In this episode, I speak with Cameron Huddleston, a financial expert specializing in protecting older adults from financial exploitation. Cameron explains the two primary types of financial abuse—scams from strangers and exploitation by people the victim knows—and discusses how quickly financial abuse can happen, particularly in caregiving situations. She offers practical advice for families transitioning a loved one into assisted living, such as removing financial documents, limiting access to money, and automating bill payments to reduce the risk of exploitation.

We also talk about how to approach the sensitive topic of financial planning with aging parents, focusing on empowering them to remain in control while setting up safeguards like powers of attorney and estate planning documents. Cameron shares resources available on her website, including an emergency organizer and scam red flag sheet, along with information about her book Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk, which provides more tips on navigating these important conversations and protecting loved ones' finances.

In this episode of This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, financial expert Cameron Huddleston shares essential tips for recognizing and preventing scams targeting older adults. Scammers have become more sophisticated, using fear, urgency, and emotional manipulation to steal personal information, drain bank accounts, and isolate victims. From tech support and romance scams to investment schemes, these fraudsters take advantage of vulnerabilities, often leaving their victims financially and emotionally devastated.

To protect yourself, watch out for red flags such as unusual payment requests (gift cards, wire transfers), pressure to act immediately, or isolation tactics. If you suspect a scam, cut off contact with the fraudster, consult someone you trust, and report it to authorities like the Federal Trade Commission or the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging’s Fraud Hotline. Education and awareness are key to preventing these scams—talking to your loved ones about these tactics can help them stay safe.

Finding Love in Dementia with Dangle & Dot | This is Getting Old Podcast

Can people with dementia form new romantic relationships? What about caregivers—how do they navigate love while supporting a loved one? In this episode, I’m joined by Dangle & Dot to explore love, companionship, and relationships in the context of cognitive decline. We’ll discuss key ethical issues like consent, dignity, and autonomy, plus how caregivers can practice self-love. If you’re caring for someone with dementia or just curious about love in later life, this episode is for you!

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more content on aging, dementia, and caregiving.

When words fail, love still remains. In this episode of This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, I sit down with Dangle & Dot to explore the power of love and connection in dementia care. We discuss how small moments—a smile, a touch, or a favorite song—help maintain deep relationships even when words become difficult. Learn how caregivers can adapt love languages, practice patience, and nurture emotional bonds as relationships evolve.

In this episode, I talk with Brandon Davis about the Davis Focus Project, an innovative mental health program using neurofeedback to help veterans overcome challenges like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Brandon explains how neurofeedback works by mapping the brain, identifying dysregulated areas, and providing real-time feedback to help the brain self-correct. This non-invasive approach allows individuals to heal while doing everyday activities, like watching TV, with many seeing significant improvements after just a few sessions. Remarkably, not a single person who’s completed their program remains on medication, highlighting its transformative impact.

Brandon also shares how neurofeedback compares to years of meditation in helping the brain achieve mental clarity and self-regulation. The Davis Focus Project offers personalized care, regularly updating brain maps to track progress and target the most pressing issues. Even if veterans aren’t local to Tennessee, Brandon promises to connect them with resources nationwide. To support their mission, listeners can donate—just $60 a month can fully fund a veteran’s treatment and potentially save a life. Learn more at thedavisfocusproject.com.

In this episode, Dr. Melissa Batchelor dives into the future of assisted living with Shaun Toomey of Inspir Embassy Row, a premier luxury senior living and memory care community. Discover how cutting-edge technology and personalized care are setting a new standard for older adults. Learn about the innovative services offered by Inspir and the role of age-friendly initiatives in shaping a more inclusive world. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation!

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📍 Join our private Facebook Group: Building Age-Friendly Ecosystems

In this episode, Dr. Melissa Batchelor dives into the future of assisted living with Shaun Toomey of Inspir Embassy Row, a premier luxury senior living and memory care community. Discover how cutting-edge technology and personalized care are setting a new standard for older adults. Learn about the innovative services offered by Inspir and the role of age-friendly initiatives in shaping a more inclusive world. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation! Stay Connected 🌐 Website: MelissaBPhD.com 🎙 Podcast: TIGO - Topics in Gerontology 📍 Join our private Facebook Group: Building Age-Friendly Ecosystems Watch now and explore how innovation meets elegance in senior living!

Are you caring for a loved one with dementia and wondering how to make the most of your time together? Walking can be a great way to spend quality time with your loved one while also promoting their physical and mental well-being. In this episode, we'll explore 3 tips for walking together. Tune in to learn how you can make walking with your loved one a positive and enjoyable experience for both of you and why benefits you both!

When Dementia Patients Stop Eating: A Caregiver’s Guide to Support and Comfort

Caring for a loved one with dementia is an emotional journey, and one of the most difficult challenges is when they stop eating or drinking. This heartbreaking transition often signals the later stages of the disease, leaving caregivers feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do.

In this blog post, we’ll explore:

• Why people with dementia stop eating and drinking: From loss of appetite to difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), there are several physical and neurological reasons behind this change.
• How to provide comfort and care: Practical tips like offering liquids with straws to trigger reflexes, using calorie-dense drinks, and maintaining oral hygiene to prevent discomfort.
• Ways to maintain connection: Mealtimes can still be meaningful moments to share love and presence, even when food is no longer a focus.
• Grief, loss, and bereavement: The emotional toll of caregiving, especially during end-stage dementia, can be overwhelming. Recognizing anticipatory grief and seeking support can make a difference.

This journey isn’t one you have to face alone. Hospice care, palliative specialists, and local dementia organizations are invaluable resources that can guide and support you every step of the way.

For more personalized help, explore my new ebook and online course, Managing Meals and Eating Challenges. Designed for family and professional caregivers, these resources include expert strategies, video demonstrations, and skills checklists to help you navigate eating challenges with confidence and compassion.

Visit MelissaBPhD.com to learn more and take the first step toward making mealtimes less stressful and more meaningful.

In this episode of This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, I sit down with Brittany Olson, an expert in Feng Shui and interior design. Brittany shares her insights on creating spaces that promote harmony and balance, highlighting how Feng Shui can be a powerful tool for enhancing well-being. We explore practical tips for arranging furniture, selecting colors, and using natural elements to transform any environment into a more inviting and peaceful place. Whether you're new to Feng Shui or looking for ways to refresh your space, Brittany offers valuable advice that can make a real difference in your home.

Brittany also discusses her approach to working with clients and how she tailors her recommendations to suit individual needs and preferences. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the personal energy in a space and how it can influence one's life. From small adjustments to larger transformations, Brittany's expertise helps people create spaces that nurture both mind and body. Tune in to hear more about how Feng Shui can guide you in making intentional choices for your home, and learn how to bring more balance and positivity into your living environment.