Advice From Your Advocates

Attorney Bob Mannor

A podcast dedicated to helping those who are helping our elders.

  1. What Every Grandparent, Caregiver, and First Responder Should Know About Autism

    4d ago

    What Every Grandparent, Caregiver, and First Responder Should Know About Autism

    Supporting Neurodivergent Families with Jennifer Kaufman In this episode of Advice From Your Advocates, Elder Law Attorney Bob Mannor sits down with Jennifer Kaufman, autism advocate, educator, school principal, founder of First Response Autism, and author of Grandparenting on the Spectrum: A Journey from Both Sides of the Desk. Drawing from both her professional experience in special education and her personal journey as the grandmother of a child with autism, Jennifer shares valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities families face when navigating an autism diagnosis. She discusses how grandparents can provide meaningful support, strengthen family relationships, and better understand the communication needs of autistic children and adults. Bob and Jennifer also explore critical topics affecting individuals with autism and other neurodivergent conditions, including: Autism awareness and advocacyGrandparent support after an autism diagnosisCommunication strategies for autistic individualsSpecial needs planning and guardianship alternativesTransitioning from school services to adulthoodIndependent living, employment, and community inclusionAutism and higher education support servicesNeurodiversity in the workplaceTraining first responders, police officers, and campus security personnel to better support autistic individuals during emergenciesJennifer also discusses her work through First Response Autism, an organization dedicated to helping law enforcement, first responders, and security professionals recognize, communicate with, and safely assist individuals with autism and other neurodivergent conditions. Learn why autism-informed crisis response and de-escalation training can make a life-changing difference for families and communities. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, caregiver, educator, first responder, attorney, or advocate, this conversation offers practical guidance and compassionate insight into creating more supportive environments for individuals on the autism spectrum. About Our Guest: Jennifer Kaufman is a special education leader, autism advocate, founder of First Response Autism, and author of Grandparenting on the Spectrum: A Journey from Both Sides of the Desk. She works with families, schools, first responders, colleges, and organizations to promote autism awareness, inclusion, and effective support strategies. About Advice From Your Advocates: Hosted by Michigan Elder Law Attorney Bob Mannor, Advice From Your Advocates provides trusted guidance on elder law, special needs planning, estate planning, caregiving, dementia, disability advocacy, and the legal and practical challenges families face throughout life's transitions. Executive Producer: Savannah Meksto Assistant Producers: Samantha Noah, Shaene Gaul We'd love to hear from you! Support the show Listening Options YouTube Playlist Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music iHeart Radio Podcast Addict Podchaser Deezer Listen Notes Player FM ABOUT US: Mannor Law Group helps clients in all matters of estate planning and elder law including special needs planning, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning, estate administration, and more. We offer guidance through all stages of life. We also help families dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses that cause memory loss. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach, called Life Care Planning. LEARN MORE...

    25 min
  2. How the Dementia Village in Amsterdam is Changing Elder Care Around the World

    May 28

    How the Dementia Village in Amsterdam is Changing Elder Care Around the World

    What if dementia care focused less on restriction and more on dignity, independence, and quality of life? In this episode of Advice From Your Advocates, Elder Law Attorney Bob Mannor and Certified Dementia Practitioner Amy Persails explore the groundbreaking Hogeweyk Dementia Village in Amsterdam, an innovative dementia care community that is changing how the world thinks about elder care, caregiving, and memory support. Amy shares her firsthand experience visiting the world-famous dementia village, where residents with dementia live in a safe, supportive environment designed to feel like real life instead of a traditional nursing facility. Together, they discuss how care navigation, advocacy, and person-centered dementia care can dramatically improve the lives of seniors and their caregivers. Whether you are a family caregiver, healthcare professional, or someone navigating dementia care planning, this episode offers valuable insight into innovative elder care models and the future of long-term dementia care in the United States. In this episode: What makes the Hogeweyk dementia village uniqueHow dementia care can prioritize independence and dignityThe importance of care navigation and elder advocacyDaily life inside a dementia villageWhat caregivers can learn from innovative dementia care modelsCould this type of dementia care work in the United States?If you or someone you love is facing dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or long-term care challenges, this conversation offers hope, perspective, and practical insight into what compassionate dementia care can look like. We'd love to hear from you! Support the show Listening Options YouTube Playlist Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music iHeart Radio Podcast Addict Podchaser Deezer Listen Notes Player FM ABOUT US: Mannor Law Group helps clients in all matters of estate planning and elder law including special needs planning, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning, estate administration, and more. We offer guidance through all stages of life. We also help families dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses that cause memory loss. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach, called Life Care Planning. LEARN MORE...

    25 min
  3. Better Dementia Caregiving: From Overwhelmed to Empowered

    May 8

    Better Dementia Caregiving: From Overwhelmed to Empowered

    In this episode of Advice From Your Advocates, Attorney Bob Mannor sits down with Amy Shaw, PA-C, author, and founder of Better Dementia, for an important conversation about navigating Alzheimer’s disease, dementia caregiving, and family advocacy. As a Physician Assistant and dementia educator, Amy brings both clinical expertise and real-world caregiving insight to the discussion. Together, they explore why dementia is so often missed or misdiagnosed, how families can better advocate for loved ones, and what caregivers need to know to improve quality of life while maintaining dignity throughout the dementia journey. Together, they discuss: Early signs and diagnosis of dementia and Alzheimer’s diseaseWhy dementia is frequently missed in the medical systemCommunication strategies for dementia caregiversManaging difficult family dynamics during caregivingEducation and support resources for caregivers and familiesEnd-of-life conversations and patient advocacyHow caregivers can move from overwhelmed to empoweredWith more families impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia every year, this episode offers practical guidance, emotional support, and expert insight for caregivers, spouses, adult children, elder care professionals, and anyone supporting someone with memory loss. If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, this conversation will help you feel more informed, prepared, and supported. Resources Mentioned: • Better Dementia • Pattern Before Pathology: Diagnosis Begins at Home • The Ark of Conversation: How to Guide Goals of Care For more elder care, dementia caregiving, estate planning, and caregiver advocacy resources, visit Mannor Law Group. Host: Attorney Bob Mannor, CELA, CDP Executive Producer: Savannah Meksto, CDP Asst. Producer: Samantha Noah, Shalene Gaul We'd love to hear from you! Support the show Listening Options YouTube Playlist Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music iHeart Radio Podcast Addict Podchaser Deezer Listen Notes Player FM ABOUT US: Mannor Law Group helps clients in all matters of estate planning and elder law including special needs planning, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning, estate administration, and more. We offer guidance through all stages of life. We also help families dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses that cause memory loss. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach, called Life Care Planning. LEARN MORE...

    29 min
  4. Alzheimer’s, Dementia & the Stories That Help Families Cope

    Apr 23

    Alzheimer’s, Dementia & the Stories That Help Families Cope

    What role can stories and literature play in helping families navigate Alzheimer’s disease and dementia? In this episode of Advice From Your Advocates, elder law attorney Bob Mannor speaks with Marianne Sciucco, a registered nurse turned author whose work focuses on Alzheimer’s, dementia caregiving, and the emotional realities families face during the disease. Marianne shares her unique journey—from working as a nurse caring for dementia patients to becoming the author of the novel Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer’s love story inspired by real-life experiences with patients and caregivers. She explains how witnessing the struggles and devotion of families living with dementia sparked the idea for her debut novel and eventually led her to help create AlzAuthors, a global community of writers sharing personal stories about Alzheimer’s and caregiving. Together, Bob and Marianne discuss: Why stories about Alzheimer’s and dementia are powerful tools for caregivers The inspiration behind the novel Blue Hydrangeas How the AlzAuthors community connects caregivers, families, and writers worldwide The growing collection of books about dementia and caregiving Why children’s books and young adult literature can help families explain Alzheimer’s to kids Marianne’s podcast Untangling Alzheimer’s and Dementia and the voices of caregivers and people living with the disease Marianne also shares an important message for families navigating dementia: you are not alone. Through community, storytelling, and shared experiences, caregivers can find understanding, resources, and hope. Whether you are a caregiver, family member, healthcare professional, or someone interested in dementia awareness, this episode offers insight into how storytelling can help people better understand the Alzheimer’s journey and find support along the way. Learn more about Marianne’s work: AlzAuthors: https://alzauthors.com Author website: https://mariannesciucco.com Host: Attorney Bob Mannor Executive Producer: Savannah Meksto Asst. Producers: Shalene Gaul, Samantha Noah We'd love to hear from you! Support the show Listening Options YouTube Playlist Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music iHeart Radio Podcast Addict Podchaser Deezer Listen Notes Player FM ABOUT US: Mannor Law Group helps clients in all matters of estate planning and elder law including special needs planning, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning, estate administration, and more. We offer guidance through all stages of life. We also help families dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses that cause memory loss. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach, called Life Care Planning. LEARN MORE...

    20 min
  5. The Shift That Changes Dementia Care Forever with Beth Nolan, PhD

    Mar 25

    The Shift That Changes Dementia Care Forever with Beth Nolan, PhD

    Dementia care is evolving, and understanding the brain is the key. In this episode of Advice From Your Advocates, elder law attorney Bob Mannor sits down with Beth Nolan, PhD, Chief Public Health Officer for Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care, to explore a powerful new way to support people living with dementia. The Positive Approach to Care (PAC) is a brain-based dementia care model developed by internationally recognized dementia educator Teepa Snow. Instead of focusing on behaviors or limitations, this method helps caregivers understand what the brain is experiencing and how to respond with empathy, validation, and skill. Beth shares how caregivers, families, and professionals can transform everyday interactions with people living with dementia, reduce frustration, and create moments of connection and joy. In this episode, you’ll learn: • The core principles of Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care • Why dementia does not mean the end of learning or living • How brain science explains common dementia behaviors • The difference between protective care vs empowering care • Why communication must focus on verification and connection • How environmental design can improve safety, dignity, and independence • Why caregiver well-being is critical in dementia support You’ll also hear practical insights on balancing risk, independence, and safety, including why the goal of “zero falls” may not always be realistic or beneficial in dementia care. Whether you’re a family caregiver, healthcare professional, social worker, or dementia advocate, this conversation will give you tools to better understand the brain, meet human needs, and create more meaningful moments with those living with dementia. Guest: Beth Nolan, PhD Chief Public Health Officer – Positive Approach to Care Teepa Snow Official Website https://teepasnow.com Positive Approach to Care Training https://teepasnow.com/positive-approach-to-care/ Teepa Snow YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/teepasnow Connect with Beth https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethnolan If you care for someone living with dementia, or support those who do, this episode will change the way you think about dementia care. Host: Elder Law Attorney Bob Mannor Executive Producer: Savannah Meksto We'd love to hear from you! Support the show Listening Options YouTube Playlist Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music iHeart Radio Podcast Addict Podchaser Deezer Listen Notes Player FM ABOUT US: Mannor Law Group helps clients in all matters of estate planning and elder law including special needs planning, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning, estate administration, and more. We offer guidance through all stages of life. We also help families dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses that cause memory loss. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach, called Life Care Planning. LEARN MORE...

    35 min
  6. The Secret to Better Dementia Care? Connection First.

    Mar 6

    The Secret to Better Dementia Care? Connection First.

    In this episode of Advice From Your Advocates, Elder Law Attorney Bob Mannor sits down with Lydia White, Co-Owner and Client Care Director of Comfort Keepers, to talk about what truly makes caregiving effective—especially when dementia is involved. While many people think caregiving is simply about completing tasks, Lydia explains why care is fundamentally about relationships, connection, and communication. She shares insights from Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care, a nationally recognized dementia care philosophy that helps caregivers better understand how to connect with individuals living with cognitive decline. Bob and Lydia also discuss the critical transition from hospital to home, why the first 72 hours after discharge can make or break recovery, and how trained caregivers can help families avoid common complications during that time. The conversation dives into practical strategies caregivers can use every day—from communicating more effectively with someone living with dementia to creating a support system that prevents caregiver burnout. Whether you are a family caregiver, healthcare professional, or simply planning ahead for aging, this episode offers valuable insights on how to provide care that protects dignity, builds trust, and improves quality of life. In this episode, we discuss: Why caregiving is about relationships—not just tasksThe critical role of home care after a hospital dischargeCommunication strategies for connecting with dementia patientsInsights from Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to CareHow caregivers can elevate the care experience for both clients and familiesHost: Elder Law Attorney Bob Mannor Guest: Lydia White, Co-Owner of Comfort Keepers Executive Producer: Savannah Meksto Assistant Producers: Samantha Noah, Shalene Gaul We'd love to hear from you! Support the show Listening Options YouTube Playlist Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music iHeart Radio Podcast Addict Podchaser Deezer Listen Notes Player FM ABOUT US: Mannor Law Group helps clients in all matters of estate planning and elder law including special needs planning, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning, estate administration, and more. We offer guidance through all stages of life. We also help families dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses that cause memory loss. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach, called Life Care Planning. LEARN MORE...

    38 min
  7. Redefining Leadership: Clarity, Accountability, And Sustainable Growth with Marilyn Jenkins

    Feb 19

    Redefining Leadership: Clarity, Accountability, And Sustainable Growth with Marilyn Jenkins

    In this episode of Advice from Your Advocates, Elder Law Attorney Bob Mannor interviews Marilyn Jenkins, a digital marketing expert and founder of MJ Media Group, LLC, and Law Marketing Zone®. They discuss the importance of mentorship, delegation, and adapting to changes in the business landscape, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. Marilyn shares insights on optimizing Google Business Profiles, the significance of customer reviews, and strategies for reactivating past clients. They also explore the future of leadership in the age of AI and the importance of work-life balance. Key takeaways include the need for effective delegation, listening to your team, and focusing on business growth. Episode Takeaways Understanding the journey and culture is crucial for leaders.Mentorship plays a significant role in leadership development.Delegation is essential for effective leadership.COVID-19 reinforced the effectiveness of remote work.Optimizing Google Business Profile is vital for local businesses.Customer reviews impact user experience and business reputation.Reactivating past clients can lead to significant business growth.AI will enhance efficiency but not replace human jobs.Defining what you want in life is key to work-life balance.Listening to your team is essential for successful leadership.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.  Host: Elder Law Attorney Bob Mannor Executive Producer: Savannah Meksto Assistant Producers: Samantha Noah, Shalene Gaul We'd love to hear from you! Support the show Listening Options YouTube Playlist Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music iHeart Radio Podcast Addict Podchaser Deezer Listen Notes Player FM ABOUT US: Mannor Law Group helps clients in all matters of estate planning and elder law including special needs planning, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning, estate administration, and more. We offer guidance through all stages of life. We also help families dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses that cause memory loss. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach, called Life Care Planning. LEARN MORE...

    23 min
  8. Aging ≠ Diminished Capacity: How Detroit's Hannan Center Supports Caregivers and Dementia Care

    Feb 5

    Aging ≠ Diminished Capacity: How Detroit's Hannan Center Supports Caregivers and Dementia Care

    In this episode of Advice From Your Advocates Podcast, elder law attorney Bob Mannor speaks with Vincent Tilford from the Hannan Center about advocacy for older adults, caregivers, and families navigating aging and dementia care. They discuss how ageism impacts older adults—and their caregivers—along with the growing challenges families face when supporting loved ones with dementia, chronic illness, or increasing care needs. Vincent shares how community organizations like the Hannan Center help reduce isolation, promote independence, and provide meaningful support for both older adults and family caregivers. The conversation also explores how art and creativity can improve health outcomes for older adults, including those living with cognitive decline, and why caregiver education, health care navigation, and advocacy are essential as dementia diagnoses rise nationwide. This episode is especially valuable for caregivers, elder care professionals, and families seeking practical insight into dementia care, caregiver support, and building community-based solutions that honor dignity at every stage of aging. Learn more about Detroit's Hannan Center: https://hannan.org/ Mannor Law Group: https://www.mannorlawgroup.com Host: Elder Law Attorney Bob Mannor  Guest: Vincent Tilford, Hannan Center Executive Producer: Savannah Meksto Assistant Producers: Samantha Noah, Shalene Gaul We'd love to hear from you! Support the show Listening Options YouTube Playlist Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music iHeart Radio Podcast Addict Podchaser Deezer Listen Notes Player FM ABOUT US: Mannor Law Group helps clients in all matters of estate planning and elder law including special needs planning, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning, estate administration, and more. We offer guidance through all stages of life. We also help families dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses that cause memory loss. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach, called Life Care Planning. LEARN MORE...

    31 min
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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

A podcast dedicated to helping those who are helping our elders.

Information

  • Creator
    Attorney Bob Mannor
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    87
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Advice From Your Advocates
  • Show Website
    Advice From Your Advocates