Navigating the World with Your Aging Loved One willGather, Nicole Will

We will be taking our annual summer break, and as we temporarily say goodbye, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and dedicated listenership. It's been an incredible journey so far, and we couldn't have achieved such milestones without your continuous enthusiasm and encouragement.
 
Today, we proudly stand among the top 15% of podcasts shared globally on Spotify, and have graced the Apple charts in numerous countries. It's an achievement that fills me with immense pride and motivates me to continue delivering the best content possible. This means we are making an impact and fulfilling our mission of supporting older adults, family caregivers, and the care economy!
 
Out of three million podcasts, we are thrilled to announce that we currently rank in the top 10% according to Listen Score. This recognition is a testament to your unwavering support and the genuine connection we've established with our amazing audience.
 
While we may be taking a short break, rest assured that this is not the end of our podcasting journey. We are working tirelessly behind the scenes, preparing to return with fresh episodes that will captivate and engage you like never before.
 
During this hiatus, we encourage you to revisit our past episodes and share them with others who may be interested. You can find our entire catalog on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major platforms. If you haven't already, feel free to follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses into our podcasting adventures.
 
Your support means the world to us, and we eagerly look forward to reconnecting with you soon. Stay tuned, as we'll be back before you know it, armed with more compelling stories, intriguing interviews, and thought-provoking discussions.
 
Thank you once again for being a part of our incredible podcasting journey! We will see you soon!
 
 
 
*This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co. A boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now at www.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!
 
LISTEN NOW:  Apple Podcasts, Spotify & on your favorite podcast platform.
 
We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.
 
Please follow for updates, rate & review!
 
For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com
 
Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

My guests today are Jason Wei and Trisha Norton, founders of Discover Live. They are pioneers and experts in live, virtual world travel. They have been virtually transporting people to amazing destinations and events around the world. They have worked with top Fortune 1000 companies, educators, senior living communities, as well as families of older adults and private customers in their homes.
 
Today, we will talk about the transformative power of virtual and immersive travel, how travel experiences shape and impact our lives, how traveling enhances our understanding of different cultures and people, and the benefits of exposing ourselves to new experiences. When we step outside of our comfort zone and try something new, that's where the magic can happen and why we want to engage in travel and new experiences. We will learn how the remote travel experience offered by Discover Live benefits people who may be limited in their ability to physically travel and their caregivers. We will discuss how we can use this as a connection tool with our loved ones, reminisce about past experiences, and forge future conversations. We will also look at how travel can bridge the gap between people, connecting us from various backgrounds and cultures. We will explore how we become more empathetic and compassionate towards others. Lastly, we will talk all about how Discover Live works, where we can travel in the world, and what that experience is like through their certified and licensed tour guides. Thank you Jason and Tricia for sharing your love of immersive travel with all of us!
 
Learn more at https://www.discover.live/
 
 
*This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co. A boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now at www.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!
 
We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.
 
Please follow for updates, rate & review!
 
For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com
 
Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

As the longevity revolution continues, an increasing number of individuals will find themselves in the role of solo agers. This population is expanding due to a multitude of factors, including enhanced longevity, shifting family dynamics, and evolving demographics.
 
My guest today is Joy Loverde. She is the author of two books, one of which focuses on family caregivers. The first book is titled "The Complete Elder Care Planner." Joy is also the author of "Who Will Take Care of Me When I’m Old?".
 
Joy's expertise lies in teaching us how to be curious, informed, critical thinkers, and resilient individuals who remain actively engaged and contribute to society. In addition to being an author, Joy is also a speaker who has been quoted in reputable publications such as the Wall Street Journal, TIME Magazine, New York Times, U.S. News & World Report, and Psychology Today , among many others. She has been interviewed on prominent shows like the Today Show, Good Morning America, and NPR. Critics describe her work as "illuminating, eye-opening, and essential reading for everyone over 40".
 
We talk about solo aging and the importance of planning ahead. She highlights the top three planning needs. She also emphasizes that true wellness encompasses intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and social aspects, not just physical health. We explore the unique aspects of solo aging compared to aging with a partner, highlighting the challenges that come with being a solo ager. She discusses successful interactions between solo agers and younger generations, emphasizing the importance of these connections. Joy also shares about the availability of public resources and the benefits of solo aging. She addresses the navigation of caregiver shortages, offers insights on developing resilience as one ages and how we stay engaged, and be givers.
 
Personally, I have had the pleasure of meeting Joy and seeing her speak live, and I can attest that she is just as wonderful in person. Joy has become a friend, and I am so happy to share her work with all of you.
 
Learn more at www.elderindustry.com
 
*This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co. A boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now at www.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!
 
We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.
 
Please follow for updates, rate & review!
 
For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com.
Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather. 

Allyson Schrier's life took an unexpected turn when her husband was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. At the time, he was 47 years old, and their kids were 12 and 15. Like many families, they faced the challenges of caring for their loved one and have a deep desire to help families thrive beyond the diagnosis.
 
My guest today is Allyson Schrier, CEO and co-founder of Zinnia. Allyson is also the recipient of the Maude Awards for innovation in Alzheimer's care and was named a visionary caregiver by caregiving.com. Zinnia was formed in 2019 in response to Allyson's experience as a dementia family caregiver. Allyson joined forces with the former designer of Apple's memory product, and together they created an app for connected TVs and a mobile app that delivers a library of videos functioning as a non-pharmacological tool to create connections, reduce stress, and provide soothing aids to help with daily living activities.
 
In our conversation today, Allyson vulnerably shares her experience as a spouse caregiving for her husband, as well as the factors we should be looking for. We talk about the specific challenges of frontotemporal dementia and the unique dynamics of spouse caregiving. We shed light on early detection, as the average age of diagnosis for this condition falls between 30 and 50 years, but confirmation can often take a long time. We discuss what we should be looking for and Allyson's personal journey in finding hope and managing caregiver burnout, while also covering available resources such as the invaluable expertise of Teepa Snow and the groundbreaking work at the University of Washington's Memory and Brain Wellness Center.
 
We also address the delicate issue of when a loved one wants to keep their condition a secret and discuss the gifts that come from sharing the diagnosis with friends, family, and coworkers. Together, we explore the power of finding community and the impact of research and prevention. Allyson shares about the innovative partnerships they've established, including the collaboration with Touchtown and their participation in the Techstars Future of Longevity Accelerator. This has been a transformative journey for Allyson, and she emphasizes the importance of supporting one another in driving to make a difference in the lives of those living with dementia. Their mission is to ensure that no one faces the challenges of memory loss alone, and Allyson's call, like the name and flower of Zinnia, is that we bloom even in the harshest conditions. Zinnia helps people flourish beyond their diagnosis. Thank you, Allyson, for your work in education and advocacy!
Learn more at https://www.zinniatv.com/
*This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co. A boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now at www.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!
 
We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.
 
Please follow for updates, rate & review!
 
For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com
 
Instagram: @willgather
Facebook: WillGather
 
Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.

How can we promote independence, maximize safety, and improve the quality of life for older adults and caregivers? My guests today are two individuals dedicated to improving the lives of seniors and those who care for them. Benjamin Surmi, a social gerontologist and Director of Education and Culture at Koelsch Communities, and Lindsay DeLong, the founder of EquipMeOT, an EOT wellness company. Lindsay is an occupational therapist with 10 years of experience, focusing on the adult population in home health equipment. EquipMeOT is a content creation platform and product development company that specializes in modifications and adaptations to maximize safety and quality of life throughout the lifespan.
 
Together, Benjamin and Lindsay have a passion for sharing information with older adults and their family caregivers. Today, we will explore tips and tools to help seniors and caregivers navigate daily life with ease and comfort. We will discuss common mobility challenges faced by older adults and how to overcome them. We talk about practical tips for family caregivers to ensure the safety of their loved ones living at home and in senior living communities. We address the delicate balance between promoting independence and ensuring their safety, while also providing support.
 
We also discuss effective communication strategies for discussing fall prevention, and how senior living communities can play a role in providing resources and support for older adults and families in the community. We talk about the misconception that a change in mobility status is not always permanent. Benjamin and Lindsay share insights on how to bring attention to adaptive tools and modifications in a non-intimidating manner, ensuring that individuals and their families are aware of the possibilities that can improve mobility and overall quality of life. Benjamin and Lindsay share strategies for preventing caregiver burnout when caring for loved ones with mobility challenges. Their insights and expertise are making a positive impact in the lives of many people. I am delighted to have them here, and you won't want to miss this interview. Thank you, Benjamin and Lindsay, for the informative and fun conversation!
Learn more at https://koelschseniorcommunities.com/ & https://equipmeot.com/
 
 
*This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co. A boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now at www.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!
 
We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.
 
Please follow for updates, rate & review!
 
For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com
 
Instagram: @willgather
Facebook: WillGather
Nicole Will is the host and Founder of willGather.

How do we manage stress, avoid burnout, and find balance when caring for our loved ones? It's important that we find support for our mental health and ways to improve our own personal well-being. My guest today is Stephanie Muskat. She is an award-winning registered clinical social worker and psychotherapist. She is the founder of Compassion in Caregiving, a private therapy practice and mental health community for all caregivers.
 
Stephanie has experience working with various diagnoses and prognoses, including dementia (Alzheimer's, frontal temporal, Lewy body, and vascular), traumatic brain injuries, mental health conditions, stroke, spinal cord injury, and more. She supports individuals navigating boundaries, self-care, personal identity, and stress. Compassion in Caregiving provides caregivers with a comprehensive platform to assist in the caregiving process, acknowledging that it's not easy and can be emotionally taxing.
 
In our conversation, we discuss common challenges faced by caregivers, strategies to overcome them, practical tips for managing stress and burnout, available resources, establishing clear boundaries through difficult conversations, leveraging technology and innovation to support family caregivers, the impact of Stephanie's experience as a young caregiver on her work, and how mental health and therapy can benefit caregivers. We also explore how families can prepare for the transition from caregiving to post-caregiving life, ensuring a smooth transition.
 
I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation with Stephanie and appreciate her unique perspective as a mental health professional and psychotherapist. Thank you, Stephanie!
 
Learn more at https://compassionincaregiving.com/
 
*This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co. A boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now at www.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!
 
We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.
 
Please follow for updates, rate & review!
 
For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com
 
Instagram: @willgather
Facebook: WillGather
 
Nicole Will is our host and founder of willGather.