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 

00:02 — 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

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