SeniorLivingGuide.com Podcast

In this episode, we welcome Lisa Johnson, a seasoned dietitian with Homestyle Direct, to uncover the science and strategies behind the MIND Diet—a unique combination of the Mediterranean and DASH diets proven to support brain health and reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Darleen and Lisa break down the staggering statistics around dementia in the U.S., and explore why people living in Mediterranean regions see far lower rates of these diseases. Listeners will get a practical l...

In this illuminating episode, host Darleen Mahoney welcomes Rita Shula, Senior Director of Caregiving at the AARP Public Policy Institute, for an in-depth discussion about the dramatic rise in family caregivers across America—a trend revealed by AARP’s latest research. Together, they unpack the staggering statistic that one in four adults now provides some form of caregiving, exploring the forces driving this increase: a rapidly aging population, evolving care needs, and the shortage of affor...

In this episode, we sit down with Chandler Burckbuchler, Senior Division Manager and Marketing Manager for Terra Bella Senior Living, to discuss the critical warning signs families should watch for when visiting aging loved ones during the holidays. Chandler explains why the weeks following Thanksgiving and Christmas are traditionally the busiest times for senior living inquiries, as extended family time reveals changes that might go unnoticed during brief visits. She shares practical guidanc...

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of anxiety with expert Bonnie Brindle, author of 'Cracking the Crazy Makers'. Bonnie shares her insights on the rising prevalence of anxiety in society, particularly among seniors and caregivers. We explore the various causes of anxiety, from hereditary factors to environmental influences, and discuss how it manifests in our daily lives. Our conversation takes a practical turn as we examine effective strategies for managing anxiety. Bonnie emphasiz...

In this episode, we dive into the world of senior care communication with Justen Spirk, CEO of How's Mom. We explore the emotional challenges families face when placing loved ones in senior communities and how improved communication can alleviate concerns and guilt. Justen and Darleen discuss the importance of bridging the communication gap between senior communities and families. Often, there is a significant disconnect in how information is shared, which can cause stress and result in an un...

In this episode, we dive into the world of patient empowerment and personalized healthcare with Dr. Gina Siddiqui MD, founder and CEO of CARTE Medical. Dr. Siddiqui shares invaluable insights on how seniors can become active participants in their medical care, from communicating effectively with doctors to understanding the nuances of personalized medicine. We explore real-life examples of how patient advocacy can lead to better health outcomes, particularly when it comes to managing me...

In this episode, we dive into the world of medical alert devices where many of us remember the commercial, "Help, I've fallen and I can't get up". It can be a stigma that is hard to shake, but the truth is that modern medical alert devices are light-years ahead of the devices advertised in these commercials, etched in our memories. We are joined by Laura Aiello, Vice President of Business Development at LifeStation. Laura shares insights on how these devices have evolved from simple emergency...

In this episode, we dive into the essential topic of creating a comprehensive playbook for caring for aging parents with Justin Boogard, CEO of GoGo Grandparent and GoGo Cares. Justin shares invaluable insights on planning, setting boundaries, and finding solutions for various caregiving challenges, helping listeners prepare for the complex journey of eldercare. We explore the crucial aspects of understanding your caregiving motivation, differentiating between Activities of Daily Living (ADLs...