Focus on Seniors Radio hosted by Expert Home Care: Recent Episodes
Expert Home Care
Fast moving-show laser-focused on issues that impact seniors and their loved ones. Many folks in America want to stay home as long as possible. How do people achieve this desire safely? We will be talking to experts in the field of home care, benchmarking, reverse mortgages, concierge doctors, and much more to bring our listeners the inside story of what they need to know.
David Goodman, your host, welcomes Laura Sinderbrand to today’s episode. Laura is 94 years young and has had an amazing life, she is inspirational and full of knowledge. In this episode, she shares her perspective on home health care and what she thinks about when it comes to reaching out for this kind of care for herself.
Key Takeaways:
[1:30] Laura shares how she decided to seek home health care for herself.
[2:20] Laura talks about the experience she had with her husband in terms of home health care.
[4:07] Laura talks about the pros and cons of assisting living from her perspective.
[5:48] Laura shares why she does not consider living with her children as an option.
[6:43] Laura speaks about the importance of socializing with others who have similar education, background, and life experience.
[7:17] What types of solutions would Laura like to see available in her community?
[9:14] Laura shares some tips based on her experience aging.
David Goodman welcomes you to another episode of Focus on Seniors Radio. Today he is joined by Kelly McNamara, RN, LNHA who is a founding partner of Nightingale NJ. In her 35 years as an RN, Kelly practiced a variety of disciplines, but she found her calling in 1991 when she began working in a nursing home. Her passion led her to become a Nursing Home Administrator, so she could lead by example and inspire a shift in people’s perspectives on aging. In addition she is the Secretary of the New Jersey’s Aging Life Care Association.
In today’s episode, she shares her advocacy for aging citizens, with an emphasis on listening and supporting their needs with respect and accountability. Kelly also talks about her three steps process in approaching aging citizens in need of health care and how her company partners with other Home Health Care Agencies for the best benefit for each client.
Key Takeaways:
[:50] How did Kelly become the CEO of Nightingale NJ?
[3:23] Kelly talks about the core mission of Nightingale NJ.
[5:01] Kelly shares how her role as an advocate for the aging people worked in her favor.
[7:10] Kelly shares some examples of how it looks like to be an advocate for her clients.
[11:45] How is it helpful to have access to the client´s portals?
[14:50] Kelly shares about her three step process.
[18:33] How does Kelly’s company work with partners?
[21:44] It is necessary to manage people’s expectations of how health care is going to be.
Mentioned in this episode:
Expert Home Care
Nightingale NJ
Call (908) 452-6644
Aging Life Care Association
Learn more about Kelly McNamara
Email Kelly at kelly@nightingaleNJ.com
David Goodman, your host, welcomes David Dickie to today’s episode. David is the CEO and Founder of The Solutions Group, which is the largest insurance provider in the Home Health Care Industry. David shares today his expertise in regards to insurance when hiring a home health care agency; he dives deep into topics such as proof of insurance, ACORD certificate of insurance, pre-injury waiver of subrogation, COVID transmission, and even extends his advice in regards to insurance in the cases when the caregiver is also the one who drives the client.
Key Takeaways:
[:46] Davis talks about the origins of The Solution Group.
[2:19] Should a client ask for proof of insurance when signing up with a home health care agency?
[3:32] What an ACORD certificate of insurance should have?
[4:17] What happens if a caregiver gets hurt in the home of the client?
[6:23] What is a pre-injury waiver of subrogation?
[7:41] How are agencies using subrogation agreements?
[8:56] What happens if a caregiver is driving and an accident occurs?
[11:54] What are the best practices David suggests in terms of the car that the caregiver should drive?
[13:10] Can it be required that all caregivers show proof of being vaccinated for COVID 19?
[16:24] What happens if a caregiver gives the client COVID?
[18:17] David talks about COVID exclusions from insurance policies.
[19:05] David shares his perspective on the benefits of hiring a Home Health Agency against a private search for a caregiver.
Mentioned in this episode:
David Dickie on Linkedin
Email David Dickie at david@solg.net
The Solutions Group
David Goodman and Frank Esposito welcome you to another episode of Focus On Seniors Radio. In today’s episode, they would like to share some of the many Google reviews they have received throughout the many years they have been in business and explore in greater detail how those clients came to Expert Home Care and what the outcomes were.
Key Takeaways:
[:58] Frank read one of the reviews.
[1:50] What happens on the first day for families seeking home care for a loved one? How is the decision made?
[4:49] Choosing the right caregiver for each patient.
[5:44] What were the aspects that this family was concerned about at the beginning?
[10:20] David shares another review.
[10:56] Frank shares the details of this case.
[14:45] Talking about expectations with the family is one important step.
[16:03] David and Frank talk about the continuity of care.
[17:00] To provide peace of mind to the family is a priority at Expert Home Care.
[18:00] Dan shares a five-star review from a very satisfied customer.
[22:57] Expert Home Care’s staff know all our caregivers, they are a family.
Mentioned in this episode:
Expert Home Care on Linkedin
Call Expert Home Care at 1-800-848236
Expert Home Care Website
David Goodman, your host, is delighted to be joined by Lynn Paglia to today’s show. Lynn is the founder and president of Paglia Training Center which is dedicated to training caregivers, creating job opportunities, while connecting with families, and making a difference in their lives. Lynn explains in detail the differences between what agency training and a vocational school provide and she also sets apart the characteristics of working as a caregiver for an agency vs in a facility, among other interesting topics for caregivers and families.
Key Takeaways:
[:43] Lynn talks about her background and her motivation to open a training center for caregivers.
[1:09] When did the vocational center start?
[1:39] How many people have they trained so far?
[2:08] What is the difference between agency training and a vocational school?
[3:51] Lynn explains the cons and pros of working for a facility vs through an agency.
[6:28] Has it been an increase in the number of people interested in becoming caregivers?
[8:08] How is Paglia Training Center different from others?
[9:42] Paglia Training Center is dedicated passionately to provide quality aids.
[12:16] Flexibility and easy accessibility are the key factors that make Paglia Training Center unique.
[13:20] What is the difference between a companion (CNA) and a Certified Home Health Aid?
[14:28] What are the pitfalls of hiring a caregiver directly? What precautions need to be taken?
[16:40] What are the best practices that a facility should utilize to create a better onboarding experience?
[17:37] What is the cost of the program?
Mentioned in this episode:
Paglia Training Center.
Email Lynn Paglia at lynnpaglia@gmail.com or call (801)566-1220
David Goodman, your host, is joined by Annette Murphy director of Home Care and Care Management at Springpoint at Home. Annette is an Experienced Management Coordinator with a history of working in the hospital & health care industry. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Event Planning, Management, Fundraising, and Customer Service, she is a strong community and social services professional with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) focused in Human Development and Family Studies and Gerontology from Messiah College.
In today’s episode, Annette explains the role of an Aging Life Care Advisor, giving valuable examples and tips for adult children to navigate the difficult time of finding the right care for their loved ones.
Key Takeaways:
[:51] Annette talks about Home Care and Care Management at Springpoint at Home.
[1:10] Annette shares her background and career path.
[2:12] What is Aging Life Care advisory about? And how is it different from case management?
[3:49] Aging Life Care Advisors balance eight different areas.
[4:05] Annette gives an example of the average client referral.
[5:46] Annette shares a story on a basic home care case.
[9:02] What happens in the case that different family members have different opinions in regards to what is best for the client?
[9:44] Annette shares another example, this time on a more complex client referral.
[15:01] Annette explains what a Hoarding Institute is and what kind of training they provide.
[17:23] What is the typical cost for an ALCA (Aging Life Care Advisor)?
[19:13] Who pays for the services if traditional insurance doesn’t cover them?
[21:29] Annette extends her advice to adult children who have to act as caregivers for their parents.
[22:50] It takes a village to support each other and our elders.
[24:34] It is the little things that become the big things.
Mentioned in this episode:
Visit Home Care and Care Management at Springpoint at Home or call (609) 366-1900.
David Goodman welcomes Jamie Spielberg to today’s episode, she is the founder and president of Compassionate Eldercare Solutions. Jamie is a certified geriatric care manager specialized in helping families with aging parents. Compassionate provides all areas of care and management, including helping families create and file Medicaid applications as well as offering other senior care-related services.
In this episode, Jamie explains in detail what Medicaid and Medicare are and the services they provide. He also dives deep into the processes families need to go through to apply for any of these aids, including paperwork and criteria that must be met. From assisting living to home care options, Jamie is a wealth of knowledge in this field and is giving great tips to ease the journey for families looking for the best for their elders.
Key Takeaways:
[1:05] What is Medicaid and how can it help people in need?
[2:09] Jamie points up some differences between Medicaid and Medicare.
[4:22] As long as you have money, all you need is Medicare.
[4:57] What is the timetable to get qualified for Medicaid?
[6:41] Jamie gives tips for families to collect the necessary paperwork in advance.
[9:32] How is the approval process?
[13:12] What incomes should be taken under consideration?
[14:18] What about other assets the senior might have?
[15:15] What happens when the senior owns a house?
[18:57] What is the average amount of time that someone is on Medicaid?
[19:41] What are the criteria to qualify for an assisting living?
[20:32] What are the home health care options?
[22:44] When you are living at home you don’t have to give your income over to anybody.
Mentioned in this episode:
Compassionate Eldercare Solutions
Email Jamie at jds@eldercaresvs.com or call (201) 841-4155.
Welcome to another episode of Focus on Seniors presented by Expert Home Care. Your host, David Goodman welcomes Kamran Nasser to today’s episode. Kamran is the founder and president of AidQuest, a company that has developed the technology that can dramatically increase client and caregiver engagement and connection.
Key Takeaways:
[:53] Kamran shares a brief introduction about himself.
[5:01] A technology that provides a higher engagement level.
[7:00] What kind of results is Kamran getting from customers? What type of customer uses Aquest technology?
[10:12] What are the methods that agencies should have in terms of engagement?
[13:20] How does the platform that Kamran developed help to find a caregiver?
[17:14] Why certain agencies are reducing their marketing efforts?
[17:58] Kamran explains why an agency should always have a solid pipeline of customers coming in.
[19:57] Running a home care agency is a continuous hiring process.
[20:50] What distinguishes the technology that Kamran developed?
[23:40] Aquest provides a constant availability of chat personnel to start a conversation.
Mentioned in this Episode:
Expert Home Care
Email Kamran at Kamran@aidquest.com or call (650) 477-8125
AidQuest
In this episode, David Goodman is joined by Stephen Tweed, who is the President and CEO of Leading Homecare, he is an author, speaker, and expert in the home care space and overall, a good guy.
Stephen shares how he got involved in the industry of home care as well as his own experience with raising a child that is physically disabled and uses the services of home care on a daily basis.
Stephen assesses the question of how technology is going to change the home care industry and the innovations that would allow people to provide more effective services while running businesses more efficiently. Home care will always be a person to person kind of business, no technology can really disrupt the industry.
Ten thousand baby boomers a day are turning 65 and the demand for home care is only going to skyrocket through this next generation; unfortunately, caregivers are not rising in number, which brings a challenge to the home care industry. Stephen discusses the different possible approaches to solve this shortage of professional caregivers in the near future.
Stephen details what clients value in a home care company:
- Dependability
- Reliability
- Continuity of care
Stephen dives deep in the importance of continuing research to understand the trends in the home care industry in order for businesses to grow and be more effective.
Mentioned in this episode:
Leading Homecare
Conquering The Crisis: Proven Solutions for Caregiver Recruiting and Retention, Stephen Tweed
The dream of all entrepreneurs is to start a business, grow it beyond their own expectations, and then sell it for a tidy profit. David Goodman, president and founder of Careshyft, one of the nation’s leading Home Care providers, welcomes Kamran Nasser to this episode, who openly shares how he started and sold a Home Care Agency successfully.
Kamran started his own Home Care business in 2013, three years later Inc Magazine named Nuevacare one of the five fastest-growing private companies in America. Later, San Francisco Business Times and Silicon Valley Business Journal also named it one of the top 100 fastest-growing companies in those areas.
Kamran shares how he started in the Home Care Business with barely any background in the field, but looking for an industry that had growth potential. He began to learn the essentials about how to start a Home Care business by hiring Companion Connection senior care.
In the beginning, Kamran didn’t know he will end up selling the company, neither that the business will become so successful. He had a plan to grow the company as fast as possible while providing the best service to seniors, those two goals were the ones that brought opportunities, customers, and ultimately attracted potential buyers.
Kamran dives deep into how he dealt with a very competitive market, even when he was not prepared for it. Differentiation was the key feature that helped the company stand up among the other Home Care agencies in the area.
One of the biggest challenges for all Home Care businesses is to find onboarding caregivers, but Kamran realized that when the right systems and processes for recruiting and hiring are in place, the caregivers stay and bring more caregivers to the agency.
Kamran shares how his company got to the top lists of fastest-growing companies, he gives the tools to maximize exit strategies and points out the pitfalls to be aware of while selling a Home Care agency.
Mentioned in this episode:
Careshyft
Companion Connection Senior Care
David Goodman and Jeffrey Hatten are joined today by Frank Esposito, who has been in the Home Care business for over 30 years. The topic of today’s episode is the stress of being a long-distance caregiver, according to a study conducted by the National Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration with AARP, 15% of the estimated 34 million Americans who provide care to older family members can be considered long-distance caregivers, living one hour or more away from their relatives.
There are many concerns that long-distance caregivers have, and Home Care agencies are the ones offering solutions to make sure your loved ones are safe. Some families also opt for care management companies which usually can take care of doctors’ appointments (from scheduling an appointment to actually taking the senior to it), medication management, bill paying, groceries, and even home repairments when needed.
The situation with seniors can change rapidly, in only months they can lose their ability to take care of themselves and their homes, it is important to be attentive to the warning signs such as unpaid bills, household conditions, and the freshness of food in their kitchens.
What does Home Care provide for families?
- The ability to spend quality time with loved ones since daily chores are taken care of.
- Accompanying seniors to their medical appointments and advocate on their behalf.
- Safety checklist to make the house appropriate and safe for the senior.
Resources for Seniors who do not have a community that can assist them or the financial ability to afford home care:
- Most counties have an Office On Aging which provides several options in programs for seniors.
- Veterans benefit (Aid and Attendance Program) can cover over $30,000 per year.
- Consider a Nursing Home.
- Medicaid services-
- Meals On Wheels provide more than just food by keeping an eye on our loved ones and even to their pets.
- A reverse mortgage or life insurance can ease access to capital in order to get the needed care.
Mentioned in this episode:
Frank Esposito CSA on Linkedin
Expert Home Care
VA Aid and Attendance Program and Other Pensions for Aging Veterans
Office on Aging
Meals On Wheels
David Goodman and Jeffrey Hatten are joined by Frank Esposito to this episode, he is a renowned senior expert who has been working in the home care space for over 30 years.
In this episode the complexity of the medication management for seniors is addressed, having under consideration that 85% of people over the age of 80 are trying to manage more than one chronic illness at the time.
There is a certain complexity in how medications are supplied and the compliance of the patient is crucial. We need to educate our seniors and their families that they just can’t skip a dose. David, Jeffrey, and Frank discuss the vital importance of a caregiver next to a senior to really prevent consequences coming from the noncompliance with medications, they also dive deep into the resources that are offered to facilitate this process.
These are some actionable tips to help a senior with medication management:
- Set up a pill tray system.
- Set up a phone reminder.
- Download an app to compare medication prices, as it is GoodRx
- Check Online Pharmacies
- Use an electronic dispenser when the patient is compliant.
Mentioned in this episode:
GoodRx
Frank Esposito CSA on Linkedin
Expert Home Care
David Goodman and Jeffrey Hatten welcome Frank Esposito to this episode, he is a nationally known senior care expert, who has been in this business for over 30 years.
Today’s episode is dedicated to a difficult topic which is the time when we need to decide whether we should take the car keys away from an elderly loved one; sometimes motivated to a danger that has already happened or any other cases trying to prevent an accident that can occur.
Our parents were the ones giving us the keys when we were 16 years old and the time comes when it is our turn to face them with the reality that they are no longer suited to keep on driving, often they won´t agree with us, and that is why David, Jeffrey, and Frank are diving deep into the subject to provide the necessary information for you to prepare yourself and act responsibly and creatively with your loved one.
Sensory debilitation and loss of mental sharpness, most of the times, are the reasons why it becomes a necessity for a senior to stop driving, Frank shares how introducing Uber to his own father at the right time allowed him to keep his freedom to a certain extent; but technology can turn into a hassle for seniors most of the times, they need us to take the time to really explain how it functions.
Here are some practical tips you can put into action when needed
WHAT TO DO ABOUT TAKING THE CAR KEYS FROM MOM OR DAD
- Be prepared to have multiple conversations. Don’t look upon it as a one-shot deal.
- Start with appropriate conversation openers. Rather than tell a parent that “you need to stop driving,” it is more effective to begin by talking about the importance of safety and health, other options that may be available to help them get around, the dangers of certain road situations, etc.
- Use mishaps or near misses, self-regulation, or health changes as a lead-in. For example, praising a senior for choosing to limit her driving to day time or discussing how the taking of a new medication may make them sleepier or less alert should be considered.
- Observe the senior at the wheel. A conversation has far more meaning when the senior’s driving is experienced first hand. Studies have shown that people are more willing to listen to those who have driven with them.
- Investigate the alternatives to driving. Is there a bus or train line? Are there friends or relatives who can provide them with a ride? Can the children increase their visits?
- Discuss your concerns with a doctor. A recommendation to stop driving that comes from the senior’s doctor usually carries more weight than when heard from the adult children.
- If there is initial resistance, suggest that the older adult be tested for an assessment of their driving skills.
- Be supportive. Adult children need to understand that this is more than just the loss of their car, but a clear blow to their freedom and independence.
- What if all these steps fail to get the desired response? Experts say that if a high-risk driver refuses to stop driving, the family may have no choice but to sell or disable the car or file down the keys.
Mentioned in this episode:
Frank Esposito CSA on Linkedin
Expert Home Care
Senior care experts: David Goodman and Jeffrey Hatten, welcome you to the first episode of Focus on Seniors Podcast, where along with their guests, they will deliver important information and a dose of inspiration on matters related to seniors and their families.
Jeffrey Hatten is joined by Angelo Spinola, he is an attorney and shareholder with the International Law Firm Littler Mendelson, the largest labor and employment law firm in the world, that has one of the largest practices in the home care industry as well. Angelo is a former caregiver who transitioned into the law career which gave him a unique perspective on this matter.
During this thoughtful conversation you will hear about:
- The challenges that small independent providers face to comply with regulations and requirements.
- Why there are no unions in the caregiver’s industry?
- The fragmentation of the home care industry.
- How Home Care Agencies can avoid Wage and Hour Class Action Lawsuits
- Home Care tool kit: a method to help companies to reclassify employees and manage a non-exempt workforce.
- How the Home Care industry can approach the caregiver crisis.
Mentioned in this Episode
Angelo Spinola
Littler Home Care Toolkit
Email Angelo Spinola at aspinola@littler.com or call (404) 760-3921
Welcome to the inaugural episode of Focus on Seniors presented by Expert Home Care, here you will hear interesting guest perspectives and thought-provoking discussions. Your hosts, David Goodman and Frank Esposito have over 70 years of combined expertise and will be sharing thoughts and tips for seniors and their families, getting to the heart of what families need to know as their loved ones age.
Frank Esposito is a Certified Senior Advisor who has been a home care pioneer for over 30 years, in addition to being an expert in the home health care industry. David Goodman is also a true pioneer in the industry and he has dedicated his life to helping seniors. He is a fantastic business entrepreneur and entered the home care industry at the age of 23. He was recognized as one of the top 40 people under 40 in New Jersey by Crain’s Business Magazine. David is the co-author of The Road to Success with Jack Canfield (the famous author of Chicken Soup for the Soul).
Frank and David have known each other for their entire business life! Enjoy thoughtful conversations about caring for seniors as they deserve it, brought from the experts aiming to guide you in tough moments.
Key Takeaways:
[2:47] Frank talks about the first contact phone call with a family that seeks home health care.
[4:42] Finding the right match between a caregiver and a family.
[6:50] What is the purpose of having a home assessment?
[8:31] Frank talks about the importance of being good listeners.
[8:50] What kind of experience do the caregivers in New Jersey have?
[10:39] How much experience is required of a caregiver?
[11:56] The nurse conducts a patient assessment and from it, creates a care plan.
[14:15] Frank explains the follow-up process to find out if the caregiver is meeting the needs of the care plan.
[14:58] What are the requirements expected to be met by a caregiver?
[17:01] Frank talks about the protocols in relation to COVID.
Mentioned in this Episode:
Expert Home Care