Life Happens

Kim Hegwood
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

Kim Hegwood has met and worked with people from all walks of life. As an Elder Law Attorney, she knows all too well that many families are not prepared when "life happens." This podcast will offer you insights into different subjects you may not have considered. With knowledge comes power. Tune in every Thursday as we discuss the information you will need when "Life Happens!"

  1. Oct 1

    Changing the Caregiving Story: A Conversation with Marilyn Raichle

    "Whenever I showed the art to someone, their first reaction was always, I had no idea. And the art effortlessly sidestepped people's fear and reluctance to talk about it and opened their eyes to maybe the fact that somebody living with dementia was still there." ~ Marilyn RaichleWelcome to another episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood. Today, Kim sits down with Marilyn Raichle, whose personal caregiving journey with her mother shaped a passionate advocacy for creativity, connection, and dignity in dementia care. Marilyn shares how her mother’s experience with memory loss inspired her to seek out joyful moments amid the challenges of dementia, ultimately leading her to work with Maude’s Awards—an organization dedicated to honoring innovation and compassion in Alzheimer’s and dementia support. Listen in as Marilyn recounts her transformation from hesitant caregiver to care partner, the life-changing power of art, and how Maude’s Awards are helping caregivers and organizations nationwide bring hope and happiness to those living with memory loss.How to Contact Marilynwww.MaudesAwards.org.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maudesawards/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maudesawards/LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/maudes-awards/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/maudesawards.bsky.socialBio:Marilyn Raichle began her career in Seattle as a producer at The Bathhouse and Tacoma Actors Guild and was a Theatre Communications Fellow at the Guthrie in Minneapolis. In 1987, she founded the Seattle International Children’s Festival, introducing children to world culture through the performing arts and growing to become the largest such festival in the US. In 2010, she received a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Upon returning to Seattle, she became a care partner for her parents, both of whom were developing Alzheimer’s disease. In 2015, inspired by her mother’s newfound artistic ability, she founded The Art of Alzheimer’s, celebrating the creativity of persons living with dementia and the power of the creative arts to enrich and empower their lives._______________________________________________________________Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law AttorneyWebsite: https://yourlegacylegalcare.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourlegacylegalcare/Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/YourLegacyLegalCareLinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourlegacylegalcare/YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@yourlegacylegalcareYour Legacy Legal Care 1150 Clear Lake City Blvd., Suite 100Houston, TX 77062(281) 218-0880

  2. Sep 24

    Tech That Supports the Caregiver: A Conversation with Jeanette Yates

    How to Tackle Caregiver Overwhelm: "Don't— there's a gajillion problems caregivers are having to deal with regularly, and we can't try to solve them all at once. So we'd pick something, one thing or one group of things." ~ Jeanette YatesWelcome to another enlightening episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood. Today, Kim welcomes Jeanette Yates, founder of The Self-Caregiver, for an important discussion on the intersection of technology and caregiving. In an age where tech solutions for caregivers seem endless—and sometimes overwhelming—Jeanette brings her expertise in both technology and caregiving to help families navigate this challenging landscape. Together, Kim and Jeanette explore how to build trust with care tech companies, identify red flags, balance privacy with safety, and most importantly, choose tools that genuinely lighten a caregiver’s mental load instead of adding stress. Whether you’re a longtime caregiver or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with practical advice and heartfelt insights to help you make technology work for you and your loved ones.How to Contact Jeanette Yates@theselfcaregiver on Insta and TikTok, jeanetteyates.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@TheSelf-Caregiver/Bio:Jeanette Yates began her journey by sharing personal stories and practical advice from her experience as a caregiver, offering genuine support beyond clichéd self-care tips. As the conversation around caregiving grew saturated and repetitive, Jeanette shifted her focus to technology—an area where she has a strong background in both tech and education. Now, she combines her lived experience with her expertise to help caregivers find real, effective solutions through technology.Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law AttorneyWebsite: https://yourlegacylegalcare.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourlegacylegalcare/Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/YourLegacyLegalCareLinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourlegacylegalcare/YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@yourlegacylegalcareYour Legacy Legal Care 1150 Clear Lake City Blvd., Suite 100 Houston, TX 77062 (281) 218-0880

  3. Sep 17

    When Duty Calls: A Son’s Journey From Corporate Success to Caregiving

    "And I tell people, get that paperwork in place before your elderly, elderly loved ones become compromised, because no attorney in their right mind is going to sign off on POAs, powers of attorney, and medical directives and things like that if they believe that the person signing it is compromised mentally." ~ Gene ThomasWelcome to another insightful episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood. Today, Kim Hegwood sits down with Gene Thomas, a former corporate executive who left his high-powered role in the healthcare industry to become a full-time caregiver for his aging parents and mother-in-law. Together, they dive into the unexpected realities of caregiving—discussing the challenges of navigating legal and medical systems, managing family dynamics, coping with emotional surprises, and finding trustworthy support. Gene Thomas also sheds light on practical lessons he learned, the importance of early preparation, and his mission to help others access the care and support they need. Whether you’re already caring for a loved one or want to be prepared for the future, this episode offers compassion, wisdom, and actionable advice for anyone facing the complexities of aging and caregiving.How to Contact Genethomas2009@gmail.com228-297-9283Bio:Gene is the founder of Thriving Populace, creator of the “10% Healthier” demonstration project. Thriving Populace was created to develop and operate population health demonstration projects.Gene voluntarily resigned from being the Chief Information Officer at Memorial Health System to return to Texas to care for and arrange care for elderly parents and his mother-in-law. After working for 3 years to find the right caregivers for his parents and mother-in-law, Gene decided to go back to work doing something valuable and helpful to others. In Q2 of 2025, he restarted his work on Thriving Populace and its first initiative called “10% Healthier”_______________________________________________________________Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law AttorneyWebsite: https://yourlegacylegalcare.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourlegacylegalcare/Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/YourLegacyLegalCareLinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourlegacylegalcare/YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@yourlegacylegalcareYour Legacy Legal Care 1150 Clear Lake City Blvd., Suite 100 Houston, TX 77062 (281) 218-0880

  4. Sep 3

    From Confusion to Clarity: Understanding Medicaid Waivers in Texas

    Disability Inclusion in the Workplace: "I refuse to allow this segment to sit at home for the rest of their lives watching TV or on their iPad. There is absolutely something they can do." ~ Ingrid MonroyWelcome to another enlightening episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood. Today, Kim Hegwood is joined by returning guest Ingrid Monroy to guide listeners from confusion to clarity as they unravel the often overwhelming world of Medicaid waivers in Texas. Whether you're a parent just starting your journey or someone facing endless waitlists and acronyms like CLASS, HCS, or MDCP, this episode addresses the most common questions and empowers families to access the support and resources their loved ones deserve. Plus, discover practical advice, insight into essential programs like Mikey's Guide and Together MP, and stories of hope and advocacy for those navigating the challenges of disability and Medicaid in Texas.How to Contact IngridMikey’s Place 501c3713-591-1965www.mikeysplace.netwww.together-mp.netBio:For sixteen years, Ingrid Monroy has been an experienced non-profit organization manager. In 2006, she created Mikey’s Place, a federally recognized 501(c)(3) charity named for her son, which offers support and services to families raising children with disabilities. As the mother of a child with a rare genetic condition and intractable epilepsy, Ingrid understands first-hand the challenges that families experience and the need for helpful resources. Driven by her desire to help these families, she takes pride in offering programs as well as providing them with accurate and valuable information. Her publication, Mikey’s Guide, has been used by thousands of Houstonians who are searching for services for their children. As Executive Director of Mikey’s Place, Ingrid successfully identifies community needs and creates programs to fill those needs; organizes events; recruits and coordinates volunteers; promotes Mikey’s Place programs; fundraises and applies for grants; engages in board development activities and strategic planning. In an effort to expand Mikey’s Place’s collection of programsIngrid most recently developed a unique vocational and work program, Together, to meet the needs of chronically underserved and unemployed adults with disabilities. Her many volunteer activities have included working in the food pantries at West Houston Assistance Ministries (WHAM) and Fairhaven (Chapelwood) Methodist Church, and assisting with bible stories for the Joy Group Special Needs Ministry and Adult Super Place special needs camp at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church. Ingrid was honored with a Lifetime PTA membership for her volunteer work and contributions to schools in Spring Branch ISD, and previously served on the board of Family to Family Network. Ingrid is a graduate of Texas A&M University, where she earned both a B.A. in Modern Languages and an M.S. in Marketing. Mikey’s Place and Ingrid’s work have been recognized by the Houston Chronicle’s “Houston Gives” annual charity publication. She has also appeared as an invited panelist on KSEV and KSBJ radio programs and received a “Community Icon " award_______________________________________________________________Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law AttorneyWebsite: https://yourlegacylegalcare.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourlegacylegalcare/Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/YourLegacyLegalCareLinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourlegacylegalcare/YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@yourlegacylegalcareYour Legacy Legal Care 1150 Clear Lake City Blvd., Suite 100 Houston, TX 77062 (281) 218-0880

  5. Aug 27

    Five Reasons Home Care Helps Seniors Live Independently

    For some people, the thought of someone coming into their home and helping them can feel like the loss of that independence. When really it's kind of the opposite." ~ Leo WalkerWelcome to Life Happens with Kim Hegwood. In today’s episode, Kim sits down with Leo Walker of Home Helpers to discuss the five key reasons why home care can empower seniors to live independently for longer. From maintaining dignity and safety to providing companionship and peace of mind, Leo sheds light on the practical benefits that professional home care brings to families navigating aging at home. Whether you’re considering support options for a loved one or want to plan ahead, this episode offers expert insights and actionable tips to help you make informed decisions about aging in place.How to Contact Leo Walkeremail: lwalker@homehelpershomecare.comwebsite: homeHelpersTX.com facebook.com/homehelpersSEHoustonBio:Leo Walker is the owner of Home Helpers Home Care in Pearland, serving seniors, veterans, and others in the greater Pearland and Clear Lake areas. He is also the founder and president of HIKE for Mental Health, an all-volunteer nonprofit group that organizes hikes and walks around the country to combat the stigma of mental illness and raises funds for mental health research and trail conservancy. He chairs the planning team that organizes the City of Pearland’s Veterans Day Walk to honor veterans and to raise funds for local nonprofits that aid Vets battling PTSD. His career spans more than 30 years of leadership in public, private, and nonprofit sectors. He resides in Friendswood. _______________________________________________________________Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law AttorneyWebsite: https://yourlegacylegalcare.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourlegacylegalcare/Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/YourLegacyLegalCareLinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourlegacylegalcare/YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@yourlegacylegalcareYour Legacy Legal Care 1150 Clear Lake City Blvd., Suite 100 Houston, TX 77062 (281) 218-0880

  6. Aug 20

    Guiding Seniors Home: Inside the Work of an Assisted Living Locator

    Spotting Red and Green Flags When Touring Facilities: "A high turnover rate would be kind of a red flag to me. Does the staff seem happy, you know, with where they're at? It would be another kind of green or red flag depending on, you know, if they're happy or unhappy." ~Jeremy MooreWelcome to Life Happens with Kim Hegwood. In today’s episode, Kim sits down with Jeremy Moore of Assisted Living Locators to demystify the process of finding the right assisted living community for seniors. As families face the overwhelming challenge of transitioning loved ones from home care to assisted living, Jeremy sheds light on what truly matters—balancing levels of care, budget, and amenities with the unique personalities and evolving needs of each individual. Together, they explore the often-misunderstood differences between what families think they need versus what seniors actually require, discuss critical red and green flags to watch for on community tours, and offer practical advice for starting the search proactively. Whether you’re seeking guidance for yourself or a loved one, this episode delivers essential insights for making informed and compassionate decisions about the next stage of life.How to Contact Jeremy MoorePhone - (832)317-9222Email - jmoore@assistedlivinglocators.comWebsite - https://sehouston.assistedlivinglocators.comBio:Jeremy Moore is a Senior Care Advisor, military veteran, and small-business entrepreneur. He helps older adults, their families, and healthcare professionals to find safe, personalized, and compassionate care solutions, removing the stress and uncertainty that often accompany the placement process.Jeremy Moore has always enjoyed serving others and building innovative solution systems. In his early 20s, after completing a deployment to Afghanistan, he began a career as a Field Service Engineer in the medical device arena. Soon afterwards, Jeremy moved into a Program Development role for a medical robotics company, where he consulted with surgeons to expand their practice through unique market development strategies. He is now the Senior Care Advisor and owner of Assisted Living Locators of Southeast Houston, which guides seniors and their care teams toward the right assisted living, memory care, and long-term care options without stress or uncertainty.______________________________________________________________Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law AttorneyWebsite: https://yourlegacylegalcare.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourlegacylegalcare/Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/YourLegacyLegalCareLinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourlegacylegalcare/YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@yourlegacylegalcareYour Legacy Legal Care 1150 Clear Lake City Blvd., Suite 100 Houston, TX 77062 (281) 218-0880

  7. Aug 13

    Occupational Therapy in Real Life: How TOTA Helps Texans Thrive at Every Age

    The Overlooked Needs of Aging Couples "But what no one thought about was his wife, his caregiver, who was also 76 or so with rheumatoid arthritis." ~ Judith JosephWelcome to this episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood. The conversation focused on the role of occupational therapy in helping Texans thrive at every age. Special attention was given to supporting both older adults navigating cognitive and physical challenges and children with disabilities striving to participate fully in school and social activities. The discussion explored how occupational therapists assist with activities of daily living, promote independence, address workplace injuries, and collaborate with families and caregivers. A key theme that emerged was the importance of ongoing training and advocacy, especially in the face of legislative changes that impact access to care and reimbursement for essential therapy services. Listeners will gain insight into how the Texas Occupational Therapy Association supports practitioners, clients, and the broader community in overcoming life’s daily hurdles.How to Contact Judithhttps://www.tota.org/ https://www.instagram.com/tx.otassociation/ Bio:Judith Joseph has been the Executive Director of the Texas Occupational Therapy Association since 2017. She worked in outpatient neuro-rehab for ten years until June 2020. She was a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist from 2013 to 2025 and developed the clinical driving evaluation program at Houston Methodist.Judi obtained a BS in OT from Western Michigan University and a Post Professional MA from Texas Woman’s University. She has been an OT for more years than she cares to admit, but if you need to count, more than 40 years have passed. Judi is currently an adjunct faculty member at San Jacinto College, the OTA program in Houston, TX.My personal philosophy is “you should have at least one good laugh a day, even if it’s at yourself.”_______________________________________________________________Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law AttorneyWebsite: https://yourlegacylegalcare.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourlegacylegalcare/Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/YourLegacyLegalCareLinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourlegacylegalcare/YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@yourlegacylegalcareYour Legacy Legal Care 1150 Clear Lake City Blvd., Suite 100 Houston, TX 77062 (281) 218-0880

  8. Aug 6

    Safe at Home: How to Age in Place with Confidence

    "Fixing it the right way, the first way, can eliminate so many problems and really have people in the best place possible for aging in place, maintaining their safety, their functionality, and their independence for their complete future” ~ Dr. Paige DennyTitle: Safe at Home: How to Age in Place with ConfidenceIn this episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood, the conversation focused on how to age in place with confidence, offering insights and practical advice for older adults and their families who wish to remain safely and independently in their own homes. The discussion explored common safety concerns, the importance of proactive home modifications, and the role of clinical expertise in identifying risks that often go unnoticed. A key theme that emerged was the value of preparing the home environment before mobility challenges arise, ensuring not only physical safety but also emotional well-being for both seniors and their caregivers. Listeners will discover actionable tips, from eliminating fall hazards to customizing living spaces, and learn why working with professionals makes all the difference in maintaining a high quality of life at home.How to Contact Dr. Paige and Ryan Denny281-202-2995 www.stayathometexas.com Bio:Dr. Paige Denny is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, and Certified Geriatric Care Professional with 15 years of experience working with people in real homes, rehabilitation settings, assisted living communities, and senior care environments. She continues to work in home health, giving her ongoing, real-world experience with how mobility changes affect safety, accessibility, caregiving, and independence at home.Ryan Denny is the co-founder of Stay At Home Texas and helps lead the company’s education, outreach, and community partnerships. Ryan works with families, healthcare professionals, and local organizations to explain Home Mobility Planning™ and connect people with practical resources for making the home work better as mobility needs change._______________________________________________________________Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law AttorneyWebsite: https://yourlegacylegalcare.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourlegacylegalcare/Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/YourLegacyLegalCareLinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourlegacylegalcare/YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@yourlegacylegalcareYour Legacy Legal Care 1150 Clear Lake City Blvd., Suite 100 Houston, TX 77062 (281) 218-0880

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About

Kim Hegwood has met and worked with people from all walks of life. As an Elder Law Attorney, she knows all too well that many families are not prepared when "life happens." This podcast will offer you insights into different subjects you may not have considered. With knowledge comes power. Tune in every Thursday as we discuss the information you will need when "Life Happens!"

Information

  • Creator
    Kim Hegwood
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    301
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kim Hegwood
  • Show Website
    Life Happens