It's My Turn To Care

The spiritual life is an essential part of our human experience. But suffering from dementia can make going to church a difficult and confusing experience. So how can you help your loved one continue in their faith during periods of cognitive decline? In this episode, we discuss why it’s important to let others know about your loved one’s diagnosis and how to stay connected to the faith community even when suffering from dementia.  Here Are The Show Highlights: How to find God in your loved one’s dementia experience (5:36) Why unknowingly churches harm those with dementia and how those relationships can be restored (7:55) How to endure that dementia doesn’t cost your loved one their church connections (8:59) Why musical worship can provide a powerful spiritual experience for dementia sufferers (11:59) 4 ways to support the faith practice of dementia patients and enrich their lives (16:26) Why telling people to call if they need anything is unhelpful (and how to provide support instead) what you can do instead to provide needed support (23:44) For daily 5-minute mind exercises, head over and like my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hcafortworth/ You can also find additional support and resources by calling Home Care Assistance at 817-349-7599 or visit our websites https://www.homecareassistancefortworth.com/ and https://itsmyturntocare.com/. 

These are some of the most uncertain times we’ve ever seen. For your aging loved one the situation is probably very frightening. How can you be sure that you’re getting the most up to date and accurate information to properly care for them? In this episode, Tarrant County Commission Gary Fickes discusses community initiatives designed to help seniors and tips to keep your loved one healthy and safe during these difficult times.  Here Are The Show Highlights: Tips for safeguarding your loved one’s health when they have to be out in the community (14:53) Symptoms that mean you should get your medical condition tested and exactly where to go (15:56) An update on vaccine progress and how your family can get it when they are ready (19:29) For daily 5-minute mind exercises, head over and like my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hcafortworth/ You can also find additional support and resources by calling Home Care Assistance at 817-349-7599 or visit our websites https://www.homecareassistancefortworth.com/ and https://itsmyturntocare.com/.

Between the stress of the times we’re living in and the natural progression of aging, it can be hard to determine if your loved one is showing signs of a more serious condition like Alzheimer’s Disease. You must educate yourself on recognizing what to look for so that you can get the appropriate treatment as necessary. In this episode, Cognitive Decline expert Alex Namath discusses the 10 must-know warning signs of Alzheimer’s Disease and steps to take to slow cognitive decline. Here Are The Show Highlights: A common vitamin deficiency that can cause Alzheimer’s-like symptoms and how to treat it (3:25) Why relying on sticky notes is a dire warning sign of cognitive decline (4:17) The surprising reason long-term memory issues aren’t a cause for concern (and what you should be looking for instead) (7:08) The “Broken Picture” exercise to strengthen the brain and fight off memory issues (10:43) Why finishing your loved one’s sentences when they seem to be stuck looking for a word could be accelerating cognitive problems (11:19) The disturbing reason TV preachers love Alzheimer’s patients (14:14) A social danger as devastating to your loved one’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day (16:42) Why you can easily miss the warning signs of Alzheimer’s in those closest to you and how to fix this today (19:32) For daily 5-minute mind exercises, head over and like my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hcafortworth/ You can also find additional support and resources by calling Home Care Assistance at 817-349-7599 or visit our websites https://www.homecareassistancefortworth.com/ and https://itsmyturntocare.com/. 

There is no such thing as one-size-fits-all medical care. Every situation is different and requires a different level of treatment. However, it can be confusing to sift through all the options to figure out what is best for your loved one. Facilities and insurance companies all have their own interests in the care your loved one receives. So how can you tell what is the best solution? In this episode, Hospital Administrator and Social Worker Becky Wiggins discusses the difference between in-patient rehab and skilled nursing care and how you can get insurance to cover the treatment that is needed (rather than what’s cheapest). Here Are The Show Highlights: Measurable Medical standards that indicate your loved one may need to be in a rehab hospital (4:32) The 2 defining factors that distinguish in-patient rehab from skilled nursing and how to tell which is right for your loved one (6:13) Common misconceptions about what insurance will pay for and where you can get straight answers (10:53) How rehab hospitals can convince insurance companies to cover things you can’t and how to start the process (11:14) Why you’ll benefit from attending a rehab presentation no matter how good your loved one’s health is right now (15:56) For daily 5-minute mind exercises, head over and like my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hcafortworth/ You can also find additional support and resources by calling Home Care Assistance at 817-349-7599 or visit our websites https://www.homecareassistancefortworth.com/ and https://itsmyturntocare.com/. 

Your loved one’s lifestyle plays a huge role in maintaining cognitive function. This includes everything from the foods they eat to the activities they participate in. By encouraging them to practice healthy habits and mentally stimulating activities, you are increasing the quality of their years, but possibly the quantity as well. In this episode, I discuss the importance of social interaction and a variety of ways to keep your loved one’s brain healthy and functioning well so they can enjoy life.  Here Are The Show Highlights: Why the Community Approach is the single most important way to maintain your loved one’s mental sharpness (2:01)  How to recognize harmful interactions so you can remove your loved one from the situation (3:35) The how a heart-healthy diet also keeps your brain working like a well-oiled machine (5:15) Why exercise is essential to long-term brain health (9:47) The surprising reason that writing can fend off Alzheimers and dementia (16:18) For daily 5-minute mind exercises, head over and like my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hcafortworth/ You can also find additional support and resources by calling Home Care Assistance at 817-349-7599 or visit our websites https://www.homecareassistancefortworth.com/ and https://itsmyturntocare.com/. 

Many seniors are counting on government programs to help with medical expenses in retirement. But these programs are in terrible financial shape. This makes the right insurance a vital part of your loved one’s financial plan. But the insurance world can be extremely confusing without the right help. In this episode, financial advisor Tena Burrell discusses why partial insurance coverage may be the right choice for you, how to get benefits from a long-term care policy that has been canceled, and how life insurance benefits can be used without dying.   Here Are The Show Highlights: How to get benefits from your loved one’s long term care policy even if they dropped it because it was unaffordable (3:56) Why your loved one cannot rely on Medicaid and how to properly prepare for unexpected medical expenses (11:39) The one document you must have to ensure your family member’s finances are secure (6:57) How putting a joint bank account can cost you everything you have (7:58) Why it’s in everyone’s best interest to track every penny of financial assistance you give a loved one (14:48) For daily 5-minute mind exercises, head over and like my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hcafortworth/ You can also find additional support and resources by calling Home Care Assistance at 817-349-7599 or visit our websites https://www.homecareassistancefortworth.com/ and https://itsmyturntocare.com/. 

Planning for your loved one’s care is a challenge. When you add financial planning to the mix, it can get overwhelming. If you try to do it alone, you could create a financial catastrophe. So what kind of help do you need and who should you get it from? Family? A professional? In this episode, financial advisor Tena Burrell discusses why you should always divide planning duties, how to find the right professional for your situation, and when you should first discuss financial plans with your loved one.  Here Are The Show Highlights: How to break the devastating cycle of “hair on fire” planning and get your finances in order (2:19) Why it’s a terrible idea to have more than one child share financial planning duties for their parents (7:01) Essential estate planning documents that ensure your loved one maintains the lifestyle they worked so hard to achieve (5:59) Why “one and done” planning decisions can destroy family relationships (13:05) How financial professionals can help you avoid awkward conversations about money in the most stressful situations (15:53) Why paying for outside planning help can save your loved one thousands of dollars (20:11) For daily 5-minute mind exercises, head over and like my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hcafortworth/ You can also find additional support and resources by calling Home Care Assistance at 817-349-7599 or visit our websites https://www.homecareassistancefortworth.com/ and https://itsmyturntocare.com/. 

Understanding basic Medicare options is not enough to ensure proper coverage for your loved one. There are limited windows to make decisions in. Miss a window and your family member may have to go without insurance for a period of time.  And choosing the wrong plan could lead to thousands of dollars of out-of-pocket expenses for prescription medications. Getting the details right is critical to securing the health and well-being of your family member. With so many moving parts, it’s a good idea to get help from a professional in the industry.  In this episode, independent insurance broker Jack Townsend discusses how to navigate the various enrollment windows and pick the right plan based on your loved one’s unique circumstances.  Here Are The Show Highlights: Why getting the Medicare calendar wrong can leave your loved one without health insurance when they need it most (2:28) How to enroll your family member in Medicare even when they missed the enrollment period (2:56) What you have to know about changing plans when your loved one’s Medicare no longer covers their needs (5:35) Why “Part D” may be the most important Medicare choice you make and save you thousands of dollars (7:53) The surprising reason that your loved one’s current plan could be worthless to them next year (10:56) Why brand loyalty could destroy your loved one’s health (16:11) For daily 5-minute mind exercises, head over and like my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hcafortworth/ You can also find additional support and resources by calling Home Care Assistance at 817-349-7599 or visit our websites https://www.homecareassistancefortworth.com/ and https://itsmyturntocare.com/.   

As your loved one ages, regular insurance companies shy away from what they view as a higher risk. When they reach the age of 65, Medicare becomes the foundation of the health care plan. But there are so many options. Some provided by the government, some by private health insurance companies. What is the right choice for your family member? In this episode, independent insurance broker Jack Townsend shares what you need to know to ensure your loved one continues to get the best possible medical care as they age.  Here Are The Show Highlights: Simple signs you need to talk with a professional about medicare to protect your loved one’s health (3:13) Why conventional Medicare may not be the best option for your loved one and how to find a plan tailored to their needs (8:00) The truth about Medicare reimbursement rates and how to protect your family from financial catastrophe (8:31) Why understanding the letters A, B, C, and D can save you from devastating financial loss due to health issues (13:27) Why understanding the 2 primary Medicare options is crucial to ensuring your loved one has proper medical care as they age (14:04) How to avoid being stuck in a foreign country with no medical coverage (15:57) For daily 5-minute mind exercises, head over and like my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hcafortworth/ You can also find additional support and resources by calling Home Care Assistance at 817-349-7599 or visit our websites https://www.homecareassistancefortworth.com/ and https://itsmyturntocare.com/. 

There is no one-size-fits-all family care situation. Every case has unique challenges and opportunities. But despite the wide variety of circumstances, I’ve noticed 10 tips that will help you provide the best care possible for your loved one. In this episode, I discuss the 10 tips and how to get the best care experience for your family’s individual needs. Here Are The Show Highlights: The essential legal documents you must have to protect your family from medical and financial harm (4:22) How to take advantage of little-known financial resources available to help you safeguard your personal assets (8:31) How to prevent cognitive decline in your family member (11:27) The counterintuitive reason why your loved one is not the most important person you’re caring for (12:42) Easily avoidable mistakes that destroy the health of family caregivers (and how to avoid them yourself) (13:50) For daily 5-minute mind exercises, head over and like my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hcafortworth/ You can also find additional support and resources by calling Home Care Assistance at 817-349-7599 or visit our websites https://www.homecareassistancefortworth.com/ and https://itsmyturntocare.com/.   

With growing numbers of seniors requiring extensive ongoing medical care, more families are opting for home care. Most people want to stay in their homes, so it looks like an easy decision. Until you start researching care options. There are multiple options available, from independent workers to agencies to doing it yourself. But if you don’t know the right questions to ask, you can find yourself facing problems from poor care quality to legal liabilities. In this episode, I help you cut through the confusion and tell you exactly what to look for (and essential questions to ask) when deciding on the best home care option for your loved one.  Here Are The Show Highlights: The surprising reason private home care services can cost you far more than you bargained for (3:42) Questions you must ask home care workers to avoid massive liability issues (4:23) Why home care agency workers employment status can open you up to a big financial burden (if you don’t ask the question we suggest at 6:18) The biggest advantage you as a family caregiver have over home care agencies (9:42) The devastating mental toll family caregivers pay and how to avoid it (11:03) Why so-called “non-skilled” home care takes more skill than you think (11:53) For daily 5-minute mind exercises, head over and like my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hcafortworth/ You can also find additional support and resources by calling Home Care Assistance at 817-349-7599 or visit our websites https://www.homecareassistancefortworth.com/ and https://itsmyturntocare.com/. 

10,000 people turn 65 every day. The senior population will double between now and 2030. The number of adults caring for a parent will skyrocket in that time.  Statistics show that chronic disease has far outpaced acute disease. This means that illness will need to be treated for much longer. Add in the fact that 9 out of 10 seniors want to remain in the home and we are looking at a massive need for home care.  But without a proper home care plan in place, you and your loved one will suffer unnecessarily.  In this episode, I discuss alarming signs that your loved one needs care and essential home care information you need to help your loved one continue to live a safe and healthy life.  Here Are The Show Highlights: Shocking health and aging statistics that will affect the way you care for your loved ones (2:27) Why the current state of healthcare leads to the skyrocketing need for home care (3:33) Why caring for a loved one could cost you $750,000 (4:30) The sad reason that caregivers suffer depression at 6x the national average and how to prevent it (5:05) How to determine whether your loved one needs home health or home care (9:00) Troubling signs that your family member needs home care (11:34) For daily 5-minute mind exercises, head over and like my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hcafortworth/ You can also find additional support and resources by calling Home Care Assistance at 817-349-7599 or visit our websites https://www.homecareassistancefortworth.com/ and https://itsmyturntocare.com/. 

Over 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day. This has overwhelmed Medicare, putting your loved one at risk of not getting the care they need at hospitals and assisted-living facilities. What will you do when you’re forced to care for your family members in their home because t Medicare doesn’t cover the rising costs of a facility?  In this episode, I talk to experienced critical care nurse and business owner Lesley Hauck. We discuss how to provide your loved one with the best possible care at home while making sure they stay healthy and safe.  Here Are The Show Highlights: 90% of seniors prefer to stay in their homes. Here’s what you need to make that happen for your loved one (3:26) Why medicare can’t care for the overwhelming number of Baby Boomers in society and how to protect your family members from medical tragedies (4:58) Essential equipment you need to ensure the safety of loved ones you can’t visit due to quarantine (6:29) A revolutionary app that helps you provide hospital-level care at home (7:04) How healthy foods can cause serious illness with certain medications and how to prevent it (9:26) Why the current state of medical education is putting your older family members at risk and how you can help (14:29) For daily 5-minute mind exercises, head over and like my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hcafortworth/ You can also find additional support and resources by calling Home Care Assistance at 817-349-7599 or visit our websites https://www.homecareassistancefortworth.com/ and https://itsmyturntocare.com/. 

Senior living communities are often stigmatized by caregivers. Too often, they think they’re putting their loved ones “away.” But in reality, the right senior living community can help your loved ones thrive in later years.  Not only do they have as much care as they need, but they can connect with other seniors in the same boat — which they can’t get if they’re isolated in their own home. But every senior living community is different. And some provide better care and opportunities than others.  In this episode, Alaine Capper from The Arbor Company joins me to reveal key things to look for in potential senior living communities, how to properly “vet” the best senior living communities, and why senior living communities give your loved ones the best possible quality of life.  Here Are The Show Highlights: Why isolation is especially deadly for seniors battling dementia (and the easy way to prevent it) (3:37)  The insidious way stigmas sabotage your loved one’s quality of life (6:36)  Early warning signs that your loved one’s cognitive abilities are slipping (10:29)  The single best way to “vet” senior living communities to ensure they make a great home (15:11)  If you’d like to talk more with Alaine, you can give her a call at 817-819-9144 or call The Vantage at City View and ask for Alaine.  For daily 5-minute mind exercises, head over and like my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hcafortworth/ You can also find additional support and resources by calling Home Care Assistance at 817-349-7599 or visit our websites https://www.homecareassistancefortworth.com/ and https://itsmyturntocare.com/. 

Every dementia case is different and presents unique challenges to the caregiver. It can be easy for you to become overwhelmed. When you have other family members that also need care the difficulty increases exponentially. Without the right systems and support in place, you’ll find yourself suffering burnout. Then you can’t help your loved ones or yourself. In this episode, doctor of clinical Christian Counseling Cathi Neal joins me to discuss the importance of self-care for caregivers, how to accept help from friends, and when to consider assisted-living care for a family member. Here Are The Show Highlights: Why laughing off your loved one’s hallucinations can be dangerous for everyone involved (5:57) The single best way that friends of dementia sufferers can support the efforts of caregivers (8:23) Essential self-care steps that caregivers often ignore, resulting in unnecessary suffering (9:32) One promise that you should never make to a family member (because you break it and hurt the relationship) (13:07)  The Counselor’s Secret to providing care and maintaining relationships without building resentment (17:37) Why learning to let go is one of the most important skills a caregiver can have for their own sanity (21:10) For daily 5-minute mind exercises, head over and like my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hcafortworth/ You can also find additional support and resources by calling Home Care Assistance at 817-349-7599 or visit our websites https://www.homecareassistancefortworth.com/ and https://itsmyturntocare.com/. 

Most of us never plan to become caregivers for our loved ones. The choice is often made for us by our life circumstances. As a result, we don’t factor in how much time, effort, and emotional energy caregiving requires. You can’t pour from an empty cup. And if you try to take care of yourself and your loved one, you will eventually burn out. When that happens, you can’t help anyone. On this episode, I’m joined by home health care nurse Diedra Kindred to discuss why it’s ok to ask for help, how being a caregiver can reduce your lifespan, and warning signs that you are burning out. Here Are The Show Highlights: How you can be ok with recharging while others care for your loved one. (4:30) The shockingly high percentage of caregivers that pass away BEFORE the person they’re caring for (5:27) Overlooked care tasks that must be discussed or you may risk a non-medical crisis (8:55) The single best way to handle outside offers of help even when you feel like you don’t need it (10:03) The sad truth about why we refuse help and how that harms our loved ones (10:58) Take this step TODAY to effectively care for your loved one during difficult times (13:44) 2 blaring wake-up call signs you are burning out and will be unable to provide effective care (15:15) The “20-20-20” plan for restorative self-care that combats burnout (18:40) For daily 5-minute mind exercises, head over and like my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hcafortworth/ You can also find additional support and resources by calling Home Care Assistance at 817-349-7599 or visit our websites https://www.homecareassistancefortworth.com/ and https://itsmyturntocare.com/. 

The number of factors that dementia caregivers have to consider is huge. Things get even more complicated when you are trying to provide the best care for a family member who is suffering. Add to this the fact that every dementia case and patient is different, and you may find yourself overwhelmed. In this episode, Dave and dementia author and care expert Patty Green discuss how to overcome fear as a caregiver, and how to choose a care strategy that benefits you and your loved one. Here Are The Show Highlights: How to overcome the #1 fear of caregivers (2:54) The shocking impact music can have on those suffering from dementia and how to harness that power (4:49) Dementia or forgetfulness? How to tell the difference (5:27) Skilled caregiver strategies that prevent your family from being torn apart by dementia care needs(6:58) The single most important skill a caregiver can have for handling the changing nature of dementia symptoms (without losing heart) (8:00) How to assess the available care options to minimize the suffering of a loved one (8:56) The crucial first step you must take before deciding on a care strategy, or you may be putting your loved one and yourself at risk (9:35) Easy to do activities that can dramatically improve the quality of life of dementia patients (13:19) A three-step process for overcoming the most common fears of caregivers (15:33) Why advice from other caregivers can be harmful to your loved one, and what you need to know instead (18:03) For daily 5-minute mind exercises, head over and like my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hcafortworth/ You can also find additional support and resources by calling Home Care Assistance at 817-349-7599 or visit our websites https://www.homecareassistancefortworth.com/ and https://itsmyturntocare.com/. 

Stress and anxiety affect everyone. However, when your loved one with dementia experiences these feelings, coping can be far more difficult. Stress and anxiety also lead to depression, but depression can easily be mistaken for dementia. How do you sort through the confusion in order to get the proper help and care for your loved one? In this episode, licensed counselor and geriatric care manager Daniel Bruce and I discuss how to recognize the difference between depression and dementia. Why anxiety can contribute to dementia. And the best ways to help your loved one fight stress so they don’t get overwhelmed. Here Are The Show Highlights: How to tell if your loved one has depression, dementia, or both so you get them the help they need (6:24) Expert tips for spotting the physical signs of anxiety in your loved one (9:40) The subtle but profound ways that anxiety and dementia are tangled up with each other (10:41) Did you know? Stress can actually cause dementia (11:50) What the temperature in your hands tells you about your stress level (15:57) The single best way to kill symptoms of stress before they get out of control (20:25) For daily 5-minute mind exercises, head over and like my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hcafortworth/ You can also find additional support and resources by calling Home Care Assistance at 817-349-7599 or visit our websites https://www.homecareassistancefortworth.com/ and https://itsmyturntocare.com/. 

When your loved one suffers from dementia, taking them out can be extremely challenging. Many restaurants and stores are completely unprepared for handling customers with greater care needs, resulting in encounters that range from unpleasant to embarrassing. But, there is an organization that is out to change that for you and your family.  In today’s episode, dementia-friendly business expert Gail Snyder and I discuss the dementia-friendly business movement, helpful exercise programs that you can do with your loved one, and a game-changing training that helps build empathy for dementia sufferers. Here Are The Show Highlights: Where to find businesses that identify as dementia-friendly (and what it means for your loved one) (4:32) How recent events have changed the way dementia-friendly business serve you (6:48) A revolutionary exercise program that helps your loved one strengthen their body and brain at the same time  (10:05) A game-changing training that helps businesses understand what dementia patients go through in order to serve them better (12:35) How you can help local businesses you support become dementia-friendly (4:25) For daily 5-minute mind exercises, head over and like my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hcafortworth/ You can also find additional support and resources by calling Home Care Assistance at 817-349-7599 or visit our websites https://www.homecareassistancefortworth.com/ and https://itsmyturntocare.com/. 

Did you know that there’s a connection between hearing loss and dementia?  That doesn’t mean hearing loss is always a sign of dementia. But it could be one of the early signs that your loved one is developing dementia.  In this episode, Amy Badstubner joins me to reveal what you can do if your loved one experiences hearing loss, the importance of hearing aids, and how to give the best care possible.  Here Are The Show Highlights: The strange way hearing loss amplifies your chances of getting dementia (2:07) How something as basic as hearing ads can slow down the rate of dementia (3:29)  The real reason your loved ones aren’t wearing their hearing aids (7:19)  How hearing aids help stop depression in its tracks (9:08)  How to help your loved ones hearing when it’s too late for hearing aids (10:11) If you’d like to get in touch with Amy and learn more about how she can help you, you can call her office at 817-421-3277 or visit her website at http://Texas-Ears.com.   For daily 5-minute mind exercises, head over and like my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hcafortworth/ You can also find additional support and resources by calling Home Care Assistance at 817-349-7599 or visit our websites https://www.homecareassistancefortworth.com/ and https://itsmyturntocare.com/.