If It's Not One Thing, It's Joanna

Karin and Andrew Edelson
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Health & Fitness

Siblings Karin and Andrew Edelson are caring for their mother, Joanna, who has Alzheimer's. One year ago, they did the unthinkable - moving Joanna from assisted living back into the home she’s lived in for over 50 years. With the help of amazing caregivers, volunteer visitors, and Andrew, who has also moved back home, they are creating a lovely existence for their mom. Joanna finds joy in playing the piano and singing, belting out catchy riffs on classic tunes. Join them on their journey as they share stories about their experience and seek advice from experts on how to care for a loved one who is struggling with this devastating disease. In this podcast, they explain how they find humor and humanity while creating a community of caregiving listeners. You can email us at ifitsnotone@gmail.com.

  1. 10h ago

    Episode 28: Let's Plan a Funeral! - with Jodie Jacobs of The Ira Kaufman Chapel

    After reviewing the funeral pre-plan that Karin led for Joanna - and finding out why Andrew sat that one out - the siblings sit down with social worker and funeral director Jodie Jacobs from The Ira Kaufman Chapel. The trio explores why end-of-life discussions don't have to be taboo or overly somber. Jodie shares how her background in hospice and grief counseling prepared her to help families navigate loss and breaks down the major benefits of pre-planning a funeral - from locking in costs to easing the emotional burden on grieving relatives. Along the way, the group discusses unique traditions, personal requests (including hits like "Happy Trails" and "Knockin' on Heaven's Door"), and practical advice for talking with aging parents. And somehow, seeds are planted for a community funeral pre-planning party. Stay tuned. irakaufman.com

  2. Sep 8

    Episode 27: Motion Medicine With Jill Magill of the Kirk Gibson Center

    After sharing Joanna's declining mobility journey and the on-the-job training they went through for how to handle it, Andrew and Karin welcome an expert they wish they had back then. Physical therapist Jill Magill talks about her work at the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson's and how physical therapy serves as a lifelong commitment to movement. The conversation centers on practical strategies for supporting seniors, particularly those with cognitive decline or dementia who struggle to remember techniques or initiate exercise on their own. Jill shares hands-on advice for caregivers, covering safe techniques for assisting seniors out of chairs, evaluating falls, and avoiding common mistakes like pulling on arms to get up. She also highlights creative, stress-free ways to integrate mobility into daily routines - using music, counting, and short walks - and discusses how wearables and other monitored safety tech empower both seniors and their support networks. And before they go, Andrew shares a moment he'll never forget, thanks to Gibby. kirkgibsoncenter.org Chapters (00:00:06) - Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows(00:00:52) - The Genetics of Language(00:03:26) - Agree to Disagree(00:05:10) - How to Care for a Declining Senior(00:10:00) - An Audience Meeting With Jill McGill(00:11:23) - Like Ms. McGill, I Love My(00:12:53) - Jill Gibson at the Kurt Gibson Center(00:15:11) - Seniors with dementia and their physical therapy(00:22:21) - Caregiver Tips for Seniors with dementia(00:29:07) - Caregiver tips for walking alone with a senior(00:34:22) - Seniors with Alzheimer's Should Get More Exercise(00:39:53) - Physical Therapy for People With Dementia(00:46:07) - A message about the Dementia Podcast

  3. Aug 25

    Episode 26: The Chef Who Built A Culinary Time Machine - With Craig and Jessica Bowerson

    In this feel-good episode, the siblings sit down with Craig Bowerson - a chef at a senior home, and his wife Jessica - a senior home director. Their story went viral after they transformed a senior dining experience by bringing personal recipes and deep nostalgia into the kitchen. Craig details how he began gathering residents' treasured family recipes to make institutional dining feel like home, including recreating an entire restaurant experience complete with a live jazz band for a resident living with dementia. The couple opens up about their unexpected interest from Hollywood after a producer reached out about turning their story into a movie, as well as Craig's upcoming cookbook and non-profit initiative aimed at elevating food standards across nursing homes nationwide. Along the way, they share hilarious and touching moments—from Sunday fried chicken revolts and senior pie crust preferences, to navigating communication barriers with care—offering a deeply personal look at how food, compassion, and dignity can transform senior care. Watch Craig's original viral moment on Instagram Read Craig's feature on the TODAY Show Chapters (00:00:16) - Craig Bowerson(00:01:00) - The Odyssey (2017)(00:04:33) - The Reach Outs From Our Huntington Woods Crew(00:05:48) - Chef Craig Ferguson on Senior Living(00:07:14) - Craig Ferguson on His Interview With Oprah(00:09:18) - Craig and Jessica Bowerson on How They Changed the Menu at a(00:12:37) - A Senior Home Cooks Home-Made Recipes(00:18:20) - The Jazz Band Recreating Senior Living Food(00:21:14) - How to Prepare food with dysphagia patients(00:23:44) - Seniors' Poop(00:26:09) - A Nursing Home Resident's Complaint About Her Food(00:30:24) - No soup at breakfast for seniors in America(00:32:36) - Craig and Jessica: The Unsung Heroes of Senior Care(00:35:21) - My 90-Year-Old Mother's Vegetarian Diet(00:42:07) - Thank You for Your Feedback On The Podcast(00:43:55) - Happy Birthday, Mom!

  4. Aug 7

    Episode 25: Lessons on Living - With Motivational Speaker Danny Heumann

    Saddle up folks. This one's heavy but so inspiring. Continuing our deep dive into long-term care insurance, we sit down with attorney, advocate, and Syracuse University consultant Danny Heumann, who opens up about his unexpected journey following a catastrophic car accident in 1985 that left him paralyzed at age 18. Driven by his experience over a 40-year journey, Danny shares how strategic self-advocacy and relentless persistence helped him navigate complex medical insurance systems to get to a "yes" when met with roadblocks. He details the vital importance of long-term care planning, highlighting how a comprehensive policy covered 80% of his mother's 24-hour in-home care late in life, and why he proactively secured long-term care coverage for his wife. Ultimately, Danny offers powerful advice for families facing sudden disability or aging, emphasizing the need for early planning, community support, and treating insurance advocacy as a necessary tool to protect one's dignity and future. Chapters (00:00:00) - I stayed at my mom's house in heat wave with no power(00:04:11) - One More Thing From The Dishwasher(00:07:02) - Vacation in Southern California(00:08:21) - If Something Catalyzes Your Long Term Care Insurance(00:13:37) - Meet the Long Term Care Insurance(00:15:03) - Seniors on Insurance(00:18:15) - Paralyzed Paralyzed After Car Crash(00:24:35) - Disabled Syracuse student's story(00:28:47) - Disabled People on Their Insurance Plans(00:33:20) - Ray on Long Term Care Insurance(00:35:49) - Spinal Injuries and Medical Costs(00:39:45) - Discussing Long Term Care Insurance(00:45:24) - Danny Glover on Long Term Care Insurance(00:46:29) - How to Deal with Medical Bills in the Future(00:52:24) - Danny's Story of His Long Term Care Insurance Battle(00:58:17) - Wonders of the World

  5. Jul 23

    EMERGENCY EPISODE! LATRICE NEEDS A CAR!

    Our beloved caregiver, Latrice, is facing a huge financial challenge since her old car is beyond repair, and a new (used) one is beyond her reach. This is a situation that so many people, who are living paycheck to paycheck, face. And it begs the question: How do we take care of those who care for our loved ones? In this episode, we discuss this issue as it relates to Latrice and the larger scope of so many who are in similar positions.  We have started a Gofundme to help Latrice get a car. Please donate using the attached link: https://gofund.me/e8ed30092 You can also listen to our previous episode, where we featured Latrice giving her perspective on what to look for in a reliable, warm-hearted caregiver: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6WsPGI6nv82Zdye10K6kJh?si=GNFbG-VFRbOGT2A0r-CeiQ Chapters (00:00:00) - Appropriations for Sound Effects(00:00:48) - Caregiver Struggles(00:08:51) - The GoFundMe for Latrice(00:09:38) - Latrice's story of caregiving

  6. Jul 3

    Episode 23: Fingers Crossed Is Not A Plan With LTC Expert Raymond Lavine

    In this episode, we kick off a brand-new series focused on navigating the complex world of long-term care insurance (LTC). Financial services veteran Raymond Lavine breaks down why the industry has historically gotten a "bad rap" and why so many people skip out on purchasing these specialized plans. Far from just an "old geezer" issue, Raymond highlights how unexpected illnesses, accidents, and early-stage cognitive shifts can happen at any stage of life—and how standard health insurance leaves a massive gap after 90 days. Sharing stories from his own serious health events to Raymond's own mother—who utilized her policy 18 years until she was 103!—this episode dives deep into the financial truth of senior care. Although many feel LTC is a wealthy family's solution, Raymond walks us through practical entry points for the wider public, including innovative new products and robust short-term care alternatives - aiming to deliver what we all want at our most vulnerable: attention, visibility, and choices. Listener Call-Out: Have you navigated long-term care insurance for your own loved ones? Did it save your financial life, or did you hit unexpected roadblocks? Reach out to us for a chance to come on the show at ifitsnotone@gmail.com, or connect on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn at If It's Not One Thing, It's Joanna. Chapters (00:00:01) - How to Record an Infant's Poops(00:01:37) - Joanna on Pooping(00:01:58) - The Challenges of Senior Care(00:05:02) - The Uninvited Guest on Our Podcast(00:05:54) - Long Term Care Insurance(00:09:02) - Raymond Levine in the Elevator(00:10:07) - Raymond Ferguson on Long Term Care Benefits(00:12:58) - Is Long Term Care Insurance Worth It?(00:18:27) - Should You Get Long Term Care Insurance?(00:26:43) - Long Term Care Insurance, Should You Buy It?(00:31:12) - Long term care insurance: Should you buy it?(00:37:08) - Short term Care Insurance for 60+(00:44:28) - Raymond on Living On The Street(00:45:26) - Term Care Insurance(00:50:09) - Want to Talk Long Term Care Insurance?(00:53:32) - Always To Be, Drop On Roses

  7. Jun 19

    Episode 22: Jim Mangi's Dementia-Friendly Cities of Hope

    In this moving episode, we sit down with environmental scientist turned dementia care advocate Jim Mangi, who opens up about his unexpected journey caring for his wife, Kathleen, following her early-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Driven by his experience over their 17-year journey, Jim founded Dementia Friendly Services, a grassroots, independent, nonprofit aimed at helping individuals with dementia live in their communities with less difficulty and more dignity. Jim shares the profound impact of his "Memory Cafes"- vibrant, judgment-free social events featuring live music, drum circles, and interactive games. He also details his successful efforts certifying Saline and other Michigan municipalities as "Dementia-Friendly Communities" through education and first-responder training. Ultimately, Jim offers powerful advice for families navigating memory loss, reminding listeners that dementia is a disease of broken equipment, not a disgrace. https://www.dementiafriendlyservices.org/ Chapters (00:00:03) - I Bought a Power Washer for My Birthday(00:05:07) - Jim in the Dog Park(00:05:35) - The Alzheimer's Connection(00:06:51) - Jim Mangee on the Alzheimer's Care(00:09:00) - Dementia Friendly Services(00:13:34) - Celine and the Ann Arbor Connection(00:14:40) - A Little About Kathleen Before Her Disease(00:18:49) - Kathleen's Dementia Survivor Swim(00:20:09) - Kathleen's photography and tennis(00:22:22) - Kathleen Kicked Me Out of the Home(00:28:18) - Jim Banji Makes Me Cry(00:28:39) - Saline City Gets Dementia City Designation(00:36:46) - Memory Cafes for People Living with dementia(00:42:03) - Memory Cafe for People With Dementia(00:45:53) - Dementia Caregiver(00:49:18) - Jim's Journey Through Alzheimer's(00:50:56) - Rachel McAdams's New Movie(00:52:19) - Jim Manji on His Alzheimer's Treatment

  8. Jun 11

    Episode 21: How AgeWays Surfs the Senior Tsunami with Julie Lowenthal

    We dive back into the vital world of caregiving resources, emphasizing that finding support is an ongoing journey rather than a one-time task. Karin shares a serendipitous encounter at a dog park that introduced them to Julie Lowenthal from AgeWays (formerly the Area Agency on Aging) - an organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families navigating aging and dementia. We discuss the overwhelming nature of tracking down these services, which, when found, become game changers for families. Julie not only reviews the broad support that AgeWays offers but also outlines the deeper realities of resource availability. She notes how many programs rely on government funding and community support, making awareness crucial as the "senior tsunami" approaches. Being proactive today, before crises occur is the best way to ensure peace of mind for tomorrow. And CONTEST ALERT: We're on a mission to come up with a term for family members who become caregivers. Give us your submissions, and we shall announce a winner in an upcoming episode! Send your submissions to ifitsnotone@gmail.com. https://www.ageways.org/ https://www.ageways.org/caregiver-services/trualta-family-caregiver-online-learning/ Chapters (00:00:03) - Welcome Back, Joanna(00:01:11) - A caregiver's guide to resources for dementia(00:03:40) - A message from Julie Halpert(00:06:15) - A Therapy Dog's First Visit to a Nursing Home(00:07:39) - The Area Agency on Aging(00:11:16) - How Do You Coordinate Services for Older Adults?(00:13:45) - How to Care for a Caregiver with Alzheimer's?(00:17:50) - Older Americans Act Funding- Update(00:20:58) - Repayment of Caregiver Vacation(00:24:52) - How to retrofit a home for someone with disabilities?(00:27:15) - Should I keep my parent in the home?(00:28:50) - Seniors and Long Term Care: My Choice and Medicare(00:30:27) - The Medicare Care Navigation Initiative(00:32:42) - Caregiving in the Final Months(00:36:30) - Andrew and Julie on Becoming Caregivers(00:37:52) - A Different Term for Caregiver(00:40:14) - Getting to Know Your Caregiver(00:45:29) - It's Never Too Early to Plan for Your Old Age(00:46:53) - Thank You For Listening To Our Podcast

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Siblings Karin and Andrew Edelson are caring for their mother, Joanna, who has Alzheimer's. One year ago, they did the unthinkable - moving Joanna from assisted living back into the home she’s lived in for over 50 years. With the help of amazing caregivers, volunteer visitors, and Andrew, who has also moved back home, they are creating a lovely existence for their mom. Joanna finds joy in playing the piano and singing, belting out catchy riffs on classic tunes. Join them on their journey as they share stories about their experience and seek advice from experts on how to care for a loved one who is struggling with this devastating disease. In this podcast, they explain how they find humor and humanity while creating a community of caregiving listeners. You can email us at ifitsnotone@gmail.com.

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