Hospice and Palliative Care with Tammy Smith For over 15 years Tammy has assisted families as they navigate some of the most challenging and emotional times in their lives. She recognizes that each person and each family can have very different needs but upholding one's dignity is universal. She gives families comfort and knowledge of all the options for families to ensure they can care for their loved ones in the best way possible without taking away their choice and independence. This is a pro...
Jun 17, 2021•27 min
How creativity can support your caregiving journey In this episode Fran and Sue discuss how creativity can support your caregiving journey Getting creative with caregiving support Search for supportive products (don’t reinvent the wheel) Be creative with time management to create time to take care of yourself Summary - Sum up today’s answer and conversation into a few memorable points to further answer the curiosity of your audience. Point 1 Get creative – Ask others for ideas Point 2 Make time ...
Jun 03, 2021•21 min
Advocating for patient rights: the Jimmo Act Linda Strohschein is an estate planning and elder law attorney. Linda, Fran and Sue discuss long term care planning and the impact of the Jimmo Settlement Agreement. Jimmo clarified when a beneficiary needs skilled nursing or therapy services under Medicare. This is a production of Habanero Media
May 13, 2021•31 min
Your Right To Choose #20 When it comes to your healthcare, you're the decision maker. In this episode Fran and Sue discuss how you have the right to choose since you're the one to live with the consequences. The path to wise decision-making is to be fully informed. Ask questions and demand answers. Doctors work for you. When you're ill you may not be able to make the wisest of decisions. Seek out an advocate care manager. This is a production of Habanero Media...
Apr 07, 2021•18 min
I Care A Lot - A Movie Review A new movie recently released by Netflix is reviewed and condemned for being all fiction and no reality when it comes to guardianship for the elderly. In this animated conversation, Fran and Sue walk through elements of the plot and with outrage point out the lack of truth in the story. In real life this kind of thing NEVER EVER HAPPENS! Check it out! Produced by Habanero Media
Mar 30, 2021•23 min
Applied Neuroplasticity for Caregivers with John Kennedy #18 John Kennedy is an innovative master coach, consultant, and trainer who has helped thousands of people and their organizations exceed their performance expectations for over 35 years. In this episode Sue and Fran learn that In response to a contract by the US Marines in 2007, John created the field of Allied Neuroplasticity to rapidly improve intuition, focus and faster and better decision making under stress. John’s Combat Brain Train...
Mar 08, 2021•28 min
Understanding the Dementia Connection Model In this episode Fran and Sue welcome back Dr. Jennifer Stelter (Clinical Psychologist) and Jessica Ryan (Biologist and Educator) to the podcast. All four discuss the "dementia connection model" and how it explains what's going on with dementia in a loved one and practical advice on how to intervene. Caregivers rarely get enough training on dementia and arrive in situations that have a significant hurdle. The NeuroEssence provides a dementia connection ...
Feb 26, 2021•33 min
How To Recognize Exploitation In this episode Fran and Sue share advice on how to recognize a situation where a loved one is being exploited. Exploitation is a case where the act of using resources or treating people unfairly in order to benefit for their effort or labor. It may or may not have anything to do with money. The signs of exploitation include the inability to understand financial issues, becoming physically fragile and can't do for themselves, isolated or suddenly have a brand new fr...
Feb 21, 2021•23 min
Preparing for Elective Surgery What are the key elements? What are the pre-op & post op procedures Get prescriptions filled ahead of time and get a list of potential medical equipment that might be needed. Who will be contacting you once the surgery is complete (make sure they have the correct phone number) Keep in mind: Point 1 Be pro-active in thinking through your loved ones needs Point 2 Make a check-list of both to-do list items and questions for the doctor or surgical center This is a ...
Dec 22, 2020•19 min
How to be a Remote Advocate What to do when you cannot be on-site to advocate for a loved one. What are the key elements? Have your loved one put you on speaker Try other avenues to get information Be creative in your approach (think outside the box) For more information you can visit our website at LifewithDignity.net or like us on facebook @ LivingLifewithDignity. Thank you for listening today, please share this episode with your friends and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast ap...
Dec 04, 2020•19 min
How to Pick an Attorney In this episode Sue and Fran discuss common concerns and advice regarding estate planning and asset protection. Pick an attorney before the crisis to ensure a wise decision Choose an attorney with experience in a specific area e.g. estate planning, medicare, elder law or disabled children Ask for attorney referrals from trusted others Have a free initial meeting to see if your personalities gel Make sure the attorney can explain things simply Evaluate the office personnel...
Jul 29, 2020•19 min
CareScout Services with Larry Nisenson In this episode Fran and Sue interview Larry Nisenson,l, SVP and Chief Commercial Officer at Genworth. In this episode Larry chats about CareScout, a growing, dynamic market leader providing care management support services and long term care focused risk management solutions that help companies and families keep their promises to make the best informed decisions regarding care needs. Links mentioned include: carescout.com/benefit information employees can ...
Jul 02, 2020•29 min
Alternative Solutions to Mental Anguish Brain Help with Oils In this episode Fran and Sue welcome Dr. Jennifer Stelter (Clinical Psychologist) and Jessica Ryan (Biologist and Educator) to the podcast. All four discuss alternative methods of working with stressed caregivers and patients with dementia and mental health issues, amidst COVID-19. There are many solutions to mental anguish beyond pharmacological medication. For example, meditation, deep breathing, and essential oils are great addition...
Jun 03, 2020•30 min
Reducing Stress with Scents Fran shares ways to relieve stress through Aroma Therapy. Sue asks Fran to share scents and examples that are soothing during times of stress. Some examples include Lavender. It's important to dilute with coconut oil for wound care and scrapes. If not diluted, it can actually stimulate. You don't want that! You can also diffuse oils in water and steam into the air or when on the go, using felt furniture stickies on lapels. A number of scents are discussed. Podcast Pro...
Apr 30, 2020•27 min
Fran and Sue are sequestered and share what they've learned from the experience. Topics discussed include how to be prepare yourself and your loved ones. Three key elements discussed: You don't know what you don't know, until you do How you can pro-actively prepare yourself for emergencies What conversations should you have with your elderly loved one to help them prepare Take time to create a list of items for your emergency kit and make copies of your elderly parents important paperwork and pl...
Apr 14, 2020•26 min
Aroma Therapy for Caregivers Due to limits on psychotropic medications, there is an impact on patients who have behaviour issues. Aroma therapy speaks to that challenge. Sometimes medications are the correct choice, but too often they have been misused with side affects. Aroma therapy can be used to help sleep, increase appetite and improve mood. There are many alternatives so it's best in incorporate one at a time to test success. Take a scientific approach. Start with one and attach to a habit...
Mar 01, 2020•27 min
How to Address Issues in Nursing Homes Write down the facts of issues that your loved ones face in a nursing home. Facts matter and will allow you to keep your focus plus keep the emotions in check. These kinds of observations create possibilities. With facts in hand, ask what can WE do about it. Skilled nursing facilities post the number for the state ombudsman. Facilities do NOT want visits from the ombudsman. Just the threat of a call can make a difference. For the most part, staff truly care...
Feb 18, 2020•16 min
How To Prepare for Surgery Surgery is a dangerous and anxious time. The best way to mitigate risk and accelerate convalescence is to prepare. Proactivity is key and get resourceful. Sue shares her experiences how she prepped for her husband's knee surgery. They practiced getting in, out, up and down and through your home and car. Consider the weather, snow can be a challenge. Decide which is the easier door to use. This preparation paid off once the surgery was completed. Create a list of challe...
Feb 17, 2020•24 min
In this episode Fran and Sue explain the Power of Attorney, what it means for caregivers, friends and family members. Having the Power of Attorney is a significant responsibility and it’s best to proactive when giving and taking the Power of Attorney. Produced by Habanero Media
Jan 08, 2020•23 min
To take care of others, you must take care of yourself. In this episode Fran and Sue provide advice on how caregivers can schedule time focused on themselves. Self care is critical for health and wellness. They recommend having a tool box of activities. Listen for advice you can take action today. Produced by Habanero Media
Dec 04, 2019•21 min
In this episode Fran and Sue explain the definition of guardianship, the process for getting guardianship and the difficulties in that process that makes guardianship the measure of last resort. Produced by Habanero Media
Dec 04, 2019•18 min
In this episode Fran and Sue discuss situations where a loved one is hospitalized with a life threatening illness. This difficult situation creates a toll on caregivers. Advice on how to overcome the stress and responsibilities is shared. To learn more go to Living Life With Dignity for tips and help that you can take action today. Podcast Produced by Habanero Media
Nov 27, 2019•17 min
In this introductory episode, Fran and Sue share their background in caregiving. First how they each entered the profession and next how they met to become business partners. Lastly, they share topics and issues that will be discussed on the podcast and the community they have created and continue to nurture and foster. Listen here to learn how it all began. Podcast Produced by Habanero Media
Nov 27, 2019•15 min
