Care Across America

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"Care Across America, an Approved Senior Network® Podcast"—your go-to source for engaging conversations and practical insights from home care and senior care experts across the United States. Each episode will spotlight industry professionals, and their referral networks, sharing impactful stories, proven strategies, and innovative solutions in senior care. This podcast is perfect for professionals, adult children of aging parents, and family members struggling with senior care choices and care.

  1. 12/16/2025

    Why Communication And Planning Keep Seniors Out Of The Hospital- Sid Gerber, Houston, TX

    A quiet fever, a missed noon dose, a confusing discharge packet—small cracks that can send an elder into a chaotic ER spiral. We bring together two seasoned pros, Sid Gerber and nurse case manager Maddie Bunch, to show how thoughtful planning, trained caregivers, and fast communication keep loved ones safe at home and out of the hospital. Their stories span ICU nights, VA leadership, dementia care, and the hard lessons that come from watching systems strain under the weight of too many patients and too little continuity. We dig into what’s really happening inside hospitals today: marathon ER holds, overworked teams, and hospitalists who don’t know the patient’s history. Then we move to the fix—actionable steps any family can take. Learn when to call urgent care versus 911, what a complete discharge plan looks like, and why having a sitter or caregiver at the bedside is no luxury. Hear how shift‑by‑shift reporting, early detection of UTIs and delirium, and a direct line between case manager and home care team can stop problems before they explode. Preparation changes everything. We walk through advance directives, medical power of attorney, and out‑of‑hospital DNR orders, plus how to organize a next‑of‑kin kit so every sibling and caregiver has instant access. The goal isn’t to avoid hospitals at all costs—it’s to avoid preventable admissions, protect dignity, and ensure calm, informed choices when seconds count. If you’re caring for a parent with dementia, managing chronic illness, or just getting your family’s plan in order, this conversation gives you a clear, compassionate roadmap. If this helped you feel more prepared, follow the show, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a review with the one takeaway you’re putting into action. View More at HomeCareMarketingNews.com

    28 min

  2. 12/07/2025

    Building Trust And Dignity In Home Care- Steve Whatley, HomeWell, Plano, TX

    A single phone call can change everything. When a hospital discharge looms and panic sets in, the difference between chaos and calm is a voice that knows the path. We talk with Steve Whatley of Home Care Services in Plano, Texas, about turning personal experience into a stable, humane system that puts dignity and independence first. After seven years caring for his father, Steve and his wife Leslie built an approach that moves quickly when families are overwhelmed, yet never compromises on fit or respect. We walk through the first moments that matter: how the team answers the phone, gathers only what’s essential, and calls back within an hour to schedule an in-home assessment. Leslie’s visit centers the client, not the clipboard. She asks what they need and what they want, preserving their voice in the plan. That small shift changes acceptance and adherence, especially when “caregiver” becomes “personal assistant.” Words signal power. When people feel in charge of their own days, they welcome help and stay safer longer at home. Steve shares why hiring starts with personality and reliability before technical skills, and how matching an assistant to a client’s temperament prevents friction and builds trust. He explains why punctuality and transparency are nonnegotiable in a field where five minutes late can spark worry, and how being honest about timelines earns confidence. We also dig into the value of stories: the Navy pilot who casually mentioned 42 carrier landings, the elders who think they “just did life.” Asking opens doors. Those histories guide better care and remind families what they’re protecting. If you’re navigating senior care, discharge planning, or searching for trusted home care in North Dallas, you’ll hear practical steps, language shifts that work, and a philosophy that admits families, not just clients. Press play, then subscribe, share with someone who needs it today, and leave a review to help more families find calm in a storm. View More at HomeCareMarketingNews.com

    18 min

  3. 12/07/2025

    From Kitchen Table to Multi-State Success: The Story of CareCo Founder, Helga Pfanner

    A tiny cup of vanilla and a wooden spoon changed everything. That stark image of a proud father in a rehab hallway pushed Helga Pfanner to bring him home—and to build CareCo, a home care model that treats dignity, joy, and reliability as daily practices, not slogans. From those first days at a kitchen table to a multi‑state operation across Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, we unpack how a personal mission grew into a system that actually shows up. We walk through what happens when families call for help: a real conversation with a liaison or care manager, a free assessment at home, and a plan crafted around needs and preferences—favorite breakfast routines, pets, reading habits, and what truly makes a day feel normal. Matching is intentional. The right caregiver is chosen for the client’s environment and personality, so the relationship feels natural, not forced. Along the way we share stories of creative care, like arranging dog visits for a client with dementia, and getting the New York Times on the table because familiar rituals matter. Operations matter just as much as heart. Instead of crossing fingers during call‑outs, CareCo keeps trained CNAs and PCAs on standby in the office, dressed and ready to deploy. We talk about fixing a broken sit‑to‑stand lift within an hour, installing free air conditioners during brutal heat waves, and even reserving hotel floors during regional power outages to keep seniors safe. That commitment led to taking over a 168‑hour case during the holidays and never missing a single hour—proof that backup plans must be real, not promises. We also tackle the hardest moments: when a parent refuses help and independence collides with risk. You’ll hear how a poor first match became a better second match and, over time, a trusted routine that brought peace to five worried sons. Hiring, boundaries, and culture tie it all together—why heart and punctuality can’t be trained, and how loving clients still lives within a clear professional line. Subscribe, share this story with someone navigating elder care, and leave a review with the one question you most want answered next. View More at HomeCareMarketingNews.com

    20 min

  4. 10/12/2025

    Local care, real voices, and a life that keeps you moving- Avalon Park Independent Living

    What if senior living felt less like a facility and more like a second home? We sit down with Meghan Schmitz and Lisa Smith from Avalon Park to share how a locally owned, all‑inclusive community in Cottleville, Missouri turns everyday life into something richer—through voice, speed, and heart. We walk through the details that matter: studios to two‑bedrooms with full kitchens, balconies, and in‑unit washers and dryers; an on‑site care team that supports assisted living‑type services without forcing another move; and home health partners who provide affordable, short‑term recovery options after surgery. The throughline is autonomy and dignity—aging in place alongside neighbors and staff who feel like family. Programming is where the energy pops. With three to six activities a day—new men’s groups, tea parties, bowling outings, and even prom photos in the entryway—the calendar stays fresh because residents help design it. Monthly town halls, food committees, and activity meetings feed a nimble feedback loop: ideas become action before the next meeting. That’s the advantage of local ownership—no corporate delay, just responsive, human decisions that make life better. If you care about senior living that balances affordability, community, and real care, this conversation will give you a clear picture of what’s possible. Subscribe for more stories of thoughtful aging, share this with a family exploring options, and leave a review to tell us what you want us to explore next. View More at HomeCareMarketingNews.com

    8 min

  5. 10/05/2025

    From Trigger Event to Trusted Care: How Aviva In Home Care Delivers Reliable, Concierge-Level Support Across the Bay Area

    A hospital stay changes everything—routines, risks, and the decisions families must make under pressure. We open the door on a boutique, white-glove approach to home care that moves fast when life turns, and moves thoughtfully when families want time to plan. With Evan Loevner of Aviva In Home Care, we explore what it takes to deliver reliable, compassionate support across San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and the Alameda Valley without losing the personal touch. We talk through two pathways into home care: urgent trigger events that demand same-day or next-day starts, and slower, intentional transitions that let siblings and parents get aligned. Evan breaks down how owner-led care management, a small client census, and a large caregiver network create both intimacy and resilience. Backed by Honor’s nurse oversight and process rigor, Aviva can respond to health setbacks, update care plans quickly, and ensure caregivers follow best practices and physician directives—so the care stays safe, adaptive, and human. Transparency and trust are constant threads. Families receive daily shift notes, access a secure portal, and coordinate decisions in real time, whether they live nearby or across the country. Caregivers benefit from clear directions, strong training in memory care and chronic conditions, and easy documentation—improving morale and continuity. We also detail the safeguards that matter: licensing, Live Scan background checks with ongoing alerts, drug testing, and thorough employment verification. If you’re weighing agency care versus hiring privately, this conversation demystifies the tradeoffs and shows how a layered backup system protects against missed shifts and mismatches. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with someone making care decisions, and leave a review with the one question you still want answered—we’ll tackle it next. View More at HomeCareMarketingNews.com

    16 min

  6. 09/13/2025

    Beyond Basic Care: How BrightCare Is Revolutionizing South Louisiana's Home Care Industry

    Watch the full video here: https://homecaremarketingnews.com/the-heart-of-home-care-an-inside-look-at-brightcare-homecare-in-louisiana-with-jamie-arton/ What does it take to grow a home care agency from a simple desire to help people into a thriving multi-region operation? Jamie Arten, owner of BrightCare Home Care, reveals the heartfelt journey and strategic decisions behind her company's remarkable expansion across South Louisiana. With agencies in Lafayette, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and the North Shore, BrightCare has become a trusted name by developing a care model that prioritizes both clients and caregivers equally. "We can't have a well-run organization with caring caregivers if they're not being cared for also," explains Arten, who holds a master's degree in public health from Tulane. This philosophy translates into extensive training programs, competitive compensation, and genuine relationships with caregivers who subsequently deliver exceptional client care. BrightCare distinguishes itself through comprehensive individualized service plans that consider the whole picture of a client's life. Their approach to hospital-to-home transitions exemplifies this thoroughness – conducting pre-discharge assessments, ensuring homes are equipped with necessary safety features, and coordinating seamless care continuity to prevent dangerous gaps. With their substantial caregiver base, they can typically establish care within 24 hours, addressing urgent needs quickly and professionally. The agency has developed particular expertise in serving veterans, with approximately 40% of their client base utilizing veteran benefits. As a credentialed provider for both Aid and Attendance and the Community Care Network, they navigate complex systems to maximize available care for veterans. Technology integration further enhances their service quality, with family portals providing transparent access to care notes and billing information for scattered family members. Connect with BrightCare Home Care to experience their difference – where personalized care, thorough training, and genuine compassion combine to create exceptional home care experiences across South Louisiana. Their growth reflects not just business success but the impact of truly caring for both clients and caregivers in an industry where the human element matters most. View More at HomeCareMarketingNews.com

    22 min

  7. 09/06/2025

    The Compassionate Business of Caring for Others at Fresh Perspective in Southwest Michigan

    🌟 19 Years of Compassionate Care in Southwest Michigan 🌟 Meet Shelly Nutter, Area VP at Fresh Perspective Home Care. For 17 years, she’s led with heart, building a culture where caregivers feel valued and families feel supported. 💬 “Our caregivers are the heart and soul of the agency. When they feel cared for, they give back tenfold to the clients they serve.” Highlights from the conversation: ✅ Serving 6 counties across Southwest Michigan ✅ Caregiver rewards & recognition programs ✅ New Client Care Liaison role to ease transitions ✅ Innovative use of Sensei AI for proactive care ✅ Reliable backup systems for every client 🎥 Watch the full Care Across America interview here: https://homecaremarketingnews.com/19-years-of-compassionate-care-a-conversation-with-shelly-nutter-area-vp-of-fresh-perspective-home-care/ #homecare  #careacrossamerica  #SouthwestMichigan #caregivers #kalamazoo #michigan View More at HomeCareMarketingNews.com

    27 min

  8. 09/01/2025

    Enhancing Independence: A Caring Touch's Approach to Home Care

    The journey of finding quality home care often begins with confusion and overwhelm. What services are available? How do you choose the right agency? In this enlightening conversation, Junie Baratti, COO of A Caring Touch Home Care, pulls back the curtain on what makes exceptional home care work. Drawing from an impressive 40-year career in the industry, Barotti explains the comprehensive approach her agency takes across Southern California. Far beyond simply "sending someone to help," their process includes thorough assessments, personalized caregiver matching, and detailed home safety evaluations. The company's commitment shines through in their practices—like personally introducing caregivers to clients (even at 9 PM), conducting in-house training for all staff, and maintaining 24/7 communication systems to ensure continuous support. Perhaps most striking is the philosophy that guides their care: "We're not there to take over any independence. We're there to enhance your independence and keep you home for as long as you want to be there." This respect extends to cultural sensitivity, with caregivers who speak multiple languages and honor household traditions. In diverse Southern California, this approach proves essential, especially for clients with dementia who may revert to their native language. Listen as Barotti shares practical insights about what families should expect from quality home care and why being "the easiest company to work with" drives their approach to serving seniors. Whether you're currently searching for care options or planning for future needs, this conversation provides valuable guidance from one of the industry's most experienced voices. View More at HomeCareMarketingNews.com

    16 min
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About

"Care Across America, an Approved Senior Network® Podcast"—your go-to source for engaging conversations and practical insights from home care and senior care experts across the United States. Each episode will spotlight industry professionals, and their referral networks, sharing impactful stories, proven strategies, and innovative solutions in senior care. This podcast is perfect for professionals, adult children of aging parents, and family members struggling with senior care choices and care.

Information

  • Creator
    Approved Senior Network®
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Approved Senior Network®
  • Show Website
    Care Across America