Great Creative Gifts for Your Aging Parents

At this point in their lives your parents are getting rid of things so the last thing they need is more stuff! So what do you get them that's something they'll want and not just more clutter? In this show, Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen and I will be giving you all kinds of great creative gift ideas to make the holidays joyful and last all year.

Healing the Rifts of Family Relationships

Family transitions can be overwhelming, and one of the most painful is the inevitable role reversal that occurs when our parents can no longer care for themselves. Phyllis Goldberg and Rosemary Lichtman will provide field-tested techniques that will help you find solutions to the family challenges you are facing. The topics we'll cover include how to let go of control and illusions, evaluate emotional strengths and community resources, communicate with siblings and care for the caregiver. We'll also discuss the ways to strengthen bonds with elders through exercises in forgiveness, gratitude and savoring.

Senior Living Communities -- What Are They Anyway?

You and your family may have decided that a senior living community is the best option but there are a lot of questions to be answered first. For example: What are the requirements about moving in? What if they need more care? Is there a point when they might have to move out? What are the costs and what do those costs include? In this program, Laurene Hartman from Sunrise Senior Living of East Brunswick, NJ and Janice Murphy of Westchester Meadows, a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Valhalla, NY will answer all your questions. A must-not-miss program!

How Siblings Can Survive Their Parents' Aging

If you are caring for an aging parent, you know that often sibling issues can be more difficult than eldercare issues. Your siblings can be there for you like no one else - or they can drive you crazy and make everything harder. How can you make your family work together now? In this program, Francine Russo, author of the upcoming book THEY'RE YOUR PARENTS, TOO! will provide psychological and practical tips to help you through this life-changing family transition.

Is It Simple Forgetfulness or the Real Thing - Part 2

Are you noticing increased forgetfulness in a loved one - or you? Are you worried that it might be early signs of Alzheimer's? In Part 1 of this program, we looked at what dementia is - and isn't, other causes of forgetfulness, and how to get it diagnosed. In Part 2 we will look at how to help someone with dementia stay connected, how to cue their memories, and how to help them stay as independent as possible for as long as possible. You won't want to miss this program.

Is It Simple Forgetfulness or the Real Thing - Part 1

Are you noticing increased forgetfulness in a loved one -- or you? Are you worried that it might be early signs of Alzheimer's? If not dementia, what are some other causes of increasing forgetfulness? What is dementia anyway? And how do you find the right person to give you the right diagnosis? This show will give you the answers you need.

Making Mom's Move Easier

Moving from one living situation to another is stressful for anyone. It's even more so for an elderly person because a move later in life is not just another move. And if they're not moving, then making their current home more "user-friendly" can be critical to their well-being. Fritzi Mazzola Gros-Daillon of TransitionsUSA.com, personal assistant and move coordinator, will share the information we all need to make this very difficult transition easier for everyone.

How to Be Happy to 102

Everybody knows that people will live a lot longer in the future. As important as it is to live a long time, it is more important to live happily and well. Now seniors can live graciously as long as they plan their lives around the prospect of living to 102 and beyond. Join us and learn how!

How to be an Advocate for Your Aging Loved One

A painful source of family anxiety and strife is what to do with an elderly parent when they can no longer remain in their homes and require long-term care. There are many alternatives available, from an adult day care center to a nursing home, but that decision is only the beginning. Learn how to be your loved one's advocate so you can assure your loved one gets the ongoing care they need and deserve.

Elders that Hoard - and What To Do About It

Many elderly people deal with hoarding and may have had a life-time of accumulating stuff that gradually got worse as they got older. Most of the time, their adult children are aware of the problem but don't know what to do. In this program, we look at some of the reasons why the elderly hoard and, more importantly, what to do about it.

Managing the Paper Before it Overwhelms You

It's easy to be overwhelmed by paperwork, no matter how old or young you are. Paperwork, however, is essential to day-to-day living, elderly care, seniors' retirement, and planning for your parents' future health care. In fact, one of the biggest concerns family members have is whether their parents' day-to-day bills are getting paid, insurance premiums are up-to-date, and financial and legal matters are in order. That's why I've invited Rebecca Eddy of Eddy & Schein In-Home Administrators for Seniors to answer questions about how to help you manage your parents' paperwork before it gets out of hand.

A Largely Unknown Veterans' Benefit - Worth Knowing About

The Veterans' Administration offers an Improved Pension with Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit that is largely unknown. Unfortunately, this most important benefit is overlooked by many families with Veterans or surviving spouses who need additional monies to help care for ailing parents or loved ones. That's why I'm so delighted to have Debbie Burak of www.VeteranAid.org on the show to tell you everything you need to know about this "pension benefit" that is not dependent upon service-related injuries for compensation. With money tight for most of us these days, you can't afford to miss this show.

Journaling Saves Lives

Why journal? Writing relieves stress. Writing gives perspective and restores sanity. Writing is a lifeline as well as a record. Writing saves lives. Do not underestimate its power. According to research conducted at universities across the country, journaling "reduces feelings of powerlessness. . . and enhances mental stability." That's why I'm so delighted to have Lynn Goodwin, author of "You Want Me To do What?" with us to discuss journaling for eldercare givers - what to do and how to do it.

Surviving Eldercare

Many of us -- especially Baby Boomer women -- have been raised to believe our job is to take care of our family's needs, including those of our aging parents. It's easy to lose sight of ourselves during the process of caregiving. We so often feel that we shouldn't complain. After all, they're our parents and we have a duty to them. Finding the balance between eldercare and the rest of our lives is critical. That's why I'm so delighted that life coach and writer Ellen Besso will be joining us to help us understand how eldercare affects every aspect of our life -- and how to find the balance.

Learn the Meaning of Life in Just One Hour

Wow. Did that get your attention? Our guest certainly will. Anthony Cirillo is a healthcare consultant who fell into a mission for seniors through singing. His thousands of performances in nursing and assisted living residences have given him a unique perspective on life and long-term care. He’ll share insights into what he has learned from elders about leading a quality life and a balanced life, a message enormously important for caregivers and one he has shared with numerous caregiver groups in his motivational keynote “The Meaning of Life.” The genesis of that keynote was his book Who Moved My Dentures? A human interest book, it dispels myths about long-term care facilities -- not places to die but places to live another chapter of your life. Check him out at www.AnthonysSong.com

Why & How to Avoid Guardianship or Conservatorship

I just cringe when people say to me "If my mother won't cooperate, I'll just go to court and become her guardian. Then she'll have to do what I say." The fact is, a guardianship or conservatorship should always be the option of last resort. So I've invited Leanna Hamill, an elder law specialist, to explain what a guardianship is; what a conservatorship is; what they cost; the procedure; what happens after guardianship is approved (reports to be filed, yearly accountings); what can happen to the family dynamic as a result of petition; and lots more.

Senior-izing Your Home

Rebecca Stahr, Certified Active Adult Specialist in Housing, consults and markets livable lifetime homes for all ages, but especially for the benefit of largest segments of the population -- the 50+ market. Her experience as a housing design and marketing expert for features that deliver quality of life for every environment will have you longing to know what features can deliver comfort and convenience for you at every price range that can be yours now, and for a lifetime. You will learn how home features can move to you, rather than you having to move to enjoy a home through life cycle changes, or for any reason. To have the home of the future today, Rebecca talks about how your home can bring a lifetime of value -- the easy living way. www.lifespringenvirons.com

Pre-Planning a Funeral -- Making a Decision Before There's a Need

Making difficult decisions is pretty much the last thing you want to do at one of the most difficult and emotional times of your life (and the decisions you make will last forever). But unless you plan and prepare well in advance, that's what you'll have to do. Anthony A. Capogna, Funeral Director at Gutterman's Inc., will discuss everything you need to know so that you can make all the decisions before there's a need. And not just the obvious decisions but all the "social" decisions as well. www.Guttermansinc.com

Pooled Income Trusts -- Pay Your Bills, Protect Your Assets, and Live at Home

A Pooled Income Trust pays your bills (e.g., rent, utilities, telephone, medical costs, etc.) and qualifies you for Medicaid-funded home care. A proper Elder Plan will protect your assets from Medicaid's reaches. A proper Pooled Income Trust will protect your income from disqualifying you from Medicaid-funded home care. Jeffrey A. Asher, owner and manager of the Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Asher, PLLC will tell you how to stay at home and keep your income while under Medicaid. Trust me - you don't want to miss this program! www.AsherLawFirm.com. (914) 412-5283; (888) 720-2122

Reverse Mortgages -- The New Retirement Strategy What You Need To Know

For some, the equity in a home just might be the key to obtaining a secure financial future as our aging loved ones live out their golden years. But, as with anything, there are pitfalls. Dennis Haber, Esq., author of Piggy Bank Your Home - Tap Into The Power of a Reverse Mortgage, will help you consider all of the options so you can help them make the right decision. Some of the topics he will cover are: What is a Reverse Mortgage; Basic Concepts of a Reverse Mortgage; Out of Pocket Costs; Eligibility Requirements; and much more. www.piggybankyourhome.com. Company Website: www.consumerequity.com

Your Aging Loved One Is In the Hospital -- Now What?

From the very first day your aging loved one enters the hospital, you need to start planning for the day they get out. Jen Devine will cover the who, what, when and all the options of hospital discharge planning. This is a program you can't afford to miss. www.CaringPeopleInc.com JenniferDevine@CaringPeopleInc.com

The End Time -- A Personal Story and Tribute

I've changed the program because here at my mother's END TIME -- and mine with her -- I want to share this with you. Don't worry -- it won't be morbid or maudlin -- just a time to share. This show is a Personal Story & Tribute, in dedication to my mother, who passed away. If you recently suffered the loss of your loved one, or are currently going through your own grieving process, then you don't want to miss this show.

Medicare -- Answers You Can Understand

So much has been written and reported about Medicare. How much do you really understand? Enough to help your aging loved one navigate the maze? With everything that's going on with Medicare, we all need someone who can actually explain it in a way that makes sense! That's why I hope you will join us when our special guest will be Eric Hausman. Eric will be giving us everything we need to know about Medicare. He'll answer questions such as Who is eligible? Do all providers accept Medicare? Do you need to apply or is it automatic? What preventive services does Medicare cover? Are there programs that can help pay the Part B premium? Who is eligible? How do you apply?

Your Elder Law Questions Answered

Are you ever confused by all the legal questions that come up as an eldercare provider? In this show we're going to sort it all out! Yale Hauptman, Elder Law Attorney, answers questions such as What is an "Elder Law Attorney" and why you should use one; How to help your aging loved ones address long term legal planning; What are the most important legal documents you should have; Is there a way that you can help keep a loved one in their own home so they can stay out of a nursing home; What happens if their aging loved one hasn't signed a power of attorney and health care directive and can't any longer . . . what then; And lots more! www.elderlawtodaypodcast.com. www.hauptmanlaw.com

Successfully Communicating Through the Emotions

Are you trying to help your parents only to crash into a wall of resistance and/or an explosion of emotions way out of proportion to what you think is appropriate to the situation? Are your parents' emotions preventing them from making the critical decisions that will allow them to resolve their eldercare issues by choice, not crisis? Do you lie awake nights worrying about what will happen if they can't get through the emotions and hear what you're saying? If so, you won't want to miss this show! Learn The 5 stages of "pre-grieving"; How emotions get in the way of making good decisions -- or any decisions; Specific tactics to help your aging loved one successfully navigate through each stage so they can resolve their eldercare issues by choice, not crisis. and reduce your own stress and frustration.

Breaking the Code to Communicating With Your Aging Parents

Ever wish you had a "magic key" to unlocking the code to successfully talking with your aging parents? You know . . . the thing that will help you avoid smashing into the "eldercare iceberg"? If you want -- in fact, need -- to talk with your aging parents about eldercare issues, then you will need to adapt your communication style to theirs. Once you break the code and figure out where they are coming from as a generation, you will have that "magic key". Sounds great but how do you do that? Listen to this show and learn who your parents really are, how they view the world, and how to adapt your communication to how they think so you can successfully resolve your eldercare issues and reduce your own stress and frustration.

Who's Your Daddy?

Ever wonder why sometimes, when you say something to your parents they look at you like you're crazy? Or worse yet - take your meaning completely opposite to the way you intended? How is it possible that a perfectly innocent question, comment or suggestion can create such a fire storm? Over the years you may have been okay with just keeping your conversations with your parents casual. But when you're trying to help your parents anticipate and/or resolve their eldercare issues, you just can't let the matters pass. It is human nature to think other people think the way we do. This is especially true of our parents. After all . . . they're our parents! Unfortunately, between Baby Boomers and their parents, that's just not true. In this show, learn who your parents really are, how they view the world, and how to adapt your communication to how they think so you can successfully resolve your eldercare issues and reduce your own stress and frustration.