Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey

Lisa Harper
  • 3.3 (4)
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  • Updated Biweekly

Helping to change the conversations we have with our loved ones about aging and life decisions. Each episode contains information to help you and your family work through the "not ready yet" conversation of aging.

  1. Aug 25

    Interview with Emily Gerhardstein, Co-Founder and CEO of LS Adaptive

    Adaptive Clothing, Independence & Dignity: Rethinking What’s Possible with Emily Gerhardstein  What happens when caregiving opens your eyes to a problem that most people never think about? For Emily Gerhardstein, it led to a whole new approach to clothing. In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, Emily shares the personal caregiving experience that inspired her to create LS Adaptive, an innovative adaptive clothing company focused on making dressing easier without sacrificing style, comfort, dignity, or independence. We talk about why traditional adaptive clothing often falls short, and how LS Adaptive is rethinking the experience with discreet, durable magnetic fasteners designed to make getting dressed simpler for people living with mobility challenges. But this conversation goes beyond clothing. We explore what happens when we design products around the person rather than the limitation, and why accessibility and universal design matter at every stage of aging and disability. In this episode, we discuss:  Emily’s personal caregiving journey and how it sparked her innovation  Why traditional Velcro and zipper fasteners can be frustrating and limiting  How LS Adaptive’s magnetic fasteners work and what makes them different  The importance of combining style, function, comfort, and dignity How adaptive clothing can support confidence and independence  The development of pants, upcoming dresses, and adaptive accessories  Why simple, reliable design can make such a meaningful difference  LS Adaptive’s partnerships with Charlotte nonprofits  The importance of universal design and accessibility tools  Emily’s vision for licensing, expansion, and continued community impact A few takeaways from our conversation: Adaptive clothing shouldn't look or feel like a compromise. The best designs blend style, function, dignity, and comfort while helping people maintain independence. And sometimes, the most meaningful innovations aren't about adding more technology. They're about creating a simple solution to a problem that shouldn't have to be a problem in the first place. As Emily says, “Clothing should be an afterthought, like slip-on shoes.” Listen for these moments: “Our fasteners are half the size and twice the force of industry standards.” “Our magnets are designed to outlive us all.” If you care for an aging parent, support someone living with a disability, work in senior services, or simply believe we can do a better job designing the world for all abilities, this conversation is for you. Resources https://www.lsadaptive.com/  © 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

  2. Aug 11

    Interview with Cindy Greer, Moving a Loved One Living with Dementia

    Moving a Loved One with Living Dementia: Planning for a Safer, Gentler Transition A move is never just a move, especially when dementia is part of the picture. In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, Lisa Harper talks with Cindy Greer, a Certified Senior Move Manager® and Dementia Care expert, about what families need to know when relocating a loved one living with dementia. Cindy shares practical guidance for navigating the emotional and logistical challenges of a dementia-related move, from knowing when it may be time to relocate to creating a familiar, comforting environment in a new home. Because when dementia is involved, how you move matters just as much as where you move. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why a dementia-related move is different from a typical senior move • How caregivers play an important role in planning and preparing for relocation • Why early planning can make an eventual transition less traumatic • Safety considerations, including wandering prevention • Ways to create familiarity and comfort in a new environment • When a Senior Move Manager® or Aging Life Care Manager can help • Resources and support available to families navigating a transition • Real-life examples of successful dementia relocations • How proactive decision-making can help families avoid making choices in the middle of a crisis For families facing dementia, there are rarely perfect answers. But there are ways to plan ahead, reduce stress, preserve dignity, and make a difficult transition a little gentler. If you're helping a parent or loved one navigate dementia, this conversation is one you'll want to save and share. Listen now and start the conversation before the move becomes an emergency. Resources TransitionWithCare.net Aging Life Care™ Manager https://www.aginglifecare.org/ #DementiaCare #SeniorMoveManagement #Caregiving #AgingParents #SeniorLiving #Dementia #NotReadyYet  © 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

  3. Jul 28

    Interview with Michael Lewis, Chief Behavioral Officer at Family Legacy Financial Solutions and author of Getting Out of Your Own Way

    How Stress Sabotages Decisions | Michael Lewis on Caregiving, Family Dynamics & Planning Ahead In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, Lisa Harper sits down with Michael Lewis, Chief Behavioral Officer at Family Legacy Financial Solutions and author of Getting Out of Your Own Way, to explore how stress and emotions can quietly derail some of the most important decisions families face. Michael explains why waiting until a crisis makes decision-making exponentially harder and shares practical strategies to help families prepare before they find themselves overwhelmed. Together, they discuss the behavioral side of caregiving, financial planning, legal documentation, caregiver agreements, Medicaid considerations, and how to create a plan that brings clarity instead of conflict. Whether you're beginning to notice changes in your parents, already navigating caregiving responsibilities, or simply want to be prepared, this conversation offers actionable insights to help your family make better decisions with greater confidence. In this episode you'll learn:  • How stress impacts judgment and decision-making during caregiving  • Why legal and financial planning should happen before a crisis  • The purpose and benefits of Family Caregiver Agreements  • Common emotional biases that influence family decisions  • Strategies for productive family conversations about aging  • Why preparation creates peace of mind for everyone involved Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Behavioral Challenges in Aging 02:07 Recognizing Warning Signs in Family Dynamics 03:54 The Impact of Stress on Judgment and Decision-Making 05:51 Personal Story: A Family’s Caregiving Journey 07:58 Legal and Financial Planning Before a Crisis 09:55 The Role of Caregiver Agreements and Documentation 11:55 How Emotions Influence Financial Decisions 14:11 Strategies for Effective Family Communication 16:03 The Importance of Early Planning and Mapping 18:04 Legal Frameworks and Medicaid Considerations 20:01 Family Responsibility and Shared Decision-Making 22:01 Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Elder Care 23:58 The Consequences of Delaying Critical Decisions 26:13 Reflections on Aging and Family Legacy 28:04 Practical Steps for Families Starting the Conversation 30:02 The Power of Preparation and Documentation 31:49 Building a Support Network for Caregivers 34:12 When to Seek Professional Help 36:07 The Long-Term Impact of Caregiving Decisions 37:54 Final Thoughts: Clarity, Preparation, and Peace of Mind Resources Book on Amazon: Getting Out of Your Own Way: When Emotions and Pressure Lead to Costly Financial Consequences Family Legacy Financial Solutions Click here to schedule an appointment with Michael  © 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

  4. Jul 14

    Interview with Allyson Schrier, Co-Founder and President of Zinnia TV

    Connecting Through Visuals: How Zinnia TV Supports Dementia Care with Allyson Schrier What if one simple change could reduce agitation, spark meaningful conversations, and help someone living with dementia feel more connected? In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, Lisa Harper sits down with Allyson Schrier, founder and CEO of Zinnia TV, to discuss how thoughtfully designed visual programming is transforming dementia care. Inspired by her own experience caring for a loved one with dementia, Allyson created Zinnia TV after recognizing that traditional television often overwhelms people living with cognitive changes. Instead, Zinnia offers slow-paced, calming, dialogue-free content designed to engage, comfort, and reconnect individuals with their memories, interests, and identity. Together, Lisa and Allyson explore why understanding the changing brain is one of the greatest gifts caregivers can give themselves and the people they love. In this episode, you'll learn: Why Allyson created Zinnia TV from her own caregiving experienceHow visual content can reduce agitation and improve engagementThe science behind changing visual perception in dementiaWhy traditional television can increase confusion and anxietyHow personalized playlists create moments of connectionWays technology can support caregivers without replacing human interactionPractical strategies to simplify routines and daily activitiesWhy preserving identity and purpose matters throughout the dementia journeyWhether you're caring for a parent, spouse, friend, or supporting families professionally, this conversation offers practical tools and a hopeful perspective on living well with dementia. Memorable Quotes "My driving force is my personal experience as a caregiver." "Zinnia is not just a replacement for television." "Visual perception changes increase fall risk in dementia." Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Lisa Harper and Allyson Schrier 00:26 – Allyson's personal caregiving journey 01:22 – The inspiration behind Zinnia TV 04:22 – What is Zinnia TV? 06:39 – Why traditional television doesn't work well for dementia 08:01 – Creating connection through visual media 12:14 – What the research shows 16:37 – Unlocking memories and preserving identity 22:00 – Building personalized playlists 24:41 – Visual perception changes and fall risks 30:51 – Simplifying daily routines 36:27 – Supporting emotional well-being If this episode encourages you or someone you love, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another caregiver or family navigating the aging journey. Resources: Zinniatv.com Contact ZinniaTV Zinnia TV on YouTube Keywords: Dementia, Alzheimer's, Dementia Care, Caregiving, Family Caregiver, Zinnia TV, Memory Care, Aging Parents, Dementia Support, Senior Care, Caregiver Resources, Aging Journey, Alzheimer's Support, Visual Communication To learn more about Lisa Harper, visit notreadyyet.com  © 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

  5. Jun 30

    Interview with Aaron D. Murphy, Architect/CAPS Founder of ForeverHome and Owner of ADM Architecture

    Whether you're an adult child, caregiver, homeowner, or simply planning ahead, this episode offers practical guidance and a fresh perspective on creating homes that support life, not just today, but for years to come. In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, Lisa Harper sits down with architect and Certified Aging in Place Specialist Aaron Murphy to explore how thoughtful home design can preserve independence, dignity, and peace of mind. Aaron shares the personal story that inspired his work, explains the concept of a "Forever Home," and offers practical insights for making homes work for every stage of life. Together, Lisa and Aaron discuss why aging conversations shouldn't begin during a crisis, how small home modifications can make a significant difference, and why creating environments that support both older adults and their caregivers is essential. They also dive into the unique challenges facing the sandwich generation, the importance of community, and how proactive planning can reduce stress for the entire family. In this episode you'll learn: • What a "Forever Home" really means and why it's about more than accessibility. • Why home design plays a critical role in maintaining independence, making everyday living safer and easier. • How to start difficult conversations with aging parents without taking away their independence. • Why caregivers need homes designed with their needs in mind, too. • How proactive planning creates peace of mind for the entire family. • The hidden impact of isolation and how community can improve quality of life. • Why the best time to plan for aging is long before a crisis. If this conversation resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone navigating the aging journey. Connect with Lisa Harper Website: notreadyyet.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-m-harper-cshp-caps-cdp-sres Connect with Aaron Murphy Website: foreverhome-us.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aarondmurphy/ 🎙️ Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey is a podcast for adult children, caregivers, and professionals navigating the complex conversations surrounding aging, downsizing, caregiving, and late-life housing decisions. Through honest conversations with experts and those with lived experience, we help families move from uncertainty to confidence, one conversation at a time.  © 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

  6. Jun 16

    Interview with Mark Wilson, Author of Breakthrough Alzheimer’s Care

    When Mark Wilson's mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, he didn't approach caregiving as a healthcare professional. He approached it as a leader. Drawing on more than 22 years of executive leadership experience and the lessons learned while supporting his mother through 15 years of living with dementia, Mark developed a practical framework he calls Careleading, a leadership-based approach to caregiving that helps families move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling empowered. In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, Mark shares how families can create better outcomes for their loved ones while reducing stress and uncertainty along the way. We discuss the leadership principles that apply to caregiving, the importance of creating a positive and supportive environment, and why families deserve more than simply surviving the dementia journey. Whether you're currently a caregiver for an aging loved one or anticipating future care needs, this conversation offers practical strategies, hope, and encouragement. In This Episode We Discuss: • What "Careleading" means and how it differs from traditional caregiving • Applying leadership principles to family caregiving • Building and managing an effective care team • Creating a safe and supportive environment for someone living with dementia • Nutrition, supplements, medications, and overall wellness considerations • The "Surround Sound" concept and why environment matters • How to communicate effectively with healthcare providers • The importance of self-care for family caregivers • Finding hope and purpose in the caregiving journey Connect with Mark Wilson: Website: https://boldcareleader.com Resources: Breakthrough Alzheimer's Care by Mark Wilson: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Breakthrough+Alzheimer%27s+Care+Mark+Wilson About Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey helps adult children, caregivers, and older adults navigate the conversations and decisions that come with aging. Through expert interviews and real-life stories, we explore topics including caregiving, aging in place, downsizing, senior living, dementia care, family communication, and planning ahead. Subscribe for more conversations that help you navigate the aging journey with confidence, compassion, and clarity. #AlzheimersCare #DementiaCare #FamilyCaregiver #Caregiving #AgingParents #Careleading #Alzheimers #Dementia #NotReadyYetPodcast  © 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

  7. Jun 2

    Interview with Curtis Petersen, National Sales Director at the Society of Certified Senior Advisors

    In this episode, Lisa sits down with Curtis Petersen, National Sales Director for the Society of Certified Senior Advisors (CSA), to discuss how the Certified Senior Advisor credential helps professionals better serve older adults and their families. Curtis shares the history and mission behind CSA, what it takes to earn the certification, and why ethics, continuing education, and third-party oversight are essential in the aging services industry. Together, they explore how families can identify trusted professionals, build a reliable support network, and navigate the complexities of aging with greater confidence. Whether you're a family caregiver, an older adult planning for the future, or a professional who serves seniors, this conversation offers valuable insights into the resources, education, and guidance available to help make aging decisions less overwhelming. In this episode, you'll learn: • What the CSA credential is and why it matters • How Certified Senior Advisors support older adults and families • The importance of trust, ethics, and ongoing education • Resources available for aging adults, caregivers, and professionals • How open family conversations can lead to better outcomes As Curtis reminds us, planning for the later chapters of life isn't just about preparation. It's about preserving options, dignity, and peace of mind. Resources • CSA Website: https://www.csa.us/ • Find a Certified Senior Advisor: https://www.csa.us/Find-a-Certified-Senior/ • CSA Certification Program: https://www.csa.us/certification/  © 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

  8. May 19

    Interview with Heather Clark (Part Two) Financial Advisor and Founder of Next Step Wealth Management

    In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, financial expert Heather Clark shares practical insights on one of the biggest retirement impacts many people face: the timing of when to start withdrawals. With more than 20 years of experience helping individuals navigate retirement planning, Heather breaks down how Social Security timing, pensions, taxes, and longevity planning all work together to impact your financial future. You’ll learn why Social Security should be viewed as a pension, how spouse benefits are affected by timing and work history, and why personalized retirement strategies matter more than one-size-fits-all advice. Heather also shares practical tools, including RMD calculators and online resources, to help you make more confident financial decisions. Whether you’re approaching retirement, supporting aging parents, or planning for long-term financial independence, this conversation offers valuable guidance to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Key topics include: • Timing your Social Security benefits • How pensions impact retirement income • Tax implications in retirement • Longevity planning strategies • Benefit optimization tips • Using RMD calculators effectively Resources Social Security Administration  Schwab RMD Calculator Next Step Wealth Management  © 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

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Helping to change the conversations we have with our loved ones about aging and life decisions. Each episode contains information to help you and your family work through the "not ready yet" conversation of aging.

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