My Care Advisors
Listen in to inform, inspire and help older adults and caregivers navigate the wonderful, yet at many times, challenging journey of aging. You will hear from senior care advisors, aging specialists, and other leading experts as they shine a light on topics that are important to older adults and caregivers, and we’ll also provide resources, tips and tools that will help you make informed decisions along the way.
Episodes
Thursday May 04, 2023
The Importance of Estate Planning
Thursday May 04, 2023
Thursday May 04, 2023
Did you know that the majority of adults believe estate planning is important? However, only one-third have actually created one.
Estate plan documents help guide your family members and loved ones to understand and carry out care and end-of-life wishes. Most importantly, they help reduce the family burden and stress that may be caused during a time of crisis.
Listen in as we explore what is an estate plan and the steps to take to ensure your estate and care wishes are documented. Topics include:
What is an estate plan, and why is it important to have in place, especially for older adults
Documents that make up a basic estate plan
When estate plan documents are especially important and when they may not apply
Other documents/legal issues that are important to consider
Estate Planning myths
How to start the conversation with your older loved ones
Considerations when hiring an attorney and the typical process
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.
Thursday Apr 20, 2023
Hospice: Myths, Facts & New Options
Thursday Apr 20, 2023
Thursday Apr 20, 2023
Did you know that hospice and end-of-life services focus on the care and comfort of individuals who are currently living with a serious illness and choose not to continue treatment? Yet, only half of all Medicare beneficiaries use their hospice benefit.
It is important for older adults facing a serious, life-limiting illness to understand the facts and options available that can help families and caregivers be better prepared.
Get insights into the myths and facts about hospice care, including considerations for selecting a hospice or end-of-life service provider. Topics include:
The most common myths about hospice
Ways hospice supports individuals and families with life-limiting conditions
Where services can be provided, such as Assisted Living and Memory Care
Additional end-of-life care options, including the services of an End-of-Life Doula
Tips for caregivers to start the conversation about the end-of-life wishes of their loved ones
Helpful resources and considerations for older adults and caregivers to keep in mind when selecting hospice and end-of-life care providers
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.
Thursday Apr 06, 2023
Paying for Assisted Living
Thursday Apr 06, 2023
Thursday Apr 06, 2023
Paying to reside in an Assisted Living community is likely a major consideration when selecting the right care solution for yourself or a loved one. If you're struggling to decipher how much assisted living costs, you're not alone.
Up-front, monthly, and a la carte prices vary greatly depending on several factors, including the size of the assisted living facility, the types of services offered, and the amount of care you require.
Listen in to learn more about how to start important financial conversations and information to help navigate paying for Assisted Living services. Topics include:
Services that are typically provided when residing in Assisted Living
Average cost of living in an Assisted Living Community across the U.S.
Factors that may impact overall Assisted Living costs
Ways to pay for Assisted Living
Financial considerations to be aware of when selecting an Assisted Living community
How to start the conversation with a family member about being financially prepared
Helpful tips and resources for older adults and caregivers
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.
Thursday Mar 23, 2023
Aging in Place? Why Home Modifications are Important
Thursday Mar 23, 2023
Thursday Mar 23, 2023
Most older adults indicate they would like to remain in their homes as they age. However, they most likely have not considered the modifications needed to ensure their home is suitable for “aging in place.” The reality is that many homes are not designed for individuals to safely age in place, especially when living with a chronic condition or mobility impairment that impacts activities of daily living (bathing or showering, dressing, getting in and out of bed or a chair, walking, using the toilet, and eating).
Home modifications may be needed to maintain as much independence as possible. Listen in as a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist shares her insights on aging in place and how home modifications support safety and independence. Learn more about:
What aging in place means
What is meant by the term clinical home modifications
The areas of the home to assess for improved safety as one ages
Modification recommendations for different areas of the home, including the entryway bathroom and kitchen
Helpful tips and resources that support aging in place
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.
Wednesday Mar 08, 2023
The Benefits of a Living Estate Sale
Wednesday Mar 08, 2023
Wednesday Mar 08, 2023
As the baby boomer population continues to age, the need for quick, easy personal property sales continues to escalate, especially when preparing to downsize or move to a senior living community. This time can be a stressful one, particularly when years of saved “treasures” are factored into the equation.
Listen in as an Estate Sales professional shares her insights on living estate sales, planning considerations, resources and more. Tune in to learn about:
Understanding what a “living” estate sale is and how the process works
Tips on timing for when to consider having a living estate sale
Considerations for when to start planning for a sale
The role of Blue Moon Estates Sales professionals in supporting older adults and family members throughout the living estate sales process
Next steps for caregivers to support a loved one in the process of letting go of their treasures to help with their care transition
Resources older adults and caregivers should consider in the process of downsizing
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.
Thursday Feb 23, 2023
Assisted Living Communities vs. Nursing Homes - What are the differences?
Thursday Feb 23, 2023
Thursday Feb 23, 2023
Along the journey of aging, finding the right care solution can be confusing and overwhelming. Understanding the differences between care settings, including assisted living and nursing homes, can help older adults and caregivers find the right solution to meet their specific needs.
Learn more about assisted living communities and nursing homes, including the different services provided and how such services can benefit the care needs of your loved one. Tune in to learn more about:
Main differences between an assisted living community and a nursing home
Types of assisted living communities, the typical services/amenities, average costs and ways to pay for services
Typical services offered in a nursing home, the average costs associated with care and ways to pay for care
Tips for caregivers to start the conversation if additional support is needed to meet the care needs of their loved one
Questions older adults and caregivers should ask their doctor or healthcare professional to better understand the best care solution to meet their needs
Resources for older adults and caregivers to review when selecting a care solution, whether it is an assisted living community or a nursing home
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.
Thursday Feb 09, 2023
When is the Right Time to Consider Memory Care?
Thursday Feb 09, 2023
Thursday Feb 09, 2023
Did you know that approximately 55 million people are living with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias worldwide? For many who are living with AD or dementia, additional care may be needed as the disease progresses to help keep individuals safe. It is important to be prepared and know care options to best meet the needs of a loved one.
Get a deeper look into Memory Care services and how they can support your loved one’s well-being, including differences from other services, costs and resources for selecting the best care option. Listen in to learn more about:
What is Memory Care and the services that are typically provided for individuals receiving this care
Differences between Memory Care services and Assisted Living
Who can benefit from the services provided in Memory Care and the typical diagnoses of those who are receiving Memory Care services
The average cost to receive Memory Care across the US and ways to pay for services
Signs or factors to take into consideration as to when and if Memory Care is the right option for a loved one
Questions older adults and caregivers should ask their doctor or healthcare professional regarding whether Memory Care is appropriate for their condition
Resources for older adults and caregivers to access when selecting a Memory Care provider
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.
Thursday Jan 19, 2023
A Parent’s Passing: Lessons Learned from a Daughter and Senior Care Professional
Thursday Jan 19, 2023
Thursday Jan 19, 2023
Along the journey of caregiving, one may encounter many paths—some are filled with empathy and growth and others with doubt and guilt. All of these emotions and changes are part of a bigger conversation that, when shared with your loved one, may lead to better care and a better quality of life.
Tune in for a deeper dive into caregiving, including lessons learned along the journey of caring for a loved one, resources to support your loved one’s healthcare and end-of-life wishes and tips to get the conversation started about care needs and important end-of-life decisions. You will hear about the following:
Lessons learned while navigating the care journey of a loved one
Important considerations to have when thinking of end-of-life care wishes or in case of a health emergency of a parent or loved one
Tips to help start the conversation regarding care wishes with a loved one
Helpful resources for older adults and caregivers to navigate end-of-life care wishes
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.
Thursday Jan 05, 2023
A New Year’s Resolution: Address Caregiver Guilt
Thursday Jan 05, 2023
Thursday Jan 05, 2023
Whether you become a caregiver gradually or all of a sudden due to a crisis, many emotions surface when you take on the job of caregiving. All of your emotions, good and bad, about caregiving are not only allowed but valid and important.
Caregiver guilt can emerge when there is a belief that you are falling short in any or all roles and relationships are suffering from trying to juggle multiple tasks and roles simultaneously. Also, families and caregivers frequently may experience guilt associated with selecting care options for the parent or loved one.
Listen in as we explore ways to resolve caregiver guilt by living each day through the lens of your aging loved one and steps one can take to help free oneself from the guilt associated with care options. You will hear about the following:
What is caregiver guilt
The signs and symptoms of caregiver guilt
Steps caregivers can take to cope with caregiver guilt
Who to consult for help in addressing caregiver guilt
How Local Senior Care Advisors help support caregivers and older adults, especially during care transitions that help address caregiver guilt
Helpful resources for older adults and caregivers to help address caregiver guilt
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.
Thursday Dec 15, 2022
Living with Gratitude: The Important Role of Family Caregivers
Thursday Dec 15, 2022
Thursday Dec 15, 2022
It is estimated that 44 million Americans provide 37 billion hours of unpaid, “informal” care each year to adult family members and friends with chronic illnesses or conditions that prevent them from handling daily activities such as bathing, managing medications or preparing meals on their own.
For caregivers, providing care for an older adult can often present difficult challenges. Stressors associated with caring for an older adult with complex health issues, such as declining physical and/or mental capacity and care-related expenses, can cause a shift in personal life priorities that can be emotionally and physically difficult. Numerous studies have explored how gratitude can positively affect one’s well-being.
Listen in as we explore the important role caregivers play and how an 'attitude for gratitude' can make a positive difference. You will hear about the following:
Who are caregivers?
Roles that caregivers play in supporting family members' and older adults' care needs
Factors that impact caregiving roles and demands, especially when caring for an older adult.
The role of certified senior advisors or senior care advisors in supporting caregivers and older adults, especially during care transitions.
Steps that caregivers can take to help manage stress and foster a sense of gratitude.
Helpful resources for older adults and caregivers to learn more about managing stress and living with gratitude.
To view resources, show notes and access more My Care Advisors episodes, visit mycareadvisors.com. We are grateful to be your guide.
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Whether you are an aging adult or a caregiver, you should never feel alone in this journey. We are here for you.