Resources
Check out our local Dallas Fort Worth, TX senior living resources. Contact us to set up your consultation!
John Alagood, CPRS, CSA®, CDP, Local Senior Advisor
Certified Placement and Referral Specialist
Certified Senior Advisor®
Certified Dementia Practitioner
Senior Living Resources in Dallas Fort Worth, TX
Listen to our latest Boomers Today podcast and read through answers to common senior placement questions.
Boomers Today is our weekly podcast that helps educate families on resources available to the aging boomer population. Frank Samson, founder and CEO of Senior Care Authority®, interviews a different expert on aspects of what families face as the Boomers and their parents are aging. Subjects range from caregiver challenges, to legal matters, to financial considerations, to health and wellness topics and self-care.
The Importance of Patient Advocacy
September 6, 2023 Latest EpisodeDr. Gerda Maissel is the go-to person to repair medical nightmares. Dr. Gerda is board-certified as both a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physician specialist and a patient advocate. She helps people with complicated medical problems, often in the hospital or rehabilitation center, get the best care possible.
Leqembi - Progress in Alzheimer’s Treatment
August 25, 2023 Latest EpisodeClaire Day has been on staff of the Alzheimer’s Association since 2001. She is the Chief Program Officer at the Northern California and Northern Nevada Chapter and as such, oversees all care and support operations and research initiatives. Ms. Day is a clinical social worker and received her degree from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. She has more than twenty years of experience as a family and professional educator in dementia care and has authored two forwards to Alzheimer’s caregiver books. In 2018, Ms. Day was appointed the Chapter Lead for the US Study to Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Interventions to Reduce Risk (US POINTER) in California in partnership with U.C. Davis. US POINTER is a two-year clinical trial to evaluate whether lifestyle interventions that simultaneously target multiple risk factors protect cognitive function in older adults at increased risk for cognitive decline.
Benefits of Utilizing a Certified Financial Planner™
Aug 8, 2023 Latest EpisodeINFO RJ Devick, Partner, is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and has been a financial advisor for more than 25 years, specializing in investment management, sustainable, responsible and impact (SRI) investing, and retirement planning. RJ joined Penny Bond & Associates in 1993 and became partner of Bond & Devick in 2001. RJ received the Cetera “Quality of Life Award” for his commitment to the profession, his clients, and his volunteer activities. Currently, RJ is on the University of Minnesota Adoption Medicine Clinic Advisory Board, The People Serving People Board, and a member of The Minneapolis Foundation’s Professional Advisory Committee. He is also mentoring businesses through his affiliation with the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce.
Your Home Will Be the Exam Room in the Future
Jul 23, 2023 Latest EpisodeJay H. Sanders, M.D. is President and CEO of The Global Telemedicine Group, Professor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (Adjunct), and a Founding Board Member of the American Telemedicine Association. Dr. Sanders has spent the majority of his professional career involved in teaching, patient care and health care research. He has spent over 50 years in the development and implementation of telecommunications and information technologies as a means of addressing the problems relating to quality, cost and access to care that now plague our health care system. Dr. Sanders was involved in the first statewide telemedicine program in the country and in coordination with Georgia Tech, provided the first Tele-homecare technology application in the United States named the “Electronic House Call.”
Joy in Senior Romance as We Age
Jul 23, 2023 Latest EpisodeEme McAnam has worn many hats: She certified fitness instructors, was a financial advisor, ran an assisted living facility, and even had a song on The Top 100 Country Billboard chart. But above all, she has lived life passionately and now has a critically-acclaimed debut novel that captures some of her life's experiences in “Freefalling, A Novel of Senior Romance.” She writes about romance, life, and reality blended with life’s messy parts. Romance allows difficult stories to have hopeful endings.
Parkinson’s Disease - Helping to Slow Disease Progression
July 08, 2023 Latest EpisodeDr. James Dunnick is board certified in internal medicine and cardiology. He is a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and is also certified in Health Care Quality and Management (CHCQM) by the American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians (ABQAURP). Dr. Laura Dunnick is licensed through the FSBPT (Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy), specializing in Parkinson’s treatment and is working directly with patients with Parkinson's disease and strokes.
Dementia Can Be Preventable
June 27, 2023 Latest EpisodeMitchell Clionsky, PhD is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist with 45 years of experience evaluating and treating patients with cognitive impairment, dementia, ADHD, and traumatic brain injury. Together with his wife Emily, who is a Medical Doctor, they developed the Memory Orientation Screening Test (MOST), which has been used by hundreds of doctors. They have also co-authored a book, “Dementia Prevention - Using Your Head to Save Your Brain.”
Processing Grief Through Grief Games
June 28, 2023 Latest EpisodeLeslie Robinson is a therapist in private practice, who spent 30+ years working in many diverse capacities within underserved and marginalized communities. In 2009, Leslie founded Trance4mation Games. She just launched REMEMBRANCE – a resource to help people to process and to heal grief and loss of a loved one with friends, family and loved ones. This Restorative Communication Game providea safe, structured spaces to have engaging and profound conversations, generating understanding, empathy, healing and LOVE! Leslie has developed and facilitated workshops on leadership development, diversity and inclusion, mental health, professional development, veteran reintegration and service learning on college campuses nationwide. She has appeared on PIX 11 News, Good Day New York, Al-Jazeera America, The Security Brief series on Reelz TV, WBAI’s On The Count, and numerous national radio broadcasts and podcasts.
Self Care for Parents and Adults
June 23, 2023 Latest EpisodeDeb Johnstone is the founder of Transformational Pathways Australia and Women Reinventing MidLife. She is also the creator of her signature program HER Rediscovery and signature product Your Success Planner. Deb is the creator and host of the Women Reinventing MidLife Summit Series and has a global vision to build a connected community for women in middle life and beyond to transition their lives feeling confident, visible, vibrant and free to be their true selves. After initiating the summits in 2020 she saw a great need to develop even more resources for women in midlife. This prompted the launch of The Women Reinventing MidLife Club and more recently the YouTube channel Women Reinventing MidLife TV.
Ageism in the Workplace
June 17, 2023 Latest EpisodePatti Temple Rocks is an Author, Speaker, Business Leader, Mentor and Storyteller. After a career in marketing and communications, she became an author and her first book, “I’m Not Done: It’s Time to Talk About Ageism in the Workplace” was ranked as one of the 9 books Every Professional Should Read in 2019 by INC Magazine. Her work has been featured in Fast Company, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Inc. Magazine, CEO World, Market Watch, AARP Magazine, Chicago Tribune Syndicate, WTTW News Broadcast and whole lot of podcasts.
Clinical Trials – Why?
June 17, 2023 Latest EpisodeAmy Schenk, RN, BSN, MSEd, CDP, Community Engagement Lead, The Neuropsychiatric Research Center of Southwest Florida Amy began her career as a Registered Nurse in Neurology in Northwest Ohio. After obtaining her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Toledo she has held a variety of senior leadership roles in health care organizations. Since moving to Florida, she has held positions in the Senior Living industry, including independent and assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing. Prior to joining the Neuropsychiatric Research Center of Southwest Florida, she was the Program Manager for Southwest Florida with the Alzheimer’s Association. Amy is also a Certified Dementia Practitioner.
“I did not feel alone anymore with this enormous decision.”
- Sylvia P. / Crossroads, TX“Thank you for your skillful negotiation. You helped make the perfect community for mom work financially.”
- Joel H / Irving, TX“Your services were terrific and our parents are very happy with their new community!”
- Lisa K. / Plano, TX"Bonita is a 10! Smart, organized, caring, resourceful, energetic, all the things you want and need when searching for the best solutions to those you care about. I would highly recommend Bonita to anyone who would like help caring for someone they love. I've been blessed to have her in my corner!"
- Jeff Taber“Thank you for your skillful negotiation. You helped make the perfect community for mom work financially.”
- Joel H / Irving, TX“Your services were terrific and our parents are very happy with their new community!”
- Lisa K. / Plano, TXFrequently Asked Questions
Below you'll find answers to the questions we get asked the most about Eldercare support. If you don't see the answer to your question below, please don't hesitate to ask us anything. We promise to give you an honest answer.
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How do I know if it is time for my Mom or Dad to move into Assisted Living?
Safety is the number one factor for most families. Although most people would prefer to stay in their own home, there are significant reasons why that is sometimes not possible. In addition to safety concerns, social engagement, communal meals, scheduled activities and 24/7 supervision are some other good reasons to consider Assisted Living.
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I know Mom needs to move but she says she is staying put. What should I do? She cannot afford full time care at home.
Often, it is a process and a series of conversations. Imagine yourself in Mom’s position and don’t try to force anything. A Senior Advisor can help you map out the strategy and even help you talk with Mom.
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How much does assisted living or memory care cost?
It varies from state-to-state, even county-to- county in the same state. Costs are usually based on a fee for rent and additional fees for care, based on how much assistance is needed.
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Does Medicare or Medicaid pay for assisted living?
The rule of thumb, at this writing, is that Medicare only pays for post-acute skilled nursing care, for a maximum of 100 days if certain requirements are met. Medicaid is a state-administered program. Some states have “waivers” that allow people to spend down their money and then stay in an assisted living facility when Medicaid goes into effect. Your Advisor will be versed in the regulations in your state.
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My Dad was a veteran of WWII. He passed away three years ago. Mom now needs care. Are there benefits available to help her pay for this care?
If Dad was enlisted during a period of war (see VA website) chances are that Mom is eligible to receive his benefits. Talk to your Advisor for general guidelines and then contact your local VA office for more information.
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My Dad was just diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment. Does that mean he needs to live in Memory Care? He still drives!
The short answer is not necessarily. There are many factors to consider and every care situation is different. Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) can mean a variety of things. It is not necessarily a precursor to Alzheimer’s or other dementias. That said, dementia does not happen overnight and early stages are, in fact, a reason someone may have MCI.
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If I have Power of Attorney for a relative who is refusing care, can I force her to move?
Most likely not. A power of attorney does not give you the right to force someone to move. Usually this requires a Guardianship or Conservatorship. An elder law attorney would be your best source of advice. We can give you referrals to excellent attorneys specializing in laws relating to eldercare.
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I live in New York City. Mom lives in California. She is showing signs of forgetfulness and has no relatives on the west coast. How do I manage her care?
Hiring a local Senior Advisor or Patient Advocate is your best bet to having “boots on the ground” when your loved one lives far away. Interview several and find someone with whom you feel comfortable. We can help!
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My mother is applying for Medicaid. She owns her own home but has no other assets. Her social security of $800/month is her only income. Will she be approved?
Most likely yes but as we stated above, programs vary from state to state. Home ownership is not typically considered when determining eligibility. If she is going to have to sell her home to pay for care, your best option is to consult with a Medicaid planning or elder law attorney. Again, we can refer you to someone competent and compassionate.