Life Happens Kim Hegwood

Understanding Memory Loss in Aging Family Members: "One of the classic differentiators is if you've forgotten where your car keys are, that's normal. If you've forgotten what the keys are for, that's maybe a sign of something a little bit more serious."— Sarah Gorenstein

Welcome to the latest episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood! In this episode, our guest Sarah Gorenstein joins us to discuss the important topic of caregiving for individuals with memory loss and dementia.

Sarah, a representative from LISI Care, shares valuable insights on the role of coaching and caregiving, the significance of seeking early help, and practical tips for caregivers. From using technology like Alexa and internal cameras to building a support team and addressing denial, Sarah provides expert advice to help caregivers navigate this challenging journey. Stay tuned for a wealth of knowledge and practical tips in our conversation with Sarah Gorenstein.

How to Contact Sarah

Email: info@hilizzy.com Phone: 917-963-6352 Web: http://hilizzy.com
Social media links.
X/Twitter: @wearelizzy
Facebook: /wearelizzy
Instagram: @wearelizzy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lizzycare

Bio:
Sarah Gorenstein Cofounder at Lizzy Care Sarah is a certified Dementia Care Partner® and a knowledgeable Geriatric Care Manager. She has hands-on experience managing bespoke care ecosystems for families having held previous roles managing operations in the corporate world for companies both in the US and the UK.

Sarah is passionate about building effective, multidisciplinary teams through a strong culture and is on a mission with Lizzy Care to deliver the best possible care to seniors by creating a system of dedicated and specialist caregivers supported by expert healthcare guidance, supervision, and a unique digital platform.


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Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law Attorney
Website: https://yourlegacylegalcare.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourlegacylegalcare/
Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/YourLegacyLegalCare
LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourlegacylegalcare/
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@yourlegacylegalcare

Your Legacy Legal Care
1150 Clear Lake City Blvd., Suite 100
Houston, TX 77062
(281) 218-0880

Smart Home Integration for Elder Care: "Bigger in the meaning that, it also can have some kind of smart devices, moving sensors, fall sensors, mode detectors, remote lockers, all these types of stuff. And all these devices, all these sensors will provide you with some kind of information, right, you need, to make sure that the person you're carrying on, it's okay."— Tomas Poska


In this week's episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood, we had the pleasure of hosting Tomas Poska, the creator of a digital app designed to help seniors stay at home with remote care. Tomas detailed how the app can provide automatic information, video calls, and connected devices for added safety and convenience.

He also discussed the different applications of the app for both home care companies and families. We explored the security measures in place and how individuals can easily access and benefit from the app. Tune in to learn more about this innovative solution for senior care and the impact it's making in the lives of many.

How to Contact Tomas

oscarsenior.com, tomas@oscarsenior.com, (347) 626-1867

Instagram: tomasoscarsr, oscarseniorapp. Facebook: Oscar Senior. LinkedIn: Oscar Senior, Tomas Posker


Bio:
Tomas Poska is the innovative mind behind Oscar Senior, a cutting-edge solution designed to revolutionize remote care for the elderly and other individuals in need of support. His creation goes beyond traditional communication methods, seamlessly integrating comprehensive monitoring and interaction capabilities.

Tomas saw the limitations of regular phone and video calls — they provide connection but lack the ability to inform family and friends about the daily activities and well-being of their loved ones. With Oscar Senior, Tomas addresses this gap by offering not just voice and video communication but also automatic updates on the user's activity. These updates could include movement within the home, ensuring the person hasn't fallen or suffered an accident, and their level of engagement with the system's features.

His system embodies compassion and innovation, empowering those at a distance to stay connected with their family members in a more meaningful and reassuring way. Users of Oscar Senior can relax knowing they'll be promptly notified of any important events or changes in the activity patterns of their relatives.

Tomas Poska is dedicated to improving the standard of remote care, offering peace of mind for users and their families, and fostering an environment where despite physical distance, emotional and supportive connections continue to thrive. His work reflects a commitment to enriching the lives of the elderly and their caregivers through thoughtful technology solutions.


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Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law Attorney
Website: https://yourlegacylegalcare.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourlegacylegalcare/
Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/YourLegacyLegalCare
LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourlegacylegalcare/
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@yourlegacylegalcare

Your Legacy Legal Care
1150 Clear Lake City Blvd., Suite 100
Houston, TX 77062
(281) 218-0880

Living with Dementia: "You live for many, many, many years often with dementia, and can live pretty well. But once you get to the point where you begin to either die from dementia or there are side effects from the medications, the medications for dementia at this time are just band-aids."— Anne Kenny MD

In this episode of "Life Happens with Kim Hegwood," we are joined by Dr. Anne Kenny, a geriatrician and palliative care physician who shares her unique perspective on caring for a loved one with dementia. Dr. Kenny reflects on her experience caring for her own mother and offers valuable insights and practical advice for caregivers, especially when making tough decisions about end-of-life care.

We delve into the challenges of caregiving, the importance of self-care, the role of medications in dementia care, and the decision to avoid hospitalization near the end of life.

Dr. Kenny also shares how her book, "Making Tough Decisions About End of Life Care and Dementia," and her coaching services aim to support families facing similar situations. Join us as we gain a deeper understanding of navigating the complexities of dementia care with compassion and wisdom.

How to Contact Dr. Kenny

www.togetherindementia.com
dranne@togetherindementia.com

Facebook business page https://www.facebook.com/TogetherInDementia/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnneKennyMD
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-kenny-b1809b19a/

Bio:
Anne Kenny, MD is a geriatrician and palliative care physician, author of Making Tough Decisions about End-of-Life Care in Dementia, and Founder of Together in Dementia - an educational/informational blog/coaching/course platform with a mission to provide a physician-informed approach to care from someone who has also traveled the dementia journey.

Dr Kenny has a new book co-authored with Teresa Webb, woman living with and advocate for Fronto-temporal Dementia. The book, Your True North: A Guided Journal for Those Living with Cognitive Loss or Dementia about Legacy, Love and Wishes for the End of a Life Well-lived, published in January 2024.



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Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law Attorney
Website: https://yourlegacylegalcare.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourlegacylegalcare/
Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/YourLegacyLegalCare
LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourlegacylegalcare/
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@yourlegacylegalcare

Your Legacy Legal Care
1150 Clear Lake City Blvd., Suite 100
Houston, TX 77062
(281) 218-0880

Dementia Care on Cruises: "We will create opportunities so that we can be with them so that the family can have a little bit of room to breathe. But their loved one who has a cognitive or physical or mobility challenge is going to have the support that they need." ~Kathy Shoaf


In the latest episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood, Kim talks to Kathy Shoaf, a registered nurse, and the mind behind dementia-friendly cruises at Elite Cruises and Vacation Travel. Kathy shares her passion for creating travel opportunities for people with cognitive and physical challenges, ensuring they can enjoy life with their families.

This thought-provoking episode delves into the safety and logistics of dementia-friendly cruises, supporting not only the loved ones but also caregivers. They also touch on the unique programs offered for former caregivers, emphasizing the importance of self-care even after the primary caregiving role has ended. Tune in to explore how Kathy's empathetic approach brings joy to families and individuals facing challenging circumstances.

How to Contact Kathy
Email= Kathy.Shoaf@cruiseplanners.com
Kathy@EliteCruisesAndVacationsTravel.com
www.EliteCruisesAndVacationsTravel.com

888-826-6836
219-608-2002
Social Media Links
Linked IN https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-shoaf-rn-travel-expert/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EveryoneEnjoyLife
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/elitecruisesandvacations/

Bio:
Kathy Speer Shoaf, RN BSN ATP, owner of Elite Cruises and Vacations, is uniquely qualified to understand travel challenges and develop effective solutions. She has 20+ years of clinical and management experience in Geriatric, Neurology, Rehabilitation, and Senior Housing as a registered nurse and adaptive technology professional.

She is a Certified Dementia Educator, A Certified Accessible Travel Specialist, a Fellow at the American College of Healthcare, an Athena Nominated Senior Care Advocate, and a Cruise Planners Travel Agency Award Winner.

She believes that travel is for everyone!

"Since 2005 I have been helping clients across the nation take their dream vacations to some of the most beautiful spots in the world."

In 2016, Kathy chose to specialize in meeting the travel needs of clients (and their caregivers) who have cognitive, mobility, or other medical challenges. She specializes in accessible travel and ensures that every moment of our trips can be enjoyed without restrictions.

"Our custom cruises and travel events cater to those with diagnoses such as Dementia/Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, MS, Diabetes, Heart Disease, post-CVA, Arthritis, etc., as well as their caregivers and family members."

Kathy personally accompanies every cruise group. She had the privilege of taking her parents on 8 of her most amazing group cruises.



__________________________________________________
Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law Attorney
Website: https://yourlegacylegalcare.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourlegacylegalcare/
Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/YourLegacyLegalCare
LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourlegacylegalcare/
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@yourlegacylegalcare

Your Legacy Legal Care
1150 Clear Lake City Blvd., Suite 100
Houston, TX 77062
(281) 218-0880

Navigating Elderly Care When Mom Doesn’t Want to Go to the Doctor: "And he still needs to see you, so we're gonna have to set up another appointment. I mean, I hate it because he's all over it. Do you wanna.. why don't you go and tell him that you don't wanna see him again?"
— Teepa Snow

Title: Tackling Dementia Challenges: Teepa Snow's Insights on Managing Personality Changes

In this episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood, Kim sits down with Teepa Snow to discuss a topic that affects many families—dementia and personality changes. Teepa dives into the tough reality of dealing with loved ones who are no longer the person they once were and offers valuable insights into the different patterns of personality changes observed in individuals with dementia. She shares practical tips for communicating with and caring for loved ones affected by these changes, providing a unique perspective that is both informative and heartfelt. Stay tuned as Kim and Teepa explore the challenges and strategies for navigating this difficult aspect of life.

How to Contact Teepa

www.teepasnow.com
Email: pollyl@teepasnow.com
Phone: (919) 280-2326

Facebook - / teepasnows.pac
LinkedIn – / positive-approach-llc
Instagram - / teepasnows_pac
TikTok - / teepasnow


Bio:
Teepa Snow

Once an enigmatic force of boundless energy, Teepa Snow has become a renowned figure whose life's work resonates with intensity and compassion in the realm of dementia care. Her path was carved out by a unique understanding of people, characterized by her ability to immerse herself in their personal spaces and deeply connect with them – a trait some considered extreme, but one that she embraced and magnified to better serve those with cognitive impairments.

Snow's journey began as a spirited individual, her personality already vibrant, but as she delved into the complexities of dementia, she amplified her essence – by fivefold, perhaps ten. This was not a mere occasional occurrence; it became her signature approach, one that could be misinterpreted and pose challenges for standard care methodologies which often inclined towards medication as a control mechanism.

As an innovator in this field, Teepa Snow's insights bloomed from direct observation and real-life interactions. She understood the paradox of transformation that dementia inflicts on personalities.


In the narrative of dementia care, Teepa Snow emerged not just as an expert but as a storyteller, whose own evolution reflected the metamorphosis she observed in her clients. She was a champion for the idea that understanding and adapting to each unique individual's change in behavior was more beneficial than attempting to stifle their altered expressions of self.

Patient, tenacious, and revolutionary, Teepa transcended the conventional, advocating for strategies that respect and harness the remaining capabilities of those living with dementia. Her legacy is one of empathy, education, and empowerment – reminding us that during brain change, the heart and spirit of a person remain navigable territories, deserving of respect and gentle guidance.
_________________________________________________________
Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law Attorney
Website: https://yourlegacylegalcare.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourlegacylegalcare/
Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/YourLegacyLegalCare
LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourlegacylegalcare/
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@yourlegacylegalcare

Your Legacy Legal Care
1150 Clear Lake City Blvd., Suite 100
Houston, TX 77062
(281) 218-0880

Cognitive Health Myths: "None of that is true, I discovered, after 7 or 8 years of research. At that time, they thought it was. But very shortly thereafter, Harvard did the first study that proved that cognitive function is not maintained by playing games. It's not even maintained by just exercising your brain."


Hello, listeners! Welcome back to "Life Happens with Kim Hegwood." This is your go-to place for stories, insights, and a dash of humor as we navigate the multifaceted journey of life. We may not have all the answers, but we sure have a great time exploring the questions together.

On today’s episode, we have a truly inspiring guest, Denise Medved, the driving force behind Ageless Grace, a program that's redefining the way we think about our brain health and physical well-being as we age. Denise brings a personal touch to our show, sharing how her mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s sparked her deep dive into the powerful connection between the body and brain health.

Delving into the wonders of neuroplasticity, Denise will enlighten us about how our brains aren't just static organs lodged in our skulls but are dynamic powerhouses that can reshape themselves through physical movement and engagement in various activities. It's not just about the Sudoku puzzles, folks! We're looking at how strategic planning, memory, recall, and physical exercises combine to keep our cognitive functions in tip-top shape.

Denise unpacks the essence of her Ageless Grace program, highlighting the importance of regular, short bursts of varied, brain-stimulating exercises – and the best part? They can be carried out comfortably while seated, at any age, and they're fun since they're done with music.

So, grab your headphones, and maybe even a chair if you want to try some movements while you listen. It's time to tap into those neurons and chuckle along as we join Denise Medved in discovering the simple yet profound ways to keep our brains agile and robust no matter what life throws at us.

Alright, let’s get moving—both body and mind—as Life Happens.

How to Contact Denise

Website
www.agelessgrace.com
Contact:
info@agelessgrace.com

Social media:
https://www.facebook.com/AgelessGrace/
https://www.youtube.com/user/AgelessGraceProgram
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ageless-grace-tm/

Bio:

Denise has been featured on national television, in a TEDx talk on neuroplasticity, in publications such as American Fitness and at internationally acclaimed facilities such as Canyon Ranch Health and Fitness Resort (Tucson, AZ), The Oaks Spa (Ojai, CA), Rosy’s Little Village (Agistri, Greece), at Chianchiano Terme Spa (Tuscany, Italy, aboard Princess, Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines, and at the Pebble Beach Resorts (Pebble Beach, CA).

Inspired by her own spinal challenges and the dramatic ways her parents aged so differently, Denise spent 12 years studying, researching exercise, movement, and neuroscience and leading pilot programs in a top 100 US hospital, in a graduate program in gerontology, and as a graduate of Dr. Sarah McKay’s Neuroscience Academy.

She has taught all ages, body types, and abilities, from seniors to children (who love the 21 tools of Ageless Grace® Denise has also worked extensively with patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson's, and MS, and those using wheelchairs, walkers, and canes.

_________________________________________________________
Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law Attorney

Website: https://yourlegacylegalcare.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourlegacylegalcare/

Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/YourLegacyLegalCare

LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourlegacylegalcare/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@yourlegacylegalcare

Your Legacy Legal Care
1150 Clear Lake City Blvd., Suite 100
Houston, TX 77062
(281) 218-0880