Protecting Our Seniors: Click Here to Report Scams / Robocalls & Learn How To Fight Fraud.
Protecting Our Seniors: Click Here to Report Scams / Robocalls & Learn How To Fight Fraud.
Check out our local Louisiana senior living resources. Contact us to set up your consultation!
Larry Balyeat, Local Senior Advisors
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.
LaToria Woods is an experienced acute care adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist with a robust background in emergency nursing education and practice for the last 24 years. Currently serving as a Nursing Content Specialist in the Education Division at the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), she plays a pivotal role in developing educational resources for emergency nurses. LaToria also serves as the Staff Liaison for both the Emergency Nursing Advanced Practice Advisory Council and the Geriatric Committee Volunteer Groups at ENA. Her dedication to enhancing emergency nursing education underscores her passion for ensuring that geriatric patients receive the highest quality of care, ultimately leading to optimal health outcomes.
Dr. Edward G. Shaw, MD, MA, is dually trained as a physician and mental health counselor. He was the primary care partner for his late wife Rebecca, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2007 at age 53 and died in 2016 after a 9-year journey. Ed was a practicing academic radiation oncologist for 23 years, specializing in the treatment of adults and children with brain cancer. In 2010, inspired by Rebecca’s journey, his medical interest shifted to dementia diagnosis and treatment, and with his additional training in mental health counseling, he founded the Memory Counseling Program in 2011, part of the Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine and the Sticht Center on Healthy Aging and Alzheimer’s Prevention at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The Program serves individuals, couples, and families affected by Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia. Dr. Shaw has also authored four books on Dementia which we will discuss shortly.
Lisa Weintraub Schifferle is a Senior Policy Analyst in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Office for Older Americans. The CFPB is a United States Government Agency. She leads the Managing Someone Else’s Money financial caregiving program as well as the Money Smart for Older Adults scam awareness program. She also supports the Office’s work to combat elder financial exploitation through network collaboration and age-friendly banking. Lisa’s career in consumer protection spans more than 25 years. Before coming to the CFPB, she worked at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), where she trained consumers, business and advocates on scams, identity theft, and cybersecurity. She also served as the FTC’s Identity Theft Coordinator and litigated fraud and data security cases.
Trent Spivey is the founder of Living Memory, where he works with families to preserve their elders' stories and legacies with the power of immersive media. By combining cutting-edge technology and a thoughtful series of personal interviews, Trent helps people tell their story in their own words while creating priceless records that families and communities will cherish for years to come.
James Siberski, MS, CMC, is a retired assistant professor, coordinator of Gerontological Education and Director of Geriatric Care Management at Misericordia University, in Pennsylvania. He is an affiliate member of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, is certified in Gerontology by the National Academy of Certified Care Managers. He is an editorial advisory board member of Today’s Geriatric Medicine, a prior member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, and a prior member of the Board of Directors of the Greater PA Alzheimer’s Association. He has multiple publications, lectures and consults in geriatric/psychiatric/intellectual disability populations.
With over 15 years experience building startups, Rachel Francine has led teams and strategy for recognized leaders in technology and media including, CitySearch, Ticketmaster, and Current TV. Rachel earned her Masters degree in Long Term Strategic Planning in order to build profitable businesses that also does immense good. In 2012, Rachel co-founded Musical Health Technologies, whose debut product SingFit PRIME, mass distributes music as medicine for the first time in history.
Sarah Hill is with East Bay Doula for the Dying and as an end-of-life doula, Sarah provides support to those who are dying, and their constellation of caregivers. Linda Suhr is with Autumn of Life Planning and after caring for her partner on his journey with Alzheimer's Disease and peaceful death at home, Linda discovered her calling as an End-of-Life Doula.
From his early days, John Tesh’s path to success was anything but certain. After overcoming challenges such as being suspended from college and homelessness, he began a career in journalism, including hosting CBS News and co-hosting Entertainment Tonight. John transitioned into music, creating the successful television special "John Tesh: Live at Red Rocks" and earning six Emmys, four Gold albums, and an induction into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. He also composed the iconic NBC Sports basketball theme "Roundball Rock." In 1999, Tesh launched the self-syndicated "The John Tesh Radio Show-Intelligence For Your Life," which became internationally successful. Shortly after, he published his memoir, "Relentless" details his triumph over terminal cancer, highlighting his determination and grit.
Anna Gelbman Edmonds is the Publisher & Managing Editor of Reverse Magazine www.reversemagazine.us. Anna created Reverse as a direct result of the years she and her siblings spent caring for their parents and the difficulty in navigating various issues along the way. As an experienced editor, copywriter, and award-winning journalist, she built this platform to provide caregivers the credible resources and information she couldn’t find during her years as a caregiver.
Lauren Mahakian founded Family Connect Care in 2008 after working with the elderly and memory-impaired for several years. Seeing first-hand examples of mistreatment and taking advantage of memory-impaired individuals, she saw the need for enhanced care management services and to assure the dignity of those who suffer from a variety of cognitive impairments.
Mark and Mary Kay Liston went to the ER to treat Mark's nasty cough. Several hours later the ER doctor told them that Mark had lung cancer, with a ping-pong sized mass in his lung and he needed to get to an oncologist immediately only to learn 40 days later that he did not have cancer. Mark and Mary Kay Liston are co-authors of the book “Diagnosed - Inspirational Stories After an Alarming Diagnosis.” Their goal was to write a book for others who received a similar diagnosis and describe the thoughts, doctor appointments, hospital visits and emotions one will go through.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
