Senior Soundwaves

Episode Overview In this award-winning episode of Senior Soundwaves, host Nick Rusch flips the script to interview Matt Thompson, Director of Client Care at Visiting Angels[1][2]. They dive deep into how family-operated in-home care enables elderly individuals to age safely and independently in familiar surroundings, how family caregivers can avoid burnout, and how to access key funding options like VA benefits and Medicaid[3].

• The Mission Behind Visiting Angels: Matt Thompson explains how his family transitioned from running an audiology practice to owning six Visiting Angels franchise locations across Wisconsin (Beaver Dam, Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, Green Bay, Sheboygan, and Manitowoc)[3]. The primary mission is supporting seniors so they can remain independent in their own homes[4].
• Free In-Home Consultations & Safety Assessments: Visiting Angels provides free, no-obligation one-hour home consultations to evaluate daily needs and identify home safety risks (such as removing trip-hazard rugs or installing bathroom grab bars) before a crisis occurs[11][12].
• Tailored Senior Care & Respite Support: Services scale from a few hours per week to 24/7 care, covering meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, bathing assistance, and transportation[13][14]. Care plans operate without long-term commitments and require only a 10-day notice of cancellation[13].
• Supporting Family Caregivers & Preventing Burnout: Respite care offers crucial breaks for family members and spouses, allowing them to step back from full-time caregiving duties and recharge[5]. Caregivers also undergo specialized training through "Angel's University" for conditions like Alzheimer's, dementia, and Parkinson's[18].
• Navigating Payment & Funding Options:
• Caregiver Employment Opportunities: Visiting Angels is actively recruiting caregivers, offering flexible scheduling (from 2 to 60 hours/week), competitive pay, 1-on-1 client focus, and simple virtual onboarding[19].

• Nick Rusch (Host): Broadcast interviewer and host for Senior Soundwaves, delivering state-recognized informational programming for Wisconsin seniors[1].
• Matt Thompson (Guest): Director of Client Care for Visiting Angels, guiding client support and caregiver operations across six regional franchises[1].

1. Plan Proactively: Scheduling a safety consultation before a health event occurs helps avoid emergency hospital discharge scrambles[11][24].
2. Prioritize Caregiver Health: Family caregivers must care for their own well-being first in order to continue effectively supporting loved ones[5].
3. Utilize Veteran Care: Over 7 million eligible senior veterans underutilize available VA health benefits that provide up to 20 hours/week of free in-home care[7].

• Website: visitingangels.com[25][26]
• Phone: (920) 821-1111[26]
• Caregiver Careers: Visit visitingangels.com and click Careers

Host: Matt Thompson

Co-Host / Interviewer: Yadira

Special Guests: Tamara (South Care Coordinator) & Jillian Deals (Care Coordinator Assistant)

📝 EPISODE SUMMARY

Are you or a loved one trying to navigate the emotional and logistical challenges of aging at home? In this episode of Senior Soundwaves, host Matt Thompson and co-host Yadira sit down with the compassionate care coordination team from Visiting Angels—South Care Coordinator Tamara and Care Coordinator Assistant Jillian Deals.

Together, they break down how professional home care is designed not to take away a senior’s independence, but to preserve it. You'll learn how to spot the subtle warning signs that a parent or loved one needs support (such as missed medications or nutritional changes), how to overcome the common emotional hurdles of caregiver guilt, and the exact steps to build a customized care plan.

Whether you need a few hours of companionship a week, specialized dementia and Alzheimer’s support, temporary post-surgery recovery, or 24/7 care, this episode offers a complete roadmap to peace of mind for the entire family.

In this episode of Senior Soundwaves, we explore how to keep seniors safe, independent, and confident in their own homes. Guest Bill Dodd shares his inspiring career pivot from an injured police officer to an Occupational Therapist (OT) and, eventually, a licensed contractor. By combining his medical background with construction expertise, Bill fills a critical void in the community by offering highly specialized home modifications for seniors and individuals recovering from injuries.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Therapy Differences: Bill explains the distinction between Physical Therapy, which focuses on rehabbing joints and muscles, and Occupational Therapy, which focuses on functional mobility and helping people safely perform meaningful daily activities.
• Comprehensive Home Modifications: Dodd Home Safety provides free home safety consultations and handles essential home modifications, including widening doorways, remodeling bathrooms, and collaborating with plumbers and electricians to relocate laundry appliances to the main floor.
• Rapid Response for Hospital Discharges: Navigating a hospital discharge can be highly stressful for families, but Bill can rapidly assess a home and even build a complete wheelchair ramp in a single day to ensure a safe transition.
• Preventing Falls and Maintaining Dignity: With falls remaining the number one cause of 911 calls, Bill emphasizes the importance of staying active and making proactive modifications to the home—especially around tubs, toilets, and stairs—to reduce fall risks and preserve independence.
• Exciting Expansion News: Bill and his wife, who is a Physical Therapist, are purchasing a mobility business in Appleton to open a new brick-and-mortar location. This expansion will allow them to provide advanced accessibility equipment like stair lifts, lift chairs, and space-saving platform lifts.

Connect with Dodd Home Safety: For a free assessment or immediate assistance, contact Bill Dodd at 920-585-8780 or via email at [email protected]

In this inspiring episode of Senior Soundwaves, host Jennifer Barkai sits down with Bill Dodd, the innovative founder of Dodd Home Safety. After a career-ending injury as a police officer left him with partial paralysis, Bill discovered a new passion and retrained as an Occupational Therapist (OT). Today, he combines his medical expertise as a licensed therapist with his hands-on skills as a licensed contractor to help seniors and those with limited mobility stay safe and independent in their own homes.

Tune in as Bill breaks down the vital role of occupational therapy and explains how his unique business model bridges the gap between medical advice and home construction. From identifying dangerous fall hazards to building custom wheelchair ramps in a single day, Bill and his team are transforming lives and keeping families at peace.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• OT vs. PT: The critical differences between Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, and why OT focuses on functional mobility and daily "meaningful activities".
• The "Aha" Moment: How early hospital discharges during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted a desperate need for actionable home safety solutions, inspiring Bill to start his business.
• A One-Stop Shop for Safety: How Bill assesses a home with his "therapy hat" and then uses his "contractor hat" to widen doorways, remodel bathrooms, or relocate basement laundry rooms to the main floor.
• Protecting Independence & Dignity: The profound psychological and financial benefits of modifying a home to age in place versus moving into an assisted living facility.
• Exciting Expansion News: Bill reveals his upcoming brick-and-mortar mobility store in Appleton, which will offer stair lifts, lift chairs, and platform lifts.

Guest Contact Information

• Consultations: 100% Free home assessments.
• Phone: 920-585-8780
• Email: [email protected]

Welcome to this episode of Senior Soundwaves, the show dedicated to helping seniors and their loved ones stay in the know, sponsored by Visiting Angels! In this episode, host Matt Thompson is joined by Tom Thompson, Chairman of Visiting Angels and President of the Senior Expo Council, alongside intake coordinator Yadira, to discuss the highly anticipated Beaver Dam Senior Expo.

Hosted annually at the Beaver Dam Family Center Ice Arena, this free community event has been running for over 20 years and is widely considered the "mother of the expos". Because it is a recurring yearly staple for the community, it is the perfect place to gather information even if you missed this year's event, which took place on Wednesday, June 10th. With over 40 exhibitors regularly attending each year, attendees can always expect to explore a massive variety of resources, ranging from insurance companies and home improvement to travel planning and medical care.

Key Highlights in This Episode:

• Annual Expo Activities: Hear about the classic yearly staples, like the WBEV brat fry, twice-daily bingo sessions featuring exhibitor door prizes, and special presentations by the Master Gardeners.
• Visiting Angels In-Home Care: Discover how Visiting Angels provides personalized, non-medical home care to help seniors live comfortably and with dignity. Yadira explains their initial assessment process, how they carefully match caregivers to clients, and the respite care options available to give hardworking family caregivers a much-needed break.
• Community Support & Resources: Learn why this annual expo is essential not just for seniors, but for children, family members, and caregivers preparing for the future. The guests highlight vital local resources you can connect with every year, such as the ADRC, Lakeland Care, and various non-profit clinics.

Welcome to another episode of Senior Soundwaves, the show where we help seniors and their loved ones be in the know, sponsored by Visiting Angels. In this episode, client care liaison Yadira sits down with Alyssa Sommerfeldt, the first Dementia Care Specialist for the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Fond du Lac County.Are you or a loved one navigating the complexities of aging, dementia, or disability? Alyssa shares invaluable insights into the free resources and support systems available right in your community.

In this episode, we cover:

• What is the ADRC? Learn about the free services offered to seniors, disabled individuals, and caregivers, including Meals on Wheels, adult protective services, transportation assistance, and Medicare guidance.
• Caregiver Support & Financial Help: Discover financial assistance options, including long-term care screenings and grants like the Alzheimer's Family Caregiver Support Program (AFCSP) and the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP). Alyssa also shares the exciting news that a previous income requirement for caregiver grants has been lifted to help even more families.
• Upcoming Free Classes: Get the details on upcoming community programs like "Powerful Tools for Caregivers," "Boost Your Brain and Memory," and a special series on Healthy Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment.
• When to Reach Out: Alyssa explains why you shouldn't wait for a crisis to call the ADRC and how early planning can help seniors safely age in place.

• Phone: 920-929-3466
• Direct Line for Alyssa: 920-929-3419
• Location: 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac (look for the blue Human Services sign, facing the soccer fields)

Whether you are a senior, a caregiver, a professional, or an adult child living out of state worried about your parents, this episode is packed with essential information to help you navigate the future. Contact the Fond du Lac ADRC: Tune in and discover why it's always better to reach out to the ADRC sooner rather than later!

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the logistics of moving an aging parent into assisted living or managing a loved one's estate after they have passed? In this episode of Senior Soundwaves, sponsored by Visiting Angels, host Jennifer sits down with Jason and Jud, the team behind The Chapter Ahead. They discuss their innovative, one-stop-shop approach to easing the burden on families during these highly stressful transitions. Based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, The Chapter Ahead manages the entire relocation and estate process from start to finish. Jud, a licensed Realtor, and Jason, a marketing and media expert, explain how their company coordinates everything from allowing families to take sentimental items first, to managing specialized estate sales, donating remaining goods, clearing the house, and ultimately selling the property. Best of all, they share their unique model of deferring all service costs until the closing of the home sale, ensuring families do not have to navigate upfront, out-of-pocket expenses or figure out sibling financial splits.Tune in to hear heartwarming stories of how they have helped families—including a client managing the entire process from out of state in Tampa, Florida—reclaim their peace of mind and focus on what truly matters.Key Topics Discussed:

• The Origin Story: How personal family experiences with aging parents inspired Jason and Jud to build a full-service senior relocation solution.
• The Step-by-Step Process: A breakdown of how the team handles the timeline without rushing the family, eventually bringing in professional vendors with global databases for estate sales before prepping the house for the market.
• Zero Upfront Costs: How their deferred payment model drastically relieves financial stress for families during difficult times.
• Real-Life Success Stories: Incredible experiences from the job, including finding $400 in hidden cash for a client, clearing out a massive 12,000 lbs of items for an isolated senior, and selling properties for thousands over the asking price.
• Service Areas: Information on their Northeast Wisconsin service range, which spans from the UP down to Fond du Lac.

• Learn more and view their service offerings at: thechapterhead.com

In this episode, host Jennifer sits down with Jud and Jason, the founders of The Chapter Ahead, to discuss how their company provides full-service solutions for families navigating difficult life transitions.

When a parent moves into assisted living or passes away, families are often left overwhelmed by a lifetime of belongings and complex logistics, especially when managing the process from out of state. Jud and Jason explain how The Chapter Ahead steps in as a "one-stop shop" to handle everything from coordinating estate sales and home clean-outs to listing and selling the real estate.

Listeners will learn how the company:

• Prioritizes families' sentimental items and unique timelines without rushing the process.

• Defers all service costs until the home officially closes, preventing financial stress or sibling disputes over expenses.

• Works with specialized local experts to maximize the value of both personal belongings and the home itself.

Tune in to hear real-life stories of how this Northeast Wisconsin-based team lifts the heavy burden off families, allowing them to focus on supporting their loved ones during stressful times rather than managing overwhelming logistics.

In this episode of the "Senior Soundwaves" radio show, hosted by Yadira and sponsored by Visiting Angels, the special guest is Alyssa Sommerfeldt, the first Dementia Care Specialist for the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Fond du Lac County.

What is the ADRC? The ADRC provides free resources, guidance, and support for aging populations and community members with disabilities. Their services are not exclusively for seniors; family members, friends, and professionals are highly encouraged to call and explore available resources. The ADRC houses multiple departments, including information and intake social workers, adult protective services, an aging unit for transportation, a nutrition department for Meals on Wheels, and benefits specialists who assist with Medicare.Key Programs and Classes Alyssa coordinates and leads several free educational programs for the community, including:

• Powerful Tools for Caregivers: A six-week course starting in April at the Fond du Lac Public Library, focusing heavily on self-care for any type of caregiver.
• Boost Your Brain and Memory: A May class at the Fond du Lac Senior Center that teaches general brain and body health without requiring a dementia diagnosis.
• Healthy Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A quarterly educational series hosted in partnership with UW-Madison, featuring expert speakers on brain-related topics, such as the impact of ultra-processed foods.

Financial Assistance and Caregiver Support For families striving to keep their loved ones safely at home, the ADRC provides an unbiased resource guide listing local care businesses. Social workers can also perform long-term care screenings to help families qualify for Medicaid funding.

A major highlight is the ADRC's grant programs: the National Family Caregivers Support Program (NFCSP) and the Alzheimer's Family Caregivers Support Program (AFCSP). Alyssa notes that the state recently lifted the income requirement for the Alzheimer's grant program, making it much easier for families to secure funds for in-home care, lawn maintenance, or snow removal.When to Reach Out Alyssa advises families to plan for the future and contact the ADRC before a crisis hits. She frequently hears from out-of-town adult children right after the holidays when they notice a parent's decline. To better support the community, the ADRC partners directly with local hospitals and neurologists so that newly diagnosed dementia patients can immediately access education and support rather than navigating their diagnosis alone.The Fond du Lac ADRC recently relocated to a new, accessible building at 400 University Drive. Alyssa’s biggest piece of advice to listeners is that if you are wondering whether you should call the ADRC, the answer is yes—just ca

Show: Senior Soundwaves Radio Show, sponsored by Visiting Angels.

Host: Matt Thompson, Director of Client Care.

Guests: Yadira Akunia and Jennifer Barkai, Client Care Liaisons.

Episode Summary: In this episode of Senior Soundwaves, host Matt Thompson sits down with Visiting Angels Client Care Liaisons Yadira and Jennifer to explore how they support seniors, families, and medical professionals in the community. From assessing client needs to educating hospital social workers, Yadira and Jen share how they act as the main points of contact to ensure clients feel safe, supported, and valued at home.

Key Topics Discussed:

• What is a Client Care Liaison? Learn how these dedicated professionals serve as educators and advocates, bridging the gap between hospital discharges and safe, long-term home care to prevent nasty hospital readmissions.

• Overcoming Financial Hurdles: Yadira breaks down common misconceptions about the cost of home care, explaining how Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits can cover up to 20 hours of care at no cost to veterans, alongside other options like the ADRC and Medicaid.

• The Impact of 24/7 Care: Jen shares a touching success story about "Stew," a previously non-verbal client without local family support who blossomed, laughed, and found deep emotional connection through round-the-clock care.

• Navigating Family Dynamics: Matt explains the gentle, proven process Visiting Angels uses during free assessments when adult children realize their parents need help, but the parents are resistant to accepting it.

• Care for All Ages and Needs: Discover how home care isn't just for seniors, but also provides essential support for younger adults recovering from accidents, individuals with early-onset dementia, or those with developmental disabilities seeking independence.

• Key Takeaway: Whether you are a medical professional or a concerned family member, don't prematurely disqualify yourself or your loved ones from receiving home care. Reach out, get educated on your options, and take advantage of free assessments to secure safety, dignity, and peace of mind for the future.