Walks with Mom

Is anxiety or depression just part of getting older? Dr. Warren Littleford says no, and he has 40 years of psychology practice behind that answer.

This week on Walks with Mom, Kimberly and Karren welcome Dr. Warren R. Littleford, a licensed psychologist in Chandler, Arizona, whose career has been shaped by grief itself. He lost his father when he was young, lost his first wife to ovarian cancer when he was only 25, and later met his wife Pat, who had also been widowed. That road led him to write his doctoral dissertation on widowed persons, and it fuels the hope he brings to this conversation.

Dr. Littleford starts with a truth worth repeating: getting older does not mean becoming anxious or depressed. About a third of his clients are over 60, and he wants every senior to know these struggles are treatable. Quality of life, he explains, is not just about genetics. It is shaped by how we live, especially in our senior years.

Then he introduces an idea that nearly brought Kimberly to tears: joyspan, a concept from gerontologist Dr. Kerry Burnight. We know lifespan and health span, but joyspan is the length of life filled with vitality and meaning. It comes with four doable verbs: keep growing, keep adapting, keep connecting, and keep giving. Connection means making new friends at every age, and giving can be as simple as helping a young family with school pickup.

The conversation turns tender as Karren opens up about being widowed twice and the season when her world shrank to dependence on Kimberly. Dr. Littleford explains that grief work cannot be escaped, hidden, or numbed. Time alone does not heal, but grief shared with others can be carried, and while we never use the word closure, there is resolution in rediscovering meaning. Karren credits the Grief Share program with helping her find people who understood feelings that made no sense at the time.

Asked what healthy aging really looks like, Dr. Littleford points to a close circle of friends and loved ones who stay aware of your emotional interior. The biggest obstacle, he says, is how we react to physical problems and limitations. So much of therapy is accepting reality as it is, and then, as Karren wisely adds, making an action plan from your possibilities rather than sinking into your limitations.

He also speaks to Kimberly's generation, the sandwich generation caring for parents and kids at once, and shares how those caregiving years can draw adult children and parents closer, like the friend whose hour long drives to doctor appointments opened up her father's never told stories from the war. And he offers hope that the stigma around seeking help is falling, with seniors still underserved and so much help available.

Resources mentioned in this episode: Joyspan by Dr. Kerry Burnight and 100 Rules for Living to 100 by Dick Van Dyke.

About the Guest
Dr. Warren R. Littleford is a licensed psychologist who earned his doctorate in counseling psychology from Texas Tech University in 1986, with a dissertation based on research with widowed persons. Licensed in Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado, he established his solo private practice in Chandler in 2003, offering in person and video telehealth sessions. He spent ten years as adjunct faculty at Arizona State University teaching psychopharmacology in the Doctor of Behavioral Health program. His clinical work centers on cognitive behavioral therapy with advanced training in depression, anxiety, grief therapy, and ADHD, and he provides pro bono care to active duty military, veterans, and their families through the Give An Hour network.

Connect with Dr. Littleford
Warren R. Littleford, PhD, Licensed Psychologist
Airpark South Professional Village
1815 E Queen Creek Road, Suite 1, Chandler, AZ 85286
Office: 480.214.5970

Subscribe to Walks with Mom for more honest conversations that help families prepare, plan, and navigate aging with clarity and connection.

https://walkswithmompodcast.com/

Come with us as we explore what it means to navigate these years with our aging loved ones.

So grab a cup of coffee—or maybe a glass of wine—subscribe, invite your friends or family, and join us for Walks with Mom.

https://youtube.com/@walkswithmom

Special thanks to our Sponsor Amada Senior Care  Phoenix and the East Valley serving families and seniors in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, and the surrounding East Valley area. Accredited VA Provider (NPI # 1558048199) and Trusted resource for Long-Term Care Insurance Claims

Compassionate, personalized in-home senior care starts here – contact Amada Senior Care Phoenix and the East Valley today by phone at (480)999-5250 or visit us online to get started and give your loved one the support, dignity, and independence they deserve.
www.amadaphoenix.com

What if the best thing you could do for your memory started twenty years before you ever misplaced your keys?

On this episode of Walks with Mom, Kimberly Akers and her mom Karren sit down with Mike Factor for a conversation that is equal parts eye opening and good humored. Kim is a proud Gen Xer, Karren is a great baby boomer, and both leave with a lot to think about, including the news that they should probably start taking notes. Karren, who turned 80 this year, asks the question many of us are wondering: is it too late? Mike says no, it's never too late.

Mike begins with hope. He wants listeners to know there is more support for aging at home than most people realize, from personal care to medical equipment to oxygen, and he explains that families often learn about it only after a rehab stay or hospital discharge. He names the three things he would most like us to hold on to as we age: vision, mobility, and memory. Then he tests the hosts on it ten minutes later, and the hosts, to their credit, are good sports.

The heart of the conversation is brain health. Mike became a certified brain health coach while his own dad was battling Alzheimer's, and he shares what he learned about the things he calls insults to the brain. He describes sleep apnea, unstable gait, and inflammation markers as examples, and he tells how he asked his own doctor to check numbers like ferritin and uric acid and what he changed afterward. His advice, in his words: "find out what's insulting your brain and remove that from your life."

Then comes hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Mike describes a 2019 case report from a New Orleans neurologist, explains how the chamber works, and shares what he saw when he used one with his father. He also tells the story of a neighbor who, by his account, improved on a mini mental status exam after 60 sessions along with supplements and exercise. These are Mike's experiences and his reading of the literature, not medical advice, so talk with your own physician before changing anything.

He closes with five practical habits: prioritize deep sleep, test for toxins, test inflammation markers, keep hormones in check, and protect your head and your blood sugar. Kim and Karren also mention The End of Alzheimer's, a book and a documentary Mike recommends, which is worth a look after you listen.

About the guest
Michael (Mike) Factor is the owner of Diamond Medical Equipment, a durable medical equipment company, and operates an outpatient treatment center in Gilbert, Arizona. He holds a bachelors degree in health care services, is a licensed nursing home administrator, a dementia practitioner, and a certified brain health coach. A husband, father, and LSU fan, he is passionate about preventing Alzheimer's disease and helping others.

Contact Mike
Phone: 480.926.4363
Email: [email protected]

Subscribe to Walks with Mom for more honest conversations that help families prepare, plan, and navigate aging with clarity and connection.

https://walkswithmompodcast.com/

Come with us as we explore what it means to navigate these years with our aging loved ones.

So grab a cup of coffee—or maybe a glass of wine—subscribe, invite your friends or family, and join us for Walks with Mom.

https://youtube.com/@walkswithmom

Special thanks to our Sponsor Amada Senior Care  Phoenix and the East Valley serving families and seniors in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, and the surrounding East Valley area. Accredited VA Provider (NPI # 1558048199) and Trusted resource for Long-Term Care Insurance Claims

Compassionate, personalized in-home senior care starts here – contact Amada Senior Care Phoenix and the East Valley today by phone at (480)999-5250 or visit us online to get started and give your loved one the support, dignity, and independence they deserve.
www.amadaphoenix.com

What if accepting help is how you keep your independence?

You can dress yourself. Make your own coffee. Decide how you want to spend your day. But who handles the repair you cannot reach, the paperwork you do not understand or the ride to your next medical appointment?

For older adults and the families who love them, aging in place raises a question that is easy to avoid: does living independently mean doing everything alone?

On Walks with Mom, Kimberly Akers and her baby boomer mom Karren bring that question home. Literally. They live in a multigenerational household, and this conversation took weeks to work through. Some of those talks got heated. Karren admits it was hard to recognize she was not as independent as she wanted to believe.

Instead of turning that admission into a conversation about taking over, they ask what support could help her keep living the way she chooses.

Their starting point is a distinction between self reliance and autonomy. In the hosts' framing, self reliance is doing everyday tasks yourself. Autonomy is making choices and arranging support when you need help. Kimberly compares the two to peanut butter and jelly: different parts that belong together.

That difference matters when an aging parent says, "I'm fine," and an adult child is quietly filling the gaps. Kimberly shares an example from her senior care work: a daughter describes her mother as independent, then explains that she visits twice a week to remind her to shower. The task gets done, but the reminders are part of the support making it possible.

What help is already happening in your family? What would happen if it stopped?

The answers can be surprisingly ordinary. At Kimberly and Karren's house, a magnetic whiteboard on the refrigerator holds requests for repairs and other tasks. It gives nonurgent needs a place to go without expecting family members to drop everything. From air filters and smoke alarm batteries to an Arizona air conditioner failure, home maintenance becomes part of the bigger conversation about staying at home.

Food brings another set of questions. Is cooking for one or two becoming exhausting? Is there fresh food available, or expired food sitting in the refrigerator? Kimberly and Karren talk about exploring online grocery ordering and delivery before those tools become essential. Karren may not love learning new technology, but she wants to know how to use it when she needs it.

The same thinking applies to bills and confusing mail. Karren shares her move to paying the house cleaners through Zelle, while knowing who to ask when paperwork needs a second set of eyes. Asking for help becomes a plan rather than a last minute scramble.

And a medical appointment is rarely just an appointment. Someone has to recognize the need, book it, arrange transportation and follow through on tests or another visit. Karren's frustrating experience arranging follow up care shows how many steps can hide inside something that sounds simple.

For families thinking about senior independence, in home support and caregiving, this episode offers a different conversation starter. Rather than only asking, "Can Mom still do this?" try, "What would help Mom keep making her own choices?"

Kimberly and Karren return to their family motto: planning and preparation is much easier than crisis management. Their invitation is to look ahead, name the help you may need and keep talking as life changes. This is not a conversation you finish once.

Listen with your mom on a walk or your dad on a drive. Share it with the person who wants to help and the person who worries that accepting help means giving something up.

Needing support does not have to end the conversation about independence. It can start a better one.

Sponsored by Amada Senior Care Phoenix and the East Valley, supporting aging adults and their families with companionship and personal care at home. Learn more at www.AmadaPhoenix.com.

Subscribe to Walks with Mom for more honest conversations that help families prepare, plan, and navigate aging with clarity and connection.

https://walkswithmompodcast.com/

Come with us as we explore what it means to navigate these years with our aging loved ones.

So grab a cup of coffee—or maybe a glass of wine—subscribe, invite your friends or family, and join us for Walks with Mom.

https://youtube.com/@walkswithmom

Special thanks to our Sponsor Amada Senior Care  Phoenix and the East Valley serving families and seniors in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, and the surrounding East Valley area. Accredited VA Provider (NPI # 1558048199) and Trusted resource for Long-Term Care Insurance Claims

Compassionate, personalized in-home senior care starts here – contact Amada Senior Care Phoenix and the East Valley today by phone at (480)999-5250 or visit us online to get started and give your loved one the support, dignity, and independence they deserve.
www.amadaphoenix.com

On this episode of Walks with Mom, Kimberly Akers and her mom, Karren, welcome Sondra "Sam" Cradduck and Scott Fisher for an honest, lively conversation about aging in place, caregiving and why families deserve better than a scramble for answers when a crisis hits.

There may be plenty of senior care resources, but knowing where to start is another story. Karren shares how scattered information can feel overwhelming, while Sam and Scott explore what happens when families receive conflicting advice, businesses work in isolation and older adults aren't included in decisions that affect their lives.

Scott introduces the Phoenix chapter of the National Aging in Place Council and its focus on connecting education, community resources and the everyday needs of aging adults. Housing, health, finances, transportation and social connection all enter the conversation. Sam makes the case for care built on relationships, dignity and collaboration rather than transactions.

The guests also discuss confusion around home care and home health, the risks of relying on social media for care answers and why professionals need to keep learning from one another. Their message is clear: ask questions, seek reliable guidance and start talking before a family emergency forces the issue.

But this conversation goes beyond planning. Sam challenges the fear of getting older that can keep us from valuing the wisdom already around us. Karren shares how meaningful it feels when her grandson slows down to ask about her life. Kimberly reminds us that neither generation has done this before. Giving one another grace is part of learning how to walk through it together.

Sam and Scott share their vision for a Phoenix gathering that would bring families, caregivers and professionals into the same room, including a community event called Seen and Heard. At the time of recording, they were seeking a venue and sponsors. The goal is to help older adults feel valued, make education easier to find and bring conversations about aging out of the shadows.

Listen with someone you love, share this episode with a family caregiver and consider the conversation you've been putting off. Growing older is part of living. Talking about it can be, too.

Walks with Mom is sponsored by Amada Senior Care Phoenix and the East Valley. Learn more at AmadaPhoenix.com. Find episodes and resources at WalkswithMomPodcast.com.

About the guests

Sondra "Sam" Cradduck founded More Than Heart and created Human Always, a caregiver training company centered on dignity, education and compassionate care. She also cohosts Aging Untold, a nationally syndicated talk show.

Scott Fisher is President of the Aging in Place Council, Phoenix Chapter, and a longtime advocate for helping older adults and families prepare for the realities of aging. In the episode, he also shares his work with Options for Senior Living.

Guest resources and contacts

More Than Heart: https://morethanheart.com
Sam's email shared in the episode: [email protected]
Aging Untold: https://aginguntold.com
Options for Senior Living: https://optionsforseniorliving.com

Subscribe to Walks with Mom for more honest conversations that help families prepare, plan, and navigate aging with clarity and connection.

https://walkswithmompodcast.com/

Come with us as we explore what it means to navigate these years with our aging loved ones.

So grab a cup of coffee—or maybe a glass of wine—subscribe, invite your friends or family, and join us for Walks with Mom.

https://youtube.com/@walkswithmom

Special thanks to our Sponsor Amada Senior Care  Phoenix and the East Valley serving families and seniors in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, and the surrounding East Valley area. Accredited VA Provider (NPI # 1558048199) and Trusted resource for Long-Term Care Insurance Claims

Compassionate, personalized in-home senior care starts here – contact Amada Senior Care Phoenix and the East Valley today by phone at (480)999-5250 or visit us online to get started and give your loved one the support, dignity, and independence they deserve.
www.amadaphoenix.com

Self checkout. Digital coupons. Narrow aisles. Too many drink aisles. And where did all the personal service go?

What started as a simple grocery store conversation turns into a hilarious and surprisingly meaningful discussion about how today's shopping experience can be challenging for older adults.

On this episode of Walks with Mom, Kim, a proud Gen Xer, and her mom Karren, a proud Baby Boomer, talk about one of Karren's biggest frustrations: grocery shopping as a senior in an increasingly digital world.

From self checkout to digital coupons and navigating crowded aisles, Karren has some very strong opinions. And Kim is there to ask the questions, laugh along, and point out just how differently two generations can experience the same everyday activity.

When Convenience Isn't Convenient

Technology is supposed to make life easier, but is it always easier for seniors?

Karren explains why self checkout can be frustrating, especially when shoppers are expected to search for produce, weigh items, scan codes, manage loyalty programs, and bag their own groceries.

Then there are digital coupons.

For someone who prefers a traditional printed coupon, finding, activating, and using digital discounts can feel like an entirely unnecessary extra step.

The Aisles Are Getting Narrower

And then there is the big one: the grocery store aisles.

Karren believes aisles are getting narrower while stores dedicate more and more space to beverages, displays, and other products.

For older adults who may use a shopping cart for support or simply need more room to maneuver, crowded aisles and obstacles can make grocery shopping more difficult.

But there is another side to the story.

For many seniors, going to the grocery store is not just about buying food. It is an opportunity to get out of the house, interact with people, stay independent, and remain connected to the community.

Online Grocery Shopping vs. Going to the Store

Karren knows how to order groceries online, but that does not mean she wants everything delivered.

She still wants to choose her own produce.

She wants to pick out her own meat.

And sometimes, she simply wants to go to the grocery store.

That raises an important question:

Are we making everyday life more convenient for seniors, or are we unintentionally taking away some of their independence and connection?

In This Episode

• Why self checkout can be frustrating for seniors
• The challenge of digital coupons and loyalty programs
• How grocery store design can affect older adults
• Why narrow aisles and displays can create challenges
• The importance of personal service
• Online grocery shopping vs. shopping in person
• Why choosing your own groceries can be about independence
• How grocery shopping can provide social connection
• The funny differences between Gen X and Baby Boomer perspectives
• Why everyday conversations about aging matter

We want to hear from you!

Are grocery stores getting harder to navigate?

Do you prefer self checkout or a cashier?

And seniors, do you actually want digital coupons, or do you want your paper coupons back?

Tell us in the comments!

Subscribe to Walks with Mom for more honest, funny, and meaningful conversations about aging, family, caregiving, independence, and the everyday moments that come with growing older.

Because aging is a journey, and sometimes the best conversations happen somewhere between the grocery aisle and the checkout line.

Subscribe to Walks with Mom for more honest conversations that help families prepare, plan, and navigate aging with clarity and connection.

https://walkswithmompodcast.com/

Come with us as we explore what it means to navigate these years with our aging loved ones.

So grab a cup of coffee—or maybe a glass of wine—subscribe, invite your friends or family, and join us for Walks with Mom.

https://youtube.com/@walkswithmom

Special thanks to our Sponsor Amada Senior Care  Phoenix and the East Valley serving families and seniors in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, and the surrounding East Valley area. Accredited VA Provider (NPI # 1558048199) and Trusted resource for Long-Term Care Insurance Claims

Compassionate, personalized in-home senior care starts here – contact Amada Senior Care Phoenix and the East Valley today by phone at (480)999-5250 or visit us online to get started and give your loved one the support, dignity, and independence they deserve.
www.amadaphoenix.com

On this episode of Walks with Mom, Kim and Karren welcome Jodi Meiter, Outreach Chaplain at Ascension Hospice, for a conversation that moves from church pews to hospital rooms and back to the kitchen table. Jodi has spent almost 23 years alongside her husband, Pastor Bill Meiter of Arizona Community Church in Tempe, and now spends her days bringing spiritual and emotional support to seniors, caregivers and the communities that serve them.

Jodi believes the church can be a first stop when a family is suddenly navigating a fall, a hospital stay or a rehab decision. Her advice is practical: know the trusted resources before you need them, ask the questions while everyone is healthy, and get the paperwork done early. Power of attorney, a living will and a mental health power of attorney are different documents, and having them in place means a family never has to guess what mom would have wanted. For families without the savings to pay for care, she points them toward Arizona's long term care program and the social workers who can help them apply. Her team even built a planning binder that gathers it all in one place, and Karren shares the "in case of" binder she keeps for her own family. As Kim puts it, preparation and planning is so much easier than crisis management.

The conversation turns tender when Jodi names what so many moms feel but rarely say out loud: a mother never stops carrying her children's pain, even when those children are grown. Kim hears it fresh as a daughter, and Karren admits she still wants to fix whatever is stressing Kim out, even when there is nothing she can do. Jodi's picture of the sandwich generation lands with a laugh: "We're kind of like a panini. We're smashed in between our children and our parents."

Then Jodi takes on the word too many families whisper: hospice. Far from a last resort for the final days, hospice is a Medicare covered benefit that can bring nurses, CNAs, social workers and chaplains alongside a family for months, often catching the small problems, a urinary tract infection, dehydration, a bad night of sleep, before they become another hospital run. Kim and Karren share their own story: Karren's husband was on hospice for well over six months, and having a nurse to call changed everything for both of them. As Jodi says, it is not a bad word at all.

Karren names something she sees often in the seniors around her: the temptation to treat this season as something to endure rather than embrace. Jodi agrees, and says that is exactly why her team focuses on quality of life, making each day as peaceful, comfortable and enjoyable as it can be.

The episode closes with news from Jodi: her new podcast, The Soul Friend, growing out of more than a decade of Soul Friend retreats, covering spiritual growth, marriage, family and every season of life. Because as this conversation makes clear, we were never meant to walk these years alone.

About the guest: Jodi Meiter is the Outreach Chaplain at Ascension Hospice, where she provides emotional and spiritual support to seniors and their loved ones, leading Bible studies, grief support and caregiver groups in the communities Ascension serves. She earned her MA in Pastoral Care and Counseling at Talbot Seminary, holds a certification in biblical counseling, and has served at Arizona Community Church in Tempe since 2002, where she started MOPS and leads contemporary worship. She founded Soul Friend retreats in 2014 and is the host of The Soul Friend podcast. Jodi and her husband Bill are parents to three adult children, Amberly, Jonah and Benjamin.

Connect with Jodi:
[email protected]
Ascension Hospice, Outreach Chaplain
www.ascensionhospice.com
www.az.church
IG @jodimeiter

Subscribe to Walks with Mom for more honest conversations that help families prepare, plan, and navigate aging with clarity and connection.

https://walkswithmompodcast.com/

Come with us as we explore what it means to navigate these years with our aging loved ones.

So grab a cup of coffee—or maybe a glass of wine—subscribe, invite your friends or family, and join us for Walks with Mom.

https://youtube.com/@walkswithmom

Special thanks to our Sponsor Amada Senior Care  Phoenix and the East Valley serving families and seniors in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, and the surrounding East Valley area. Accredited VA Provider (NPI # 1558048199) and Trusted resource for Long-Term Care Insurance Claims

Compassionate, personalized in-home senior care starts here – contact Amada Senior Care Phoenix and the East Valley today by phone at (480)999-5250 or visit us online to get started and give your loved one the support, dignity, and independence they deserve.
www.amadaphoenix.com

What if one of the most common health concerns in aging is also one of the hardest to talk about? In this episode of Walks with Mom, Gen X daughter Kim and her baby boomer mom Karren welcome back gerontologist and aging care educator Sondra "Sam" Cradduck for an honest conversation about incontinence, shame, senior health, and the cost of staying silent.

Sam explains that incontinence is common, but it should never be treated as an inevitable part of aging. When families, caregivers, and older adults feel too embarrassed to speak up, they can miss problems that are treatable and allow small concerns to become serious health risks. The wrong products can trap moisture against the skin, cause breakdown, and increase the chance of urinary tract infections.

The conversation reveals why a UTI can be dangerous for an older adult. It may appear as sudden confusion or cognitive impairment rather than the symptoms younger people expect. Left unnoticed, an infection can contribute to weakness, falls, hospitalization, and difficult recovery. Knowing what to watch for gives families a chance to respond sooner and advocate for better care.

Kim, Karren, and Sam also look at the generational divide around private health topics. Many older adults were taught that bodily issues should stay hidden, while younger generations are more willing to name what is happening and seek help. That openness can protect dignity rather than take it away. Honest language makes room for solutions, including medical guidance, better fitting products, pelvic floor exercises, and other treatments based on the person's needs.

With warmth and humor, Sam challenges the myths that make people feel broken or childish. Her message is clear: needing support does not erase adulthood, independence, or worth. Care becomes more compassionate when everyone remembers the human being before the condition.

This episode gives caregivers and families practical reasons to pay attention, ask questions, and reject shame as a care strategy. It is a reminder that aging gracefully does not mean pretending nothing has changed. It means having the courage to talk about change and finding support that helps people live with comfort, safety, and dignity.

About the guest
Sondra "Sam" Cradduck is a gerontologist, aging care educator, author, speaker, and media personality. She founded More Than Heart and created Human Always, a caregiver training company centered on dignity, education, and compassionate care. She also cohosts Aging Untold, a nationally syndicated talk show heard in 136 cities across 41 states. Sam is the author of Only Babies Mess Their Pants and Other Lies That Adversely Affect Aging.

Follow Walks with Mom for more honest conversations about aging, caregiving, senior health, and family life.

Subscribe to Walks with Mom for more honest conversations that help families prepare, plan, and navigate aging with clarity and connection.

https://walkswithmompodcast.com/

Come with us as we explore what it means to navigate these years with our aging loved ones.

So grab a cup of coffee—or maybe a glass of wine—subscribe, invite your friends or family, and join us for Walks with Mom.

https://youtube.com/@walkswithmom

Special thanks to our Sponsor Amada Senior Care  Phoenix and the East Valley serving families and seniors in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, and the surrounding East Valley area. Accredited VA Provider (NPI # 1558048199) and Trusted resource for Long-Term Care Insurance Claims

Compassionate, personalized in-home senior care starts here – contact Amada Senior Care Phoenix and the East Valley today by phone at (480)999-5250 or visit us online to get started and give your loved one the support, dignity, and independence they deserve.
www.amadaphoenix.com

What if the first signs of dementia have nothing to do with forgetting a name?

For many families, dementia begins with small changes that are easy to overlook. A familiar task suddenly becomes difficult. Finances no longer make sense. A favorite recipe is suddenly confusing. Someone who has done the same thing for decades can no longer remember how to complete it.

On this episode of Walks with Mom, Kim and Karren sit down with Laura Wayman, The Dementia Whisperer, an internationally recognized dementia care expert and advocate, to talk about what dementia really looks like and why understanding the brain can completely change the way we communicate with someone experiencing dementia symptoms.

Dementia Is About More Than Memory

We often think of dementia as memory loss. Laura explains that there is much more happening inside the brain.

Dementia symptoms can involve the loss of executive function, which affects how we process information, reason, make judgments, complete familiar tasks, and understand the world around us.

That means a person may remember how something used to be done, but lose the ability to actually complete the steps.

And sometimes, they may not realize anything has changed.

The Signs Families May Miss

Laura shares examples that may sound familiar to families caring for an aging parent or spouse.

Someone who always handled the family finances suddenly struggles to balance the checkbook. A person known for making the best banana bread can suddenly confuse ingredients or measurements. A familiar routine that once happened automatically becomes difficult.

These changes can be confusing and frustrating for everyone involved.

Laura explains why understanding what is happening in the brain can help caregivers respond with more compassion and communicate more effectively.

Why Communication Has to Change

One of the biggest lessons in this conversation is that caregivers cannot always communicate with someone experiencing dementia the same way they communicate with someone with a healthy brain.

Laura shares her experience working in assisted living and dementia care and explains why seemingly simple questions or offers of help can sometimes result in unexpected responses.

Understanding the reason behind the behavior can change everything.

In This Episode

• Why dementia is about more than memory loss
• What executive function has to do with dementia symptoms
• Early signs families may overlook
• Why familiar tasks can suddenly become difficult
• How dementia can affect finances and everyday routines
• Why someone with dementia may not realize they need help
• How caregivers can change the way they communicate
• Why understanding the brain can lead to more compassionate care
• What families should know when they begin noticing changes

Have you ever noticed a small change in a loved one and wondered if it was just aging?

Watch the episode and tell us in the comments:

What is one dementia question you wish someone had answered sooner?

Subscribe to Walks with Mom for more honest conversations about aging, caregiving, family, and the conversations we need to have before a crisis happens.

About Walks with Mom

Walks with Mom brings generations together for honest, funny, meaningful, and sometimes difficult conversations about aging.

Kim, a proud Gen Xer, and her mom, Karren, a proud Baby Boomer, are walking through the aging years together, asking the questions families need to ask and creating conversations that help us better understand each other.

Because aging is a journey we should never have to walk alone.

About our guest:
Laura Wayman, known as The Dementia Whisperer, is an internationally recognized dementia care expert. She is the CEO of The Dementia Whisperers and a speaker on dementia and issues of aging. Laura has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by caregivers and has dedicated her life to promoting a greater understanding of dementia symptoms and changing care services for those who experience them. Her mission is to help people manage dementia-related symptoms and create more positive interactions. Laura Wayman's work has been recognized with high evaluations from her audiences, and she continues to inspire and empower caregivers and families worldwide. www.laurawayman.com

Contact information: Laura Wayman The Dementia Whisperer
[email protected]
916-792-7512
3714 East Flintlock Dr, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
Dementia Aware Trainings | Buy My Book | laurawayman.com

Subscribe to Walks with Mom for more honest conversations that help families prepare, plan, and navigate aging with clarity and connection.

https://walkswithmompodcast.com/

Come with us as we explore what it means to navigate these years with our aging loved ones.

So grab a cup of coffee—or maybe a glass of wine—subscribe, invite your friends or family, and join us for Walks with Mom.

https://youtube.com/@walkswithmom

Special thanks to our Sponsor Amada Senior Care  Phoenix and the East Valley serving families and seniors in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, and the surrounding East Valley area. Accredited VA Provider (NPI # 1558048199) and Trusted resource for Long-Term Care Insurance Claims

Compassionate, personalized in-home senior care starts here – contact Amada Senior Care Phoenix and the East Valley today by phone at (480)999-5250 or visit us online to get started and give your loved one the support, dignity, and independence they deserve.
www.amadaphoenix.com

What happens when a life storm hits and your family is not prepared?

On this episode of Walks with Mom, Kim and Karren sit down with Scott Fisher, President of the Aging in Place Council, Phoenix Chapter, and a longtime advocate for helping older adults and families prepare for the realities of aging.

Scott brings a unique perspective to the conversation, from senior living and aging in place to his volunteer work with the Scottsdale Fire Department. Together, they explore what happens when aging catches a family off guard and why preparation can make all the difference.

Don’t Let the Haboob Hit You in the Face

Scott uses a very Arizona analogy to describe unexpected challenges in aging: the haboob.

Just like a massive dust storm can appear seemingly out of nowhere, families can suddenly find themselves facing changes in an aging parent’s health, memory, medications, mobility, or ability to safely live at home.

The question is not whether life storms will happen. It is whether we are prepared when they do.

Aging in Place and Home Safety

Scott shares an eye opening look at the growing impact of aging on our communities and first responders.

Through his volunteer work with the Scottsdale Fire Department, he has seen firsthand how frequently emergency crews are called to homes to assist older adults with falls and other medical needs.

These calls highlight an important conversation about aging in place, home safety, fall prevention, care planning, and supporting older adults at home.

Scott discusses a program designed to look beyond a single emergency and evaluate the bigger picture, including home safety, medical condition management, and the burden of care between generations.

In This Episode

• Why conversations about aging need to happen before a crisis
• What a Phoenix haboob can teach us about preparing for life's unexpected storms
• The growing demands aging places on families and first responders
• Why falls and repeated emergency calls can be warning signs
• The importance of home safety when aging in place
• How families can better prepare for changes in an aging parent
• The impact of caregiving responsibilities across generations
• Why being proactive can help families navigate aging with greater confidence

Aging is a normal part of life, but that does not mean families have to wait for a crisis before talking about it.

Join Kim, Karren, and Scott for a conversation about aging in place, senior care, home safety, caregiving, and preparing for the unexpected.

Because when it comes to aging, you may not be able to stop the storm, but you can be better prepared when it arrives.

About Scott Fisher

Scott Fisher is President of the Aging in Place Council, Phoenix Chapter, and is passionate about helping families navigate the challenges that come with aging. He also works with Options for Senior Living and volunteers with the Scottsdale Fire Department, bringing together senior care, community resources, home safety, and family support.

About Walks with Mom

Walks with Mom brings generations together for honest conversations about aging. Kim, a proud Gen Xer, and her mom, Karren, a proud Baby Boomer, tackle the difficult, funny, meaningful, and sometimes uncomfortable conversations families need to have about aging.

Because the best time to start talking about aging is before you need to.

Subscribe to Walks with Mom for more honest conversations that help families prepare, plan, and navigate aging with clarity and connection.

https://walkswithmompodcast.com/

Come with us as we explore what it means to navigate these years with our aging loved ones.

So grab a cup of coffee—or maybe a glass of wine—subscribe, invite your friends or family, and join us for Walks with Mom.

https://youtube.com/@walkswithmom

Special thanks to our Sponsor Amada Senior Care  Phoenix and the East Valley serving families and seniors in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, and the surrounding East Valley area. Accredited VA Provider (NPI # 1558048199) and Trusted resource for Long-Term Care Insurance Claims

Compassionate, personalized in-home senior care starts here – contact Amada Senior Care Phoenix and the East Valley today by phone at (480)999-5250 or visit us online to get started and give your loved one the support, dignity, and independence they deserve.
www.amadaphoenix.com

Dress for Your Life, Not Your Age with Lisa O’Hearn

On this episode of Walks with Mom, we’re talking style, confidence, aging, and why it’s never too late to reimagine your closet with personal stylist and community builder Lisa O’Hearn.

Lisa has spent more than a decade helping women create versatile wardrobes that reflect their lifestyle, personality, and budget. Her philosophy is simple: dress for your life, not your age.

We talk about why so many women get stuck in a clothing rut, how emotional our closets can become, and why sometimes it takes another person to help us see possibilities we never considered. Lisa shares how she helps women refresh their wardrobes, create more outfits from fewer pieces, and confidently step outside their comfort zones.

We also talk about the power of a 10-piece wardrobe, how a few key pieces can create dozens of looks, and why looking great isn't just about clothing. It’s about how you feel when you walk out the door.

Most importantly, Lisa reminds us that style doesn't have an expiration date. Whether you're heading to a grandchild's wedding, meeting friends for lunch, traveling, or simply wanting to feel good in your everyday life, your wardrobe should support the life you're living now.

Because getting older doesn't mean becoming invisible. You get to decide how you want to show up.

About Lisa O’Hearn

Lisa O’Hearn is a Personal Stylist, community builder, and connector who helps women reimagine their closets and redefine their personal style. For more than a decade, she has helped women create versatile wardrobes that reflect their lifestyle, budget, and personality. Lisa believes great style isn't about chasing trends or dressing for your age. It's about dressing for the life you're living and remembering that style has no age limit.

personal stylist for women, fashion over 50, fashion over 60, style over 50, style over 60, aging with confidence, dressing for your age, dress for your life not your age, women's fashion, personal style, closet makeover, closet refresh, wardrobe makeover, versatile wardrobe, 10 piece wardrobe, fashion and aging, confidence after 50, women and aging, lifestyle over 50, aging gracefully, Walks with Mom, Lisa O’Hearn

#WalksWithMom #LisaOHearn #PersonalStylist #StyleOver50 #StyleOver60 #FashionOver50 #FashionOver60 #AgingWithConfidence #AgingGracefully #PersonalStyle #WomensFashion #ClosetRefresh #WardrobeMakeover #DressForYourLife #WomenOver50

https://walkswithmompodcast.com/

Subscribe to Walks with Mom for more honest conversations that help families prepare, plan, and navigate aging with clarity and connection.

https://walkswithmompodcast.com/

Come with us as we explore what it means to navigate these years with our aging loved ones.

So grab a cup of coffee—or maybe a glass of wine—subscribe, invite your friends or family, and join us for Walks with Mom.

https://youtube.com/@walkswithmom

Special thanks to our Sponsor Amada Senior Care  Phoenix and the East Valley serving families and seniors in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, and the surrounding East Valley area. Accredited VA Provider (NPI # 1558048199) and Trusted resource for Long-Term Care Insurance Claims

Compassionate, personalized in-home senior care starts here – contact Amada Senior Care Phoenix and the East Valley today by phone at (480)999-5250 or visit us online to get started and give your loved one the support, dignity, and independence they deserve.
www.amadaphoenix.com