Life After 50 Show: Recent Episodes
Kathryn Watson
It's what you need to know!The second half of your life may bring new challenges and opportunities. We are here to help you navigate Medicare, caring for aging parents or a spouse, retirement options, new employment options, health challenges and so much more. Let us know what you want more information about and we will be happy to provide. Your host Kathryn Watson brings in experts in all areas to interview. Listen to real people who offer real advice about living life to the fullest in the Life After 50 Show.
Brought To You by Find Houston Senior Care
Join Karena Kink as we discuss what successful aging is. Karena has been working with and helping seniors age for over 12 years as a franchise owner of Always Best Senior Care in the Houston area.
we are joined today with Harsh Moolini, a neuroscientist who studies seniors. We will be talking about aging and how science and technology can make a difference for seniors.
- Circadian rhythms in aging
- Using science to make small behavioral changes every day
- Importance of meaningful social engagement
- The role technology can play in aging
Michele Buenger, RN, BSN, CSA is a Certified Senior Advisor® at the MatureWell Advocate, MatureWell Lifestyle Center with Chi St. Joseph. She is here to talk about the myths that surround aging. Chronic Disease is often part of the aging process but doesn't have to be. Michelle will be offering tips to help you get the most out of life even as you age.
Melissa Smith has been leading caregiver retreat in Houston, Canada and New Mexico. But now, with COVID-19 she and her team of volunteers had to get creative. Find out more about these online retreats. How they work and how to register. PS- They are free also. :-)
Jennifer Salazar with the Senior Medicare Patrol is back with important information about scams. Romance Scams are on the rise. And it may be due to the fact that so many people, especially seniors are feeling lonely right now. The COVID-19 Pandemic has caused may people to be quarantined. They are unable to connect in person with their friends and family. So when someone reaches out via the phone they are a prime target for these scams.
Learn what you need to look for and who you need to contact if you think you have been a victim.
I am joined today by Dr. Patel, a pharmacist in Houston Texas. We will be talking about anxiety. This is something a lot of people are experiencing as we are moving through this Pandemic called COVID-19.
Dr. Patel will talk about medications that work and ones you may want to avoid. he will also discuss some alternative methods to deal with your anxiety.
Tonja Moon spent years working with people who were dying. And she learned a lot about living!
Now she is helping hundreds of people get their health back by returning to a healthier weight. And the time could not be better. The pandemic has created a plethora of couch potatoes who have been overeating to the tune of about 16 extra pounds. And that can really put your health at risk. Tonja gives tips on how to Stay Lean in Quaranteen.
Today we are joined by Diana Nickoletsea the owner of two Residential Care Homes In Northeast Houston ( Atascosita) Diana is a nurse who has a passion for caring for seniors in need. Her small Licensed Assisted Living Residential Care Homes offer a comfortable home environment with plenty of care.
Residential Care Homes are 16 beds or less. This means you will usually have 1 caregiver taking care of 4 or 5 people. In larger facilities, the ratio is usually one caregiver for every 8 to 10 residents. There are times when a single caregiver in a nursing home may be charged with caring for as many as 16 people.
During this pandemic, there are a lot of reasons you will want to choose a smaller care home for your loved one.
The Life After 50 Show is happy to bring you information about Medicare to help. Our expert, Regina Wagner will be talking about Medicare and how it can cost you money if you do not plan correctly. Regina works with seniors to help them choose the right Medicare plan for them. we will be talking about when you need to join Medicare if you are still working at age 65. Other topics covered will include the medicare drug plan and also what Medicare will NOT pay for.
You do not want to miss this show. Sponsored by Find Houston Senior Care and the Senior Conference.
The Life After 50 Show brings a dementia expert to talk to you today. Right in the middle of this pandemic families are struggling with caring for someone with dementia. And they are doing it without the outside support they are used to having.
We are proud to welcome Teepa Snow. Teepa is a nationally recognized speaker, author, and an expert in dementia. She has wisdom and understanding to help family caregivers who are struggling. Teepa gives practical tips you can use to help yourself and someone you love.
Whether you are the day to day caregiver in your home or you are the care partner and advocate for someone in a facility you are feeling the effects of dementia and COVID-19 together.
Listen to this program to get some helpful tips.
On the Life After 50 show today we will be talking about anxiety. This show is sponsored by Find Houston Senior Care- Your One Stop For All Things Senior Care and Senior Living in the Houston area. Senior CareSince we are in the middle of the COVID-19 Pandemic when this show was recorded anxiety is an experience that has become all too common. I will be speaking with Dr. Kunal Patel, a pharmacist with Apteek Pharmacy.
We will discuss anxiety and how it is affecting many Americans today. Dr. Patel has information on both medications that can help and alternative solutions.
It is stressful enough for family caregivers when their senior loved one has to be moved to a long term care facility. But when you are no longer allowed to visit anxiety levels rise sharply. And with the COVID-19 Pandemic that is just what is happening. On top of that, the Ombudsman ( an advocate for the seniors in nursing homes and assisted living facilities) can no longer visit either. And while we all understand why, it doesn't make it any easier.
Greg Shelley with the Ombudsman Program in Harris County is here to talk about how he and his team of volunteers are still serving the seniors they are there to protect. If you have never heard of an Ombudsman you really need to listen to this program.
The Show is sponsored by Find Houston Senior Care- Your One-Stop Shop for all things senior care and senior-related. This website will help you to find a Small Assisted Living or Residential Care Home. Or if you want to stay in your own home please look at the Top 20 Home Care Agency List. And for more resources The Top 20 Professional List
If you or someone you love is over 60 these words are more important than ever. Besides the threat of COVID-19, you do not want to end up in the hospital for anything right now. Hospitals are running short on staff and supplies. Plus if you go in for something else you will be exposed to COVID-19 also. So let’s all stay home-stay safe and stay fit.
And we have some tools to help! Listen to my interview with Jake Tunney. Try out one of his exercise routines below and sign up on his website to get his entire program free while we are going through this crisis.
The Show is sponsored by Find Houston Senior Care- Your One-Stop Shop for all things senior care and senior-related. This website will help you to find a Small Assisted Living or Residential Care Home. Or if you want to stay in your own home please look at the Top 20 Home Care Agency List. And for more resources The Top 20 Professional List
Daryan Jones with Carepartners in Houston Texas is our guest today. She has a lot of ideas, resources, and suggestions for families caring for a senior right now. Her organization CarePartners has a focus on seniors with dementia. They have provided in-person programs for years in the Houston area. Thousands of families have been helped with their programs like Common Ground, The Gathering, and more. Now more than ever these families need support. So Carepartners has developed resources that can help seniors and their family caregivers weather this coronavirus storm together.
The Show is sponsored by Find Houston Senior Care- Your One Stop Shop for all things senior care and senior-related. This website will help you to find a Small Assisted Living or Residential Care Home. Or if you want to stay in your own home please look at the Top 20 Home Care Agency List. And for more resources The Top 20 Professional List
There are a lot of scams that target seniors. And now with coronavirus on the scene, there are some new ones. They target our most vulnerable population. And at a time when seniors are really frightened also.
Jennifer Salazar from the BBB is our guest today to talk about what new scams are targeting seniors, what to watch for, and how to avoid being a victim.
We are also spotlighting Mike Alexander, The Medicare Whisperer. Mike will talk to us about how to file for Medicare when the Social security offices are closed.
The Show is sponsored by Find Houston Senior Care- Your One-Stop Shop for all things senior care and senior-related. This website will help you to find a Small Assisted Living or Residential Care Home. Or if you want to stay in your own home please look at the Top 20 Home Care Agency List. And for more resources The Top 20 Professional List
Home Care and Home Health Care are two different services. But they are often used together. One will be paid for by Medicare and one you will have to pay for yourself. This episode will help you to understand what services you can expect from each.
The Show is sponsored by Find Houston Senior Care- Your One-Stop Shop for all things senior care and senior-related. This website will help you to find a Small Assisted Living or Residential Care Home. Or if you want to stay in your own home please look at the Top 20 Home Care Agency List. And for more resources The Top 20 Professional List
Suddenly your elderly Mom or Dad starts acting really strange. Their whole personality seems to have changed overnight. And you are just not sure what to do? Listen to this 2-minute podcast to get the answers you need.
The Show is sponsored by Find Houston Senior Care- Your One-Stop Shop for all things senior care and senior-related. This website will help you to find a Small Assisted Living or Residential Care Home. Or if you want to stay in your own home please look at the Top 20 Home Care Agency List. And for more resources The Top 20 Professional List
Your aging mom (or Dad) had a fall or maybe an illness put them in the hospital. Now they are in a Rehab Facility. Here is what you need to know and what you need to do.
The Show is sponsored by Find Houston Senior Care- Your One-Stop Shop for all things senior care and senior-related. This website will help you to find a Small Assisted Living or Residential Care Home. Or if you want to stay in your own home please look at the Top 20 Home Care Agency List. And for more resources The Top 20 Professional List
How to continue living in your own home even when life brings challenges. A discussion with Rosemarie Rossetti about creating a home with Universal Design. After an accident left her paralyzed, Rosemarie made it her mission to create designs that work for everyone, regardless of their size or ability.
The Show is sponsored by Find Houston Senior Care- Your One-Stop Shop for all things senior care and senior-related. This website will help you to find a Small Assisted Living or Residential Care Home. Or if you want to stay in your own home please look at the Top 20 Home Care Agency List. And for more resources The Top 20 Professional List
Life After 50 Show interviews Rita Losee, ScD, RN the author of Soaring Seniors- Stories, steps and strategies for living life full out in your 50's, 60's, 70's and beyond! At 76 years of age Rita says she has never felt better. Listen to this inspirational talk and find out how she stays so healthy, energized and full of life!
" I Visited Mom For The Holidays and Now I am Worried" Bring your questions and concerns. I will be interviewing Dr. Julie Kutac from The Alzheimer's Association
Dr. Kutac will discuss what signs you may have noticed that you should pay closer attention too. We will also discuss the difference between dementia symptoms and normal aging.
lifeafter50show
An attorney discusses what you need to know about estate planning and blended families.
Kiity Boitnott is a Career Transition Coach. She helps clients navigate the challenges of changing careers later in life.
Our guest is Sherry Rodriquez an attorney with McCulloch & Miller, PLLC
If you are trying to figure out how to pay for care for yourself or a loved one make sure you tune in.
A Few Questions that are answered today include:
What VA benefits do you help with? What is Aid & Attendance Pension Benefits?
What are the basics of the new VA regulations?
Who can qualify and what kind of amounts (ranges) are we talking about?
How can an adult son or daughter start the conversation with their mom and dad about long-term care planning or legal documents?
What resources do you have to help the education process?
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Open enrollment-Learn what it is, who needs to pay attention to this time period and what you should do.
We discuss techniques that help you to communicate more effectively with someone with dementia
If someone has dementia do you have to move them to a memory care facility? How do you know if they can stay in their own home?
And doesn't everyone have a little dementia when they get older. These are common questions that Dr. Julie Kutak hears every day. There is a lot of confusion about dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. This 10 minute podcast will help you to understand the difference.
This is a common misconception about Hospice. Lueata Evenson,LMSW will talk about the common myths of Hospice Care. Learn what Hospice is and who can be helped by a Hospice team. Lueata is the Director of Family and Support Services For Silverado Hospice
Dr. Julie Kutac, PHD- with The Alzheimer's Association of Southeast Texas discusses why women are at the epicenter of this devastating disease and what we can do about it. Dr. Kutac currently works as an Education Specialist for the Alzheimer's Association Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter.
Respite Care is what smart caregivers do to be the best caregiver they can be. We all need to take a break and caregivers need to learn that they are not invincible. Visit http:/./findhoustonseniorcare.com to get the help you need
This is a difficult decision for most families. We don't want to "give up" on the ones we love, but we also do not want to see them suffer. Lueata Evanson is a Hospice Social Worker with Silverado Hospice. In this podcast, she talks about how to know when the time is right. Hospice is a service that helps the whole family.
We always have to be ready in Houston for a Hurricane. We missed a bullet recently as tropical storm Bill kind of fizzled out. But next time we may not be so lucky. It is important to remember our seniors and help them be prepared in case of an emergency. What will you do? How will you prepare. David Hittler with At Your Side Home care has some suggestions.
This interview is with Lueata Evanson, a Hospice Social Worker with Silverado Hospice.Lueata Evenson, LMSW
Lueata Evenson obtained both her Bachelors of Social Work in 2004 and Masters of Social Work in 2006 from Wichita State University, Wichita Kansas. She is currently working towards attaining her LCSW; completing her supervision this summer. Lueata has enjoyed working with many populations during her professional years as a social worker. However, the last seven years with Hospice have been extremely fulfilling and rewarding. Currently, she is the Director of Family and Support Services with Silverado Hospice-North Houston.
Q- Can the Alzheimer's Helpline help my family? How? A- Kelly McCann, a representative with the Alzheimer's Association talks about the 24/7 helpline they provide. Find out about this valuable resource and how it can help you. Ask Kelly or another professional a Question. The answer will be emailed directly to you and will also be posted on this podcast to help others. http://findhoustonseniorcare.com/ask-professional/
Q- Can Music Therapy help someone with a brain injury? A- Pam Haynie, Music Therapist answers this question. Pam has be a music therapist for over 20 years and has seen the powerful effects music can have when treating patients with a traumatic brain injury. Ask Pam or another a professional your question. we will send the answer directly to you and we will also post it so others can benefit. http://findhoustonseniorcare.com/ask-professional/
Q- Mom and Dad need some help. I heard that Dad may be able to get a special benefit from the VA to pay for a caregiver in their home or for assisted living. Is this true and if so what are the rules to apply? A- Elder Law Attorney Elizabeth Hilbun, Hilbun Law Firm, Cypress,Texas answers this question. Elizabeth devotes a large part of her practice to help veterans and their families.
Q- My husband has early onset Alzheimer's Disease. Should I enroll him in a clinical trial? A- Kelly McCann, a representative with the Alzheimer's Association answers this question. Do you have a question for Kelly or another expert? The answer will be sent to you and posted on this podcast so others may get the answers they need. Go to this page. http://findhoustonseniorcare.com/ask-professional/
Q- Mom and Dad were married about 20 years and then divorced. They were married during the time he was at war. Dad has remarried but mom has not. Can Mom get his VA benefits? A- Elder Law Attorney, Elizabeth Hilbun, Hilbun Law Firm, Cypress,Texas answers this question. Elizabeth devotes a large part of her practice to working with veterans and their families.
Q There has been a lot of talk about music therapy lately and it's role in helping people with different types of dementia including Alzheimer's. What Exactly is Music therapy and how can it help someone with dementia? A- Ask a Professional asked Pam Haynie, owner of Medicine Music Production and a Music therapist for over 20 years, to answer this question. Pam regularly goes into nursing homes and memory care communities with her healing work. The results are often phenomenal!
Q- I have heard that sometimes dementia can be reversed. Is this possible? Can dementia be reversed?
A- Kelly McCann, a representative of the Alzheimer's Association joins us today to answer this question. Learn what signs to look for and what tests your doctor may need to perform to determine if your loved one's dementia can be reversed.
Q- A Friend suggested I take mom to her primary care physician and have a mini mental test to see if she may have the beginning stages of Alzheimer's Disease or some other kind of dementia. What is a mini mental test and should I take mom to have this test? A- Kelly McCann a representative with the Alzheimer's Association in Houston and Southeast Texas answers this question. Get the facts from someone who knows.
I am worried that mom may be being abused by the night staff. Can I put a nanny cam in her room? Here what Keri Graham, Elder Law Attorney has to say. Have a Question for Keri or another Elder Care Professional? Submit it here http://findhoustonseniorcare.com/ask-professional/
Mom is in good health but that could change tomorrow. Find out what age you should be when you get your documents in place. You may be surprised. Have a Question for Kim or another Elder Care Professional? Submit it here http://findhoustonseniorcare.com/ask-professional/
Listen to what Elder Law Attorney Kim Hegwood has to say about this important question. Making sure that your ducks are in a row when you have one parent who is ill is critical. Have a Question for Kim or another Elder Care Professional? Submit it here http://findhoustonseniorcare.com/ask-professional/
Q-We would really like to keep mom in her own home not a nursing home. Will medicaid cover home care and how do I apply?
A- Elder Law Attorney Kerri Graham with Graham and Theander Answers this question. She also explains the difference between medicare and medicaid.
Have a Question for Kerri or another Elder Care Professional? Submit it here http://findhoustonseniorcare.com/ask-professional/
She seems to be able to care for herself but we have noticed that she has been very forgetful. David Hittler, Certified Senior Advisor and the owner of At Your Side Home Care Northwest and The Woodlands helps you to understand what to look for and how to make sure your elderly mom stays safe.
A- We went to the Alzheimer's Association,Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter to speak with Kelly McCann to answer this question.
Kelly currently serves as Chief Program Officer for the Alzheimer’s Association, Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter, where she is responsible for all education, safety initiatives, family services, and early stage programs throughout a 37-county region of southeast Texas.
Q-Mom gets a pension along with her social security check? Total she gets about $3000. The only thing she owns is her home which is worth about $120,000. Can she qualify for medicaid and will she have to go to a nursing home. A-Kim Hegwood, Elder Law Attorney- answers this question.Focusing exclusively on elder law, asset protection planning, estate planning and related practice areas, Kim’s passion for family and care giving come through in her enduring relationships with her clients. Kim’s personal experiences, together with her mastery of the law, make Kim and the Hegwood& Associates family of attorneys uniquely qualified to help seniors, families and individuals plan for the future and cope during times of crisis. Kim understands what her clients are going through and dedicates herself to treating every client with the compassion and respect he or she deserves. Have a Question for Kim or another Elder Care Professional? Submit it here http://findhoustonseniorcare.com/ask-professional/
Mom has been on these anti anxiety medications for about 6 months and is doing fine now. I worry she is taking too many medications. Is it safe to stop this medication and should we?
Sharon Ragsdale,RN and owner of Cypress Assisted Living gives her advice. Sharon Ragsdale is uniquely qualified in the care of the elderly. She believes that old age should not be considered a threat, but instead, enjoyed.
Sharon is an RN and a Certified Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nurse with a Master of Science Degree in Nursing Education. Have a Question for Sharon or another Elder Care Professional? Submit it here http://findhoustonseniorcare.com/ask-professional/
Elizabeth Hilbun with The Hilbun Law Firm helps you understand the differences and why you need both. Find out what age you need to have these documents in place. Have a Question for Elizabeth or another Elder Care Professional? Submit it here http://findhoustonseniorcare.com/ask-professional/
You may have heard that a personal care home is a good place to move your elderly mom but what is it ? Is it right for your mom? Sharon Ragsdale, RN is the owner of Cypress Assisted Living. Sharon will help explain the differences between a personal care home, residential care home or small assisted living. Have a Question for Sharon or another Elder Care Professional? Submit it here http://findhoustonseniorcare.com/ask-professional/
Kerri Graham with Graham and Theander, Elder Law Attorney in Katy, Texas answers this question. Listen to what she has to say about medicaid eligibility in different states. Have a Question for Keri or another Elder Care Professional? Submit it here http://findhoustonseniorcare.com/ask-professional/
Sundowners is common in people with Alzheimers and other types of dementia. Sandi Heintz a Certified Senior Advisor explains sundowners and gives some great suggestions to help family caregivers handle this situation. Have a Question for Sandi or another Elder Care Professional? Submit it here http://findhoustonseniorcare.com/ask-professional/
I am just not sure that they are helping my elderly father. They are so expensive. Is it safe to discontinue them?
Registered Nurse Sharon Ragsdale with Cypress Assisted Living weighs in with her take on the situation. She talks specifically about the different medications and how they help. Have a Question for Sharon or another Elder Care Professional? Submit it here http://findhoustonseniorcare.com/ask-professional/
This is a common theme played out in many families these days. The loss of independence is a huge issue for seniors. David Hittler, Certified Senior Advisor and the owner of At Your Side Homecare Northwest and The Woodlands gives practical advice on how to handle this sticky situation.
Have a Question for David or another Elder Care Professional? Submit it here http://findhoustonseniorcare.com/ask-professional/
I have heard it is called shadowing but I can't even go to the bathroom in peace! Linda Knewston, Geriatric Care Manager with Livhome answers this question. She gives some helpful insight on what you can do to help control this behavior. Have a Question for Linda or another Elder Care Professional? Submit it here http://findhoustonseniorcare.com/ask-professional/
Certified Senior Advisor, Sandi Heintz answers this question. Sandi has a Masters in Public Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Policy and is a Certified Senior Advisor. She is current President of JCL Heintz Corporation dba Right at Home of Northwest Houston. In this capacity, she has the opportunity to stand in the gap and provide assistance to individuals who may need additional care to live as independently as possible. She is also a facilitator for the Powerful Tools for Caregivers course. This course helps family caregivers learn tools to make them a more effective caregiver and reminds them to properly care for themselves. Her life’s purpose is to demonstrate there is no greater love than to serve those who cannot do the same for you!