Unlocking Senior Resources Presented By: Leave the Key

Leave The Key
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Hosted by Larry Wagner, who brings over 30 years of experience as a certified senior advisor and Senior Transition specialist, this podcast is dedicated to seniors, their loved ones, and professionals working in the senior community. In each episode, Larry invites experts who are committed to enhancing the lives of seniors, providing listeners with valuable insights and resources to support senior transitions and well-being. Tune in to unlock the essential resources and information you need to navigate the challenges and opportunities of aging.

  1. Jul 16

    Warning Signs Your Senior Parents Need Help - What Every Family Needs To Know

    In today's episode, I sit down with ShariGeller, founder of Senior Options, a concierge care management company based inBoca Raton, Florida. Shari walks through her 15-year journey into senior careinspired by her sister's work in the field in New York and breaks down exactlywhat a care manager does, why families wait far too long to ask for help, andhow her team steps in. They cover the classic New York-to-Floridaretirement pipeline and what happens when that generation starts needing care.     Timeline Summary 00:00 – Introduction of Shari Geller andthe New York-Florida retirement connection; the podcast's first remote episode. 00:37 – Shari's path into senior care:inspired by her sister, she earned her Master's in Social Work at age 48. 05:17 – A client story: from the ICU togoing out to lunch with friends within three months. 13:31 – Breaking down the comprehensiveassessment: cognition, physical functioning, safety, medications,socialization, and emotional well-being. 18:34 – A standout case: converting agarage into a cozy "car room" for a client with mild cognitiveimpairment who missed driving. 22:10 – Older memory medications versusnewer infusion treatments, and the tradeoffs families should know about. 23:59 – What to look for when touringassisted living communities: visit on a weekend, talk to residents, watch forodors, and observe activity levels. 34:14 – Why weekly phone calls can hide howa parent is really doing until a visit reveals the truth. 43:34 – A case story: helping a widowedclient move north to be near family after realizing "busy" didn'tmean "happy." 50:21 – How to reach Shari Geller for aconsultation.     5 Key Takeaways ·        Seniors Hide Problems FromTheir Kids Falls, missed doctor's appointments, fender benders, and declininghygiene often go unreported to adult children, who are left thinking"everything's fine" based on phone calls alone. ·        A Care Manager Advises, theFamily Decides Senior Options presents options and professionalrecommendations, but the final call on a parent's care always belongs to thefamily. ·        Driving Safety Requires anObjective Third Party Independent driving evaluations give families animpartial way to address a dangerous situation that a parent won't accept froma doctor or child alone. ·        Assisted Living Tours ShouldHappen on a Weekend Weekend visits reveal a community's true staffing andactivity levels, since weekends tend to run with bare-minimum coverage. ·        Don't Wait for a CrisisFamilies typically call only after a hospitalization or major fall. Bringing inprofessional support earlier prevents avoidable emergencies and improvesquality of life.     Links and Resources: ·        Learn about Shari Geller,Senior Options: Phone Number: 561-464-2656 Email: info@senioroptionsfl.com Website: senioroptionsfl.com   ·        Learn about Leave The KeyHomebuyers Senior Transition Service: Website: https://leavethekey.com/seniors Phone Number: (631) 388 – 7771     Final Thoughts Aging brings complications at precisely themoment when navigating them gets harder. The biggest takeaway from this episodeis simple: don't wait for a crisis to ask for help, and don't assume a goodphone call means everything is fine. If this episode helped you understand howto support aging parents and recognize the warning signs before a crisis hits,please subscribe, share, and leave a review.

  2. Jul 9

    Alzheimer's Care Giver Support: How To Cope, Prevent Burnout And Get Free Help

    In this episode I sit down with Lauren Vlachos,Executive Director at Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center, about dementia,caregiving, and brain health. Lauren breaks down why patients repeat questions,what caregiver burnout really looks like, and how to ask for help withoutburning out. We talk about the “club sandwich generation,” the cost of care inNY, and 4 lifestyle changes that can cut dementia risk by 40%. We also coverwhat ADRC offers for free: support groups, education, and help from diagnosisthrough grief. If you’re caring for someone, you don’t have to do it alone.    KeyTimestamps 00:00 – Intro : Who is Lauren Vlachos andwhat is ADRC 05:40 – Repeated Questions : Why the braincan’t hold the answer 08:22 – Tone Matters : How you respondchanges everything 14:30 – Caregiver Burnout : No sleep, nofood, no breaks 17:12 – Club Sandwich Generation : Kids,parents, and grandkids at once 20:08 – Cost of Care : $25,000 a year forchildcare in NY 25:20 – Ask for Help Right : “I’m bringingdinner” vs “let me know” 31:15 – Backup Plan : What happens if thecaregiver gets sick 36:45 – ADRC Services : Free referrals and1:1 guidance 41:30 – Cognitive Stimulation : 14-weekgroup for mild impairment 44:21 – 40% Preventable : Lifestyle lowersdementia risk 46:07 – Drink Water : Dehydration makessymptoms worse 48:27 – Social Connection : Isolationshrinks the brain 50:05 – Brain Games : Chess, dance, newlanguages 58:15 – Free Education : ADRC talks atlibraries and Rotary 01:02:10 – Validation : “I’m not crazy.Other people feel this too”    Key Takeaways 1. It’s the disease : Repeated questions aren’t personal. The brain can’t file the memory. 2. Caregivers first : If you go down, everything goes down. Eat, sleep, take breaks. 3. Be specific : “I’ll drive you Thursday” helps more than “call me if you needanything.” 4. Prevention works : Water, movement, people, and learning new things matter. 5. Help is free : ADRC has support from diagnosis through bereavement. Call them.    Resources • Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center(ADRC):     Final Thought Most people wait for a crisis before theyask for help with dementia. That’s when it feels impossible. But it doesn’thave to be. The disease isn’t personal. Burnout isn’t weakness. Start small:drink water, go for a walk, join a group. ADRC is free and they’ll walk withyou. And when caregiving ends, your story doesn’t. Use what you learned to helpthe next person. You are not alone.

  3. Jul 2

    Funeral Pre-Planning In New York: Costs, Medicaid Rules And How To Avoid Family Stress

    In this episode I sit down with Adam Novak, Funeral Director at Jerusalem Memorial Chapels, about making funerals less of a crisis and more of a plan. Adam explains his shift from Wall Street to funeral work, NY-specific rules like narrow Jewish plots and no chairs at cemeteries, and how NY’s FDIC-insured Preplan trust protects families. The conversation covers why only ∼35% of people pre-plan, how personalization eases grief, and how prepaying a funeral can also be a Medicaid spend-down with no lookback. Bottom line: funerals are for the living, so decide early. Key Timestamps 00:00 – Intro : Compassion over stigma. “It’s how you do it.” 02:26 – Adam’s story : Equity trader to funeral director after 2008. 07:47 – NY rules : No handles, no chairs/tents at many Jewish cemeteries. 16:52 – Preplan benefit : Lock in today’s price, years ahead. 19:40 – Preplan benefit : No rush + you choose, not your kids. 23:42 – Reality check : Only ∼35% of funerals are pre-planned. 25:23 – NY Preplan 101 : Account in your name, funeral home paid only after service. 29:59 – Guaranteed plans : Funeral home absorbs cemetery cost increases. 34:08 – Personalization : Jersey funerals, signed caskets, flower posters + turtles. 39:58 – Flexibility : “There is no has to be.” 47:07 – Avoided talk : A will is not a funeral plan. 55:16 – Do this now : Ask parents about life stories and regrets. 01:02:07 – Biggest myth : Funerals don’t have to be in a funeral home. 01:11:27 – Medicaid tip : Irrevocable prepay = approved spend-down, no lookback. Key Takeaways 1. Pre-plan to protect your family : Locking in prices now avoids stress, rushed decisions, and surprise costs during NY’s long probate. You decide calmly, not your kids in crisis. 2. NY keeps you in control : Preplan funds go into an FDIC-insured trust in your name. The funeral home only gets paid after the service, and you can get it back anytime until it’s used. 3. Make it personal, not rigid : Services should fit the person. Jerseys, signed caskets, or digital tributes help families grieve. There’s no “has to be” way to do it. 4. Talk now, not later : A will won’t cover funeral wishes and isn’t read until after burial. Ask about life stories and preferences while you still can. 5. Prepay can help with Medicaid : In NY, an irrevocable prepay contract has no lookback and counts as an approved spend-down. You’ll need a funeral director and attorney to set it up. Resources - Jerusalem Memorial Chapels : • http://JMChapels.com • (516) 418-7000 - Learn about Leave The Key Homebuyers Senior Transition Service: • Website: https://leavethekey.com/seniors • Phone Number: (631) 388 - 7771 Final Thought Most people avoid funeral conversations because they feel morbid or uncomfortable, but waiting until a crisis is what makes it brutal. Pre-planning isn’t about death, it’s about protecting the people you love while you’re calm and clear-headed. Locking in costs prevents financial stress during probate. Writing down wishes stops family arguments. Recording stories preserves legacies before they’re lost. And in New York, doing it through a state-regulated trust means you stay in control of the money. Whether you choose a simple service, a signed casket, or just a conversation at the kitchen table, the goal is the same: remove the scramble so your family can grieve. Do it now, while there’s time to choose, not after there’s only pressure.

  4. Jun 18

    Medicare VS Medicaid Explained: Avoid Costly Mistakes And Scams

    In today's episode, Larry Wagner sits downwith Pierre Menard, an independent insurance broker specializing in Medicareinsurance. Pierre walks through his 20-year journey in insurance from lifeinsurance to Medicaid to Medicare and breaks down exactly how Medicare works,the costly mistakes people make, and how to avoid the scams that target seniorsduring enrollment season. They cover the difference between Parts A,B, C, and D, why the Part D penalty is permanent and can compound for decades,how Medicare and Medicaid are completely different programs, what red flagssignal a scam call, and why working with a licensed, trustworthy broker cansave families thousands of dollars and a lifetime of headaches.     Timeline Summary 00:00 – Introduction of Pierre Menard andhis 20-year journey through life insurance, Medicaid, and ultimately Medicareinsurance. 06:44 – The most expensive mistake peoplemake: skipping Part D and facing a permanent, compounding penalty for life. 10:35 – Why Medicare rules are sooverwhelming for seniors and why involving family members early matters. 11:38 – Breaking down Part A and Part B:what each covers and why keeping existing employer or spousal coverage can makesense. 15:16 – Advantage plans versus supplementplans: network restrictions, cost differences, and flexibility tradeoffs. 26:28 – The biggest scam targeting seniors:unsolicited calls and why agents legally need consent before contacting you. 33:21 – Why a broker can never askhealth-related questions and what they're legally allowed to ask instead. 36:11 – Why having a complete list ofmedications and doctors before enrolling prevents costly plan mismatches. 55:43 – The OTC card explained: what itcovers, recent rule changes, and why it shouldn't be the main factor inchoosing a plan. 01:00:07 – A real example of saving aclient over a thousand dollars a year by avoiding an unnecessary Part Bpremium. 01:07:25 – How to reach Pierre Menard for aconsultation.     5 Key Takeaways ·        The Part D Penalty Is PermanentSkipping Part D coverage results in a 1% penalty per month that compounds forlife even if you never take prescription medication when you first enroll.   ·        Medicare Is Not Automatic Youmust actively choose and enroll in coverage, and missing your enrollment windowcan mean waiting months or facing lasting penalties.   ·        Scammers Need Your Consent toCall Licensed agents cannot contact you without prior written consent.Unsolicited calls asking for personal or health information are a major redflag.     ·        Medicare and Medicaid Are Notthe Same Medicare is earned through taxes paid and age or disability, whileMedicaid is based entirely on income and family size, regardless of age.     ·        Stay on Top of Your Plan EveryYear Coverage, doctors, and medications can change annually. What worked lastyear may not work this year, so review your plan regularly and ask questions.     Links and Resources:   Learn about Pierre Menard, MedicareInsurance Broker: Phone Number: (917) 860-5046 Email: menard28@gmail.com   Learn about Leave The Key HomebuyersSenior Transition Service: ·        Phone Number: (631) 380-4262   Final Thoughts Medicare is full of small details that canhave a permanent financial impact from enrollment timing to plan selection tomedication coverage. The biggest takeaway from this episode is simple: stayinformed, ask questions, and don't navigate this process alone. If this episode helped you understandMedicare, Medicaid, and how to protect yourself from costly mistakes and scams,please subscribe, share, and leave a review. These conversations help seniorsand their families make informed decisions before a costly mistake becomespermanent.

  5. Jun 11

    Assisted Living VS. Home: Wants, Needs And Proactive Planning

    Summary In today’s episode I sit down with Dr. Comfort Uwadiae from Opt 2 Restore. Theydiscuss the real conflict families face when deciding between keeping seniorsat home vs. independent/assisted living. Learn why modern facilities aren’t the“nursing homes from 40 years ago,” how to balance what parents want vs. whatthey need, and why the bathroom is the most dangerous room in the house.Comfort shares her personal story of family members in healthcare who stillhired outside help, plus practical home modifications that preserved dignityduring injury. The episode covers Medicaid planning, subtle cognitive changesadult children miss, and why “be proactive” is the #1 advice from every expert.    KeyTimestamps  00:42– Guest intro : Comfort from Opt 2 Restore. Mission: help patients age in placeand decrease hospitalizations.  03:13– What Opt 2 Restore does : Home modification professionals + Certified Agingin Place Specialists. Bridge PT/OT + home safety + contractors.  05:53– When home isn’t safe : Their role is to assess and recommend. Family decides,but safety drives recommendations.  07:14– Biggest post-hospital risk : Home environment. 24-hour home health aide isn’trealistic for most. Need modifications.  08:44– Tub to shower conversions : Can be done without major destruction. Key foraging in place.  09:15– Long Island problem : “Island of Stairs.” Most homes have bedrooms upstairs,creating fall risk.  10:09– Implementation matters : Suggestions have no value without doing them. Liketrusts with no assets.  12:05– Biggest senior mistake : Overestimation of functional capabilities. “Theythink they can but they can’t.” Clutter, magazines on stairs.  16:39– Signs it’s time : Not eating, sharing meals, weight loss, trouble getting up.Parents needed independent living for socialization/feeding.  19:48– Living longer, better : Walking daily, staying social, cognitive stimulation,protein intake. Aging looks different now, pickleball vs.  27:21– Personal story : Comfort’s mom all kids in healthcare still hired outside PT.Too emotional to treat family.  30:28– Hardest conversation : Kids wait too long to discuss parents’ deepest desirescare preferences, home PT, end-of-life wishes.  33:34– Proactive not retroactive : Heartfelt compromise talks must happen beforecrisis.  34:42– Most dangerous room : Bathrooms. Marble floors, hard surfaces, nowhere softto land.  39:04– Safer floors : Textured porcelain or luxury vinyl tile with high slipresistance. No throw rugs. experts.  51:40– Proof it works : Host renovated for accessibility before needed. Wife neededwheelchair at 64, stayed independent 6 weeks.  56:59– Medicaid reality : Home vs. facility rules differ. Many qualify with trusts,but only if planned early.    KeyTakeaways 1. Have talks before crisis : Discuss care wishes, home safety, and compromises while parents arehealthy. 2. Fix bathrooms first : Textured floors, walk-in showers away from doors, grab bars, norugs. #1 fall zone. 3. Proactive mods preserve dignity : Accessible homes help even 64-year-olds recover independently.   Links and Resources Learn about Opt 2 Restore:  Aging-in-place assessments + mods. http://opt2restore.com| (516) 810-0330 Learn about Leave the Key Homebuyers: Sell senior homes as-is. http://leavethekey.com| (631) 388-7771   Final Thought Don’t wait for a crisis. Proactive planning not retroactivescrambling, is what preserves dignity, safety, and choice. Because as we heard:“We wait too long for most everything in life.” This can’t be one of them. These conversations help families makeinformed decisions before tomorrow becomes today.

  6. Jun 4

    Leading With Kindness: Skilled Nursing Explained

    In this episode of I sat down with SandraLozano, Director of Admissions and Marketing at Huntington Hills Center forHealth and Rehabilitation. Sandra shares her 20-year journey in skillednursing, from Nassau to Suffolk. The episode covers National Health CareAssociates’ backing, staff culture, dietary accommodations, and why “leadingwith kindness” + innovation creates better outcomes. Contact, tours, andavailability included.   Timeline summary    00:00– Sandra’s background: 20 years in industry, corporate America toadmissions/finance, worked Nassau, Bronx, Queens  01:42– Current role: Director of Admissions and Marketing at Huntington Hills  05:12– Daily role: Guiding families in crisis, referrals even if not to HuntingtonHills  09:10– Music therapy story: docile resident lit up, family emotional “she’s still inthere”  15:40– National Health Care Associates: 46 buildings, mostly CT/New England, only 2on Long Island  20:06– Respite as feeder for long-term: residents get used to environment, realizeneed level  25:43– Discharge planning starts at admission: stairs, bathroom, home equipment,goals  32:10– Respite logistics: admit 1–2 days before family leaves, paperwork done,emergency contacts set  39:25– Tours critical: QR code virtual tour for residents who can’t visit, butin-person better  44:26– Adjustment: 2–3 weeks, harder for family. Routine + socialization for mom  48:01– Community grief, daughter wants to volunteer for life  52:00– 3 differentiators: 1) Lead with kindness 2) Built to be SNF 3) LIE Exit 49location  54:29– Staff culture: family environment, inter-building retreats, Zooms acrossroles  57:50– Close: Compassionate team + unique offerings = key reason to chooseHuntington Hills   5 Key Takeaways    1.Purpose-built design changes outcomes Built in 1999 as a SNF with identicalfloors, wide hallways, and home-like décor. Dementia residents transitioneasier, families feel welcome vs. Institutional settings.    2.Technology prevents hospitalizations Circadian radar detects illness 3–5 daysbefore symptoms. OB projector, Robin robot, music + pet therapy driveengagement. Tech is standard, not extra.    3.Respite care reduces family crisis 10-day to 3-week stays let families travelwith 24/7 nursing coverage. Often serves as low-pressure intro to long-termcare when home is no longer safe.    4.Couples stay connected across care levels 4 couples currently on different units.Staff facilitates daily visits. Shared building beats 5–10 miles apart,reducing stress and guilt.    5.Guilt is normal, adjustment takes 2–3 weeks Families feel they broke promises.Residents gain routine, friends, activities. Story proves mom who “didn’t wantto go” became facility social butterfly.   Links and Resources    HuntingtonHills Center for Health and Rehabilitation Website: http://huntingtonhillscenter.com Admissions: (631) 439-3010, ext. 3059 forSandra Lozano  LeaveThe Key Homebuyers Website: https://leavethekey.com/seniors Phone: (631) 388-7771   Final Thoughts The through-line of both parts is dignitythrough design, tech, and kindness. Families arrive with guilt and outdatedideas of “nursing homes.” Huntington Hills counters with purpose-built space,predictive health tech, and staff who bring snow inside for residents whohaven’t felt it in a decade. Respite care, couples support, and early educationremove emergency pressure. When environment, innovation, and compassion align,families move from “I broke a promise” to “best decision we made.”

  7. May 21

    Skip The ER Wait: Hospital-Level Care At Home For Seniors

    In this episode I talk with Dr. KevinMunjal, Chief Medical Officer of Care To You, about bringing ER andhospital-level care into the home. The conversation covers real patientexamples, how shared decision-making works in the home, and why this modelcould become the new standard for urgent and acute care.   Timeline    00:00– Opening: The idea of hospital-at-home as the future standard of care  02:15– Kevin’s background: ER physician, EMS medicine, Mount Sinai  05:05– Why home care matters: avoiding delirium, infection, and hospital cascade forseniors  10:02– Cost comparison: hospital-at-home is 1/2 to 1/3 the cost to payers  13:38– When to still go to the ER: chest pain, stroke symptoms, life-threateningemergencies  18:20– Concurrent telehealth with attending physicians on every visit  22:05– Care team structure: field clinicians, nurses, care coordinators, dispatch  27:05– Who is a good fit for hospital-at-home vs. urgent care vs. ER  30:06– How Care To You differs from other home health services  36:07– In-home imaging and results follow-up process  48:32– Post-acute follow-up: remote monitoring, daily calls, transition to primarycare  52:16– How primary care doctors can use Care To You for patients 57:22 – Kevin’s motivation: building amodel from the ground up  59:01– Final takeaway: know this option exists before a crisis hits  01:00:08– Contact info: website, phone, registration process   5 Key Takeaways    1.You’re in control in your home Care is delivered on your turf. Cliniciansexplain tests, medications, and options, then let you and your family drive thedecision. No surprises, no rushing.    2.Shared decision-making matters For many older adults, comfort and stayinghome matter more than aggressive intervention. Care To You presentsrisks/benefits and aligns care with patient goals, including DNH/DNRpreferences.    3.Follow-through sets them apart High Net Promoter Scores of 80-90+ comefrom more than home visits. They follow up on labs, make sure prescriptions arefilled, and confirm referrals and home care are set up.    4.Real cases show it works Example: A 100-year-old with a UTI wastreated at home with IV antibiotics, fluids, and remote monitoring. She avoideda 3-day hospital stay and recovered at home.    5.It’s a middle option between urgent care and the ER If it’s not life-threatening but you can’twait for primary care, Care To You can run labs, imaging, and start treatmentin 2-4 hours at home.   Links and Resources   Care 2 You Website: http://www.care2u.com Phone: (833)433-2273   Leave The Key Homebuyers Website:https://leavethekey.com/seniors Phone: (631)380 – 4262   Final Thoughts Hospital-at-home isn’t just convenient.it’s safer, cheaper, and more personal for the right patients. If you care foraging parents or work with seniors, knowing about Care To You ahead of time cansave you hours in the ER, reduce stress, and keep loved ones comfortable athome. The goal isn’t to replace hospitals, but to use them only when trulyneeded.

  8. May 14

    Adult ADHD And Late Diagnosis Rewire Your Brain

    In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr.Lisa Zaretsky of Zaretsky Wellness, a licensed mental health professional,doctor of cognitive sciences, and hypnotherapist who helps adults, kids, andfamilies break through patterns that keep them stuck. She specializes in ADHD,twice exceptionality, neurodiversity, addiction, and rapid transformationalhypnotherapy coaching. We also discuss late-diagnosed ADHD,co-occurring conditions, and systems.   Timeline Summary 00:00 – Intro to Dr. Lisa Zaretsky andZaretsky Wellness  06:25 – Systems approach: you’re not in avacuum  09:36 – Co-occurring conditions: ocularmotor, auditory processing, dyslexia  14:01 – ADHD missed and mismanaged in the70s-90s  22:15 – Other issues: addiction, trauma,stuck careers, family systems  26:32 – Deep dive hypnotherapy sessionexplained  34:08 – Neuroplasticity: intensity,frequency, duration  43:34 – Awareness of root causes forstopping numbing behaviors  45:00 – Couples and family work;ADHD-impacted marriages  51:05 – Long-term vs short-term therapystructures  54:18 – Discipline as freedom for ADHDbrains  58:48 – Building her team and trainingothers  01:15:48 – How to contact her   5 Key Takeaways 1. Diagnosis Brings Relief Late diagnosis for ADHD and co-occurringconditions stops self-blame and opens doors to targeted support.   2. Treat the Root, Not Just Symptoms Addiction, ADHD, and stuck patterns stemfrom beliefs and neural pathways. Hypnotherapy and targeted work rewire them.   3. Expertise and Fit Matter ADHD-impacted marriages and neurodiversityneed specialized approaches. Generic therapy often fails. Vet for expertise.   4. Discipline Creates Freedom Structure feels restrictive but empowersADHD brains. It builds willpower, execution, and cognitive flexibility.   5. Change is Possible at Any Age With breath work, awareness, andwillingness to sit with discomfort, you can rewire patterns and find purpose.   Links and Resources Dr. Lisa Zaretsky – Zaretsky Wellness Website: http://www.zaretsky-wellness.com  Instagram/TikTok/YouTube: @zaretskywellness  Facebook/LinkedIn: Lisa Zaretsky    Leave The Key Homebuyers SeniorTransition Service Website: https://leavethekey.com/seniors  Phone: (631)380-4262   Final Thoughts You’re not stuck because you’re broken.With the right expertise, tools, and commitment, you can get back in thedriver’s seat. If this helped, subscribe, share, and leave a review.

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Hosted by Larry Wagner, who brings over 30 years of experience as a certified senior advisor and Senior Transition specialist, this podcast is dedicated to seniors, their loved ones, and professionals working in the senior community. In each episode, Larry invites experts who are committed to enhancing the lives of seniors, providing listeners with valuable insights and resources to support senior transitions and well-being. Tune in to unlock the essential resources and information you need to navigate the challenges and opportunities of aging.

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