploring Senior Living Communities

26:46 — Memory Care & Dementia Support

29:57 — Financial Planning for Senior Living

41:34 — The Simple Method for Elder Care Planning

54:40 — Closing Thoughts & Resources

If you’re navigating elder care, this episode will give you clarity and confidence.
Listen now on your favorite podcast platform. Just search Prescription for Admission.
Watch the full conversation on YouTube.
Share this with someone who’s caring for an aging parent.

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