Shownotes:

In this insightful interview, Erin Pickrell, owner and director of Griswold Home Care in Chevy Chase, shares her journey into the home care industry, the importance of compassionate caregiving, and what it takes to run a successful home care agency. Discover how her background, passion for helping others, and entrepreneurial spirit drive her work in aging services.

Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction to Home Care and Entrepreneurship

03:49 - Understanding the Role of Certified Nursing Assistants

06:36 - Erin's Journey to Home Care

08:46 - The Importance of Scheduling and Matchmaking

11:37 - Building a Supportive Work Environment

14:00 - Personal Stories and Meaningful Connections

16:34 - Conclusion and Contact Information

Resources mentioned:

• Website - https://www.griswoldcare.com/chevy-chase/

• Prepare to Care Course: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/preptocare

• Ep 74 - Thinking About Working in Senior Care? Next Steps Explained

• Ep 73 - The Truth About Working with People with Dementia—w/ Becky Donahue

• Ep 72 - What You Didn't Know About Funeral Directors: Inside the Industry w/ Jamie Arthurs

• Ep 71 - How I Went from Business Major to Senior Care and 5 Things I Learned

🎧 Show Notes: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/listen

📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelctom/

📖 Read The Value of Wrinkles: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Wrinkles-Perspective-Loving-Change/dp/0802419534

📬 Join the email list: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/signup

📌 Get your GKI Kit: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/gkifam

Shownotes:

Celebrating Careers and Aging Month, I explored various career options in aging services, shared personal insights, and highlighted the rewarding nature of working with older adults.

Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction to Careers in Aging

02:39 - Exploring Opportunities in Aging Services

05:35 - The Importance of Working with Older Adults

Resources mentioned:

• Prepare to Care Course: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/preptocare

• Ep 74 - Thinking About Working in Senior Care? Next Steps Explained

• Ep 73 - The Truth About Working with People with Dementia—w/ Becky Donahue

• Ep 72 - What You Didn't Know About Funeral Directors: Inside the Industry w/ Jamie Arthurs

• Ep 71 - How I Went from Business Major to Senior Care and 5 Things I Learned

🎧 Show Notes: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/listen

📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelctom/

📖 Read The Value of Wrinkles: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Wrinkles-Perspective-Loving-Change/dp/0802419534

📬 Join the email list: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/signup

📌 Get your GKI Kit: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/gkifam

Shownotes:

In this conversation, Beka shared about the unique experiences of child caregivers, drawing from her personal story of caring for her mother who has multiple sclerosis. Together, we explore the emotional challenges that come with caregiving at a young age, the sense of purpose it can bring, and how often youth caregivers go unrecognized. We also discuss why it's so important for children to understand health conditions and share coping strategies that can help young caregivers navigate their roles with more support and confidence.

Highlights:

03:17 - The Reality of Youth Caregivers

05:42 - Navigating Caregiving Challenges

08:22 - Understanding Multiple Sclerosis and Its Impact

10:37 - The Importance of Support Networks

10:52 - Introduction to Caregiving Support Network

12:12 - Encouragement for Young Caregivers

Resources mentioned:

• Website - https://www.caregivingsupportnetwork.org/

• Prepare to Care Course: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/preptocare

🎧 Show Notes: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/listen

📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelctom/

📖 Read The Value of Wrinkles: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Wrinkles-Perspective-Loving-Change/dp/0802419534

📬 Join the email list: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/signup

📌 Get your GKI Kit: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/gkifam

Shownotes:

In this episode of the Value of Wrinkles podcast, I share four practical and heartfelt ways we can use the upcoming Winter Olympics as a meaningful way to connect with our aging parents and grandparents. From simple conversation starters to opportunities to serve with intention, these ideas are designed to help us build deeper intergenerational connection, understanding, and respect right where we are.

1. Watch it together

2. Share facts and create conversation.

3. Help them setup TV/streaming to be able to watch the Olympics

4. Create a watch schedule for the sports they enjoy watching.

Highlights:

00:00 - Connecting Generations Through the Olympics

02:50 - Engaging Conversations with Aging Parents

05:19 - Practical Ways to Serve and Connect

11:02 - Creating Meaningful Interactions

16:33 - The Importance of Enjoying Life Together

Resources mentioned:

• Stream the Olympics - Watch 2026 Winter Olympics | Peacock

• Grandkid Investigator Kit - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/gkifam

🎧 Show Notes: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/listen

📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelctom/

📖 Read The Value of Wrinkles: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Wrinkles-Perspective-Loving-Change/dp/0802419534

📬 Join the email list: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/signup

📌 Get your GKI Kit: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/gkifam

Shownotes:

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Loretta Veney and reflect on how Legos became an unexpected source of emotional support and communication during her mother's long journey with dementia. Listening to Loretta share how therapeutic play strengthened family bonding, encouraged memory sharing, and deepened their intergenerational connection reminded me that caregiving doesn't always have to feel heavy to be meaningful. We talk about how building together created moments of joy and understanding, even when words were hard to find. This episode invites you to rethink caregiving and see how simple tools like Legos can transform connection, one shared build at a time.

Highlights:

00:00 - Lego Serious Play: A Unique Approach to Engagement

22:38 - Connecting Through Caregiving and Creativity

24:06 - Resources for Caregivers: Prepare to Care Course

Resources mentioned:

• Website: https://lorettaveney.com/

• Loretta's book: https://lorettaveney.com/shop/ols/products/being-my-moms-mom-3rd-edition

• Episode 104: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/blog/Building-Connection-How-LEGO-Helps-People-Living-with-Dementia-with-Loretta-Veney-Part-1

• Prepare to Care Course: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/preptocare

🎧 Show Notes: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/listen

📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelctom/

📖 Read The Value of Wrinkles: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Wrinkles-Perspective-Loving-Change/dp/0802419534

📬 Join the email list: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/signup

📌 Get your GKI Kit: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/gkifam

Shownotes:

In this episode, I sit down with Loretta Veney and listen to the beautiful way Legos became a bridge for communication during her mother's journey with dementia. She shares how something as simple as play created moments of joy, creativity, and deep emotional connection within her family, even during hard seasons. I was moved by how these small acts of engagement supported both her mother's mental health and her own as a caregiver. This conversation is a powerful reminder that connection doesn't have to be complicated sometimes it starts with a handful of Legos and a willing heart.

Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction to Loretta Veney and Her Lego Journey

04:32 - Using Legos as a Communication Tool for Dementia

08:20 - Finding Joy in the Face of Dementia

12:00 - Lego Serious Play: A Unique Approach to Engagement

13:49 - The Power of Play and Connection

15:09 - Using Legos for Dementia Care

Resources mentioned:

• https://lorettaveney.com/

• Loretta's book: https://lorettaveney.com/shop/ols/products/being-my-moms-mom-3rd-edition

🎧 Show Notes: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/listen

📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelctom/

📖 Read The Value of Wrinkles: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Wrinkles-Perspective-Loving-Change/dp/0802419534

📬 Join the email list: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/signup

Shownotes:

In this episode, I talk about why January visits can be some of the most meaningful moments for our aging parents and loved ones in senior living. After the holidays pass and the noise fades, loneliness can settle in and that's when connection matters most. I share how my experiences in caregiving have shown me the importance of consistent family visits and intergenerational connection, not just seasonal check-ins. I also introduce the Grand Kid Investigator Kit as a simple way to create meaningful visits and help kids show up with curiosity, confidence, and heart all year long.

Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction to the Value of Wrinkles Podcast

00:26 - The Importance of January Visits

03:45 - The Grand Kid Investigator Kit

08:26 - Making Meaningful Connections Year-Round

Resources mentioned:

• Follow the GKI Holiday Caravan - Visiting senior living communities during the holidays

• Check out the GKI Kit -Grandkid Investigator Kit - Make time with grandparents memorable

🎧 Show Notes: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/listen

📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelctom/

📖 Read The Value of Wrinkles: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Wrinkles-Perspective-Loving-Change/dp/0802419534

📬 Join the email list: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/signup

Shownotes:

In this episode, I share why caregiving and aging have taught me so much about the power of intergenerational connection, especially during the holidays. I talk about what I've learned from bringing kids into senior living communities whether through a holiday caravan, community service, or simple family activities and how we can help children overcome fear and uncertainty when visiting seniors. I also share why patience matters, and how meaningful relationship building takes time, trust, and repeated moments of showing up. My hope is to give you practical encouragement to help kids and seniors connect in ways that feel joyful, respectful, and lasting.

Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction to the Value of Wrinkles Podcast

00:27 - The Importance of Visiting Senior Living Communities

01:30 - Overcoming Kids' Fear of Senior Visits

04:04 - Building Comfort and Patience in Kids

09:08 - Task-Oriented Engagement for Kids

12:31 - Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

Resources mentioned:

• GKI Holiday Caravan - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/hckids

• Check our Website - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com

🎧 Show Notes: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/listen

📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelctom/

📖 Read The Value of Wrinkles: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Wrinkles-Perspective-Loving-Change/dp/0802419534

📬 Join the email list: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/signup

Shownotes:

In this episode, I share why the greatest gift you can give a grandparent this Christmas isn't something you buy but it's genuine connection. I talk about how older adults often feel unseen or overlooked, and why asking questions, listening, and spending intentional time with them matters so much. I also introduce the Grandkid Investigator Kit, a simple tool I created to help families spark meaningful conversations and deepen relationships across generations, whether you're together in person or connecting from afar.

Highlights:

00:00 - The Holiday Spirit and Connection

08:16 - The Gift of Connection: Grand Kid Investigator Kit

Resources mentioned:

• Get your GKI Kit - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/gkifam

• Netflix Documentary - Man on the Inside

🎧 Show Notes: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/listen

📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelctom/

📖 Read The Value of Wrinkles: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Wrinkles-Perspective-Loving-Change/dp/0802419534

📬 Join the email list: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/signup

Shownotes:

In this special milestone episode, I'm celebrating something that still feels surreal: 100 episodes of the Value of Wrinkles podcast. Join me as I take you behind the scenes of this four-year journey from recording under a blanket during COVID, to late night sessions past midnight, to navigating tech changes, long pauses, and everything in between.

You'll hear honest reflections, funny confessions (yes - recording in a hot car counts), and the deeper purpose behind every episode I create: helping you love your older loved ones better while learning to love yourself through aging too.

Highlights:

00:00 - Celebrating 100 Episodes

04:57 - The Journey of Podcasting

10:46 - Behind the Scenes of Podcasting

13:31 - Highlighting Memorable Series and Episodes

15:45 - Looking Ahead and Future Aspirations

Resources mentioned:

• Episode 89 - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/blog/6-Tips-for-Managing-Kids-in-Intergenerational-Senior-Living-Programs

• Episode 75 - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/blog/Tired-of-Meeting-Together-with-Family

• Episode 28 - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/blog/ep-28

• Episode 12 - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/blog/ep-12

• Episode 33 - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/blog/33

• Episode 55 - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/blog/ep-55-making-grandparent-time-fun-this-summer-with-author-roxy-wiley

🎧 Show Notes: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/listen

📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelctom/

📖 Read The Value of Wrinkles: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Wrinkles-Perspective-Loving-Change/dp/0802419534

📬 Join the email list: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/signup