Navigating Elder Care

Welcome to Navigating Eldercare, the definitive podcast for families and professionals seeking guidance and practical solutions for the elder care journey. Hosted by Laura Daniels, a registered nurse with 30 years of experience in geriatrics and founder of Care Advocates, this show tackles the real questions and challenges of care transitions.

Each week, we bring you expert insights to help you make informed and confident decisions, whether you're dealing with a loved one's change in health, planning for future needs, or seeking to age in place safely. From understanding your options like assisted living and residential care homes to navigating complex emotional and logistical issues, we provide the advocacy, education, and support you need every step of the way.

Join us to turn overwhelm into clarity and find the right care at the right time for the people who matter most.

Chapters

• 00:02 | Introduction to Navigating Eldercare

• 00:20 | Meet Your Host, Laura Daniels

• 01:53 | Today's Topic: The Desire to Age in Place

• 02:13 | Introducing Guest Expert: Amy Roberts, a San Antonio-based Aging in Place Realtor

• 03:06 | Amy's Personal Journey and Passion for Elder Care

• 04:56 | The Value of Universal Design and the CAPS Certification

• 06:23 | Defining "Aging in Place"

• 07:39 | The Reality of Unprepared Homes and Involuntary Moves

• 09:05 | How an Aging in Place Realtor Helps Older Adults

• 10:41 | Handling Tough Conversations: When a Loved One Doesn't Want to Move

• 11:15 | Case Study: The Overwhelmed Spouse and the Resistant Partner

• 14:44 | The Importance of the CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist) Certification

• 16:13 | DIY Home Modifications for Safe Aging in Place

• 18:36 | The Most Common Places for Falls

• 19:00 | Staying Socially Connected and Maintaining Wellness at Home

• 20:09 | Healthcare Resources to Support Aging in Place

• 22:00 | Case Study: The Importance of Having an Advocate After a Move

• 23:17 | A Message from Laura Daniels and Care Advocates

• 24:36 | Contact Information for Laura Daniels and Amy Roberts

• 25:26 | Closing Remarks

Professional Affiliations:

• National Placement and Referral Alliance
• Alliance of Professional Health Advocates (APHA)
• National Association of Healthcare Advocacy (NAHAC)

Laura's approach combines professional expertise with heartfelt understanding, making her an invaluable resource for families facing the challenges of elder care decisions. Her commitment to improving quality of life for seniors shines through in every interaction, making her the perfect guide for listeners navigating their own elder care journeys.

📅 Tune in Sundays at 8:30am–9:00am on 930AM The Answer or listen anytime on your favorite podcast app. Watch the full video episodes here on YouTube for added insights and resources.
Contact Laura for a Free Consultation:
📞 210-669-2222
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.advocatern.com

Laura Daniels, a registered nurse and founder of Care Advocates, hosts this podcast to help families and professionals find the right solutions for seniors in transition. In this episode, she interviews Mona Talukdar, a highly respected leader in senior care, about the Medicare Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) model. They discuss this groundbreaking program, which is changing how dementia is treated in the U.S. by providing comprehensive, wraparound support for both patients and their caregivers. Tune in to learn about eligibility, program benefits, and why this model is a crucial step forward in eldercare.

Chapters

• 00:00 - 00:19: Introduction

  • Host Laura Daniels welcomes listeners and introduces the podcast's purpose: providing guidance and answers for every step of the eldercare journey.

• 00:20 - 01:11: Meet the Host, Laura Daniels

  • Laura shares her background as a registered nurse specializing in geriatrics and the motivation behind creating Navigating Eldercare and her company, Care Advocates.

• 01:12 - 01:39: The Mission of Care Advocates

  • Laura explains how her company, Care Advocates, works with families to create customized care plans and provides ongoing support, education, and advocacy.

• 01:40 - 02:05: Introduction of Guest, Mona Talukdar

  • Laura introduces her guest, Mona Talukdar, a respected leader in senior care with over 12 years of experience in memory care, highlighting her work with the Alzheimer's Association and the Medicare GUIDE model.

• 02:06 - 02:31: Understanding the GUIDE Program

  • Mona explains what the Medicare Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) program is—a new, groundbreaking program that funds not only medical care but also navigation, education, and support for dementia patients and their caregivers.

• 02:32 - 03:23: The Groundbreaking Nature of GUIDE

  • Mona discusses why the GUIDE program is so important, emphasizing that dementia is a "family disease" and that the program is the first of its kind to recognize and support the needs of caregivers with services like respite care.

• 03:24 - 04:20: What Makes GUIDE Different

  • The discussion highlights how GUIDE differs from other Medicare benefits by bringing multiple support services under one umbrella, including 24/7 support, caregiver education, and paid respite care.

• 04:21 - 05:41: GUIDE Program Eligibility and Exclusions

  • Mona clarifies who is eligible for the program (those with a formal dementia diagnosis and traditional Medicare) and who is not (Medicare Advantage members, and those in nursing homes or on hospice).

• 05:42 - 06:35: Finding a GUIDE Participant

  • Mona advises listeners on how to find a local GUIDE participant through the Medicare or CMS website and provides her contact information for those in the San Antonio area.

• 06:36 - 08:31: The Benefits of GUIDE

  • Mona details the key benefits of the program, including dementia-trained care navigators, 24/7 phone support for crises, individualized care plans, and home assessments.

• 08:32 - 10:21: The Role of a Care Navigator

  • Mona explains the critical role of the care navigator as a personal assistant who coordinates care, arranges services like counseling and respite, and knows the patient's needs inside and out.

• 10:22 - 11:17: The Onboarding and Alignment Process

  • Mona describes the process of "alignment," which involves a comprehensive assessment, gathering medical records, and getting approval from Medicare to begin receiving GUIDE services.

• 11:18 - 12:45: The Importance of Caregiver Training and Education

  • Mona and Laura discuss the toll of caregiver burnout and why the education and training component of the GUIDE program are so vital to help caregivers understand dementia behaviors, manage stress, and prevent accelerated aging.

• 12:46 - 14:06: The Value of Respite Care

  • Mona emphasizes the importance of respite services, which offer short-term relief for caregivers through in-home support, adult day programs, or overnight stays, all paid for by Medicare at no cost to the family.

• 14:07 - 15:03: Access and Availability

  • Mona advises listeners outside of San Antonio how to find a GUIDE program near them by searching the Medicare website or calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

• 15:04 - 16:35: Support Groups and Classes

  • Mona explains the types of support groups and educational classes offered, providing an example of how training can help caregivers recognize symptoms of a UTI in dementia patients.

• 16:36 - 18:27: Integration with Existing Medical Care

  • Mona clarifies that the GUIDE program does not replace a patient's existing doctors but instead works as a collaborative part of the medical team, sharing updates and care plans with primary care physicians and specialists.

• 18:28 - 19:25: Caregiver Responsibilities

  • Mona outlines the responsibilities of caregivers in the program, stressing the importance of active engagement, honest communication, and participation in training and assessments.

• 19:26 - 20:22: Long-Term Impact and Honesty in Feedback

  • Mona and Laura discuss the long-term goals of the GUIDE program, including reducing hospitalizations and healthcare costs, and the need for caregivers to be honest about their struggles to ensure the program can truly help.

• 20:23 - 22:20: A Case Study of a Family Benefiting from GUIDE

  • Mona shares a hypothetical case study of a family whose loved one has dementia and Parkinson's, illustrating how the GUIDE program's support can help them keep their loved one at home longer.

• 22:21 - 23:17: Hopes for the Future of Dementia Care

  • Mona expresses her hope that the GUIDE program will change how dementia is treated in the United States, shifting the focus from a medical condition to a supported family journey.

• 23:18 - 25:31: Conclusion and Contact Information

  • Laura thanks Mona for her insights and encourages listeners to subscribe, like, and share the podcast. She provides contact information for Care Advocates for a free consultation.

Professional Affiliations:

• National Placement and Referral Alliance
• Alliance of Professional Health Advocates (APHA)
• National Association of Healthcare Advocacy (NAHAC)

Laura's approach combines professional expertise with heartfelt understanding, making her an invaluable resource for families facing the challenges of elder care decisions. Her commitment to improving quality of life for seniors shines through in every interaction, making her the perfect guide for listeners navigating their own elder care journeys.

📅 Tune in Sundays at 8:30am–9:00am on 930AM The Answer or listen anytime on your favorite podcast app. Watch the full video episodes here on YouTube for added insights and resources.
Contact Laura for a Free Consultation:
📞 210-669-2222
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.advocatern.com

In this episode of "Navigating Eldercare," host Laura Daniels, a registered nurse and founder of Care Advocates, discusses the critical importance of creating a caregiving plan before a crisis occurs. She outlines the key components of a comprehensive plan, including starting difficult conversations with loved ones, assessing their current situation and finances, and exploring various care options like aging in place or assisted living. Laura also emphasizes the necessity of building a support team and, most importantly, prioritizing self-care for the caregiver to prevent burnout. This episode provides a vital framework and resources to help families and professionals make informed decisions and reduce the stress of the caregiving journey.

Chapters

• 00:02 - Welcome to Navigating Eldercare

• 00:20 - Meet Your Host: Laura Daniels

• 01:19 - About Care Advocates

• 01:49 - Introducing Today's Topic: Creating a Caregiving Plan

• 02:47 - The Importance of Proactive Planning

• 03:15 - What is a Caregiving Plan?

• 04:13 - Stress and the Need for a Plan

• 05:12 - Topic 1: Starting the Conversation

• 06:08 - Topic 2: Assessing the Current Situation

• 07:01 - Topic 3: Reviewing Finances

• 08:51 - Topic 4: Aging in Place

• 10:15 - Topic 5: Considering Assisted Living & Other Care Options

• 12:03 - Topic 6: Creating Your Care Team

• 13:22 - Community Resources

• 14:31 - Topic 7: The Caregiver and Self-Care

• 16:54 - Long-Distance Caregiving

• 17:53 - The Caregiving Plan Worksheet

• 18:22 - Assessing Physical and Mental Health

• 18:51 - Identifying Care Needs

• 19:50 - Financial Management and Legal Matters

• 21:13 - Home Safety and Lifestyle

• 22:09 - Building a Professional Care Team

• 23:03 - Final Self-Assessment Questions for Caregivers

• 24:13 - Care Advocates' Services and Contact Information

• 25:29 - Closing Remarks

Professional Affiliations:

• National Placement and Referral Alliance
• Alliance of Professional Health Advocates (APHA)
• National Association of Healthcare Advocacy (NAHAC)

Laura's approach combines professional expertise with heartfelt understanding, making her an invaluable resource for families facing the challenges of elder care decisions. Her commitment to improving quality of life for seniors shines through in every interaction, making her the perfect guide for listeners navigating their own elder care journeys.

📅 Tune in Sundays at 8:30am–9:00am on 930AM The Answer or listen anytime on your favorite podcast app. Watch the full video episodes here on YouTube for added insights and resources.
Contact Laura for a Free Consultation:
📞 210-669-2222
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.advocatern.com

Is it time to consider a change in your parent's living situation? This episode of Navigating Eldercare is for anyone wrestling with this difficult question. Host Laura Daniels, a registered nurse and elder care advocate, walks you through the 10 most common signs that your loved one may need more support, whether at home or in an assisted living community.

Laura explains how to spot key indicators you may be missing, from subtle changes in health and hygiene to increasing isolation and challenges with daily tasks. We also cover specific red flags for memory-related concerns, such as disorientation and wandering. The episode provides practical advice on how to start these sensitive conversations and offers solutions that promote safety, dignity, and a better quality of life for your loved one—and peace of mind for you.

Join Laura Daniels, RN, on this episode of "Navigating Elder Care" as she provides essential insights into the elder care journey. Discover the various senior living options available, from 55-plus communities to memory care, and learn the importance of early planning for care transitions. Laura shares her expertise in geriatric care, offering practical solutions for families facing changes in health needs. Tune in for expert guidance that empowers you to make informed decisions about elder care for yourself or your loved ones.

Chapters 

00:02 — Welcome: What “Navigating Eldercare” is about
00:20 — Meet Laura Daniels, RN & Care Advocates: what we do
00:46 — Why Laura started: making elder care less overwhelming
01:15 — How Care Advocates helps: personalized plans & ongoing support
02:14 — Today’s topic: “How do I know if my parent needs assisted living?”
02:43 — Forgetfulness vs. warning signs: when “normal” becomes risky
03:11 — The stats: most adults 65+ will need some assistance
03:40 — Framing the decision: safety, dignity, independence, family well-being
04:09 — Why this is hard: scattered clues that add up
04:39 — It’s not only facilities: aging at home with the right supports
05:09 — Sign #1: Declining health (falls, missed appointments, chronic issues)
06:03 — Sign #2: Trouble with ADLs (bathing, dressing, cooking, cleaning)
06:33 — Sign #3: Cognitive changes (memory, orientation, bills/meds)
07:30 — Sign #4: Isolation & mood changes (loneliness, anxiety, depression)
07:56 — Sign #5: Unsafe home conditions (clutter, lighting, expired food)
08:26 — Sign #6: Poor hygiene or weight loss
09:21 — Sign #7: Caregiver stress & burnout
10:14 — Sign #8: Care coordination overload (appointments, transport, rehab)
11:09 — Sign #9: A doctor recommends more support
12:07 — Sign #10: Needs exceed what the family can provide
12:35 — Memory care focus: who it’s for & key safety needs
13:04 — Memory care red flags: disorientation & getting lost
13:34 — More red flags: repeating questions, can’t complete simple tasks
14:02 — Behavior changes: agitation, suspicion, withdrawal
14:31 — Judgment concerns: scams, unsafe driving, money issues
15:28 — Loss of interest & connection: when joy fades
15:54 — Home safety risks: doors, stove, nighttime wandering
16:21 — First steps: see a geriatric specialist, get a fuller picture
17:15 — Bridging support at home while you evaluate options
17:45 — Why we delay the talk—and how to start it
18:38 — 4 conversation openers that actually work
20:26 — Assisted living ≠ loss of independence: safety, dignity, QoL
20:51 — Crisis vs. planning: why early tours matter
21:19 — The gift of time: making thoughtful, values-aligned choices
21:47 — Next episode teaser: building a caregiving plan (with Laura’s guide)
22:44 — What a caregiving plan is—and why it reduces stress
23:06 — Medicare, custodial care, and common planning gaps
24:02 — How Care Advocates supports you: plan • options • ongoing help
24:32 — Call to action & contact info
24:57 — Where to listen & subscribe (radio, YouTube, podcast apps)
25:24 — Close: “Helping you find the right care at the right time”
25:46 — Weekly promo: tune in, share, and get support now

Professional Affiliations:

• National Placement and Referral Alliance
• Alliance of Professional Health Advocates (APHA)
• National Association of Healthcare Advocacy (NAHAC)

Laura's approach combines professional expertise with heartfelt understanding, making her an invaluable resource for families facing the challenges of elder care decisions. Her commitment to improving quality of life for seniors shines through in every interaction, making her the perfect guide for listeners navigating their own elder care journeys.

📅 Tune in Sundays at 8:30am–9:00am on 930AM The Answer or listen anytime on your favorite podcast app. Watch the full video episodes here on YouTube for added insights and resources.
Contact Laura for a Free Consultation:
📞 210-669-2222
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.advocatern.com

If aging, recovery, or a sudden health change has your family asking “what now?”, this episode lays out the map. RN and elder-care advocate Laura Daniels (founder of Care Advocates) breaks down senior living options—55+ communities, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Residential Care Homes, and Aging in Place—so you can make confident, compassionate decisions.

Chapters 

00:00 — Show Open: Why this conversation matters
00:20 — Meet Laura Daniels, RN: 30+ years in geriatric care & advocacy
01:19 — How Care Advocates guides families through transitions
02:17 — Today’s Topic: Senior living options overview
02:46 — The reality: Most of us will need some assistance
03:16 — What to weigh: Care needs, safety, social life, finances, family
04:08 — Option 1: 55+ Communities (active, social, maintenance-free)
05:32 — Story: Margo finds community—and joy—in a 55+ setting
06:20 — Option 2: Independent Living (meals, housekeeping, amenities)
08:14 — Story: Betsy rediscovers purpose at the piano
10:59 — Option 3: Assisted Living (ADLs, meds, 24/7 staff, transport)
12:26 — Pricing 101: Room/amenities vs. level-of-care fees
13:25 — Story: Margaret’s safe recovery after a hip fracture
15:11 — Option 4: Memory Care (secure, structured, dementia-trained staff)
16:34 — Who it’s for: Wandering, confusion, night wakefulness, falls risk
17:31 — Story: Diana’s move brings safety—and spousal relief
18:27 — Option 5: Residential Care Homes (small, home-like, higher staffing)
19:52 — Aging in Place: In-home care + Medicare-covered supports
20:50 — Home safety: Aging-in-place assessments & simple modifications
22:12 — Why a geriatric specialist (not just GP) can change outcomes
22:41 — Don’t wait for a fall: Tour early, plan early
23:39 — Assisted Living can increase dignity, safety, and peace of mind
24:08 — How Care Advocates works: Plan, options, ongoing support
25:05 — Contact & Airtimes: Phone, email, radio, podcast, website
25:32 — Close: “Care, compassion, lifetime support.”

Professional Affiliations:

• National Placement and Referral Alliance
• Alliance of Professional Health Advocates (APHA)
• National Association of Healthcare Advocacy (NAHAC)

Laura's approach combines professional expertise with heartfelt understanding, making her an invaluable resource for families facing the challenges of elder care decisions. Her commitment to improving quality of life for seniors shines through in every interaction, making her the perfect guide for listeners navigating their own elder care journeys.

📅 Tune in Sundays at 8:30am–9:00am on 930AM The Answer or listen anytime on your favorite podcast app. Watch the full video episodes here on YouTube for added insights and resources.
Contact Laura for a Free Consultation:
📞 210-669-2222
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.advocatern.com

Welcome to the very first episode of Navigating Eldercare with Laura Daniels, RN, founder of Care Advocates. After 32+ years in geriatric nursing and care transition planning, Laura launches this show to help families, caregivers, and professionals make confident, compassionate decisions.

Chapters 

00:02 — Welcome: What “Navigating Eldercare” is about
00:20 — Meet Laura Daniels, RN & founder of Care Advocates
00:46 — Why this show: Guided, supported, understood
01:13 — The origin story: Judith’s falls and a broken system
02:11 — Rehab vs. SNF? Why families feel overwhelmed
02:41 — Pricing, levels of care, and how confusion happens
03:09 — From crisis to calling: Why Laura started Care Advocates
03:37 — What to expect from this podcast (for families & pros)
04:06 — The numbers: Most of us will need assistance
05:05 — Beyond “a place”: Safety, dignity, social life, finances
05:35 — Topic lineup: Assisted living timing & tough conversations
06:01 — Hospital → Home: Safer discharges & avoiding pitfalls
06:29 — Planning ahead: Legal, financial, emotional readiness
06:59 — Dementia & memory care: Stages, changes, next steps
07:27 — Preventing caregiver burnout: Real strategies that work
07:55 — Support at home: In-home care & community resources
08:25 — Dementia-friendly homes: Simple safety upgrades
08:55 — In-home & community-based care: Pros, cons, costs
09:25 — Adult day programs: Social & respite benefits
09:54 — Hospice vs. Palliative: Myths, timing, what to ask
10:20 — Why an advocate changes the care journey
10:49 — Working with hospital/rehab case managers
11:14 — Long-term care insurance: Activating benefits
11:42 — After a dementia diagnosis: Plan early, protect values
12:12 — Laura’s promise: Guidance through a changing landscape
12:41 — Who this show serves: Providers, caregivers, leaders
13:10 — Next episode preview: Senior living options 101
13:39 — Why “nursing home” isn’t the only path
14:02 — Option 1: Aging in place & building the home team
14:32 — Medicare-covered supports vs. private-pay care
14:59 — Option 2: Independent Living — community & lifestyle
15:26 — Option 3: Assisted Living — care + safety 24/7
16:19 — Assisted Living pricing: Room vs. level-of-care
16:48 — Option 4: Memory Care — secure, dementia-trained
17:16 — Structured routines, tailored activities, dignity
17:42 — Option 5: Residential Care Homes — small & home-like
18:12 — Staffing ratios & who thrives in smaller settings
18:39 — Skilled Nursing: Complex medical & rehab needs
19:09 — San Antonio has 200+ options—how to narrow it
19:35 — Step 1: See a geriatric specialist (not just a GP)
20:03 — Step 2: Tour early—don’t wait for a fall
20:29 — Why crisis placements are stressful & costly
20:59 — Step 3: Have the hard talk now (values & preferences)
21:29 — Bring supportive services home: MDs, PT/OT, more
21:59 — Why we delay these talks—and how to start
22:28 — The bottom line: Assistance = safety, dignity, QoL
22:56 — How Care Advocates works: Plan • Options • Ongoing support
23:25 — Call to action: Care Advocates can help now
23:53 — Subscribe & resources: AdvocateRN.com
24:21 — Airtimes: Sundays 8:30 AM on 930 AM The Answer
24:45 — Where to listen: YouTube • Podcast apps • Website
25:00 — Promo: Weekly expert advice & real-life solutions

Professional Affiliations:

• National Placement and Referral Alliance
• Alliance of Professional Health Advocates (APHA)
• National Association of Healthcare Advocacy (NAHAC)

Laura's approach combines professional expertise with heartfelt understanding, making her an invaluable resource for families facing the challenges of elder care decisions. Her commitment to improving quality of life for seniors shines through in every interaction, making her the perfect guide for listeners navigating their own elder care journeys.

📅 Tune in Sundays at 8:30am–9:00am on 930AM The Answer or listen anytime on your favorite podcast app. Watch the full video episodes here on YouTube for added insights and resources.
Contact Laura for a Free Consultation:
📞 210-669-2222
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.advocatern.com