Navigating the World with Your Aging Loved One

Thinking of creating safe environments at home for our loved ones is top of mind- how do we create safe spaces successfully? If we find that our loved one needs to move into a senior living community what questions should we ask? How do we determine the "right" place for our loved ones? Today, we welcome Ellen Belk, she is the Founder of Keep In Mind, Inc. She is an innovative influencer in the aging space for nearly 20 years. She has a leadership role in the senior living industry working with executives and frontline staff. Ellen answers our questions based on her own experience with her family and also her extensive career tenure in the senior living community. We talk all about: What should we look for in the home? How do we help our parents age in place well? Unfortunately, many of us are making decisions under stressful situations. How can we make these decisions with a sound mind and what can we think about beforehand so that this transition can be as smooth as possible? How do we have successful conversations with our parents about transition? If needed, what should families look for when they are choosing a senior community for their loved one? How can families voice their needs and what's the best way for families to communicate their needs to senior communities? For more information visit https://keepinmindinc.com/ We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates, rate & review! For more information about our guests, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather. Available wherever you find your podcasts!

How do we build trust, rapport and a valuable partnership between families and care teams? Communication. When families and care teams can be in partnership and work collaboratively our older adults are provided with "purpose" centered care-- the purposeful engagement between everyone involved in our senior's life. Serenity Engage is a HIPAA-compliant private group messaging application for senior care, bringing families and care teams together in collaborative communication. Katherine Wells is the Founder and CEO of Serenity Engage. Coming from the tech world where teams have solved the problem of talking to each other, she shares her personal story and experience to bring Serenity Engage to the senior living industry. Each time Katherine and I have a conversation, I'm always encouraged and supported by her vision to make the world a better place for our care teams, families and older adults. Truly making change, evoking powerful conversation and challenging "the Status quo of Aging". Thank you, Katherine! We talk all about: What are some of those emotions families face when they are considering moving their loved one into a community along with the moving process? How communication is the foundation to building trust The communication process of senior living communities and the desire of families The many ways we can lift morale and create staff retention by active communication We look at senior living communities need to build community and improve process efficiencies Those "moments and memories" that we don't need to miss out on any more For more information visit https://serenityapp.com/ Book mentioned: Upstream by Dan Heath We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates, rate & review! For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

CBD is a product that has grown in great popularity in recent years. There are so many different options to choose from. As a family caregiver, I have heard that there are many benefits of CBD for myself and the older adult in my life but we have questions- What are those benefits? How is it helpful? Where do I learn more about CBD? Today, we have the privilege of being able to speak with Nancy Solie, founder and CEO of PureLee Farms, a full spectrum, CBD pure farm that brings whole plant products to the consumer. They are crafted in small batches with fine ingredients. PureLee Farms implements extensive third-party testing and organic practices. When wanting to share with older adults and family caregivers about CBD- PureLee Farms is the first company I thought of. Their integrity, family story, and commitment to purity provides us with valuable products and information. We talk all about: What is CBD? What is the difference between CBD, hemp, and THC? Is it legal? What are cannabinoids? What is the endocannabinoid system? How does CBD provide balance in our body? Can older adults and family caregivers implement CBD to help with pain, anxiety, sundowning, and sleep? Has there been any research to substantiate these findings? And what has your experience been when working with older adults and CBD? What are all of those benefits that CBD can offer? What is the entourage effect? Does it matter what time of day you take CBD? Do you take it every day? How much do you take? Would you recommend the dosage be lower or different for older adults? (All the questions!) For those that haven't brought CBD into their life- what's a good place to start, what would you recommend? What can families looks for when purchasing CBD, it's there a benchmark of quality and how can they identify that? How can people distinguish between a fake product with low potency and a high-quality product? We talk all things CBD! Please visit your medical professional before using CBD. We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. For more information visit https://www.pureleefarms.com/ and for our full episode description visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Nancy Solie is the founder and CEO of PureLee Farms. She utilizes hemp organically grown on her family's multi-generational family farm to produce a portfolio of CBD products. Nancy's four older brothers raise the hemp plants from seedlings through harvest ensuring careful attention is given to each plant to retain their medicinal purposes. Prior to founding PureLee Farms, Nancy was a Speech Pathologist in the medical field with an overall focus on supporting her patient's health and wellbeing. Please subscribe for updates, rate & review! For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather. Available wherever you find your podcasts!

Currently, there are 10 million unpaid Millennial caregivers. Black Millennials make up 34% of that demographic. Millennials make up the most diverse group of caregivers and have unique challenges, needs, and qualities. It truly is "life interrupted" as they navigate this new role. Millennial caregivers also bring incredible blessings to those they care for. Today we talk with Ashley Stevens, Founder of The Dementia Guru. With her experience in dementia and deep love for her Great Grandma, she holds a degree in gerontology and a master's degree in social work. This personal passion led to the creation of a platform to support family caregivers, millennials, and older adults. Ashley continues to bridge gaps, be a wealth of knowledge, and do incredible work- I have learned so much from her and I'm so honored she can be with us today! We have a meaningful conversation about millennial caregiving and learn about: What is a millennial caregiver? How does their caregiving journey differ from others We look at Black millennial & millennial caregiving and talk about those unique challenges and blessings How grief shows up in our caregiving and tips on how to cope with grief Recommendations on how to engage in self-care as a caregiver Where caregivers can find support, including financial support Encouragement for new caregivers For the past 12 years, Ashley Stevens has utilized her Gerontology background to provide support to caregivers throughout the state of North Carolina. Her story of dementia care began at a young age and continues today in her incredible work journey. You might be asking, "How did DEMENTIA become her life?! Isn't dementia for old people?" Well not quite, and at the tender age of 6, Ashley was introduced to Alzheimer's disease as she watched it take a toll on her Great Grandma Trollie. Decades later, as a millennial, Ashley has found herself organically in the midst of the dementia world, collaborating with families. It's not just a job for Ashley – it's her passion. Her calling. Ashley holds a Bachelor's degree in gerontology (the study of aging) from Bowling Green State University and she received her master's degree in social work from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Her graduate certification is focused on dementia care practices, aging, and global research. She also holds a professional license in social work and therapeutic practices. Ashley Started "The Dementia Guru" caregiving blog and aging lifestyle platform to share her personal care journey, as well as offer other caregivers and millennials a space to connect, learn, and feel empowered! For more information visit https://thedementiaguru.com/ Join The Dementia Guru, The Savvy Millennial Facebook group HERE. Instagram: @thedementiaguru Resources mentioned: - The Youth Movement Against Alzheimer's - The Scan Foundation - Alzheimer's Association We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates, rate & review! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

We are facing considerable loneliness in our world right now. Not only for our older adults but our younger generation as well. We are searching for meaningful connections. How do we create connections and provide support systems for older adults and support them in their health and aging journey? We shine a light on people, stories, and businesses that bring about positive change and impact our world for good. In this episode, I have a meaningful conversation with Andrew Parker, Founder and CEO of Papa, about his mission to create a company with a goal to support older adults and their families throughout the aging journey. Andrew is a passionate and successful Executive. He brings his experience and wisdom to our conversation and his love of older adults is evident in his story and mission. How wonderful that a company was created where everyone wins- older adults, families, and the employees. "Papa pairs older adults and families with Papa Pals for companionship and assistance with everyday tasks. We offer programs to health plans, providers, employers, and consumers." - joinpapa.com Our conversation led us to talk about loneliness, health disparities, social isolation, the impact of covid, and how our health is directly affected by these concerns. We talk about what it looks like to be Papa Pal, how meaningful those intergenerational connections can be, and a call to our younger generation to serve and support others. There is a tremendous need to provide support services for older adults and family caregivers- Not only does Papa support older adults through the Pals program but it also steps in to offer healthcare support through virtual visits, Papa Docs, while also utilizing health insurance programs and Medicare Advantage. We look at how this only improves our healthcare system. I'm cheering them on as they are making an impact to provide a better way of life for our older adults. Visit joinpapa.com for more information. We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! For more information about our guests, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Instagram: @willgather Facebook: WillGather Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

Having his father diagnosed with Alzheimer's, Matthew John Zuraw and his mother started to make RememBars for him. They are delicious and full of nutrient-dense ingredients that were good for his brain. They've since perfected the recipe with advice from nutritionists, dietitians, and food scientists. They are now available for everyone. We talked about their family's caregiving journey, how they navigated his father's Alzheimers diagnosis, how impactful food and nutrition are to our brains, and what research is being done. We look at how we can present products with dignity and fight against those stigmas. Tips on what's going well and how do we lean into those things and create hope. For more information about RememBars visit: https://remembarbrainfood.com/ @remembarbrainfood For more information about our podcast, guest information, resources mentioned & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe to our podcast so you don't miss an episode and email [email protected] for any listener questions. Episode Socials: @willgather willGather Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

I had the privilege of talking with Nigel Mould, CEO of StackCare. Nigel is an innovative Executive with a passion for making a difference in caregivers lives by preserving the independence and dignity of their loved ones. StackCare is an innovative passive monitoring system for older adults and vulnerable people. This technology allows seniors to age place using discrete infrared motion sensors and AI data science to analyze and highlight unusual patterns that may indicate health issues or a fall by sending notifications directly to families on their mobile devices. It's StackCare's mission to make a difference every day in the lives of families. We talk about how they can truly make a difference in the lives of our older adults, what led to the creation of StackCare and its growth. How do we support aging in place and using technology to support older adults and families especially with the rise of baby boom retirement? We talk about how we provide care and react to situations with the ability to dive into building relationships and letting the data give valuable information and allowing families to focus on emotional care. We discuss how technology can raise that standard of care while addressing potential shifts in staffing models. Smart technology can enable us to feel secure in our environments and offer peace of mind. StackCare is a state of the art passive monitoring system for seniors aging in place and uses discreet infrared motion sensors and AI/Data Science to analyze and highlight unusual patterns that may indicate health issues or a fall, sending notifications directly to family/caregiver's mobile devices. They get to see at a glance, simply and easily, if their loved one is sleeping ok, is visiting the bathroom too often, his/her activity patterns have changed, and whether they might have fallen and need help. StackCare runs on its own, in the background, unnoticeable, 24/7, and allows for maximal awareness with minimal interference. The older adult is never completely "alone" which is reassuring for the senior and provides peace of mind to families and caregivers. It is StackCare's mission to make a difference every day in multigenerational families' lives by helping their elderly loved ones preserve their wellbeing and independence. Part of that mission is to alleviate the growing caregiver crisis by offering an innovative, discreet, and cost-efficient remote monitoring system to help support the continuing care of older adults. To learn more about StackCare, please visit https://stack.care We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe to our podcast so you don't miss an episode and email [email protected] for any listener questions. For more information about our podcast, guests & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Episode Socials: @willgather Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

I want to connect with Grandma on Zoom but she doesn't know how to use it? How can I protect my data and passwords? Abbie Richie, founder of Senior Savvy, leads with kindness, simplicity, and helpful information when teaching older adults and their families technology. Senior Savvy offers zoom classes, workshops, and tech support for older adults, their families, and senior living communities. We talk about how we can fight loneliness, find connection, stay engaged, feel alive and vital through technology. What are our older adults main concerns as they stay up to date with what's going on in the world of tech? We look at what care technology can be helpful for families and her recommendations on tech that caters to our older adults to set them up for success. Abbie's story and her heart for giving our older adults the confidence to learn and try out their new skills is why I wanted her to speak with us today. www.seniorsavvy.net Resources mentioned in our episode: Telikin computer: http://www.telikin.com/ Jitterbug Smart 2 by GreatCall https://www.greatcall.com/phones/jitterbug-smart-smartphone-for-seniors About Abbie & Senior Savvy: Abbie Richie is an entrepreneur, mother of two school-aged children, wife of 16 years and devoted daughter. She is the founder of Senior Savvy, which provides Zoom workshops and technical support at senior living communities throughout the US. Senior Savvy is the marriage of two things Abbie loves - helping older people and technology. After helping many friends parents and her in-laws, she realized there was a huge need for personable and patient tech support for older folks. In 2018, Abbie started Senior Savvy, though she will tell you that Senior Savvy started in her a long, long time ago. Growing up in Los Angeles, she spent a lot of time with her grandparents. Nana and Papa fostered a deep respect and admiration through their commitment to her family and their community. After college in Boston, she moved to the SF Bay Area for grad school, right before the "dot com boom" and received an in-depth education on all things tech. Since then, she has continued to learn everything about technology while patiently teaching seniors the skills they need. In April of 2020, her workshop students began requesting she transition to teaching on Zoom. The pivot allowed her to expand Senior Savvy tech support to senior communities around the US. We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates so you don't miss an episode and email [email protected] for any listener questions. For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Krystal L. Culler, DBH, M.A., Founder of the Virtual Brain Health Center. She brings her knowledge of scientific research combined with care and compassion. Dr. Krystal Culler translates all of the lasted research about brain health into actionable steps that people can take into their lives. We talk about practical ways people can add brain health to their health and wellbeing. A great discussion about how cognitive engagement, personal-wellbeing, social connections, physical activity all come together to complete our brain health picture. We discuss what brain health looks like in memory care and for the caregivers. We address the fear that we can have about our own brain health as we care for others and how our health can be at risk as caregivers, and steps we can do to encourages and prioritize self-care. Don't miss this great interview! Dr. Krystal L. Culler, DBH, M.A. is the Founder of the Virtual Brain Health Center. She is a Doctor of Behavioral Health, a social gerontologist, and a Senior Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health with Global Brain Health Institute at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, where she completed her residency training on dementia prevention and social determinants of brain health. Krystal has spent nearly 5 years in Executive-level positions with health non-profit organizations and has 15 years of experience working with individuals with brain health concerns, their families, and advocacy organizations. More information can be found at: https://www.virtualbrainhealthcenter.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkrystalculler/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/your-brain-health-matters Twitter: @DrKrystalCuller @VirtualBrainCtr Instagram: @drkrystalculler @virtualbrainhealthcenter Facebook: @virtualbrainhealthcenter We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

We are joined today by Jill Sauber, managing attorney at Sauber Legal Services. They offer holistic legal representation and comprehensive estate and elder law services. The focus on making those life transitions easier and her ability to offer great council, provide support, and helpful resources led us to our conversation today. We discuss what to consider when moving a loved one into senior housing at this time, what should they consider when signing agreements, rental and care contracts. Understanding what all of those agreements are and who should sign them. We talk about questions for those families that already have a loved one in a facility what rights do they have to see or spend time with their loved one? Under what circumstances are these visits allowable? Jill Sauber answers very important questions and helps us navigate this process successfully. Jill Sauber helps clients navigate estate planning (as they focus on asset growth) to long-term care planning (where the focus shifts to asset preservation and care). After a death occurs, she helps resolve contested Will or Trust issues (litigation), counsels on Medical Assistance claims, and guides families through the probate process. Jill obtained her law degree from the University of St. Thomas School of Law and earned Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Minnesota in Biology, Physiology, and Mortuary Science. Her background and experience as a licensed mortician provides her with a unique perspective in both estate planning and elder law. She enjoys a broad-based Estate and Elder Law practice, with emphasis on long-term care planning, asset protection, government benefits, estate planning, estate administration (probate), trusts, litigation, and mortuary law. The diversity of her practice – both planning and litigation – affords her insight to ensuring that her clients' wishes are carried out in their final estate planning documents. Her litigation experience includes successfully litigating long-term care insurance disputes, probate and trust disputes, and prosecuting financial exploitation cases. Jill focuses on special needs planning, which is unique planning for disabled individuals receiving government benefits, designed to ensure continued eligibility for those benefits. She works closely with many attorneys to properly set up and fund Special Needs Trusts and advises on proper distributions out of those trusts to ensure compliance. It is typical that such Special Needs Trusts are established following a large personal injury award, worker's compensation award, other settlement or inheritance. You may find Jill volunteering with the Wills for Heroes Program, the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MAC-V), or other community groups. She is also a participant in the Minnesota Elder Justice Center, a Dementia Champion through the ACT on Alzheimer's Initiative, and a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). She is acting Treasurer of the Elder Law Governing Council of the Elder Law Section of the Minnesota State Bar Association, incoming President of the Minnesota NAELA Chapter, and an active member in American Bar Association Senior Lawyers Division committees. She is a frequent speaker and lecturer on topics related to elder law, financial exploitation, Medical Assistance (Minnesota Medicaid) benefits, capacity/cognitive issues, estate planning, and several other related topics. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, yoga, silversmithing, spending time at the dog park with her dog Zoey and hanging out with her husband Jamie at his restaurant brewpub in South Minneapolis. https://sauberlaw.com/ This has been prepared for general information purposes only. This information is not legal advice. Legal advice is dependent upon the specific circumstances of each situation and your family dynamics. The information contained in this presentation or materials should not replace the advice of competent legal counsel licensed in your state. Also, see this episode: https://www.willgatherpodcast.com/post/financial-considerations-with-attorney-jill-sauber We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

Loved ones frequently are asking the question, "should I move my loved one into my home?", during this time of Covid. We know this is a delicate topic and Liz Cloete, Occupational Therapist and owner of "Think Different" Dementia, walks us through what practical steps to consider when making this decision. Her unique perspective of developing her OT practice in South Africa has shaped her lens and creativity for her practice here in the US. We talk about what to consider as a family, can hospice be utilized, how to make those transitions easier, and how families can navigate this conversation with their senior living community and their loved ones to set them up for success. Lizette Cloete is graduated from the University of Pretoria, South Africa in 1992 as an Occupational Therapist. She is the owner of "Think Different" Dementia, a company she established to teach people to think differently about dementia, emphasizing education about dementia, how to care for loved ones with dementia in the home while also understanding common behaviors in dementia. The goal is to promote aging in place and allowing people to "live life to the fullest", despite dementia. As a diplomat's daughter, she has lived in 4 different countries and in 11 different States, giving her a unique perspective on life and living (and she has her "own" accent!). She currently calls Greenwood, SC home where she lives with her husband and daughter. They have 4 cats, 1 dog, and 11 chickens. She frequently tries to feature her chickens in her videos. To contact Lizette for more information visit, [email protected] We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

In this episode, we interview Cathy Braxton creator of Improv for Caregivers. We talk about challenging out-of-date communication patterns by actively submerging in the pillars of empathy and then utilizing the newly gained listening abilities with the rules of improv for a new gold standard in communication. We dive into advice for a new caregiver and how to incorporate the whole family in caregiving. We talk about the difference between patient-centered care and relationship-centered care. What is compassionate communication and how we can support those that we partner in caring with and how to always show up with curiosity. We look at what is Improv for Caregivers and explore it's stripping and exposing technique that creates space for new ideas and concepts to take hold and become a more sound and compassionate foundation for the purpose of connecting to others. Cathy Braxton is the Founder of Improv for Caregivers. She has worked in the aging industry for over 20 years managing memory care units, directing activity programs, case management, support group facilitation, and in-home care. Cathy has completed all of her coursework for her Masters degree in Health Psychology and Gerontology Studies and is a published author and blogger for The Chicago Tribune. November 2014 Recipient of the Dr. Richard and Gertrude P. Zalar "Gentle Touch Award" in recognition of Outstanding Professional Caregiving for those with Alzheimer's and Dementia. Recipient of the Leading Age Illinois Honor of Excellence Award on March 3, 2015 International speaker September 2015 at the international dementia conference, Toronto Canada. Invited as 2016 international speaker and moderator at the international vascular dementia conference located in Spain, July 2016 Computerized, digitized and mechanical devices are flooding the market, promising to be the one. The only. The solution. What is lost in all of this is connection through CURIOSITY. The unique, priceless gift that fills our souls, lightens our hearts, and moves us ever forward in the quest for giving and receiving care. It is curiosity that drives you. It is curiosity that motivates you. It is curiosity that keeps you human. For more information, contact https://improv4caregivers.com/ We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

In this episode, we are shining a light on gerontology, ageism, and the need for diversity, and aging information for people of color and our younger generation. Our country offers the gift of a wonderfully diverse culture and it needs to be represented- Christina encourages our millennials and caregivers by providing a valuable resource for them as they are searching for answers on aging. Health disparities do exist- let's talk about it. We talk about the impact of ageism and how the language we use impacts our view of aging. Don't miss this masterclass on following your passion and carving out your way in the world. We are grateful that all things work together for good. Christina Peoples is a native of North Carolina. Her passion is working with older adults and her desire is to educate people about the world of Gerontology. She holds a Master of Science degree in Gerontology with a concentration in aging and business, which was obtained from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. However, Christina credits her foundation in the field of Gerontology to the Historically Black College/University, Winston-Salem State University. Gero-what?!'s purpose is to dispel/eliminate the many myths and stereotypes that are directed towards aging, to provide resources, and to exemplify that life doesn't end just because we turn another year older. For more information, visit https://www.gerowhat.com/ We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

We talk with Gerontologist, Renee Skoglund about losing independence. When do I know when to start making decisions for my aging loved one? Is it ok to let them "struggle"? Are there any guidelines to follow when deciding to make those transitions? When is the right time to have this conversation? How can we make decisions together? We answer all these questions and more. Renee Skoglund received her Bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Gerontology from Drake University and a Masters in Gerontology, from the University of Northern Colorado. She was awarded the Colorado Graduate Fellow and received the Graduate Deans Citation for Excellence. She has worked in the Gerontology field for over 30 years, focusing on creating, implementing, updating, managing, and improving programs for people over 50. Programs included the creation of a hospital-based adult day program, a hospital-based membership program, starting her own company to maximize activity, engagement, and happiness, which result in a better quality of life. Several of the programs received national awards. She is the Executive Director at the Sanctuary in St. Cloud, MN. We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

We are joined today by Jill Sauber, managing attorney at Sauber Legal Services. They offer holistic legal representation with comprehensive Estate and Elder Law services. The focus on making those life transitions easier and her ability to offer great council, provide support, and helpful resources led us to our conversation today. We talk about the best way to financially prepare for caring for a loved one in your home, can you charge rent, how to manage those living expenses, what process to follow when making financial decisions, what tax implications do we need to consider, and is there a handbook that guides families through this process. We answer those listener questions and give practical insights. For more information and to contact Jill Sauber, please visit https://sauberlaw.com/ This has been prepared for general information purposes only. This information is not legal advice. Legal advice is dependent upon the specific circumstances of each situation and your family dynamics. The information contained in this presentation or materials should not replace the advice of competent legal counsel licensed in your state. Jill Sauber helps clients navigate estate planning (as they focus on asset growth) to long-term care planning (where the focus shifts to asset preservation and care). After a death occurs, she helps resolve contested Will or Trust issues (litigation), counsels on Medical Assistance claims, and guides families through the probate process. Jill obtained her law degree from the University of St. Thomas School of Law and earned Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Minnesota in Biology, Physiology, and Mortuary Science. Her background and experience as a licensed mortician provides her with a unique perspective in both estate planning and elder law. She enjoys a broad-based Estate and Elder Law practice, with emphasis on long-term care planning, asset protection, government benefits, estate planning, estate administration (probate), trusts, litigation, and mortuary law. The diversity of her practice – both planning and litigation – affords her insight into ensuring that her clients' wishes are carried out in their final estate planning documents. Her litigation experience includes successfully litigating long-term care insurance disputes, probate and trust disputes, and prosecuting financial exploitation cases. Jill focuses on special needs planning, which is unique planning for disabled individuals receiving government benefits, designed to ensure continued eligibility for those benefits. She works closely with many attorneys to properly set up and fund Special Needs Trusts and advises on proper distributions out of those trusts to ensure compliance. It is typical that such Special Needs Trusts are established following a large personal injury award, worker's compensation award, other settlement or inheritance. You may find Jill volunteering with the Wills for Heroes Program, the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MAC-V), or other community groups. She is also a participant in the Minnesota Elder Justice Center, a Dementia Champion through the ACT on Alzheimer's Initiative, and a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). She is acting Treasurer of the Elder Law Governing Council of the Elder Law Section of the Minnesota State Bar Association, incoming President of the Minnesota NAELA Chapter, and an active member in American Bar Association Senior Lawyers Division committees. She is a frequent speaker and lecturer on topics related to elder law, financial exploitation, Medical Assistance (Minnesota Medicaid) benefits, capacity/cognitive issues, estate planning, and several other related topics. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, yoga, silversmithing, spending time at the dog park with her dog Zoey and hanging out with her husband Jamie at his restaurant brewpub in South Minneapolis. We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

How can we find connection? How can we engage with our loved ones during this time? Angela Burton, founder of Feet to the Fire Writers' Workshops® brings us through how to create purposeful experiences with our families and also ourselves. We also talk about the journey of Feet to the Fire Writers' Workshops®, the benefits of writing, and the powerful ways that writing and sharing our lives brings us together. Angela Burton is the Founder & Chief Writing Motivator of Feet to the Fire Writers' Workshops®, a creative program that inspires older adults to challenge themselves through expressive writing. Started in Louisville, KY in 2014, Feet to the Fire has expanded to develop a licensed train-the-facilitator program for senior living communities and wellness organizations. The program currently operates in seven U.S. states; in 2020, amidst the COVID pandemic, Feet to the Fire pivoted to launch a consumer version – writer's kits and virtual groups for those who are socially isolated by the pandemic, a needed way for people to fill up their days, writing the stories of their lives, finding purpose along the way. She landed a spot in 2018 Louisville's WILD Accelerator for Female Founders program and has gained national attention since. Feet to the Fire was recognized as Next Avenue's Editor's Picks for 2018 and has been featured in McKnight's Senior Living (2019), MarketWatch, Forbes, and other publications. When COVID19 restricted senior living communities from having even small-group activities, Burton decided to keep their voices alive by starting a podcast, Feet to the Fire Writers' Workshops® OUTLOUD, featuring interviews with and stories read by the writers themselves. Currently, the podcast is being listened to in the U.S. and abroad – from Canada to the UK to Ireland and India! Burton was recently named a Next Avenue Influencer in Aging, sharing the spotlight with such greats as Dr. Vivek Murthy and Michael J. Fox, among others. Burton says, "We are driven by our social mission - to provide a meaningful way for people to express themselves through writing. The research tells us that writing is a useful tool for improving social/emotional and cognitive wellbeing. With the tragedy of a global pandemic, we know that people need resources such as ours to help them feel connected and heard, to bring them self-awareness and purpose, and to support their mental wellbeing as they age. We simply could not give up, rather move forward at a time when what we do is sorely needed." Burton holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts and a B.A. in English from the University of Louisville. We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

In this episode, we talk with Wendy Adlerstein, Executive Director and Co-Owner of FirstLight Home Care. She brings to us her insight into how she is seeing the perspective shift in aging, especially in a home care setting. The secret sauce that makes up a great caregiver, what to look for when you hire a home care agency, encouraging a younger generation to look at caregiving as a great way to spend their time and foster meaningful relationships. Wendy Adlerstein, LSW, who has more than 20 years of experience in working with seniors. She holds a B.A. in Psychology with a concentration in Sociology and Human Services. In addition to her Massachusetts License in Social Work, Wendy holds a Certificate in Gerontology from the Worcester Consortium Gerontology Program. She is a member of the Aging Life Care Association (ALCA), formerly the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. Finally, Wendy is a Certified Dementia Practitioner in good standing from the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. Currently, she is Executive Director and Co-Owner of FirstLight Home Care of West Suburban Boston and FirstLight Home Care of Boston - Back Bay. www.firstlighthomecare.com www.BostonBB.firstlighthomecare.com We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

We all need those bright spots in our day. We talk with Jill Mahoney, she has been visiting senior living facilities prior to Covid-19 and has now used her time to bring joy and fight loneliness by making phone calls and connecting to seniors in their home. We discuss how those calls bring joy to each of us, encouraging others to reach out and do the same. We talk about those reasons behind those calls, what we learn from them, how meaningful it is to families when the community reaches out, and the human desire to do something good in the world. We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

With Gerontologist, Renee Skoglund, we explore the power of human touch, how intimacy and sexuality play a powerful role in our lives regardless of age. Covid-19 has highlighted what we have always previously taken for granted- a simple touch, a hug, or a kiss. A look back through the generations to see where we've been and how it's shaped our perceptions today. Is there a rise in STD's for our senior population and what role, if any, do our senior living communities have in education and discussion? Renee Skoglund received her Bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Gerontology from Drake University and a Masters in Gerontology, from the University of Northern Colorado. She was awarded the Colorado Graduate Fellow and received the Graduate Deans Citation for Excellence. She has worked in the Gerontology field for over 30 years, focusing on creating, implementing, updating, managing, and improving programs for people over 50. Programs included the creation of a hospital-based adult day program, a hospital-based membership program, starting her own company to maximize activity, engagement, and happiness, which result in a better quality of life. Several of the programs received national awards. She is the Executive Director at the Sanctuary in St. Cloud, MN. We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

Dr. Cameron Camp is the Director of Research and Development at the Center for Applied Research in Dementia. Dr. Camp is the creator of Montessori-Based Dementia Programming, an innovative approach to activities programming and daily life interactions that combines rehabilitation principles and educational techniques using the physical and cognitive abilities available to individuals. This method has proven very successful in engaging persons with dementia, as well as utilizing the person-centered care approach. It was a privilege to interview Dr. Camp and learn about his background, how the Center for Applied Research and Dementia supports those with dementia and their loved ones, we learn about the founding principles of Maria Montessori and how those principles are integrated in care for a loved one. We look at shifting our focus from negative outcomes to what positive effects this method is producing and the great work that is being implemented through Dr. Camp and his team. We talk about how creating a community that offers choice fosters the best outcomes and creates a living environment we all strive for in person-centered care. For those looking for more information and for ways to have meaningful engagement with their loved one, especially during this time of isolation with Covid-19, please contact the Center for Applied Research in Dementia at https://www.cen4ard.com/ We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

We've had so much fun interviewing the most amazing guests. We are continuing to record great episodes and connect with our audience. Thank you for your support and continued encouragement. We will be taking a fall break as we are getting our little ones started in school and completing a big project we are excited to share with all of you in a couple of months. Wishing you all the best and we'll see you soon! Visit us at www.willgatherpodcast.com

"A life well lived is a story worth telling" We all have a story to tell and we need connection now more than ever. By the telling of our stories, we are able to build those bridges to our families and loved ones and leave a legacy for generations to come. My interview with Jessica Redmond of Storyteller highlights the importance of passing down the gift of memoirs to our loved ones- but it's about so much more! Join us as we have an insightful conversation about life, history, and the importance of really listening and hearing to what those small moments are that make up a life. Now, as we face these days of isolation and uncertainty, she believes sharing and preserving those stories is more vital than ever. In this episode we talk about how memoirs have been written since ancient times and collected through the written word but also the spoken word, how has the capturing of a life story or memoirs changed throughout the generations and brings us to their surge in importance right now and why it is important to pass down a personal legacy. Jessica Redmond takes us through the process of what capturing a life story looks like, how elders and family members can implement her insight and she shares with us her favorite memoirs. Jessica Redmond is a Minnesota based writer. She is the founder and creator of Storyteller, a personal story and memoir writing service. Jessica holds a BA in English from Tulane University and a MA in International Public Policy from Rutgers University. She is the author of A Year of Absence: Six Women's Stories of Courage, Hope and Love, a non-fiction account of the lives of soldier's spouses during the first year of the war in Iraq. She is passionate about bringing stories to life and honoring personal legacies through the written word. For more information about Storyteller visit https://www.yourstorytogether.com/ We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com

In a mission to end social isolation, Jaya Manjunath, the founder of Seniors with Skills created a program to encourage and assist our younger generation to volunteer and change the lives of our elders. Hear how this non-profit is run primarily by university students, teaching all of us that you are never too young to change the world! Social isolation is a public health crisis for our seniors and with Covid-19, we are even more aware of this trend. We look at what those negative health effects are of social isolation and how Seniors with Skills on-line buddy program that can be implemented at home or in a senior living community to provides companionship and fight loneliness. As they are growing their international reach, please donate your time or talents to this great non-profit by visiting www.seniorswithskills.org. Jaya Manjunath serves as the founder and executive director of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Seniors with Skills, a nonprofit determined to end social isolation of senior citizens. Over the past 8 years, she has been volunteering at multiple retirement homes and decided to create a platform to encourage others to do the same. Since COVID-19 hit, Seniors with Skills has been running the Online Buddy Program, where volunteers are video chatting with seniors at nursing homes and living at home. She is extremely passionate about seniors' health and overall wellbeing and is dedicated to preventing and ending social isolation of senior citizens. Jaya will be entering The George Washington School of Medicine this fall and hopes to continue serving seniors and underserved populations through the medical field. We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com

In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Thomas Letourneur and Amy Bryant. We talk about the story of Famileo, a family newspaper that brings families together- an app that was created for families to share their pictures and messages digitally and how Famileo shares and prints a personalized newspaper that is sent to your elder loved one, what life in France looks like right now for our seniors as they social distance, what are the trends with seniors engaging with technology, how Famileo fights loneliness, engages families, promotes intergenerational relationships, and supports senior living facilities. In a world that relies heavily on technology, reaching those that can not or do not want to engage with technology is vital- this is a lifeline for many elders and their families. Famileo has launched in the United States after it's widespread success in France and Europe as they are "Grandparents' Favourite Gift". For more information, visit https://www.famileo.com/famileo/en-EU/ Thomas Letourneur is responsible for launching Famileo in the American market. He is in charge of International Development, International development projects in Serbia, Tunisia, China, Brazil, Scandinavia, etc. Thomas holds a Master's Degree in Finance from a top-tier French Business School. Amy Bryant is the Strategic Sales and Marketing Partner for Geriatric Healthcare Consultants. She is an award-winning sales and marketing leader with over two decades of experience in the senior housing and healthcare industries. Proven success in creating and executing sales and marketing plans to propel year over year growth and support revenue objectives. Experience developing brand awareness and building teams with a unified sales vision and strategy to exceed sales goals and increase market share. Amy has a masters degree in health law and policy from Seton Hall Law School and a bachelors degree in psychology with a concentration in gerontology from Drew University. We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com

Eversound created a much-needed solution, a wireless headphone system with individual volume control- a sought after tool to fight isolation and build engagement with seniors. Join us as we talk to Matt Reiners, co-founder of Eversound, as we learn about the creation of Eversound and how it works. We discuss how hearing changes as we age and what those challenges are and how we can overcome those negative health outcomes that are tied to hearing loss. We dive into how Eversound can boost seniors morale and quality of life. How sound can create immersive experiences for us. In an age of physical distancing, we learn ways to engage with family members and the community. To learn more about Eversound visit https://eversoundhq.com/ We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! For more information about our podcast & sponsorship visit www.willgatherpodcast.com

We had the pleasure of interviewing Rachelle Morgan, Founder of Soundscaping Source. Soundscaping Source "helps older adults, caregivers and eldercare professionals find joy and connection in music." We hear about how this business was created and how the universal power of music brings us together. We learn all about music therapy, the healthcare and clinical practice of music therapy, those benefits, and how caregivers can implement it- especially during a time of isolation using virtual tools. We talk about how caregivers can have meaningful experiences together and the powerful stories of music therapy at work. Rachelle Morgan, MA, MT-BC believes everyone deserves access to meaningful music experiences with their loved ones, no matter what cognitive or physical limitations may be getting in the way. She has been in music therapy clinical practice since 2004 and is the founder of Soundscaping Source, a private practice in Kansas City, where her team primarily serves older adults. They are also now providing music therapy and related services by telehealth across the country. Rachelle is on the faculty of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and is in high demand as a speaker and consultant on topics related to ethics, business, and music in eldercare. To learn more about how we can support you, visit soundscapingsource.com For her free video series for caregivers on Finding Joy and Release Through Music, visit soundscapingsource.com/joy Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather. More information can be found at www.willgatherpodcast.com We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates!

We talk with Gerontologist, Renee Skoglund, about a topic that many family members and loved ones are faced with- Is my loved one safe to continue driving? What are those age-related changes that affect driving, how do we spot those warning signs that may affect driving, what can be put in place to remain safe, who makes the decision to take away the keys, how do we empower our loved one to make safe, independent decisions, and all things aging and driving. We give helpful tips on how to help your loved one transition and thrive if they are no longer able to drive. Renee's wisdom and insight into this topic, which is challenging for many, is not to be missed. Renee Skoglund received her Bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Gerontology from Drake University and a Masters in Gerontology, from the University of Northern Colorado. She was awarded the Colorado Graduate Fellow and received the Graduate Deans Citation for Excellence. She has worked in the Gerontology field for over 30 years, focusing on creating, implementing, updating, managing, and improving programs for people over 50. Programs included the creation of a hospital-based adult day program, a hospital-based membership program, starting her own company to maximize activity, engagement, and happiness, which result in a better quality of life. Several of the programs received national awards. She is now the Executive Director of a senior living building. We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather. Born into a family of story-tellers she felt called to ask the questions and tell the stories. At her core, she is a collaborator and cheerleader for others by sharing the good work that they are doing in the world, and all for her favorite group of people- our elders. Our hope is to create a sense of community, inspiring a vision of life-long learning and engagement. Growing up, Nicole's grandma was able to live with her family and became one of her closest friends. Inspired by this special relationship and passion, she went on to earn a Bachelors of Science degree in Human Services: Social Gerontology and became Activity Director Certified with NCCAP, working many years as a Director in a senior living facility overseeing their Therapeutic Recreation, Volunteer and Spiritual Care Departments and as a private elderly care companion. She is the founder of www.willGather.com which is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of our aging community by connecting Activity Directors and Therapeutic Recreation Professionals with vendors, venues, and others in the senior living industry.

In this episode we interview, Shaun Mitra, the Founder and CEO of Briocare, which was recognized by AARP Innovation Labs. We discuss how AI Voice Technology helps seniors age in place, what is AI and how our elderly can benefit from it. We talk about how social engagement can be integrated and how family members can find peace of mind using a program like Briocare. For more information visit www.briocare.us Briocare uses voice AI technology to provide selfcare, companionship, support and communication for older adults to live happily and age gracefully/peacefully. We are very passionate about healthcare and technology, which is why we are at the forefront of improving quality of life for seniors and their caregivers. At Briocare, we pride ourselves at helping older adults lead an independent life. With your care and our technology, more people can enjoy happier and healthier lives even in their own homes. Shaun Mitra, BE, MBA, is the Founder and CEO of Briocare. He is an Engineering graduate from Nat'l Institute of Technology, India and a magna cum laude MBA graduate from Scott School of Business in Indiana. Shaun has deep understanding of digital technologies including sensor based devices. His passion is to use voice technology to empower seniors for an active, healthy & purposeful life. He actively works with various senior associations and regional chapters to promote use of technology for Aging in Place. He is also a volunteer at the local Meals on Wheels chapter. We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather. Born into a family of story-tellers, as Nicole's dad is a documentary filmmaker, she felt called to ask the questions and tell the stories. She's most happy in the role of cheerleading for others and sharing the good work that they are doing in the world, and all for her favorite group of people-our elders. When Nicole was younger, their grandma came to live with her family and became one of her closest friends- seeing what life looked like as you age and what changes can take place. It was a gift to be able to have a front-row seat on having a loved one live out their final chapter and leave a legacy. Nicole found that the one unifying outlook that we all need is hope: the joy of something to look forward to, whether it's a visit from a loved one or friend, a party, a game, or a show. Our hope is to create a sense of community, inspiring a vision of life-long learning and engagement. Inspired by this passion, she went on to earn a Bachelors of Science degree in Human Services: Social Gerontology and became Activity Director Certified with NCCAP, working for many years as a Director in a senior living facility overseeing their Therapeutic Recreation, Volunteer and Spiritual Care Departments and as a private elderly care companion. She is the founder of www.willGather.com which is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of our aging community by connecting Activity Directors and Therapeutic Recreation Professionals with vendors, venues, and others in the senior living industry.

In this episode, we talk with Jen Tindall, owner of Art Your Service, about what inspired her to create the Cultivating Gratitude program, what are the scientific benefits in practicing gratitude, those success stories, and how senior living facilities and family members can implement those programs. Based in Whitby, Ontario Canada Jen Tindall is the owner of Art Your Service which creates and delivers meaningful activities and events for seniors. Her best-selling program in-a-box, Cultivating Gratitude, has been sold to hundreds of retirement and long term care homes across North America. She believes seniors haven't "lived" interesting lives but are still living them. Art Your Service makes sure all their events are people-centred and age-appropriate so that every senior can continue to live their best lives. Coming Soon: Daily virtual classes and socials for seniors. Find out more at www.artyourservice.org. We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather. Born into a family of story-tellers, as Nicole's dad is a documentary filmmaker, she felt called to ask the questions and tell the stories. She's most comfortable being a cheerleader for others and sharing the good work that they are doing in the world, and all for her favorite group of people- our elders. When Nicole was younger, their grandma came to live with her family and became one of her closest friends- seeing what life looked like as you age and what changes can take place. It was a gift to be able to have a front-row seat on having a loved one live out their final chapter and leave a legacy. Nicole found that the one unifying outlook that we all need is hope: the joy of something to look forward to, whether it's a visit from a loved one or friend, a party, a game, or a show. Our hope is to create a sense of community, inspiring a vision of life-long learning and engagement. Inspired by this passion, she went on to earn a Bachelors of Science degree in Human Services: Social Gerontology and became Activity Director Certified with NCCAP, working many years as a Director in a senior living facility overseeing their Therapeutic Recreation, Volunteer and Spiritual Care Departments and as a private elderly care companion. She is the founder of www.willGather.com which is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of our aging community by connecting Activity Directors and Therapeutic Recreation Professionals with vendors, venues, and others in the senior living industry.

Turning the tables today! Join us as Jennifer Greene interviews our host, Nicole Will, for an in-depth discussion and question and answer session on keeping our elderly and seniors engaged during this time of isolation. Do you have a loved one at an assisted living facility, group home, or isolated at home during the Covid-19 pandemic? Learn how to keep your loved ones engaged in this time of isolation and social distancing, whether they remain at home or in a senior living facility, as well as how to take care of yourself. Jennifer Greene is a powerhouse in the real estate investing world. She is the owner of Property Haus Partners, LLC. Property Haus is able to help when a loved one is transitioning out of their home. They can offer support and resources for family members and loved ones. They are a locally owned, family-operated company that has a vested interest to improve communities in Minnesota one house at a time. Property Haus Partners is a business whose brand is recognized for being competent, sincere, and compassionate to all those we encounter. We create solutions for people who need to sell their houses fast to create unity and cohesion in our local communities. More information can be found at https://www.propertyhauspartners.com/ Nicole Will is the founder of willGather (www.willGather.com) and holds a B.S. degree in Human Services: Social Gerontology and an ADC Certification with NCCAP. We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates!

#1 core value of Chair One Fitness is Compassion for the People- this value is woven in this entire episode. We had the honor of interviewing Alexis Perkins, Founder and Creative Director of Chair One Fitness, a nationally accredited program. "Chair One Fitness is a comprehensive chair exercise program designed for individuals who have complications standing during a fitness regimen". We dive into the story behind Chair One Fitness, why and how it was created. We talk about who this program is designed for, the benefits of staying active as we age and how this program accommodates all levels of mobility and cognition. Their mission and Alexis's passion for this aging population really shines through in all they do and the success stories that are shared during this episode. We talk about how we can equip family members, loved ones, and the senior living community to encourage, lead, and teach others to be active and have fun. We also end with a fun re-cap with Anna Larkin, an elderly caregiver- you don't want to miss this dynamic episode! https://www.chaironefitness.com Social Media FB https://www.facebook.com/chaironefitness/ IG @chaironefitness Email [email protected] Promo Video https://vimeo.com/356042674 We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates! About Host: Nicole Will is the founder of willGather (www.willGather.com) and holds a B.S. degree in Human Services: Social Gerontology and an ADC Certification with NCCAP.

In today's episode we interview Lori K. Yauch, owner of LKY Therapies and Meaningful Memory Maker. We discuss how Lori has worked in a variety of clinical settings ranging from pediatric to geriatric for the last 20 years- specializing in cognitive-linguistic treatment, dementia management, and dysphagia. With her extensive knowledge we learn about the creation of Meaningful Memory Maker which specializes in "reminiscence as an avenue to promote communication and social engagement." We hear about her program Movies and Music. The different ways family members, loved ones, and senior living facilities can incorporate these programs and the science behind their benefits. Lori K. Yauch, M.A., CCC-SLP, is the author of: Movies and Music: A Guide to Turning The Classic Movie Musical Into An Interactive Event Movies and Music: A Clinician's Guide to the Classic Movie Musical and Group Activity A series of personalized memory books ~The ABOUT Books. A series of family history books ~ A Personal Family History of Lasting Memories. She presented at the 2016 Florida Speech and Hearing Association (FLASHA), Convention (Let's Get Engaged: Using Multi-media in Reminiscence Therapy). She has worked in a variety of settings, from schools to hospitals to sub-acute rehab and long-term care centers. Her knowledge of patient populations ranges from pediatric to geriatric with emphasis on geriatric for the last 20 years. Her expertise includes cognitive-linguistic treatment, dementia management, dysphagia, and the supervision of student clinicians and Clinical Fellows. She attended Michigan State University for her undergraduate work in Audiology and Speech Sciences. She completed her Master's Degree at Eastern Michigan University in Speech-Language Pathology. ​ Her gift is the joy, innovation, and care she brings to her work, her patients, and her belief in each person's right to reach his or her highest potential while having fun along the way. More information can be found at www.meaningfulmemorymaker.com Host Nicole Will is the founder of willGather (www.willGather.com) and holds a B.S. degree in Human Services: Social Gerontology and an ADC Certification with NCCAP. We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please subscribe for updates!

We had the pleasure of interviewing Tina Marie Ferguson, founder and creator of Artsy Smartsy. In part 2 of this interview we talk about why should family members use art to engage with their loved ones. What lessons we can learn from that and the bigger meaning behind art and connecting with our aging loved ones. We discuss how we can use the materials we have at home and how to create art and conversation in times like this. Tina Marie Ferguson is the founder, owner and head teacher of the award-winning senior education company, Artsy Smartsy, the largest for-profit senior art provider in Minnesota and Arizona, bring monthly art classes in ALL art mediums to seniors of all ages and abilities. She is the Executive Director of HeARTsy, a non-profit 502.c3 which brings FREE art classes to orphans, troubled youth, developmentally disabled, and families at risk in Phoenix, AZ. She is also a Certified Dementia Practioner and is apart of the International Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. Tina has 45 years of daily art-making and a Master's degree in Architecture from ASU, Tina has made art and design a lifelong passion. Artsy Smartsy began over 11 years ago in Minnesota and now includes over 500 seniors who reside in assisted living, memory care, veterans homes, group homes, Parkinson's day programs, hospitals, and community library programs. Half of her students suffer from Parkinson's disease and Alzheimers. Tina Marie Ferguson has served on many committees and regularly speaks to healthcare professionals on the benefits of arts and aging. Artsy Smartsy has received many awards including an honorable mention from the International Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners and Center for Applied Research in Dementia. Visit www.artsysmartsyclass.com for art kits and more information. Host Nicole Will is the founder of willGather (www.willGather.com) and holds a B.S. Degree in Human Services: Social Gerontology and an ADC Certification with NCCAP. *We are not medical professionals and are not providing medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk to a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcast. Please subscribe for updates.

We had the pleasure of interviewing Tina Marie Ferguson, founder and creator of Artsy Smartsy. We talk about the story behind why Tina created Artsy Smartsy. We discuss how our world is in "lockdown" at the moment- Artsy Smartsy reaches our seniors in "lockdown" suffering from Alzheimers and dementia- how art is successful in reaching them and fighting loneliness and isolation. Tina shares with us all of the miracles that she has witnessed by art touching lives. We talk about the Montessori principles and how those are utilized. We dive into Dr. Gene Cohen and how his medical findings connect art with the brain. Stay tuned for Part 2 coming soon. Tina Marie Ferguson is the founder, owner and head teacher of the award-winning senior education company, Artsy Smartsy, the largest for-profit senior art provider in Minnesota and Arizona, bring monthly art classes in ALL art mediums to seniors of all ages and abilities. She is the Executive Director of HeARTsy, a non-profit 502.c3 which brings FREE art classes to orphans, troubled youth, developmentally disabled, and families at risk in Phoenix, AZ. She is also a Certified Dementia Practioner and is apart of the International Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. Tina has 45 years of daily art-making and a Master's degree in Architecture from ASU, Tina has made art and design a lifelong passion. Artsy Smartsy began over 11 years ago in Minnesota and now includes over 500 seniors who reside in assisted living, memory care, veterans homes, group homes, Parkinson's day programs, hospitals, and community library programs. Half of her students suffer from Parkinson's disease and Alzheimers. Tina Marie Ferguson has served on many committees and regularly speaks to healthcare professionals on the benefits of arts and aging. Artsy Smartsy has received many awards including an honorable mention from the International Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners and Center for Applied Research in Dementia. Host Nicole Will is the founder of willGather and holds a B.S. Degree in Human Services: Social Gerontology and an ADC Certification with NCCAP. *We are not medical professionals and are not providing medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk to a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcast. Please subscribe for updates.

willGather is here to come alongside older adults, family members, and professionals in the senior living community as we explore the world of aging and eldercare. Nicole Will brings approachable conversations and insightful interviews to our listeners. She gathers helpful resources, valuable information, and practical tools that will encourage and give hope to caregivers as they navigate the aging journey with their loved ones for a more meaningful and fulfilled life. We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. For more information about our podcast and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com Visit Gigi Betty co. by willGather, a boutique gift shop raising awareness & funds for caregivers and care partners at www.GigiBettyco.com. Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather, LLC.