Meet RN Laura Daniels — Why Planning Early Matters & Your Care Options

Friday, August 15, 2025

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 

00:00 – 00:52

Introduction
Laura Daniels introduces the podcast, her 30 years as an RN in geriatrics, and the mission: helping families navigate eldercare with clarity and confidence.

00:52 – 01:23

Laura’s Background
A quick overview of Laura’s passion for advocacy and her company, Care Advocates, which builds customized plans for seniors needing residential care, assisted living, or memory care.

01:23 – 02:18

What Care Advocates Does
Summary of services — meeting families, educating them, guiding decisions, and offering ongoing support. Contact: 210-669-2222.

02:18 – 03:45

The Hardest Decision
Explores the most difficult moment for families: realizing a loved one may no longer be safe living alone and when it’s time to consider care.

03:45 – 05:13

Guilt, Fear & Timing
Acknowledges the emotional weight of placement. Helps listeners recognize red flags like confusion, falls, missed meds, and caregiver overwhelm.

05:13 – 06:38

Caregiver Burnout
Discusses burnout and how placement can restore the parent-child or spouse relationship instead of being consumed by caregiving.

06:38 – 09:29

Signs It’s Time to Transition
Short breakdown of key warning signs: safety issues, daily self-care struggles, memory loss, mood changes, and caregiver stress.

09:29 – 11:24

Planning the Next Steps
Encourages proactive planning — documenting incidents, consulting professionals, talking with family, and touring care options before a crisis.

11:24 – 13:20

Why Referral Agencies Matter
Explains the value of having expert guidance during urgent or emergency placements and notes that Care Advocates is free for families.

13:20 – 15:12

Clarity in a Complicated System
Describes how Care Advocates simplifies the complexities of assisted living, memory care, and residential care homes.

15:12 – 17:12

A Personalized Approach
Shows how the team learns each senior’s medical needs, personality, and preferences, partnering with over 100 vetted care providers.

17:12 – 19:05

Placement Timeline
Placement can be fast or gradual — every family’s journey is unique. Laura shares her commitment to walking with families along the way.

19:05 – 20:25

How the Process Works
Details the intake process, note-taking, creating a shortlist, and guiding families on facility tours.

20:25 – 21:26

Support After the Move
Highlights ongoing follow-up to ensure the senior adjusts well. Care Advocates stays involved as advocates, not just matchmakers.

21:26 – 23:18

From Guilt to Peace
Many families fear placement, but later feel relieved and thankful as their loved one gains safety, structure, and social engagement.

23:18 – 25:31

Conclusion & Call to Action
Final encouragement: you don’t have to navigate this alone. Call Care Advocates for compassionate, expert 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

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