Manchester Living Podcast

Tonia Tomlin and Holly Clapp join host Brian Levy to shed light on the complexities of hoarding disorder, a serious mental health issue often misunderstood by the public. Drawing from their personal and professional experiences, they explore the emotional challenges, the long journey toward recovery, and the critical role of empathy and therapy in supporting affected individuals and their families.http://www.ManchesterLivingPodcast.com

What if you could choose the time, place, and company for your final moments—ensuring a peaceful, dignified death on your own terms? Dr. Robert L. Fine, Director, Office of Clinical Ethics and Palliative Care, Baylor Scott & White Health, unpacks the complex realities of medical aid in dying (MAID), hospice, palliative care, and end-of-life decision-making. Dr. Fine sheds light on how individuals can navigate end-of-life decisions with dignity, legal clarity, and compassion while addressing common misconceptions and ethical challenges surrounding MAID. Join Dr. Fine and host Brian Levy as they explore a topic that hits close to home for so many, including a few personal examples from Dr. Fine's illustrious career.

Josh Hickman, author of Forgetting, shares the raw and heartfelt journey of caring for a difficult parent with dementia in this deeply personal episode of The Manchester Living Podcast. Host Brian Levy and Josh explore the complexities of caregiving when the loved one’s personality challenges intersect with cognitive decline. From the early signs of cognitive decline to the isolation of being a caregiver to managing guilt and resentment of your loved ones, Josh dives deep into his experiences and the lessons he learned.

In this episode of The Manchester Living Podcast, host Brian Levy is joined by senior care experts Godwin Dixon (co-founder of Teresa’s House, an assisted living and memory care community) and Melissa Orth (President & CEO of Legacy Senior Communities) to explore the full spectrum of elder living options.They break down key terms and choices — from independent living and assisted living to memory care, continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), and more. Our guests share expertise and real stories to help families and caregivers navigate these complex decisions. Whether you’re planning ahead or facing an urgent need, this discussion offers clear, practical insights.http://www.ManchesterLivingPodcast.com

Therapy dogs can spark joy and connection where words sometimes can’t. In this episode, Brian Levy speaks with Jennifer Hudson, PhD and Cathy Zelzer about their experiences bringing dogs into elder care settings. Discover how these visits help lower anxiety, encourage social interaction, and bring meaningful moments to seniors and their families.http://www.ManchesterLivingPodcast.com

World-renowned dementia expert Teepa Snow returns to The Manchester Living Podcast with fresh insights into dementia care. In this episode, she offers practical advice for families and caregivers navigating the challenges of cognitive change.  Drawing from more than four decades of experience, Teepa shares her expertise and her signature positive approach to care — emphasizing effective strategies, compassionate communication, and the importance of person-centered support.

In this episode of the Manchester Living Podcast, host Brian Levy talks with Dr. Kenneth Cooper, founder of the Cooper Aerobics Center and widely known as the “Father of Aerobics.” Now in his 90s, Dr. Cooper shares his eight healthy steps for living longer, the importance of preventive medicine, myths about aging, and personal stories from decades of research and patient care.

What do you do when your aging parent becomes difficult, controlling, or emotionally draining? On this episode of The Manchester Living Podcast, host Brian Levy sits down with Dr. Paul Chafetz and life coach Alison Goldberg to explore why this happens—and what adult children can do to cope. From long-term personality challenges to dementia-related changes, they offer practical ways to manage the relationship without burning out.http://www.ManchesterLivingPodcast.com

Brian Levy welcomes Susanna Barton—author, gerontology grad student, and creator of “Grand Plans”—to discuss why it’s time to get real about aging. They explore caregiving, legal documents, financial planning, and how to approach tough conversations with aging parents. Susanna shares personal stories, practical advice, and the importance of preparing for the second half of life.http://www.ManchesterLivingPodcast.com

On this powerful episode of The Manchester Living Podcast, host Brian Levy is joined by Janice Bloom and Ileen McFarland to discuss Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)—a rare, often misdiagnosed neurodegenerative disease similar to Parkinson’s but far more aggressive.Janice and Ileen share deeply personal stories of navigating their husbands’ PSP diagnoses, including the physical, emotional, and logistical challenges of caregiving. From misdiagnosis and finding proper care to emotional shifts, brain donation, anticipatory grief, and finding balance in caregiving, this episode is a must-watch for anyone affected by rare diseases or caring for a loved one.Their insights offer not just education, but inspiration—and a powerful reminder that while the body may decline, the human connection remains.http://www.ManchesterLivingPodcast.com

On this episode of The Manchester Living Podcast, host Brian Levy welcomes Tonja Moon, founder of The Grandbaby Project, and Sandi Levy, RN, BSed, CDP, Director of Nursing at Manchester Care Homes, for a powerful discussion on the growing role of nurture therapy—also known as doll therapy—in elder care.Tonja shares the inspiration behind The Grandbaby Project, a heartfelt initiative that provides lifelike dolls to individuals living with dementia and Alzheimer’s. She explains how these carefully designed dolls foster emotional connection, ease anxiety, reduce agitation, and offer a renewed sense of purpose and comfort to residents.Sandi contributes her clinical expertise and firsthand experience, offering moving stories of how doll therapy has made a profound impact on residents, families, and caregivers alike. Together, they explore the science, sensitivity, and soul behind this unique approach to memory care—reminding us that healing doesn’t always come in the form of medication.This episode is a must-listen for families, professionals, and anyone passionate about improving the quality of life for our aging population.http://www.ManchesterLivingPodcast.com#DementiaCare #DollTherapy #NurtureTherapy #GrandbabyProject #AlzheimersSupport #MemoryCare #SeniorLiving #CaregivingTools #ElderCareInnovation #ManchesterLivingPodcast #CognitiveSupport #NonPharmacologicalTherapy #LifelikeDolls #NursingHomeCare #EmpathyInCare

On this episode of The Manchester Living Podcast, host Brian Levy sits down with Alyce Levy and Dr. Bradley McDaniels for a powerful and inspiring conversation about living with neurodegenerative conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s Disease. Alyce opens up about her personal journey with MS—from the onset of symptoms to discovering purpose and building a supportive community. Dr. McDaniels offers expert perspective on the critical role of social connection, mental health, and holistic wellness in navigating life with these conditions.http://www.ManchesterLivingPodcast.com

In this special 50th episode of The Manchester Living Podcast, we explore how retirees are redefining their purpose and staying engaged beyond their careers. Mark Lewis and Bobby Goodman share their journeys from successful business owners to fulfilling new roles, including ambassadorships and companionship caregiving with Cambridge Caregivers.   Whether you're approaching retirement, already there, or simply curious about how to find meaning in new chapters of life, this episode offers inspiration, insight, and real-life stories of reinvention and purpose.http://www.ManchesterLivingPodcast.com

On this heartfelt episode of The Manchester Living Podcast, host Brian Levy sits down with Teepa Snow, a world renowned dementia care expert, and Sandi Levy, Director of Nursing at Manchester Care Homes and Cambridge Caregivers, to explore the deeply personal and often challenging journey of elder care and caregiving. Together, they share insights into supporting loved ones living with brain change while preserving meaningful connections amidst life’s changes. The conversation touches on managing caregiver burnout, fostering effective communication, addressing anxiety and depression, and embracing the complexities of brain change and care with compassion and understanding.

On this episode of the Manchester Living Podcast, Brian Levy sits down with guests Ken Umansky, Ambassador at Cambridge Caregivers, and Dr. Lorie Blessing, Medical Doctor at American Best Geriatrics. Together, they explore the emotional and challenging journey of dating after a spouse's diagnosis, the grieving process, family dynamics, and how families and friends cope. Join us as we discuss the importance of communication, early detection, and finding ways to support both patients and families through this difficult experience.

On this episode of The Manchester Living Podcast, Brian Levy explores the impact of AI in healthcare with Sam Stanton from Red Button AI and Dr. Raymon Aggarwal of Preferred Health Partners. They discuss AI’s role in improving efficiency, data analysis, and patient care, particularly for older adults. From early disease detection to personalized medical solutions, AI’s transformative power is examined alongside concerns about privacy and the need for human oversight. This conversation offers valuable insights into how AI is reshaping modern medicine.

On this episode of The Manchester Living Podcast, Brian Levy sits down with Dr. Ken Johnson, a cardiologist turned functional medicine specialist, and Michael Weinstein, founder of Rebel Chef, to explore alternatives to traditional Western medicine. They dive into topics like CBD, its impact on the body, and innovative therapies such as ozone treatment and NAD infusions aimed at promoting longevity and wellness. Join the conversation for valuable insights into holistic health approaches.http://www.ManchesterLivingPodcast.com

This episode of The Manchester Living Podcast is a personal and insightful discussion about early-onset Alzheimer's, featuring Brian Levy in conversation with Jeff and Kim Kort along with Brenda Shuttlesworth. Jeff's diagnosis at just 56 years old offers a personal perspective on the disease, while the family shares their strategies for coping and the crucial role of support systems. This episode emphasizes both the emotional difficulties and the hope that can be found in facing such challenges together. It would be a valuable listen for anyone impacted by Alzheimer's or interested in learning more about the realities of living with this diagnosis.http://www.ManchesterLivingPodcast.com

On this episode of the Manchester Living Podcast Brian Levy, Aqua Umoren, and Rochelle Brozgold-Ready provide an in-depth discussion on hospice care, a critical yet often misunderstood area of healthcare. The conversation clarifies the distinctions between palliative care and hospice, emphasizing that hospice is about providing comfort and quality of life rather than solely focusing on end-of-life scenarios. The guests dispel common myths, such as the belief that hospice is only for those in their final days, highlighting instead how it supports patients and families in living fully during challenging times.The episode also touches on the emotional aspects of hospice care, sharing personal stories and practical advice that can help individuals and families navigate this difficult journey. It's a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand more about hospice care, whether they're currently facing end-of-life decisions or simply want to be informed about the options available.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and visit our website for more information.http://www.ManchesterLivingPodcast.com

On today's episode, we discuss the importance of caregiver training with two special guests from Manchester Care Homes and Cambridge Caregivers—Tammy Hooker, Human Resource Director, and Sandi Levy RN, BSed, CDP, Director of Nursing for Manchester Care Homes. We explore the unique training programs that equip our caregivers with essential skills, from stress management to specialized dementia care.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and visit our website for more information.http://www.ManchesterLivingPodcast.com